mazda rx8 owners manual 2006

8/12/2019 Mazda Rx8 Owners Manual 2006

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Thank you for choosing a Mazda. We at Mazda design and build vehicles with complete

customer satisfaction in mind.

To help ensure enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your Mazda, read this manualcarefully and follow its recommendations.

An Authorized Mazda Dealer knows your vehicle best. So when maintenance or service isnecessary, that's the place to go.

Our nationwide network of Mazda professionals is dedicated to providing you with the bestpossible service.

We assure you that all of us at Mazda have an ongoing interest in your motoring pleasureand in your full satisfaction with your Mazda product.

Mazda Motor CorporationHIROSHIMA, JAPAN

Important Notes About This Manual

Keep this manual in the glove box as a handy reference for the safe and enjoyable use of your Mazda. Should youresell the vehicle, leave this manual with it for the next owner.

All specifications and descriptions are accurate at the time of printing. Because improvement is a constant goal atMazda, we reserve the right to make changes in specifications at any time without notice and without obligation.

Event Data Recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. In the event of a crash, this device records data related tovehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time. These data can help provide a betterunderstanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur and lead to the designing of safervehicles.

Air Conditioning and the Environment

Your Mazda's genuine air conditioner is filled with HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that has been found not todamage the earth's ozone layer. If the air conditioner does not operate properly, consult an Authorized MazdaDealer.

Please be aware that this manual applies to all models, equipment and options. As a result, you may find

some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

2005 Mazda Motor CorporationPrinted in Japan Oct. 2005(Print1)

A Word to Mazda Owners


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We want to help you get the most driving

pleasure from your vehicle. Your owner'smanual, when read from cover to cover,can do that in many ways.

Illustrations complement the words of themanual to best explain how to enjoy yourMazda. By reading your manual, you canfind out about the features, importantsafety information, and driving undervarious road conditions.

The symbol below in this manual meansDo not do thisor Do not let thishappen.

Index:A good place to start is the Index,an alphabetical listing of all informationin your manual.

You'll find several WARNINGs,CAUTIONs, and NOTEs in the manual.

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a situation inwhich serious injury or death could

result if the warning is ignored.

CAUTION

A CAUTION indicates a situation inwhich bodily injury or damage to yourvehicle, or both, could result if thecaution is ignored.

NOTE

A NOTE provides information andsometimes suggests how to make betteruse of your vehicle.

The symbol below, located on some partsof the vehicle, indicates that this manualcontains information related to the part.Please refer to the manual for a detailedexplanation.

How to Use This Manual


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Table of Contents

Your Vehicle at a GlanceInterior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda. 1

Essential Safety EquipmentUse of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, child-restraintsystems and SRS air bags.

2

Knowing Your MazdaExplanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustmentof various parts.

3

Before Driving Your MazdaImportant information about driving your Mazda. 4

Driving Your MazdaExplanation of instruments and controls.

5

Interior ComfortUse of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audiosystem.

6

In Case of an EmergencyHelpful information on what to do in an emergency. 7

Maintenance and CareHow to keep your Mazda in top condition.

8

Customer Information and Reporting Safety DefectsImportant consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.

9

Specifications

Technical information about your Mazda.

10

Index 11

Navigation System


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1 Your Vehicle at a Glance

Interior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda.

Dashboard and Interior Overview .............................................. 1-2

Exterior Overview ......................................................................... 1-4

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The equipment and installation position varies by model.

Refer to Navigation System at the end of the manual (if equipped).

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Your Vehicle at a Glance

Dashboard and Interior Overview


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Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-30

Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-53

Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-37

DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-23

Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-54

Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-34

Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-32

Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-30

Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-57

Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-19

Information display ............................................................................................ page 6-41

Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-61

Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-10

Glove box .......................................................................................................... page 6-46

Center console ................................................................................................... page 6-47

Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-45

Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-5

MT shift lever ...................................................................................................... page 5-9

AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-11

Lighter ............................................................................................................... page 6-43

Ashtray ............................................................................................................... page 6-44Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2

Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2

Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-53

Coin box ............................................................................................................ page 6-46

Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-42

Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-34

Power window lock switch ................................................................................ page 3-39

Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-38

Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-38

Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-38Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-54

Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-38

Front seats ............................................................................................................ page 2-2

Rear seat .............................................................................................................. page 2-8

Seat belt ............................................................................................................... page 2-9


Dashboard and Interior Overview

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The equipment and installation position varies by model.

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Exterior Overview


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Trunk lid ............................................................................................................ page 3-33

Rear window defroster ....................................................................................... page 5-59

Antenna ............................................................................................................. page 6-10

Power windows ................................................................................................. page 3-37

Outside mirror .................................................................................................... page 3-53

Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-27

Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-32

Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-42

Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-22

Moonroof ........................................................................................................... page 3-43

Fuel-filler lid ...................................................................................................... page 3-40

Doors and keys .................................................................................................. page 3-29


Exterior Overview

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2 Essential Safety Equipment

Use of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, child-restraintsystems and SRS air bags.

Seats ............................................................................................... 2-2

Front Seats (Manually Operated Seats) ..................................... 2-2

Front Seats (Electrically Operated Seats) .................................. 2-5

Rear Seat ................................................................................... 2-8

Seat Belt Systems .......................................................................... 2-9Seat Belt Precautions ................................................................ 2-9

Location of Seat Belt ............................................................... 2-12

Seat Belts ................................................................................ 2-13

Front Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems ....... 2-14

Seat Belt Extender ................................................................... 2-16

Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep ................................................ 2-17

Child Restraint ............................................................................ 2-19

Child Restraint Precautions ..................................................... 2-19

Installing Child-Restraint Systems .......................................... 2-23

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems ............................................ 2-28

SRS Air Bags ............................................................................... 2-30

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions ............... 2-30

Supplemental Restraint System Components ......................... 2-34

How the Air Bags Work .......................................................... 2-37

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Front Seats (ManuallyOperated Seats)

WARNING

Do not modify or replace the frontseats:Modifying or replacing the front seatssuch as replacing the upholstery orloosening any bolts is dangerous. The

front seats contain air bagcomponents essential to thesupplemental restraint system. Suchmodifications could damage the

supplemental restraint system andresult in serious injury. Consult an

Authorized Mazda Dealer if there isany need to remove or reinstall the

front seats.

Do not drive with damaged front seats:Driving with damaged front seats is

dangerous. A collision, even one notstrong enough to inflate the air bags,could damage the front seats whichcontain essential air bag components.

If there was a subsequent collision, anair bag may not deploy which couldlead to injuries. Always have an

Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect thefront seats, front seat beltpretensioners and air bags after acollision.

WARNINGMake sure the adjustable componentsof a seat are locked in place:

Adjustable seats and seatbacks thatare not securely locked are dangerous.

In a sudden stop or collision, the seator seatback could move, causinginjury. Make sure the adjustablecomponents of the seat are locked in

place by attempting to slide the seat

forward and backward and rockingthe seatback.

qSeat Slide

WARNING

Adjust the driver seat only when thevehicle is stopped:

Adjusting the driver's seat while the

vehicle is moving is dangerous. Thedriver could lose control of the vehicleand have an accident.

To move a seat forward or backward, raisethe lever and slide the seat to the desiredposition and release the lever.

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Make sure the lever returns to its original

position and the seat is locked in place byattempting to push it forward andbackward.

qSeat Recline

WARNING

Do not drive with the seats reclined:Sitting in a reclined position while the

vehicle is moving is dangerousbecause you don't get the full

protection from seat belts. Duringsudden braking or a collision, you canslide under the lap belt and sufferserious internal injuries. Formaximum protection, sit well back andupright.

Always sit in a passenger seat properlywith the seatback upright and feet onthe floor:

If your vehicle is equipped with frontpassenger seat weight sensors, sittingin the front passenger seat improperlyout of position or with the seatbackreclined too far while the vehicle ismoving is dangerous as it can take offweight from the seat bottom and affectthe weight determination of the front

passenger sensing system. As a resultthe front passenger will not have the

supplementary protection of the air

bag and seat belt pretensioner, whichcould cause result in serious injury.

Always sit upright against yourseatback, with your feet on the floor.

WARNINGDo not drive with the seatbackunlocked:The seatback plays an important rolein your protection in a vehicle.

Leaving the seatback unlocked isdangerous as it can allow passengersto be ejected or thrown around andbaggage to strike occupants in a

sudden stop or collision, resulting in

severe injury. After adjusting theseatback at any time, even when thereare no other passengers, rock the

seatback to make sure it is locked inplace.

To change the seatback angle, leanforward slightly while raising the lever.Then lean back to the desired position andrelease the lever.

Make sure the lever returns to its originalposition and the seatback is locked inplace by attempting to push it forward andbackward.


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CAUTIONWhen returning a rear-reclined seatbackto its upright position, make sure youhold onto the seatback with your otherhand while operating the lever. If theseatback is not supported, it will flipforward suddenly and could causeinjury.

qHeight Adjustment (Driver's Seat)

By moving the seat lever up or down, theseat bottom height can be adjusted.

Up

Down

qFolding the Passenger's Seat

WARNING

Do not drive with the seatbackunlocked:The seatback plays an important rolein your protection in a vehicle.

Leaving the seatback unlocked isdangerous as it can allow passengersto be ejected or thrown around and

baggage to strike occupants in asudden stop or collision, resulting insevere injury. After adjusting theseatback at any time, even when thereare no other passengers, rock the


To fold the seatback, pull the lever andlower the seatback forward.

To return it to the upright position, lift theseatback and push it into place. Rock theseatback to make sure it is locked.

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Front Seats (ElectricallyOperated Seats)

WARNING

Do not modify or replace the frontseats:Modifying or replacing the front seatssuch as replacing the upholstery orloosening any bolts is dangerous. The

front seats contain air bagcomponents essential to thesupplemental restraint system. Suchmodifications could damage the

supplemental restraint system andresult in serious injury. Consult an

Authorized Mazda Dealer if there isany need to remove or reinstall the

front seats.

Do not drive with damaged front seats:Driving with damaged front seats is

dangerous. A collision, even one notstrong enough to inflate the air bags,could damage the front seats whichcontain essential air bag components.

If there was a subsequent collision, anair bag may not deploy which couldlead to injuries. Always have an

Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect thefront seats, front seat beltpretensioners and air bags after acollision.

CAUTIONl The seat-bottom power adjustment is

operated by motors. Avoid extendedoperation because excessive use candamage the motors.

l To prevent the battery from runningdown, avoid using the poweradjustment when the engine isstopped. The adjuster uses a largeamount of electrical power.

l Don't use the switch to make morethan one adjustment at a time.

qSeat Slide

To slide the seat, move the slide lifterswitch on the outside of the seat to thefront or back and hold it. Release theswitch at the desired position.


Seats

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qSeat Recline

WARNING

Do not drive with the seats reclined:Sitting in a reclined position while thevehicle is moving is dangerousbecause you don't get the full

protection from seat belts. Duringsudden braking or a collision, you canslide under the lap belt and suffer

serious internal injuries. Formaximum protection, sit well back andupright.

Always sit in a front passenger seatproperly with the seatback upright andfeet on the floor:If your vehicle is equipped with frontpassenger seat weight sensors, sittingin the front passenger seat improperlyout of position or with the seatbackreclined too far while the vehicle is

moving is dangerous as it can take offweight from the seat bottom and affectthe weight determination of the front

passenger sensing system. As a resultthe front passenger will not have the

supplementary protection of the airbag and seat belt pretensioner, whichcould cause result in serious injury.

Always sit upright against yourseatback, with your feet on the floor.

Change the seatback angle by pressing the

front or rear side of the reclining switch.Release the switch at the desired position.

qHeight Adjustment

Front of seat bottom

To adjust the front height of the seatbottom, raise or lower the front of theslide lifter switch on the left side of theseat.

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Rear of seat bottom

Raise or lower the back of the switch toadjust the rear height of the seat bottom.

qLumbar Support Adjustment

The amount of lumbar support can beadjusted by pressing the switch.To increase the seat firmness, press andhold the front part of the switch to thedesired position, then release it.Press the rear part of the switch to

increase softness.

qFolding the Passenger's Seat

WARNING

Do not drive with the seatbackunlocked:The seatback plays an important rolein your protection in a vehicle.

Leaving the seatback unlocked isdangerous as it can allow passengersto be ejected or thrown around and

baggage to strike occupants in asudden stop or collision, resulting insevere injury. After adjusting theseatback at any time, even when thereare no other passengers, rock the


To fold the seatback, pull the lever andlower the seatback forward.

To return it to the upright position, lift theseatback and push it into place. Rock theseatback to make sure it is locked.


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qSeat Warmer

The front seats are electrically heated. Theignition switch must be in the ONposition.

Press the switch to turn the seat warmeron or off. When the switch is in the ONposition, the indicator light will come on.

NOTE

The seat temperature is regulatedautomatically by a thermostat. Otherthan turning it on or off, it cannot beadjusted.

Rear Seat

WARNING

Make sure luggage and cargo issecured before driving:Not securing cargo while driving isdangerous as it could move or becrushed during sudden braking or acollision and cause injury.

Do not allow anyone to sit on thecenter console between the rear seats:

Allowing someone to sit on the rearcenter console between the rear seatsis dangerous. The rear center consoleis not designed for occupant seating.

During a collision, occupants notwearing a seat belt could be thrown

from the vehicle and seriously injuredor even killed.

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Seat Belt PrecautionsSeat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and suddenstops. Mazda recommends that the driver and all passengers always wear seat belts.

All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the waywhen not in use.

The driver's seat belt has no provisions for child-restraint systems and has only anemergency locking mode. The driver may wear it comfortably, and it will lock during acollision.

However, the front passenger's seat and all rear lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in twomodes: emergency locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode.While we recommend you put all children in the rear seats, if you must use the frontpassenger seat for a child, slide the front passenger seat as far back as possible and makesure any child-restraint system is secured properly.

WARNING

Always wear your seat belt and make sure all occupants are properly restrained:Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants notwearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown outof the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same collision,occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer.

Do not operate a vehicle with a damaged seat belt:Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbingof the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in acollision. Front air bags and pretensioners work together, regardless of whether or nota front seat was occupied during a collision, or whether or not any air bag and seatbelt pretensioner deployed all front seat belts and air bags must be inspected andreplaced if necessary. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systemsin use during an accident before they are used again.

Do not wear twisted seat belts:Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt is notavailable to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt,which could cause serious injury or death.


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WARNINGNever use one seat belt on more than one person at a time:Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt usedin this way cannot spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could becrushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for morethan one person at a time and always operate the vehicle with each occupant properlyrestrained.

Make sure the seat belt is not caught or pinched in the door:Wearing a seat belt that is caught or pinched in the door is dangerous. The seat belt

could become loose and not provide adequate protection in a sudden stop or collision.

Make sure nothing is placed on the seat belt slide bar:Placing your foot or other objects such as an umbrella on the seat belt slide bar isdangerous. The front seat belt is built into the rear door, and the lower part of the seatbelt slides forward or backward along the seat belt slide bar as the rear door opens orcloses. If the seat belt slider is blocked, the seat belt could be improperly positionedand would provide little or no protection in a collision.

CAUTION

Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep themclean. For more details about cleaning the seat belts, refer to Cleaning the Lap/ShoulderBelt Webbing(page8-50).

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qPregnant Women and Persons with Serious Medical Conditions

Pregnant women should wear seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations.The lap belt should be worn SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE OVER THE HIPS.The shoulder belt should be worn across your shoulder properly, but never across thestomach area.Persons with serious medical conditions also should wear seat belts. Check with yourdoctor for any special instructions regarding specific medical conditions.

qEmergency Locking Mode

In the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and theretractor will lock in position during a collision. When the seat belt is fastened, it willalways be in the emergency locking mode until it is switched to automatic locking mode bypulling it all the way out to its full length. If the belt feels tight and hinders comfortablemovement while the vehicle is stopped or in motion, it may be in the automatic lockingmode because the belt has been pulled too far out. To return to the belt to the more

comfortable emergency locking mode, wait until the vehicle has stopped in a safe, levelarea, retract the belt fully to convert it back to emergency locking mode and then extend itaround you again.

qAutomatic Locking Mode

Always use the automatic locking mode to keep the child-restraint system from shifting toan unsafe position in the event of an accident. To enable seat belt automatic locking mode,pull it all the way out and connect it as instructed on the child-restraint system. It willretract down to the child-restraint system and stay locked on it. See the section on childrestraint (page2-19).


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Location of Seat BeltFor rear seat

For front seat

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Seat BeltsqFastening the Seat Belts

1. Grasp the tongue.

2. Slowly pull out the lap/shoulder belt.

Belt

Tongue

3. Insert the tongue into the buckle untilyou hear a click.

Tongue

Buckle

WARNINGPositioning the Shoulder Portion ofthe Seat Belt:

Improper positioning of the shoulderportion of the seat belt is dangerous.Always make sure the shoulderportion of the seat belt is positionedacross your shoulder and near yourneck, but never under your arm, on

your neck, or on your upper arm.

4. Position the lap belt as low as possible,not on the abdominal area, then adjustthe shoulder belt so that it fits snuglyagainst your body.

Too high

Take up slackKeep low on

hip bone

WARNING

Positioning the Lap Portion of theSeat Belt:

The lap portion of the seat belt worntoo high is dangerous. In a collision,this would concentrate the impact

force directly on the abdominal area,causing serious injury. Wear the lap

portion of the belt snugly and as lowas possible.


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qUnfastening the Seat Belts

Depress the button on the buckle. If thebelt does not fully retract, pull it out andcheck for kinks or twists. Then make sureit remains untwisted as it retracts.

Button

NOTE

If a belt does not fully retract, inspect itfor kinks and twists. If it is still notretracting properly, have it inspected at

an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Front Seat Belt Pretensionerand Load Limiting Systems

For optimum protection, the driver andfront passenger seat belts are equippedwith pretensioner and load limitingsystems.In moderate or greater frontal or near-frontal accidents, the front air bag andpretensioner systems deploysimultaneously. The pretensioners take up

slack in the front seat belts as the air bagsare expanding. The seat belt pretensionersystem cannot provide adequateprotection in an accident if the seat belt isnot fastened properly. The load limitingsystem releases belt webbing in acontrolled manner to reduce belt force onthe occupant's chest.

WARNING

Incorrect Positioning of the Driverand Front Passenger Seat Belts:

Incorrect positioning of the driver andpassenger seat belts is dangerous.Without proper positioning, the

pretensioner and load limiting systemscannot provide adequate protection inan accident and this could result in

serious injury. Wear seat belts only asrecommended in this owner's manual(page2-13).

