Child-Restraint System Installation
▼Categories of Child-Restraint Systems
NOTE
When purchasing, ask the manufacturer of the child-restraint system which type of
child-restraint system is appropriate for your child and vehicle.
(Mexico)
Child-restraint systems are clas
sified into the following 5 groups according to the UNECE
44 regulation.
Group Age Weight
0 Up to about 9 months old Up to 10 kg (up to 22 lb)
0
Up to about 2 years old Up to 13 kg (up to 29 lb)
1 About 8 months to 4 years old 9 kg ― 18 kg (20 lb ― 40 lb)
2 About 3 to 7 years old 15 kg ― 25 kg (33 lb ― 55 lb)
3 About 6 to 12 years old 22 kg ― 36 kg (48 lb ― 79 lb)
(Except Mexico)
Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of child-restraint systems in
your country.
▼ Child-Restraint System Types
In this owner's manual, explanation of
child-restraint systems is provided for the
following three types of popular
child-restraint systems: infant seat, child
seat, booster seat.
NOTE
Installation position is determined by
the type of child-restraint system.
Always read the manufacturer's
instructions and this owner's manual
carefully.
Due to variations in the design of
child-restraint systems, vehicle seats
and seat belts, all child-restraint systems
may not fit all seating positions. Before
purchasing a child-restraint system, it
should be tested in
the specific vehicle
seating position (or positions) where it
is intended to be used. If a previously
purchased child-restraint system does
not fit, you may need to purchase a
different one that will.
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
2-19
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
Installing Child-RestraintSystems
The passenger lap/shoulder belt can easily
be converted into the automatic locking
mode, which must be done to hold the
child-restraint system.
NOTE
To check if your seats have side air
bags:
Mazda vehicles equipped with side air
bag will have an embossed "SRS
AIRBAG" marking on the outboard
shoulder of the seats.
Follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Depending on the type of child-restraint
system, it may not employ seat belts
which are in automatic locking mode,
however if it uses an upper tether, it may
not be mounted properly in this vehicle
as there is no safe way to anchor the
tether. Confirm whether the
child-restraint system can be used with
seat belts by reading the child-restraint
system manufacturer's instructions.
WA R N I N G
Do not allow a child or anyone to lean over
or against the side window of a vehicle
with side air bags:
It is dangerous to allow anyone to lean
over or against the side window, the area
of the passenger seat from which the side
air bags deploy, even if a child-restraint
system is used. The impact of inflation from
a side air bag could cause serious injury or
death to an out of position child.
Furthermore, leaning over or against the
door could block the side air bags and
eliminate the advantages of supplemental
protection. Because the side air bag
deploys from the outboard shoulder of the
seat, do not allow the child to lean over or
against the side window, even if the child is
seated in a child-restraint system.
CAUTION
When moving the seats forward and
rearward, make sure you hold onto the
seatback with your hand while operating. If
the seatback is not he ld, the seat will move
suddenly and could cause injury.
Passenger's Seat Child-Restraint
System Installation (With Passenger
Occupant Classification System)
1. Make sure the ignition is switched off.
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
2-23
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
Do not sit too close to the driver and passenger air bags:
Sitting too close to the driver and passenger air bag modules or placing hands or feet on them
is extremely dangerous. The driver and passeng er air bags inflate with great force and speed.
Serious injuries could occur if someone is too close. The driver should always hold onto only
the rim of the steering wheel. The passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Seat
occupants should adjust their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.
Do not sit too close to a door or lean against doors in vehicles with side air bags:
Sitting too close to the side air bag module s or placing hands on them is extremely
dangerous. A side air bag inflates with great force and speed directly out of the outboard
shoulder of the seat and expands along the door on the side the car is hit. Serious injury could
occur if someone is sitting too close to the d oor or leaning against a window in the seats.
Furthermore, sleeping up against the door or hanging out the driver-side window while
driving could block the side air bag and eliminate the advantages of supplemental
protection. Give the side air bags room to work by sitting in the center of the seat while the
vehicle is moving with seat belts worn properly.
