Mazda MX-5 Miata (1997+). Manual - part 1

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM

1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System 

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), when used in conjunction with seat belt, provides increased 
protection for driver and front passenger in a frontal collision. The air bag restraint system consists of AIR BAG 
warning light, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, clockspring, SAS unit, and wiring 
harness. See Fig. 1 . 

WARNING:

To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully 
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 1: Air Bag System Component Identification 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

Air bag deploys when ignition is on, crash sensor senses adequate deceleration, and SAS unit logic circuits 
determine that the impact is sufficient to warrant deployment. 

The SAS unit monitors the air bag system for failures. If a failure occurs, the SAS unit turns the AIR BAG 
warning light on. If AIR BAG warning light is burned out, SAS unit will sound a buzzer to alert driver of a 
system malfunction. 

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK

Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should glow for 6 seconds and then turn off. If 
AIR BAG warning light does not function as described, a failure has occurred in Supplemental Restraint 
System (SRS). Repair malfunctioning SRS. See DIAGNOSIS . Also, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . 

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS 

The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems: 



Disable air bag before servicing any air bag system/steering column component. See DISABLING & 
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .  



Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component or 
wiring harness. Corrections are made by replacement only.  



DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.  



When carrying a live (undeployed) module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. This 
minimizes chance of injury in event of accidental air bag deployment.  



When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of 
module if it is accidentally deployed.  



SAS unit must always be installed with arrow facing the front of the vehicle.  



DO NOT disconnect SAS unit until unit is firmly mounted in vehicle.  



Disconnecting or removing SAS unit with ignition switch in ON position can cause accidental 
deployment and serious personal injury. Before disconnecting or removing SAS unit connector or 
removing SAS unit, turn ignition to LOCK position.  



Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited. DO 
NOT turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.  



A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when 
disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.  

ADJUSTMENTS 

CLOCKSPRING CENTERING 

Turn clockspring clockwise until it stops, then turn clockspring counterclockwise 2.75 turns. Align marks on 
clockspring with marks on outer housing. See Fig. 2 .

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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

  

Fig. 2: Locating Clockspring Alignment Marks 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.  

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM 

DISABLING SYSTEM 

Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Wait at least one minute for back-up power supply to be depleted. 
Remove cover panel below left side of instrument panel. Disconnect clockspring connectors for driver-side air 
bag. See Fig. 3 . Remove glove compartment. Disconnect passenger-side air bag module connectors. See Fig. 
4 . 

WARNING:

After disabling the air bag system, wait at least one minute before 
servicing. Air bag system voltage is maintained for more than minute 
after system is disabled. Failure to wait at least minute may cause 
accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.

 

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

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