Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual — part 3

2-28

Child Restraint

▼ If You Must Use the Front Seat

for Children

If you cannot put all children in the rear
seat, at least put the smallest in the rear
and be sure the largest child up front uses
the shoulder belt over the shoulder.
Do not put rear-facing child-restraint
systems on the front passenger’s seat.
This seat is also not set up for tethered
child-restraint systems, put them in one of
the three rear seat positions set up with
tether anchors.
Don’t allow anyone to sleep against the
right front door if you have an optional
side air bag, it could cause serious injuries
to an out of position occupant. As
children more often sleep in cars, it is
better to put them in the rear seat. If
installing the child-restraint system on the
front seat is unavoidable, follow these
instructions when using a front-facing
child-restraint system in the front
passenger’s seat.

NOTE

To check if your Mazda front seats
have side air bags:
Every Mazda side air bag will have a
"SRS-Air Bag" label on the outboard
shoulder of the front seats.

Front Passenger’s Seat Position:
As your vehicle has front air bags and
doubly so because your vehicle has
side air bags, a front-facing child-
restraint system should be put on the
front seat only when it is unavoidable.
Always move the seat as far back as
possible, because the force of a
deploying air bag could cause serious
injury or death to the child.

Rear-Facing Child-Restraint System:
Rear-facing child-restraint systems
on the front seat are particularly
dangerous.
The child-restraint system can be hit
by a deploying air bag and moved
violently backward resulting in
serious injury or death to the child.
NEVER use a rear-facing child-
restraint system in the front seat with
an air bag that could deploy.

WARNING

2-29

Child Restraint

▼ Front Passenger’s Seat Child-

Restraint System Installation

1. Slide the seat as far back as possible.

2. Secure the child-restraint system with

the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.
See the instructions on the child-
restraint system for belt routing
instructions.

3. To get the retractor into the automatic

locking mode, pull the shoulder belt
portion of the seat belt until the entire
length of the belt is out of the retractor.

4. Push the child-restraint system firmly

into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt
retracts as snugly as possible. Clicking
from the retractor will be heard during
retraction if the system is in automatic
locking mode. If the belt does not lock
the seat down tight, repeat this step.

Children and Seating Position with
Side Air Bag:
Allowing anyone to lean over or
against the front 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 front 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. With the
front air bag and the additional side
air bag that comes out of the front
seat, the rear seat is always a better
location for children who are prone to
sleeping. If a child can’t be seated in
the rear, do not allow the child to lean
over or against the front door, even if
the child is seated in a child-restraint
system.

WARNING

2-30

Child Restraint

NOTE

• Inspect this function before each

use of the child-restraint system.
You should not be able to pull the
shoulder belt out of the retractor
while the system is in the automatic
locking mode. When you remove
the child-restraint system, be sure
the belt fully retracts to return the
system to emergency locking mode
before occupants use the seat belts.

• Follow the child-restraint system

manufacturer’s instruction carefully.
Depending on the type of child-
restraint system, it may not employ
seat belts which are in automatic
locking mode.

2-31

Child Restraint

Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially designed
LATCH child-restraint systems in the rear seat. Both anchors must be used, otherwise the
seat will bounce around and put the child in danger. Some LATCH child-restraint systems
must also be used in conjunction with a tether to be effective. If they have a tether you must
use it to better assure your child’s safety.

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems

Manufacturer’s Instructions for Child-Restraint System:
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
the child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraint
system manufacturer’s instructions.

Attaching Two Child-Restraint Systems to the Same LATCH Lower Anchor:
Attaching two child-restraint systems to the same LATCH lower anchor is dangerous.
In a collision, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold two child-restraint system
attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death. If you use the seat
position for another child-restraint system when an outboard LATCH position is
occupied, use the center seat belts instead, and the tether if tether-equipped.

Unsecured Child-Restraint System:
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. Follow the
child-restraint system manufacturer’s instructions on belt routing to secure the seat
just as you would with a child in it so that nobody is tempted to put a child in an
improperly secured seat later on. 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.

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems:
Not following the child-restraint system manufacturer’s instructions when installing
the child-restraint system is dangerous. If seat belts or a foreign object prevent the
child-restraint system from being securely attached to the LATCH lower anchors and
the child-restraint system is installed improperly, the child-restraint system could
move in a sudden stop or collision causing serious injury or death to the child or other
occupants. When installing the child-restraint system, make sure there are no seat
belts or foreign objects near or around the LATCH lower anchors. Always follow the
child-restraint system manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING

2-32

Child Restraint

▼ Child-Restraint System

Installation Procedure (Rear
Outboard Seats)

1. Expand the area between the seat

bottom and the seatback slightly to
verify the locations of the LATCH
lower anchors.

2. Secure the child-restraint system using

BOTH LATCH lower anchors,
following the child-restraint system
manufacturer’s instruction.

3. If your child-restraint system came

equipped with a tether, that probably
means it is very important to properly
secure the tether for child safety, please
carefully follow the child-restraint
system manufacturer’s instructions
when installing tethers.

NOTE

The markings above the LATCH lower
anchors indicate the locations of
LATCH lower anchors for the
attachment of a child-restraint system.

