Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 3

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Incorrectly repairing an air bag wiring harness can accidentally operate (deploy) the air bag 
module and pre-tensioner seat belts. If a problem is found in the air bag wiring harness, always 
replace the wiring harness with a new one. 

Fig. 8: Identifying Air Bag Wiring Harness Repair Caution 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION (PAD) INDICATOR 
REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Remove the battery cover.  

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [LF] .)  

3. Remove the following parts: 

1. Side wall (See SIDE WALL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

2. Center panel unit (See CENTER PANEL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

3. Remove the glove compartment. (See GLOVE COMPARTMENT 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

4. Decoration panel (See DECORATION PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)  

4. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 9 . 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 9: View Of Passenger Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator & Components 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. Install in the reverse order of removal.  

DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.  

2. Remove the battery cover.  

3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1 min or more . (See BATTERY 

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [LF] .)  

4. Remove in the order indicated in Fig. 10 . 

WARNING:



Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the 
air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag 
system service warnings and cautions before handling the air bag 
module. (See AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS .) (See AIR 
BAG SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS .)  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 10: View Of Driver-Side Air Bag Module & Components (With Torque Specifications) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

5. Install in the reverse order of removal. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.  

7. Verify that the air bag system warning light illuminates for approx. 6 s and goes out. 



If the air bag system warning light does not operate normally, refer to RESTRAINTS -- ON-
BOARD DIAGNOSTIC system (air bag system) and perform inspection of the system.  

CONNECTOR REMOVAL NOTE 

1. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry out the connector stopper plate. 

Fig. 11: Prying Out Connector Stopper Plate 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

2. Disconnect the connector.  

PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION 

WARNING:



Handling the air bag module improperly can accidentally deploy the 
air bag module, which may seriously injure you. Read the air bag 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata