Mazda MX-5 2006 User Manual

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A Word to Mazda Owners

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 manual
carefully and follow its recommendations.

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

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

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

Mazda Motor Corporation

HIROSHIMA, 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 you
resell 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 at
Mazda, 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 to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time. These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur and lead to the designing of safer
vehicles.

Air Conditioning and the Environment

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

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 Corporation

Printed in Japan May 2005(Print1)

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How to Use This Manual

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We want to help you get the most driving
pleasure from your vehicle. Your owner's
manual, when read from cover to cover,
can do that in many ways.

Illustrations complement the words of the
manual to best explain how to enjoy your
Mazda. By reading your manual, you can
find out about the features, important
safety information, and driving under
various road conditions.

The symbol below in this manual means
“Do not do this” or “Do not let this
happen”.

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

NOTE

A NOTE provides informat ion and
sometimes suggests how to make better
use of your vehicle.

The symbol below, located on some parts
of the vehicle, indicates that this manual
contains information related to the part.
Please refer to the manual for a detailed
explanation.

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

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a situation in
which serious injury or death could
result if the warning is ignored.

CAUTION

A CAUTION indicates a situation in
which bodily injury or damage to your
vehicle, or both, could result if the
caution is ignor ed.

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Table of Contents

Your Vehicle at a Glance

Interior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda.

Essential Safety Equipment

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

Knowing Your Mazda

Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Important information about driving your Mazda.

Driving Your Mazda

Explanation of instruments and controls.

Interior Comfort

Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.

In Case of an Emergency

Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.

Maintenance and Care

How to keep your Mazda in top condition.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.

Specifications

Technical information about your Mazda.

Index

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10

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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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Your Vehicle at a Glance

Dashboard and Interior Overview

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The equipment and installation position varies according to grade.

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Your Vehicle at a Glance

Dashboard and Interior Overview

Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-29

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

DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-24

Passenger airbag deactivation switch ................................................................ page 2-30

Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-36

Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-51

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

Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-26

Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-54

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

Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-56

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

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

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

Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-36

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

AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-12

Accessory socket ............................................................................................... page 6-43

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

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

Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-36

Fog light switch ................................................................................................. page 5-53

Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-38

Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-31

Fuse box ................................................. ........................................................... page 8-41

Seat belt ............................................................................................................... page 2-5

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

Convertible top unlock lever .............................................................................. page 3-43

Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-39

Rearview mirror .............................. ................................................................... page 3-54

Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-39

Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-39

Glove box .............................................................. ............................................ page 6-41

Mesh Pocket ............... ....................................................................................... page 6-42

Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-40

Bottle Holder ..................................................................................................... page 6-41

Remote fuel-filler lid release ............................................................................. page 3-37

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Your Vehicle at a Glance

Exterior Overview

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The equipment and installation position varies according to grade.

1-4

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Your Vehicle at a Glance

Exterior Overview

Trunk lid ............................................................................................................ page 3-31

Rear window defroster ....................................................................................... page 5-55

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

Doors and keys .................................................................................................. page 3-28

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

Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-29

Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-34

Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-38

Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-25

Convertible top .................................................................................................. page 3-40

Power windows ................................................................................................. page 3-35

Fuel-filler lid ...................................................................................................... page 3-37

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2

Essential Safety Equipment

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

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

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

Seat Belt Systems .......................................................................... 2-5

Seat Belt Precautions ................................................................ 2-5

Seat Belts .................................................................................. 2-8

Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems ................ 2-10

Seat Belt Extender ................................................................... 2-12

Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep ................................................ 2-13

Child Restraint ............................................................................ 2-15

Child Restraint Precautions ..................................................... 2-15

Installing a Child-Restraint System ......................................... 2-20

LATCH Child-Restraint System ............................................. 2-23

SRS Air Bags ............................................................................... 2-26

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions ............... 2-26

Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch .................................. 2-30

Supplemental Restraint System Components ......................... 2-33

How the Air Bags Work .......................................................... 2-36

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seats

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Seats

WARNING

Modification of the Front Seats:
Modifying or replacing the front seats
such as replacing the upholstery or
loosening any bolts is dangerous. The
front seats contain air bag
components essential to the
supplemental restraint system. Such
modifications could damage the
supplemental restraint system and
result in seriou s injury. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer if there is
any need to remove or reinstall the
front seats.

Damaged Front Seats:
Driving with damaged front seats is
dangerous. A collision, even one not
strong enough to inflate the air bags,
could damage the front seats which
contain essential air bag components.
If there was a subsequent collision, the
air bag may not deploy which could
lead to injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
front seats, front seat belt
pretensioners and air bags after a
collision.