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WARNINGExpended Seat Belt Pretensioners:One or both front air bags may deploy,and the corresponding pretensioner(s)will also deploy at the same time. Useof front seat belts with the

pretensioner system expended isdangerous. Like the air bags, the seatbelt pretensioners will only functiononce. After they are expended, they

will not function again and must bereplaced immediately. If the seat belt

pretensioners are not replaced, therisk of injury in a collision willincrease. Always have an Authorized

Mazda Dealer inspect the seat beltpretensioners and air bags after anycollision. Expended seat belt

pretensioners and air bags must bereplaced after any collision whichcaused them to deploy. Additionally,the load limiter will only limit loads on

the chest once in a collision and isanother reason to have the front seatbelts inspected.

Modification or Testing of thePretensioner System:Modifying the components or wiringof the pretensioner system, includingthe use of electronic testing devices isdangerous. You could accidentallyactivate it or make it inoperable which

would prevent it from activating in anaccident. The occupants or repairerscould be seriously injured. Nevermodify the components or wiring, oruse electronic testing devices on the

pretensioner system.

WARNINGPretensioner System Disposal:Improper disposal of the pretensionersystem or a vehicle with non-deactivated pretensioners isdangerous. Unless all safety

procedures are followed, injury couldresult. Ask an Authorized Mazda

Dealer how to safely dispose of thepretensioner system or how to scrap a

pretensioner-equipped vehicle.

NOTE

l The pretensioner system will onlyactivate in a moderate or greaterfrontal or near-frontal collision. Itwill not activate in most rollovers,side or rear impacts.

l Some smoke (non-toxic gas) will bereleased when the air bags and

pretensioners deploy. This does notindicate a fire. This gas normally hasno effect on occupants, however,those with sensitive skin mayexperience light skin irritation. Ifresidue from the deployment of theair bags or the front pretensionersystem gets on the skin or in theeyes, wash it off as soon as possible.


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qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt

Pretensioner System Warning Light

If the air bag/front seat belt pretensionersystem is normal, the warning lightilluminates when the ignition switch isturned to the ON position or after theengine is cranked. After about 6 secondsit goes out.

A system malfunction is indicated whenthe warning light constantly flashes,constantly illuminates or doesn'tilluminate at all when the ignition switchis turned to the ON position. If any ofthese occur, consult an Authorized MazdaDealer as soon as possible. The system

may not work in an accident.

WARNING

Self-Servicing the Air Bag/Pretensioner Systems:Self-servicing or tampering with thesystems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner could accidentallyactivate or become disabled causing

serious injury or death. Never tamperwith the systems and always have an

Authorized Mazda Dealer perform allservicing and repairs.

Seat Belt ExtenderIf your seat belt is not long enough, evenwhen fully extended, a seat belt extendermay be available to you at no charge fromyour Authorized Mazda Dealer.This extender will be only for you and forthe particular vehicle and seat. Even if itplugs into other seat belts, it may not holdin the critical moment of a crash.When ordering an extender, only orderone that provides the necessary additional

length to fasten the seat belt properly.Please contact your Authorized MazdaDealer for more information.

WARNING

Unnecessary Use of an Extender:Using a seat belt extender when notnecessary is dangerous. The seat beltwill be too long and not fit properly. Inan accident, the seat belt will not

provide adequate protection and youcould be seriously injured. Only usethe extender when it is required to

fasten the seat belt properly.

Using an Improper Extender:Using a seat belt extender that is foranother person or a different vehicleor seat is dangerous. The seat belt willnot provide adequate protection andthe user could be seriously injured in

an accident. Only use the extenderprovided for you and for the particularvehicle and seat. NEVER use theextender in a different vehicle or seat.

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WARNINGUsing an Extender That is Too Long:Using an extender that is too long isdangerous. The seat belt will not fit

properly. In an accident, the seat beltwill not provide adequate protectionand you could be seriously injured.

Don't use the extender or choose oneshorter in length if the distancebetween the extender's buckle and the

center of the user's body is less than15cm (6 in).

NOTE

When not in use, remove the seat beltextender and store it in the vehicle. Ifthe seat belt extender is left connected,the seat belt extender might getdamaged as it will not retract with therest of the seat belt and can easily fall

out of the door when not in use and bedamaged the seat belt warning light willnot illuminate and function properly.

Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep

The seat belt warning light illuminatesand a beep sound will be heard if thedriver's seat belt is not fastened when the

ignition switch is turned to the ONposition.

Conditions of operation

Condition Result

The driver's seat belt is notfastened when the ignitionswitch is turned to the ON

position.

The warning lightflashes illuminates forabout 1 minute and a

beep sound will beheard for about 6seconds.

The driver's seat belt is

fastened while the warninglight and the beep sound areactivated.

The warning light

turns off and the beepsound stops.

The driver's seat belt isfastened before the ignitionswitch is turned to the ON

position.

The warning light willnot illuminate and the

beep sound will not beheard.

qBelt Minder

NOTE

The belt minder can be deactivated.Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer todeactivate and restore the seat beltminder.


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The belt minder is a supplemental

warning to the seat belt warning function.If the driver's seat belt is not fastenedwhen the ignition switch is turned to theON position, the warning light/beepoperates to give you further remindersaccording to the chart below.

Condition

Vehicle speed

Between 0 20

km/h

(0 12 mph)

20 km/h

(12 mph) or

more

Seat belt

Indicator

Beep

: Fastened: Unfastened: Illuminated: Flashing: Beep

Once the beep sound is heard, it continuessounding even if the vehicle speed lowersto 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until theseatbelt is fastened or the beep soundperiod (90 seconds) has passed.

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Child Restraint PrecautionsMazda strongly urges the use of child-restraint systems for children small enough to usethem.

You are required by law to use a child-restraint system for children in the U.S. and Canada.Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safetyof children riding in your vehicle.

Whatever child-restraint system you consider, please pick the appropriate one for the ageand size of the child, obey the law and follow the instructions that come with the individualchild-restraint system.

A child who has outgrown child-restraint systems should sit in the rear and use seat belts,both lap and shoulder. If the shoulder belt crosses the neck or face, move the child closer tothe center of the vehicle.

Statistics confirm that the rear seat is the best place for all children up to 12 years of age,and more so with a supplemental restraint system (air bags).

A rear-facing child-restraint system shouldNEVERbe used on the front seat with the airbag system activated. The front passenger's seat is also the least preferred seat for otherchild-restraint systems.

To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the front passenger air bag, thefront passenger seat weight sensors work as a part of the supplemental restraint system.This system deactivates the front passenger front and side air bags and also the frontpassenger seat belt pretensioner system when the total seated weight on the front passengerseat is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).

When an infant or small child sits on the front passenger seat, the system shuts off the frontpassenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system, so make sure the frontpassenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.

Even if the front passenger air bag is shut off, Mazda strongly recommends that children be

properly restrained and child-restraint systems of all kinds are properly secured on the rearseats which are the best place for children.

For more details, refer to Front passenger seat weight sensors(page2-37).


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WARNINGUse the correct size child-restraint system:

For effective protection in vehicle accidents and sudden stops, a child must beproperly restrained using a seat belt or child-restraint system depending on age andsize. If not, the child could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and always keep the child-restraint systembuckled down:

An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision itcould move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure

any child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraintsystem manufacturer's instructions. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle orfasten it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCHchild-restraint systems and the corresponding tether anchor.

Always secure a child in a proper child-restraint system:Holding a child in your arms while the vehicle is moving is extremely dangerous. Nomatter how strong the person may be, he or she cannot hold onto a child in a sudden

stop or collision and it could result in serious injury or death to the child or otheroccupants. Even in a moderate accident, the child may be exposed to air bag forcesthat could result in serious injury or death to the child, or the child may be slammedinto the adult, injuring the adult.

Never use a rear-facing child-restraint system in the front seat with an air bag thatcould deploy:

Rear-facing child-restraint systems on the front seat are particularly dangerous eventhough you may feel assured that a front passenger air bag will not deploy based onthe fact that the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.The child-restraint system can be hit by a deploying air bag and moved violentlybackward resulting in serious injury or death to the child.

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WARNINGAvoid putting a front-facing child-restraint system on the front passenger seat:A front-facing child-restraint system should only be put on the front seat when it isunavoidable. In a collision, the force of a deploying air bag could cause serious injuryor death to the child. Always move the seat as far back as possible.

Seating a child in a child-restraint system on the front passenger seat is dangerous:Vehicles equipped with front passenger seat weight sensors are also equipped with a

front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page2-26). Even with the frontpassenger seat weight sensors, if you must use the front passenger seat for children,seating a child in a child-restraint system on the front passenger seat under thefollowing conditions increases the danger of the front passenger air bag deployingand could result in serious injury or death to the child.l The total seated weight of the child with the child-restraint system on the front

passenger seat is approximately 30 kg (66 lb) or more with a child in the child-

restraint system.l Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint

system.l A rear passenger or luggage push or pull down on the front passenger seatback.l A rear passenger puts their feet on the front seat rails.l Luggage or other items are placed on the seatback or hung on the head restraint.l The seat is washed.l Liquids are spilled on the seat.l The front passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items

placed behind it.l The front passenger seatback contacts the rear seat.l

Luggage or other items are placed between the front passenger seat and driver seat.l Any accessories, which might increase the total seated weight on the front

passenger seat, are attached to the front passenger seat.The designated positions with seat belts on the rear seats are the safest places forchildren. Always use seat belts and child restraints.


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WARNINGDo not allow a child to lean over or against the side window of a vehicle with side andcurtain air bags:

It is dangerous to allow anyone to lean over or against the side window, the area ofthe front passenger seat, the front and rear window pillars and the roof edge alongboth sides from which the side and curtain air bags deploy, even if a child-restraint

system is used. If the vehicle is equipped with side and curtain air bags, the impact ofinflation could cause serious injury or death to the child. Furthermore, leaning overor against the front door could block the side and curtain air bags and eliminate theadvantages of supplemental protection. With the front air bag and the additional side

air bag that comes out of the front seat, the rear seat is always a better location forchildren. Do not allow a child to lean over or against the side window, even if the childis seated in a child-restraint system.

Never use one seat belt on more than one person at a time:Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt usedin this way cannot spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could becrushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for morethan one person at a time and always operate the vehicle with each occupant properlyrestrained.

CAUTION

A seat belt or child-restraint system can become very hot in a closed vehicle duringwarm weather. To avoid burning yourself or a child, check them before you or your childtouches them.

NOTE

Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of speciallydesigned LATCH child-restraint systems in the rear seat. When using these anchors tosecure a child-restraint system, refer to LATCH Child-Restraint Systems(page2-28).

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Installing Child-RestraintSystems

Accident statistics reveal that a child issafer in the rear seat. The front passenger'sseat is clearly the worst choice for anychild under 12, and with rear-facing child-restraint systems it is clearly unsafe due toair bags.

Some child-restraint systems now come

with tethers and therefore must beinstalled on the seats that take tethers tobe effective. In your Mazda, tetheredchild-restraint systems can only beaccommodated in the two positions on therear seat.

Even if your vehicle is equipped withfront passenger seat weight sensors (page2-37), which automatically deactivates thefront passenger air bag, a rear seat is thesafest place for a child of any age or size.

Some child-restraint systems also employspecially designed LATCH attachments;refer to LATCH Child-RestraintSystems(page2-28).

WARNINGTethered Child-Restraint SystemsWork Only on Tether-Equipped Rear

Seats:Installation of a tether equipped child-restraint system in the front

passenger's seat defeats the safetydesign of the system and will result inan increased chance of serious injuryif the child-restraint system goes

forward without benefit of beingtethered.

Place tether equipped child-restraintsystems where there are tetheranchors.

qRear Seat Child-Restraint SystemInstallation

Follow these instructions when using achild-restraint system, unless you are

attaching a LATCH-equipped child-restraint system to the rear LATCH loweranchors. Refer to LATCH Child-Restraint Systems(page2-28).

NOTE

Follow the child-restraint systemmanufacturer's instructions carefully. Ifyou are not sure whether you have aLATCH system or tether, check in thechild-restraint system manufacturer's

instructions and follow themaccordingly. Depending on the type ofchild-restraint system, it may notemploy seat belts which are inautomatic locking mode.


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1. Secure the child-restraint system with

the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.See the manufacturer's instructions onthe child-restraint system for beltrouting instructions.

2. To get the retractor into the automaticlocking mode, pull the shoulder beltportion of the seat belt until the entirelength of the belt is out of the retractor.