Sit in the center of the seat and wear seat belts properly:
Sitting too close to the side air bag modules or placing hands on them, or sleeping up against
the door or hanging out the windows is extremely dangerous. The side air bags
inflate with
great force and speed directly expanding along th e door on the side the car is hit. Serious
injury could occur if someone is sitting too clos e to the door. Give the side air bags room to
work by sitting in the center of the seat while the vehicle is moving with seat belts worn
properly.
Do not attach objects on or around the area where driver and passenger air bags deploy:
Attaching an object to the driver and passenger air bag modules or placing something in
front of them is dangerous. In an accident, an object could interfere with air bag inflation and
injure the occupants.
Do not attach objects on or around the area where a side air bag deploys:
Attaching objects to the seat in such a way as to cover the outboard side of the seat in any
way is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with the side air bag, which
inflates from the outboard side of the seats, impe ding the added protection of the side air bag
system or redirecting the air bag in a way that is dangerous. Furthermore, the bag could be
cut open releasing the gas.
Do not hang net bags, map pouches or backpacks with side straps on the seats. Never use
seat covers on the seats. Always keep the side air bag modules in your seats free to deploy in
the event of a side collision.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-28
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
Do not touch the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags have
inflated:
Touching the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags have
inflated is dangerous. Immediately after inflation , they are very hot. You could get burned.
Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle:
Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar, bull bar,
push bar, or other similar devices), snowplow , or winches, is dangerous. The air bag crash
sensor system could be affected. This could cause air bags to inflate unexpectedly, or it could
prevent the air bags from inflati ng during an accident. Occupants could be seriously injured.
Do not modify the suspension:
Modifying the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the suspension is
modified, the vehicle will be unable to accura tely detect a collision resulting in incorrect or
unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of serious injuries.
Do not modify a door or leave any damage unrepaired. Always have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer inspect a damaged door:
Modifying a door or leaving any damage unrepai red is dangerous. Each door has a side crash
sensor as a component of the supplemental restr aint system. If holes are drilled in a door, a
door speaker is left removed, or a damaged d oor is left unrepaired, the sensor could be
adversely affected causing it to not detect the pressure of an impact correctly during a side
collision. If a sensor does not detect a side impa ct correctly, the side air bags and the seat belt
pretensioner may not operate normally which could result in serious injury to occupants.
Do not modify the supplemental restraint system:
Modifying the components or wiri ng of the supplemental restraint system is dangerous. You
could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Do not make any modifications to the
supplemental restraint system. This includes inst alling trim, badges, or anything else over the
air bag modules. It also includes installing extra electrical equipment on or near system
components or wiring. An Authorized Mazda Dealer can provide the special care needed in
the removal and installation of seats. It is important to protect the air bag wiring and
connections to assure that the bags do not accidentally deploy, and that the passenger
occupant classification system and the seats retain an undamaged air bag connection.
Do not place luggage or other objects under the seats:
Placing luggage or other objects under the seats is dangerous. The components essential to
the supplemental restraint system could be damaged, and in the event of a side collision, the
appropriate air bags may not deploy, which could result in death or serious injury. To prevent
damage to the components essential to the supplemental restraint system, do not place
luggage or other objects under the seats.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-29
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system components must be replaced
after any collision which caused them to depl oy or damage them. Only a trained Authorized
Mazda Dealer can fully evaluate these systems to see that they will work in any subsequent
accident. Driving with an expended or damage d air bag or pretensioner unit will not afford
you the necessary protection in the event of any subsequent accident which could result in
serious injury or death.
Do not remove interior air bag parts:
Removing any components such as the seats, front dashboard, the steering wheel, containing
air bag parts or sensors is dangerous. These pa rts contain essential air bag components. The
air bag could accidentally activate and cause serious injuries. Always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer remove these parts.
Properly dispose of the air bag system:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a vehicle with live air bags in it can be extremely
dangerous. Unless all safety procedures are foll owed, injury could result. Have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer safely dispose of the air bag sy stem or scrap an air bag equipped vehicle.
NOTE
If it becomes necessary to have the components or wiring system for the supplementary
restraint system modified to accommodate a person with certain medical conditions in
accordance with a certified physician, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer, refer to
“Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)” (page 8-2).
When an air bag deploys, a loud inflation noise can be heard and some smoke will be
released. Neither is likely to cause injury, however, the text ure of the air bags may cause
light skin injuries on body parts not covered with clothing through friction.