Securing the Seats:
Adjustable seats and seatbacks that
are not securely locked are dangerous.
In a sudden stop or collision, the seat
or seatback could move, causing
injury. Make sure the adjustable
components of the seat are locked in
place by attempting to slide the seat
forward and backward and rocking
the seatback.

qSeat Slide

WARNING

Driver's Seat Adjustment:
Adjusting the driver's seat while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous. The
driver could lose control of the vehicle
and have an accident. Adjust the
driver's seat on ly when the vehicle is
stopped.

To move a seat forward or backward, raise
the lever and slide the seat to the desired
position and release the lever.

Make sure the lever returns to its original
position and the seat is locked in place by
attempting to push it forward and
backward.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seats

qSeat Recline

WARNING

Reclining:
Sitting in a reclined position while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous
because you don't get the full
protection from seat belts. During
sudden braking or a collision, you can
slide under the lap belt and suffer
serious internal injuries. For
maximum protection, sit well back and
upright.

Unlocked Seatback:
The seatback plays an important role
in your protectio n in a vehicle.
Leaving the seatback unlocked is
dangerous as it can allow passengers
to be ejected or thrown around and
baggage to strike occupants in a
sudden stop or collision, resulting in
severe injury. After adjusting the
seatback at any time, even when there
are no other passengers, rock the
seatback to make sure it is locked in
place.

To change the seatback angle, lean
forward slightly while raising the lever.
Then lean back to the desired position and
release the lever.

Make sure the lever returns to its original
position and the seatback is locked in
place by attempting to push it forward and
backward.

CAUTION

When returning a rear-reclined seatback
to its upright position, make sure you
hold onto the seatback with your other
hand while op erating the lever. If the
seatback is not supported, it will flip
forward suddenly and could cause
injury.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seats

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qSeat Warmer

í

The seats are electrically heated. The
ignition switch must be in the ON
position.

Press the switch to turn the seat warmer
on or off. When the switch is in the ON
position, the indicator light will come on.

NOTE

The seat temperature is regulated
automatically by a thermostat. Other
than turning it on or off, it cannot be
adjusted.

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í

Some models.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

Seat Belt Precautions

Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden
stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and passenger always wear seat belts.

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

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

However, the passenger's seat lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in two modes: emergency
locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode.
Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for securing the LATCH child­restraint system in the passenger seat but there is no child-restraint tether available. As
there is no rear seat on this vehicle, the preferred location for children, following the
manufacturer's instructions on the LATCH child restraint-system and this owner's manual is
important (page 2-23).

WARNING

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

Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident:
Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing
of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a
collision. Air bags and pretensioners work together, but whether a seat was occupied
or not, if any air bag deployed and whether a seat belt pretensioner deployed or not,
all seat belts and air bags must be inspected and replaced if necessary. Have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during an accident before
they are used again.

Twisted Seat Belts:
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt isn't available
to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt, which could
cause serious injury or death. Don't wear twisted seat belts.

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Essential Safety Equipment

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Seat Belt Systems

WARNING

One Belt, One Passenger:
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used
in this way can't spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be
crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more
than one person at a time and always operate the vehicle with each occupant properly
restrained.

CAUTION

Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep them
clean.

Ring

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 SNUGLYAND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE OVER THE HIPS.
The shoulder belt should be worn across your shoulder properly, but never across the
stomach area.
Persons with serious medical condit ions also should wear seat belts. Check with your
doctor for any special instructions regarding specific medical conditions.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

qEmergency Locking Mode

In the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and the
retractor will lock in position during a collision. When the seat belt is retracted, it will
always be in the emergency locking mode until it is switched to automatic locking mode by
pulling it all the way out to its full length. If the belt feels tight and hinders comfortable
movement while the vehicle is stopped or in motion, it may be in the automatic locking
mode because the belt has been pulled too far out. To return to the belt more comfortable
emergency locking mode, wait until the vehicle has stopped in a safe, level area, retract the
belt fully to convert it back to emergency locking mode and then extend it around you
again.

qAutomatic Locking Mode

To enable seat belt automatic locking mode, pull it all the way out and connect it as
instructed on the child-res traint system. It will retract down to the child-restraint system
and stay locked on it. If the LATCH lower anchors are not used alone for LATCH style
booster seats and infant carriers without tethers, always use the automatic locking mode to
keep the child-restraint system from shifting to an unsafe position in the event of an
accident. See the section on child restraint (page 2-15).

