Mazda MX-5 Miata / Grand Touring. Manual - part 1

2008 RESTRAINTS

Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata 

LOCATION INDEX 

Fig. 1: Identifying Location Of Airbag Components 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

AIR BAG SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGS

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

AIR BAG MODULE INSPECTION 



Inspecting an air bag module using a tester can operate (deploy) the air bag module, which may 
cause serious injury. Do not use a tester to inspect an air bag module. Always use the on-board 
diagnostic function to diagnose the air bag module for malfunctions.  

Fig. 2: Inspecting Air Bag Module Caution 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

AIR BAG MODULE HANDLING 



Before removing the air bag module or disconnecting the air bag module connector, always turn 
the ignition switch to the LOCK position, disconnect the negative battery cable, and then wait for 1 
min or more to allow the backup power supply of the SAS control module to deplete its stored 
power.  



Handling a live (undeployed) air bag module that is pointed toward your body could result in 
serious injury if the air bag module were to accidentally operate (deploy). When carrying a live 
(undeployed) air bag module, point the deployment surface away from your body to lessen the 
chance of injury in case it operates (deploys).

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 3: Air Bag Module Handling (1 Of 2) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 



A live (undeployed) air bag module placed with its deployment surface to ground is dangerous. If 
the air bag module were to accidentally operate (deploy), it could cause serious injury. Always 
place a live (undeployed) air bag module with its deployment surface up. 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata

  

Fig. 4: Air Bag Module Handling (2 Of 2) 
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP. 

SIDE AIR BAG MODULE HANDLING 



When a side air bag module operates (deploys) due to a collision, the interior of the seat back (pad, 
frame, trim) may become damaged. If a side air bag does not operate (deploy) normally from a seat 
back that has been reused, a serious accident may result. After a side air bag has operated 
(deployed), always replace both the side air bag module and the seat back (pad, frame, trim) with 
new parts. After servicing, verify that the seat operates normally and that the wiring harness is not 
caught.  

SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR HANDLING 



The passenger-side seat and the seat weight sensor may become deformed or otherwise damaged 
due to operation (deployment) of the front or side air bag in an accident. This may cause the 
passenger sensing function to operate improperly and result in a serious accident. Always replace 
the passenger seat and seat weight sensor with new ones after the front or side air bags have 
operated (deployed). After servicing, verify that the seat operates normally and that the wiring 
harness is not caught. If the collision is not hard enough to cause the front or side air bags to 
operate (deploy), inspect the seat weight sensor and replace it if there is any malfunction.  

SAS CONTROL MODULE HANDLING 



Removing the SAS control module or disconnecting the SAS control module connector with the 
ignition switch at the ON position can activate the sensor in the SAS control module and operate 

 

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring 

2008 RESTRAINTS Air Bag System - MX-5 Miata