3. Push the child-restraint system firmlyinto the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt

retracts as snugly as possible. Clickingfrom the retractor will be heard duringretraction if the system is in theautomatic locking mode. If the beltdoes not lock the seat down tight,repeat this step.

NOTE

Inspect this function before each use ofthe child-restraint system. You shouldnot be able to pull the shoulder belt outof the retractor while the system is inthe automatic locking mode. When youremove the child-restraint system, besure the belt fully retracts to return thesystem to emergency locking modebefore occupants use the seat belts.

4. If your child-restraint system requiresthe use of a tether strap, hook andtighten the tether strap by following themanufacturer's instructions.

Anchor bracket location

Tether strap position

Anchor

bracket

Tether

strap

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WARNINGNever use a rear-facing child-restraintsystem in the front seat with an air bagthat could deploy:

Rear-facing child-restraint systems onthe front seat are particularlydangerous.

Even in a moderate collision, thechild-restraint system can be hit by adeploying air bag and moved violently

backward resulting in serious injuryor death to the child.

Do not allow a child to lean over oragainst the side window of a vehiclewith side and curtain air bags:

It is dangerous to allow anyone to leanover or against the side window, thearea of the front passenger seat, the

front and rear window pillars and theroof edge along both sides from whichthe side and curtain air bags deploy,

even if a child-restraint system is used.If the vehicle is equipped with side andcurtain air bags, the impact ofinflation could cause serious injury ordeath to the child. Furthermore,leaning over or against the front doorcould block the side and curtain airbags and eliminate the advantages of

supplemental protection. With thefront air bag and the additional sideair bag that comes out of the front

seat, the rear seat is always a betterlocation for children. Do not allow achild to lean over or against the sidewindow, even if the child is seated in achild-restraint system.

qFront Passenger's Seat Child-

Restraint System Installation

1. Slide the seat as far back as possible.

2. Secure the child-restraint system withthe lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.See the manufacturer's instructions onthe child-restraint system for beltrouting instructions.

3. To get the retractor into the automaticlocking mode, pull the shoulder belt

portion of the seat belt until the entirelength of the belt is out of the retractor.

4. Push the child-restraint system firmlyinto the vehicle seat. Be sure the beltretracts as snugly as possible. Clickingfrom the retractor will be heard duringretraction if the system is in automaticlocking mode. If the belt does not lockthe seat down tight, repeat the previousstep and also this one.

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NOTEl Inspect this function before each use

of the child-restraint system. Youshould not be able to pull theshoulder belt out of the retractorwhile the system is in the automaticlocking mode. When you remove thechild-restraint system, be sure thebelt fully retracts to return the systemto emergency locking mode beforeoccupants use the seat belts.

l Follow the child-restraint systemmanufacturer's instructions carefully.Depending on the type of child-restraint system, it may not employseat belts which are in automaticlocking mode.

5. Make sure the front passenger air bagdeactivation indicator light illuminatesafter installing a child-restraint systemon the front passenger seat.

Refer to Front passenger air bagdeactivation indicator light on page2-37.

WARNINGSeating a Child in a Child-RestraintSystem on the Front Passenger SeatWith the Front Passenger Air Bag

Deactivation Indicator Light NotIlluminated:While it is always better to install anychild-restraint system on the rear seat,it is essential to do so if the front

passenger air bag deactivation

indicator light does not illuminate(page2-37). Seating a child in a child-restraint system installed on the front

passenger seat with the frontpassenger air bag deactivationindicator light not illuminated isdangerous. If this indicator light doesnot illuminate even when the total

seated weight is less thanapproximately 30 kg (66 lb), thismeans that the front passenger frontand side air bags, and seat belt

pretensioner are ready for deployment.If an accident were to deploy an airbag, a child sitting in the front

passenger seat could be seriouslyinjured or killed. If the indicator lightdoes not illuminate after installing achild-restraint system on the front

passenger seat, install the child-restraint system on the rear seat andconsult an Authorized Mazda Dealeras soon as possible.


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LATCH Child-Restraint SystemsYour Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially designedLATCH child-restraint systems in the rear seat. Both anchors must be used, otherwise theseat will bounce around and put the child in danger. Most LATCH child-restraint systemsmust also be used in conjunction with a tether to be effective. If they have a tether youmust use it to better assure your child's safety.

WARNING

Manufacturer's Instructions for Child-Restraint System:

An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision itcould move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make surethe child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraint

system manufacturer's instructions.

Unsecured Child-Restraint System:An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision itcould move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Follow thechild-restraint system manufacturer's instructions on belt routing to secure the seat

just as you would with a child in it so that nobody is tempted to put a child in animproperly secured seat later on. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or fastenit with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH child-restraint systems.

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems:Not following the child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions when installingthe child-restraint system is dangerous. If seat belts or a foreign object prevent thechild-restraint system from being securely attached to the LATCH lower anchors andthe child-restraint system is installed improperly, the child-restraint system could movein a sudden stop or collision causing serious injury or death to the child or otheroccupants. When installing the child-restraint system, make sure there are no seatbelts or foreign objects near or around the LATCH lower anchors. Always follow thechild-restraint system manufacturer's instructions.

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qLATCH Child-Restraint System

Installation Procedure (Rear Seats)

1. Expand the open seams on the rear ofthe seat bottom slightly to verify thelocations of the LATCH lower anchors.

NOTE

The markings above the LATCH loweranchors indicate the locations ofLATCH lower anchors for the

attachment of a child-restraint system.

2. Secure the child-restraint system usingBOTH LATCH lower anchors,following the child-restraint systemmanufacturer's instruction.

3. If your child-restraint system cameequipped with a tether, that probablymeans it is very important to properlysecure the tether for child safety, pleasecarefully follow the child-restraint

system manufacturer's instructionswhen installing tethers.

Anchor bracket location

Tether strap position

Tether strap

Anchor

bracket

WARNING

Use the tether and tether anchor onlyfor a child-restraint system:Using the tether or tether anchor to

secure anything but a child-restraintsystem is dangerous. This could

weaken or damage the tether or tetheranchor and result in injury.


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Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) PrecautionsThe front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include up to 6 air bags (verifySRS AIRBAGlocation indicator marks).They are located in:

l The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)

l The front passenger dashboard (front passenger air bag)

l The outboard sides of the front seatbacks (side air bags)

l The front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides (curtain air bags)

These systems operate independently depending on the type of accident encountered; ifyou have side and curtain air bags, the side and curtain air bags are not likely to deploy onboth sides in the same accident because a vehicle is not often hit from both sides. The sideand curtain air bags and the frontal air bag system will not normally deploy during thesame type of accident unless a combination of frontal and side impacts occur.

The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protectiononly in the front seats in certain situations and the rear outside passenger positions only insame-side collisions, so seat belts are always important in the following ways:

Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.

Seat belt usage is necessary to:l Keep the occupant from being thrown into an inflating air bag.

l Reduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air baginflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.

l Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal or side collisions that are not severe enoughto activate the air bags.

l Reduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.

l Reduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because theair bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.

l Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.

Small children must be protected by a child-restraint system as stipulated by law in everystate and province. In certain states and provinces, larger children must use a child-restraintsystem (page2-19).Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow theinstallation directions in this Owner's Manual as well as the child-restraint systemmanufacturer's instructions.

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WARNINGSeat belts must be worn in air bag equipped vehicles:Depending only on the air bags for protection during an accident is dangerous. Alone,air bags may not prevent serious injuries. The appropriate air bags can be expected toinflate only in the first collision with frontal, near frontal or side forces that are atleast moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belts.

Children should not ride in the front passenger seat:Placing a child, 12 years or under, in the front seat is dangerous. The child could behit by a deploying air bag and be seriously injured or even killed. Even if the front

passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, always move the frontpassenger seat as far back as possible. A sleeping child is more likely to lean againstthe door and be hit by the side air bag in a moderate, right-side collision. Whenever

possible, always secure a child 12 years and under on the rear seat with anappropriate child-restraint system for the child's age and size.

Never use a rear-facing child-restraint system in the front seat with an air bag thatcould deploy:

Rear-facing child-restraint systems on the front seat are particularly dangerous eventhough you may feel assured that a front passenger air bag will not deploy based onthe fact that the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.The child-restraint system can be hit by a deploying air bag and moved violently

backward resulting in serious injury or death to the child.

Do not sit too close to front air bags:Sitting too close to the air bag modules or placing hands or feet on them is extremely

dangerous. Front air bags inflate with great force and speed. Serious injuries couldoccur if someone is too close. The driver should always hold onto only the rim of the

steering wheel. The front seat passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Front seatoccupants should adjust their seats as far back as possible and always sit uprightagainst the seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.


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WARNINGSit 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 is extremelydangerous. The side air bags inflate with great force and speed directly out of theoutboard side of the front seat and expand along the front door on the side the car ishit. Serious injury could occur if someone is sitting too close to the door or leaningagainst a window, or if rear seat occupants grab the sides of the front seatbacks.

Furthermore, sleeping up against the door or hanging out the windows in the vehiclecould block the side and curtain air bags and eliminate the advantages of

supplemental protection. Give the side and curtain 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 a front air bag deploys:Attaching an object to the front air bag modules or placing something in front of themis dangerous. In an accident, the object could interfere with front air bag inflation andinjure the occupants.

Do not attach objects on or around the area where a side air bag deploys:Attaching things to the front seat in such a way as to cover the outboard side of theseat in any way is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with the side airbag, which inflates from the outboard side of the front seats, impeding 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 spewing exhaust.Do not hang net bags, map pouches or backpacks with side straps on the front seats.Never use seat covers on the front seats. Always keep the side air bag modules in yourfront seats free to deploy in the event of a side collision.

Do not attach objects on or around the area where a curtain air bag deploys:Attaching objects to the areas where the curtain air bag activates such as on thewindshield glass, side door glass, front and rear window pillars and along the roofedge and assist grips is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with thecurtain air bag, which inflates from the front and rear window pillars and along theroof edge, impeding the added protection of the curtain air bag system or redirecting

the air bag in a way that is dangerous. Furthermore, the bag could be cut openspewing exhaust.Do not place hangers or any other objects on the assist grips. When hanging clothes,hang them on the coat hook directly. Always keep the curtain air bag modules free todeploy in the event of a side collision.

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WARNINGDo not touch the internal components of the air bag modules after the bags haveinflated:

Hot air bag inflators are dangerous. Immediately after inflation, the inflators in thesteering wheel, dashboard, seatbacks, or the front and rear window pillars and alongthe roof edge 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, bullbar, 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 inflateunexpectedly, or it could prevent the air bags from inflating during an accident. Frontoccupants could be seriously injured.

Do not adjust the suspension:Adjusting the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or thesuspension is changed, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collisionresulting in incorrect or unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of seriousinjuries.

Do not modify the supplemental restraint system:Modifying the components or wiring of the supplemental restraint system is

dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Do not make anymodifications to the supplemental restraint system. This includes installing trim,badges, or anything else over the air bag modules. It also includes installing extraelectrical equipment on or near system components or wiring. An Authorized Mazda

Dealer can provide the special care needed in the removal and installation of frontseats. It is important to protect the air bag wiring and connections to assure that thebags do not accidentally deploy, the driver seat slide position sensor and front

passenger seat weight sensors are not damaged and that the seats retain anundamaged air bag connection.

NOTEl 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 texture of the air bags maycause light skin injuries on body parts not covered with clothing through friction.

l Should you sell your Mazda, we urge you to tell the new owner of its air bag systemsand that familiarization with all instructions about them, from the Owner's Manual, isimportant.


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Supplemental Restraint System ComponentsThe supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:

l The air bag system with inflators and air bags.

l The electrical system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.

The air bags are mounted in the following locations:

l The steering wheel hub

l The front passenger dashboard

l The outboard sides of the front seatbacks

l The front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides

The air bags are out of sight until activated.

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qFront Air Bag System Components

(1)

(6)

(10)

(7) (6)

(9)

(5)

(4)

(3)(2)

(8)

(1) Driver seat slide position sensor (page2-37)

(2) Front seats(3) Front dual stage inflators and air bags(4) Front air bag sensor(5) Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page2-37)(6) Front seat belt pretensioner and load limiting systems (page 2-14)(7) Front passenger seat weight sensors (page2-37)(8) Front passenger seat weight sensor control module(9) Crash sensors and diagnostic module (SAS unit)(10) Driver and front passenger seat belt buckle switches (page 2-37)


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qSide and Curtain Air Bag System Components

(1)(2)

(3)

(1)(4)

(1) Side and curtain inflators and air bags

(2) Front seats(3) Side crash sensor(4) Crash sensors and diagnostic module (SAS unit)

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How the Air Bags WorkqHow the Front Air Bags Work

When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate force, anelectrical current is sent to the inflators.Gases are produced to inflate the front air bags and after the inflation, the front air bagsquickly deflate.The front air bags will function only once. After that, the front air bags will not workagain and must be replaced.Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the system components.

The front, dual stage air bags control air bag inflation in two energy stages. During animpact of moderate severity the front air bags deploy with lesser energy, whereas duringmore severe impacts, they deploy with more energy. Deployment of the front air bags maydiffer between the driver and the front passenger depending on the driver seat position,front passenger weight and front seat belt usage, all of which provide data from each sensorto the air bag system.

The front air bags will deploy only

in a frontal or frontal offset impact.

Driver seat slide position sensor

Your vehicle is equipped with a driver seat slide position sensor as a part of thesupplemental restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensordetermines whether the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat

position to the diagnostic module (SAS unit). The sensor is also designed to control thedeployment of the driver air bag depending on how close the driver seat is to the steeringwheel.

The air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has apossible malfunction (page2-46).


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Front passenger seat weight sensors

Your vehicle is also equipped with the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light(page2-26). These sensors are located under both of the front passenger seat rails. Thesesensors determine the total seated weight on the front passenger seat. The sensors are alsodesigned to prevent the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensionersystem from deploying if the total seated weight is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).

To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the front passenger air bag, thesystem deactivates the front passenger front and side air bags and also the seat beltpretensioner system when:

l There is no passenger in the front passenger seat. (The front passenger air bag

deactivation indicator light does not illuminate.)

l The total seated weight on the front passenger seat is less than approximately 30 kg (66lb). (The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.)

This system shuts off the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensionersystem, so make sure the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminatesaccording to the following table.

The air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes and the frontpassenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates if the sensors have a possiblemalfunction. If this happens, the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt

pretensioner system will not deploy.

Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light

This indicator light illuminates to remind you that the front passenger front and side airbags and seat belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.

If the front passenger weight sensors are normal, the indicator light illuminates when theignition switch is turned to the ON position. After about 6 seconds it goes out.

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The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates or is off under the following conditions:

Total seated weight on the

front passenger seat

Front passenger air bag

deactivation indicator light

Front passenger front and

side air bags

Front passenger seat

belt pretensioner

system

Empty (Not occupied)* OFF OFF OFF

Less than approx. 30 kg(66 lb)

ON OFF OFF

Approx. 42 kg (93 lb) ormore

OFF ON ON

* If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates,however this does not indicate a malfunction.

If the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when theignition switch is turned to the ON position and does not illuminate as indicated in theabove chart, do not allow a child to sit in the front passenger seat and consult anAuthorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not work properly in anaccident.


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WARNINGDo not decrease the total seated weight on the front passenger seat:When an adult or large child sits on the front passenger seat, decreasing the total

seated weight on the front passenger seat from the total seated weight ofapproximately 42 kg (93 lb) required for air bag deployment is dangerous. The front

passenger seat weight sensors will detect the reduced total seated weight condition andthe front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will notdeploy during an accident. The front passenger will not have the supplementary

protection of the air bag, which could result in serious injury. Decreasing the totalseated weight on the front passenger seat from the total seated weight of

approximately 42 kg (93 lb) could result in an air bag not deploying under thefollowing conditions, for example:l A rear passenger pushes up on the front passenger seat with the feet.l Luggage or other items placed under the front passenger seat or between the front

passenger seat and driver seat that push up the front passenger seat bottom.l The front passenger seat occupant sits in a manner that does not place the entire

weight of the occupant on the seat such as by sitting too close to the door, graspingthe assist grip or the rim of the moonroof and sitting with the seatback reclined too

far.l Any accessories which might decrease the total seated weight on the front

passenger seat are attached to the front passenger seat.l Tension in the upward direction is placed on the seat belt slide bar such as by

pulling up on the seat belt.The front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems willdeactivate if the total seated weight on the front passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lb)and they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lb).

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WARNINGDo not increase the total seated weight on the front passenger seat:When an infant or small child sits on the front passenger seat, increasing the total

seated weight on the front passenger seat from the total seated weight ofapproximately 30 kg (66 lb) is dangerous. The front passenger seat weight sensors willdetect the increased total seated weight, which could result in the unexpecteddeployment of the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner

system in an accident and serious injury. Increasing the total seated weight on thefront passenger seat beyond the total seated weight of approximately 30 kg (66 lb)could result in the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner

system deployment in an accident under the following conditions, for example:l Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint

system.l A rear passenger or luggage push or pull down on the front passenger seatback.l A rear passenger steps on the front passenger seat rails with the feet.l Luggage or other items are placed on the seatback or hung on the head restraint.l The seat is washed.l Liquids are spilled on the seat.l The front passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items

placed behind it.l The front passenger seatback contacts the rear seat.l Luggage or other items are placed between the front passenger seat and driver seat.l Any accessories which might increase the total seated weight on the front passenger

seat are attached to the front passenger seat.l Feet or other items are placed on the seat belt slide bar.The front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems willdeactivate if the total seated weight on the front passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lb)and they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lb).


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CAUTIONl To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensors

in the front seat bottoms:

l Do not place sharp objects on the front seat bottoms or leave heavy luggage onthem.

l Do not spill any liquids on the front seats or under the front seats.

l To allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:

l Adjust the front seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against theseatbacks with seat belts worn properly.

l

If you place your child on the front passenger seat, secure the child-restraint systemproperly and slide the front passenger seat as far back as possible (page2-26).

NOTE

l The system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the front passengerfront and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.

l The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate repeatedly ifluggage or other items are put on the front passenger seat, or if the temperature of thevehicle's interior changes suddenly.

l The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 secondsif the total seated weight on the front passenger seat changes.

l If the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate afterinstalling a child-restraint system on the front passenger seat, install the child-restraintsystem on the rear seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

Driver and front passenger buckle switches

The buckle switches on the front seat belts detect whether or not the front seat belts aresecurely fastened and further control the deployment of the air bags.

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qHow the Side and Curtain Air Bags Work

When air bag crash sensors detect a side impact of greater

mazda rx8 owners manual 2006

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