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

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Seat Belts

qFastening the Seat Belts

1. Grasp the tongue.

2. Slowly pull out the lap/shoulder belt.

Belt

Tongue

3. Insert the tongue into the buckle until
you hear a click.

Tongue

WARNING

Positioning the Shoulder Portion of
the Seat Belt:
Improper positioning of the shoulder
portion of the seat belt is dangerous.
Always make sure the shoulder
portion of the seat belt is positioned
across your shoulder an d near your
neck, but never under your arm, on
your neck, or on your upper arm.

4. Make sure the shoulder belt is snugly
fitted against your body.

Keep low on
hip bone

Take up slack

Too high

Buckle

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WARNING

Positioning the Lap Portion of the
Seat Belt:
The lap portion of the seat belt worn
too 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 low
as possible.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

qUnfastening the Seat Belts

Depress the button on the buckle.

Button

NOTE

If a belt does not fully retract, inspect it
for kinks and twists. If it is still not
retracting properly, have it inspected at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

qSeat Belt Caution Label

A caution label has been placed inside the
sleeve of the lap portion of the driver's
seat belt. When an accident occurs while
the seat belt is in use, the resulting stress
on the seat belt will cause an indicator
with the words “REPLACE BELT”
visible on it to be pulled out of the sleeve
below the caution label. This indicates
that THE SEAT BELT MUST BE
REPLACED.
Also note that if at any time the seat belt
has undergone stress because of an
accident or other reason, damage to the
seat belt's webbing, met al fittings, or
anchor bolt may have occurred, even
though nothing appears to be wrong with
the seat belt. For this reason we
recommend that the seat belt be replaced
after it has undergone stress, whether or
not the indicator has been pulled out.

Caution

label

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

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Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems

For optimum protection, the driver and
passenger seat belts are equipped with
pretensioner and load limiting systems.
In moderate or greater frontal or near­frontal accidents, the air bag and
pretensioner systems deploy
simultaneously. The pretensioners take up
slack in the seat belts as the air bags are
expanding. The seat belt pretensioner
system cannot provide adequate
protection in an accident if the seat belt is
not fastened properly. The load limiting
system releases belt webbing in a
controlled manner to reduce belt force on
the occupant's chest.

WARNING

Incorrect Positioning of the Driver
and Passenger Seat Belts:
Incorrect positioning of the driver and
passenger seat belts is dangerous.
Without proper positioning, the
pretensioner and load limiting systems
cannot provide adequate protection in
an accident and this could result in
serious injury. Wear seat belts only as
recommended in this owner's manual
(page 2-8).

WARNING

Expended Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Air bags may deploy, and the
corresponding pretensioner(s) will
also deploy at the same time. Use of
seat belts with the pretensioner system
expended is dangerous. Like the air
bags, the seat belt pretensioners will
only function once. After they are
expended, they will not function again
and must be replaced immediately. If
the seat belt pretensioners are not
replaced, the risk of injury in a
collision will increase. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
seat belt preten sioners and air bags
after any collision. Expended seat belt
pretensioners and air bags must be
replaced after any collision which
caused them to deploy. Additionally,
the load limiter will only limit loads on
the chest once in a collision and is
another reason to have the seat belts
inspected.

Modification or Testing of the
Pretensioner System:
Modifying the components or wiring
of the pretensioner system, including
the use of electronic testing devices is
dangerous. You could accidentally
activate it or make it inoperable which
would prevent it from activating in an
accident. The occupants or repairers
could be seriously injured. Never
modify the compo nents or wiring, or
use electronic testing device s on the
pretensioner system.

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WARNING

Pretensioner System Disposal:
Improper disposal of the pretensioner
system or a vehicle with non­deactivated pretensioners is
dangerous. Unless all safety
procedures are followed, injur y could
result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of the
pretensioner system or how to scrap a
pretensioner-equipped vehicle.

NOTE

l

The pretensioner system will only
activate in a moderate or greater
frontal or near-frontal collision. It
will not activate in most rollovers,
side or rear impacts.

l

Some smoke (non-toxic gas) will be
released when the air bags and
pretensioners deploy. This does not
indicate a fire. This gas normally has
no effect on occupants, however,
those with sensitive skin may
experience light skin irritation. If
residue from the deployment of the
air bags or the pretensioner system
gets on the skin or in the eyes, wash
it off as soon as possible.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner

System Warning Light

If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.

A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer 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 the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

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Seat Belt Extender

If your seat belt is not long enough, even
when fully extended, a seat belt extender
may be available to you at no charge from
your Authorized Mazda Dealer.
This extender will be only for you and for
the particular vehicle and seat. Even if it
plugs into other seat belts, it may not hold
in the critical moment of a crash.
When ordering an extender, only order
one that provides the necessary additional
length to fasten the seat belt properly.
Please contact your Authorized Mazda
Dealer for more information.

WARNING

Unnecessary Use of an Extender:
Using a seat belt extender when not
necessary is dangerous. The seat belt
will be too long and not fit properly. In
an accident, the seat belt will not
provide adequate protection and you
could be seriously injured. Only use
the extender when it is required to
fasten the seat belt properly.

WARNING

Using an Extender That is Too Long:
Using an extender that is too long is
dangerous. The seat belt will not fit
properly. In an accident, the seat belt
will not provide adequate protection
and you could be seriously injured.
Don't use the extender or choose one
shorter in length if the distance
between the extender's buckle and the
center of the user's body is less than
15cm (6 in).

NOTE

When not in use, remove the seat belt
extender and store it in the vehicle. If
the seat belt extender is left connected,
the seat belt extender might get
damaged as it will not retract with the
rest of the seat belt and can easily fall
out of the door when not in use and be
damaged the seat belt warning light will
not illuminate and function properly.

Using an Improper Extender:
Using a seat belt extender that is for
another person or a different vehicle
or seat is dangerous. The seat belt will
not provide adequate protection and
the user could be seriously injured in
an accident. Only use the extender
provided for you and for the particular
vehicle and seat. NEVER use the
extender in a different vehicle or seat.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep

The seat belt warning light illuminates
and a beep sound will be heard if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.

Conditions of operation

Condition Result

The driver's seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position.

The driver's seat belt is
fastened while the warning
light and the beep sound are
activated.

The driver's seat belt is
fastened before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position.

The warning light
flashes and a beep
sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.

The warning light
turns off and the beep
sound stops.

The warning light will
not illuminate and the
beep sound will not be
heard.

Driver's seat

The belt minder is a supplemental
warning to the seat belt warning function.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the warning light/beep
operates to give you further reminders
according to the chart below.

Vehicle speed

Condition

Seat belt

Indicator

Beep

: Fastened
: Unfastened
: Illuminated
: Flashing
: Beep

Between 0 ― 20

km/h

(0 ― 12 mph)

20 km/h

(12 mph) or

more

Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the
seatbelt is fast ened or the beep sound
period (90 seconds) has passed.

qBelt Minder

NOTE

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

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Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

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Front passenger seat

The seat belt warning light/beep reminds
the front passenger to fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, the warning
light/beep operates to give you further
reminders according to the chart below.

Vehicle speed

Condition

Seat belt
(Driver)

Seat belt
(Passenger)

Indicator

Beep

: Fastened
: Unfastened
: Illuminated
: Flashing
: Beep

Between 0 ― 20

km/h

(0 ― 12 mph)

20 km/h

(12 mph) or

more

Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the
seatbelt is fast ened or the beep sound
period (90 seconds) has passed.

NOTE

l

To allow the front passenger seat
weight sensor to function properly,
do not place and sit on an additional
seat cushion on the front passenger
seat. The sensor may not function
properly because the additional seat
cushion could cause sensor
interference.

l

Packages or pets on the passenger
seat might give you a false warning.
If you place heavy luggage of more
than approximately 15 kg (33 lb) on
the front passenger seat, the warning
light/beep operates.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

Child Restraint Precautions

Mazda strongly urges the use of child-restraint systems for children small enough to use
them.

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 safety
of children riding in your vehicle.

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

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

A rear-facing child-res traint system should NEVER be used on the passenger seat with the
air bag system activated.
If a small child or infant in the passenger seat ― particularly a child secured in a rear­facing child-restraint system ― it is critically important that you consciously deactivate the
passenger air bag and not simply rely on the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
being turned on at all times. In a collision, the force of an air bag slamming the child­restraint system rearwards could result in death to the child even if the child is properly
belted. Be alert to the operation of the indicator light and BE SURE THE PASSENGER
AIR BAG IS ALWAYS DEACTIVATED AS INDICATED BY PASSENGER AIR BAG
DEACTIVATION INDICATOR LIGHT.

Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light

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Essential Safety Equipment

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Child Restraint

To reduce the chance of injuries caused by the deployment of the passenger air bag, there
are two methods to deactivate the passenger air bag for a child's safety as follows ―
however the surest way to avoid the passenger air bag not deploying is to use the key and
turn off the passenger air bag and not rely on the passenger seat weight sensors, which will
also detect other loads or objects on and around the passenger seat;

Passenger air bag deactivation switch

This switch should be used to deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and also the
passenger seat belt pretensioner system if installing a child-restraint system is installed on
the passenger seat.
Make sure the front passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the ON position except
when a child-restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch on page 2-30.

Passenger seat weight sensors

These sensors deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and also the passenger seat
belt pretensioner system when the total seated weight on the passenger seat is less than
approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
When an infant or small child is seated on the passenger seat, the system shuts off the
passenger air bag, so make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates.
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on page 2-36.

LATCH Child-Restraint System

We have installed lower LATCH anchor points for LATCH style booster seats and infant
carriers that work without tethers only. Any other child-restraint system that has an upper
tether cannot be used in this vehicle because there is no tether anchor. A child-restraint
system with a tether cannot be properly mounted in this vehicle unless the child restraint
manufacturer provides instructions on mounting the child-res traint system with only seat
belts in automatic locking mode. Even then, without a tether, the child-restraint system may
move forward more easily in seat belts, further degrading the safety provided if you were to
put the child restraint in a tether anchor equipped rear seat of another vehicle. The seat and
head restraint is designed for maximum adult space utilization in this vehicle. Do not try to
secure the tether to something else in the vehicle, as too much slack will result and the
serious risk of injury or death to the child. Use the seat belts to properly secure the non­tethered child-restraint systems other than the LATCH booster seats and non-tethered infant
carriers. Turn off the passenger air bag deactivation switch. To expose and use the lower
LATCH anchor points, which are affixed to the body and not the seat, slide the seat all the
way rearward which is the optimal vehicle seat position for all children in this two seat car.

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Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

WARNING

Proper Size of Child-Restraint System:
For effective protection in vehicle accidents and sudden stops, a child must be
properly restrained using a seat belt or child-restraint system depending on age and
size. 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 System
Buckled Down:
An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it
could 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-restraint
system manufacturer's instructions. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or
fasten it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH
child-restraint systems.

Holding a Child While the Vehicle is Moving:
Holding a child in your arms while the vehicle is moving is extremely dangerous. No
matter 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 other
occupants. Even in a moderate accident, the child may be exposed to air bag forces
that could result in serious injury or death to the child, or the child may be slammed
into the adult, injuring the adult. Always secure a child in a proper child-restraint
system.

Rear-Facing Child-Restraint System:
Seating a child in a rear-facing child-restraint system that is installed on the
passenger seat with the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light not illuminated
is extremely dangerous. In an accident, a air bag could inflate and cause serious
injuries or even death to the child seated in the rear-facing child-restraint system.
When using a rear-facing child-restraint system, always make sure the passenger air
bag deactivation indicator light is illuminated by using the key to turn the passenger
air bag off.
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch on page 2-30.
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on page 2-36.

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Essential Safety Equipment

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Child Restraint

WARNING

Seating Children in a Child-Restraint System on the Passenger Seat:
This vehicle is equipped with both a passenger seat weight sensor and a passenger an
air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-36). Even with the passenger seat weight
sensors, seating a child in a child-restraint system on the passenger seat under the
following conditions increases the danger of the passenger air bag deploying and
could result in serious injury or death to the child. These are among the reasons why
the passenger air bag should be turned off by using the key.

l

The total seate d weight of the child with the child-restraint system on the 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

The seat is washed.

l

Liquids are spilled on the seat.

l

The passenger seat is moved backward, and it is pushed into luggage or other items
placed behind it.

l

Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and center console.

l

Any accessories which might increa se the total seated weight on the passenger seat
are attached to the passenger seat.

Children and Seating Position with Side Air Bag:
Allowing anyone to lean over or against the door is dangerous. If the vehicle is
equipped with side air bags, the impact of an inflating side air bag could cause serious
injury or death to the person. Children are more likely to sleep in the vehicle; when
they do, they are more at risk in the passenger's seat that has a side air bag because
they may slump over into the path of the seatback-mounted air bag. Furthermore,
leaning over or against the doors could block the side air bag and eliminate the
advantages of supplemental protection. Because the side air bag deploys from the
outboard shoulder of the seat, do not allow the child to lean over or against the side
window, even if the child is seated in a child-restraint system.

One Belt, One Passenger:
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used
in this way can't spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be
crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more
than one person at a time and always operate the vehicle with each occupant properly
restrained.

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Form No.8U35-EA-05F