Description & Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda B4000, 2002 Mazda B3000, and 2002 Mazda B2300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Accidental air bag deployment is possible. Personal injury may result. Read and follow all WARNINGS and AIR BAG SAFETY PRECAUTIONS before working on air bag system or related components.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), also known as air bag system, is designed to provide increased accident protection for driver and passenger by deploying air bags and front seat belt pretensioners in a front-end collision. The air bags, stored in center of steering wheel and in instrument panel above glove box, deploy in about 40 milliseconds after impact sensors close. air bag system is designed to be used with 3-point safety belts.

During a front-end collision, the air bag Restraints Control Module (RCM), or diagnostic monitor, discriminates between an event that warrants air bag deployment and an event that does not. In a crash of sufficient force, the RCM signals the air bag modules and front seat belt pretensioners to simultaneously inflate.

Air bag system includes following components: Restraints Control Module (RCM) (also known as electronic crash sensor or air bag monitor), a safing sensor (located inside the RCM), a back-up power supply (also located inside the RCM), driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, right and left front seat belt pretensioners (located in seat belt buckles), Passenger-Side Air Bag Deactivation (PAD) switch, AIR BAG warning light, clockspring and associated wiring harnesses. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS .