Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 3

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 

DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE 

Removal 

Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & 
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove driver-side air bag module nuts. Disconnect driver-side air bag 
module connector. Disconnect support rope. See Fig. 6 . Remove driver-side air bag module. 

If Air Bag Did Not Deploy)

Steering Column, Steering Wheel, Wiring Harness

Comments

DO NOT attempt wiring harness repairs. Replace 

entire harness. Impact sensors must always be 

installed with arrow on sensor facing front of 

vehicle.

WARNING:

Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidental air bag 
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .

WARNING:

DO NOT install driver-side air bag module unless DTC 6 is set. This can 
cause accidental deployment of the air bag. Verify DTC 6 is indicated 
before installing driver-side air bag module.

NOTE:

After replacing components, check system to ensure proper operation. See 
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System

  

Fig. 6: Removing Driver-Side Air Bag Module 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.  

Installation 

1. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch on. Verify that Air Bag warning light comes on for 6 

seconds and then goes off. Verify that DTC 6 is set. If another diagnostic trouble code is set, perform 
appropriate diagnosis and testing. See DIAGNOSIS .  

2. If DTC 6 is set, turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait for 

one minute. Connect driver-side air bag connector. Install support rope and driver-side air bag module. 
Tighten air bag module retaining nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .  

3. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Check AIR BAG 

warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .  

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE 

WARNING:

DO NOT install passenger-side air bag module unless DTC 7 is set. This 
can cause accidental deployment of the air bag. Verify DTC 7 is indicated 
before installing passenger-side air bag module.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System

  

Removal 

Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & 
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove passenger-side air bag module retaining bolts. See Fig. 7 . 
Remove passenger-side air bag module. 

Fig. 7: Removing Passenger-Side Air Bag Module 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System

  

Fig. 8: Connecting SST (490839285) To Clockspring Connector 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.  

Installation 

1. Connect leads of SST (490839285) to terminals B and C of clockspring connector. Set resistance of SST 

(490839285) to 2 ohms. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch on. Verify that air bag 
warning light comes on for 6 seconds and then goes Off. See Fig. 8 .  

2. Verify that DTC 7 is set. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable and 

wait for one minute. Install passenger-side air bag module and retaining bolts. Activate air bag system. 
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .  

3. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Check AIR BAG 

warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK .  

SAS UNIT 

Removal 

1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & 

ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System