Should you sell your Mazda, we urge you to tell the new owner of its air bag systems and
that familiarization with all instructions about them, from the Owner's Manual, is
important.
Vehicles with a passenger air bag have a warning label attached as shown in the
following.
(Except Mexico)
This warning label is displayed in compliance with regulations.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-30
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
CAUTION
To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensor in
the seat cushion:
Do not place sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave heavy luggage on them.
Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.
To allow the sensors to function pr operly, always perform the following:
Adjust the seats as far back as possible an d always sit upright against the seatbacks with
seat belts worn properly.
If you place your child on the passenger seat , secure the child-restraint system properly
and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible.
NOTE
The system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.
The passenger air bag deactivation indicato r light may turn on repeatedly if luggage or
other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior
changes suddenly.
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on for 10 seconds if the
electrostatic capacity on the passenger seat changes.
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light might turn on if the passenger
seat receives a severe impact.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicato r light does not turn on after installing a
child-restraint system on the passenger seat, first, re-install your child-restraint system
according to the procedure in this owner's manual. Then, if the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light still does not turn on, and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on when an occupant is seated
directly in the passenger seat, have the passenger re-adjust their posture by sitting with
their feet on the floor, and then re-fastening the seat belt. If the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light remains turned on, slide the passenger seat as far back as
possible. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-43
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
▼Opening the Roof
When opening the roof, make sure objects
inside the vehicle are not blown away by
the wind. Secure all loose objects inside
before driving with
the roof down.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground in a safe place where the vehicle does not
obstruct traffic.
Shift the shift lever to neutral on a
manual transmission vehicle.
Shift the selector lever to P on an
automatic transmi ssion vehicle.
Apply the parking brake.
2. Make sure that the trunk is closed.
3. Start the engine to prevent the battery
from going dead.
4. Continue pressing the retractable
hardtop switch in the open direction
until the roof opening operation is
completed. When the opening
operation is completed, a beep sound is
activated and the operation indicator
light turns off.
NOTE
If the retractable hardtop switch is
pressed in the open direction, a
warning beep sounds.
When pressing the retractable
hardtop switch while the windows
are closed, the windows open
slightly. If the switch is continuously
pressed in the open direction until
the roof opening operation is
completed, the windows return to
their original positions. However,
the windows may not return to their
original positions depending on the
conditions.
The roof keeps opening and the
operation indicator light flashes
while the retractable hardtop switch
is pressed in the open direction.
If the switch is released while the
roof is opening, the roof stops
opening. If the switch is pressed in
the open direction again, the roof
resumes opening.
When the roof is half-open, the front
roof resumes opening after the rear
roof is completely open.
▼Closing the Roof
1. Park the vehicle on level ground in a
safe place where the vehicle does not
obstruct traffic.
Shift the shift lever to neutral on a
manual vehicle.
Shift the selector lever to P on an
automatic vehicle.
Apply the parking brake.
2. Make sure that the trunk is closed.
3. Slightly slide the seats back if they are in the foremost position.
4. Start the engine to prevent the battery from going dead.
Before Driving
Convertible Top (Hardtop)
3-43
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27
NOTE
Moving the seats as far forward as
possible and folding the seatbacks forward
will facilitate the procedure.
Refer to Seat Operation on page 2-4.
1. Remove the antenna if it is installed.Refer to Antenna on page 5-19.
2. Insert the short end of the L-shaped hexagonal wrench (Large) into the
motor bracket bolt.
Bolt
NOTE
If it is difficult to see the bolt, remove
the windblocker and identify the bolt
from the center of the vehicle.
Windblocker
3. Turn the L-shaped hexagonal wrench
(Large) counterclockwise to loosen the
bolt slightly.
4. Remove the L-shaped hexagonalwrench (Large) once from the bolt,
then insert the long end of the wrench
into the bolt.
NOTE
The tip of the long end of the L-shaped
hexagonal wrench can be used at an
angle. Moving the wrench upward
slightly will increase the clearance
between the rear roof and the stored
front roof and facilitate the procedure.
5. Turn the L-shaped hexagonal wrench (Large) counterclockwise 13 times or
more while pressing the wrench
against the bolt.
If Trouble Arises
When the Roof Cannot be Closed
7-60
MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2 2017-10-31 14:07:27