For rear
right seat

For rear left seat

LATCH
lower anchor

Marking

Sedan

For rear right seat

For rear left seat

Cover

Open

Tether strap

Sedan

Anchor
bracket

Hatchback
(Outboard position)

For rear left seat

2-33

Child Restraint

▼ Child-Restraint System

Installation Procedure (Rear
Center Seat)

The LATCH lower anchors at the center
of the rear seat are much further apart than
the sets of LATCH lower anchors for
child-restraint system installation at other
seating positions. Child-restraint systems
with rigid LATCH attachments cannot be
installed on the center seating position.
Some LATCH equipped child-restraint
systems can be placed in the center
position and will reach the nearest
LATCH lower anchors which are 400 mm
(15.75 in) apart. LATCH compatible
child-restraint systems (with attachments
on belt webbing) can be used at this
seating position only if the child-restraint
system instructions state that the child-
restraint system can be installed to
LATCH lower anchors that are 400 mm
(15.75 in) apart. Do not attach two child-
restraint systems to the same LATCH
lower anchor. If any child-restraint system
has a tether, it must be used also for your
child’s optimum safety.

Child-Restraint Tether Usage:
Using the tether to secure anything
but a child-restraint system is
dangerous. This could weaken or
damage the tether or tether anchor
and result in injury. Use the tether
and tether anchor only for a child-
restraint system.

Incorrect Positioning of the Tether
Strap (Hatchback):
Positioning the tether strap on top of
the head restraint is dangerous. In a
collision, the head restraint could
bend or break. This will cause the
strap to loosen. The child-restraint
system could move and injure the
child or someone else. Always
position the tether strap between the
head restraint and the seatback.

Anchor
bracket

Hatchback
(Outboard position)

WARNING

2-34

Child Restraint

1. Expand the area between the seat

bottom and the seatback slightly to
verify the locations of the LATCH
lower anchors.

2. Secure the child-restraint system using

BOTH LATCH lower anchors,
following the child-restraint system
manufacturer’s instructions.

3. If your child-restraint system came

equipped with a tether, that probably
means it is very important to properly
secure the tether for child safety, please
carefully follow the child-restraint
system manufacturer’s instructions
when installing tethers.

NOTE

The markings above the LATCH lower
anchors indicate the locations of
LATCH lower anchors for the
attachment of a child-restraint system.

For rear center seat

LATCH
lower anchor

Marking

Sedan

For rear center seat

Cover

Open

Tether strap

Sedan

Anchor
bracket

Hatchback
(Center position)

For rear center seat

2-35

Child Restraint

Child-Restraint Tether Usage:
Using the tether to secure anything
but a child-restraint system is
dangerous. This could weaken or
damage the tether or tether anchor
and result in injury. Use the tether
and tether anchor only for a child-
restraint system.

Anchor
bracket

Hatchback
(Center position)

WARNING

2-36

SRS Air Bags

Read this owner’s manual carefully to verify what air bags (driver-side air bag, passenger-
side air bag, side air bags) are equipped in your vehicle.

The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include 4 air bags (verify "SRS
AIR BAG" location indicator marks).
They are located in:

• The steering wheel hub
• The passenger side dashboard
• The outboard sides of the front seatbacks

These systems operate independently depending on the type of accident encountered; if
you have side air bags, the side air bags are not likely to deploy on both sides in the same
accident because a vehicle is not often hit from both sides. The side air bags work together
but they and the frontal air bag system will not normally deploy during the same type of
accident unless a combination of frontal and side impacts occur.

The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide only supplemental
protection only in the front seats in a few modes, so seat belts become important in the
following ways:

Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.
Seat belt usage is necessary to:
• Keep the passenger away from an inflating air bag.
• Reduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag

inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.

• Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal or side collisions that are not severe enough

to activate the air bags.

• Reduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.
• Reduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the

air bags provide no protection to these parts.

• Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions

2-37

SRS Air Bags

Small children, those under 18 kg (40 lb), should be protected by a child-restraint system
(page 2-22).
Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow the
installation directions in this Owner’s Manual as well as the child-restraint system
manufacturer’s instructions.

Air Bags without Seat Belts:
Depending only on the air bags for protection during an accident is dangerous.
Alone, air bags may not prevent serious injuries. The appropriate air bags can be
expected to inflate only in collisions with frontal, near frontal or side forces that are at
least moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belts.

Child in the Front Seat:
Placing a child, 12 years or under, in the front seat is dangerous. The child could be
hit by a deploying air bag and be seriously injured or even killed. A sleeping child is
more likely to lean against the door and be hit by the side air bag in a moderate, right-
side collision. Whenever possible, always secure a child 12 years and under on the
rear seat with an appropriate child-restraint system for the child’s age and size.

Rear-Facing Child-Restraint System:
Rear-facing child-restraint systems on the front seat are particularly dangerous.
The child-restraint system can be hit by a deploying air bag and moved violently
backward resulting in serious injury or death to the child. NEVER use a rear-facing
child-restraint system in the front seat with an air bag that could deploy.

Seating Position with Front Air Bags:
Sitting too close to the air bag storage compartments or placing hands or feet on them
is extremely dangerous. Front Air bags inflate with great force and speed. Serious
injuries could occur if someone is too close. The driver should always hold onto only
the rim of the steering wheel. The front seat passenger should keep both feet on the
floor. Front seat occupants should adjust their seats as far back as possible and
always sit upright against the seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.

WARNING

Deploying air bag

2-38

SRS Air Bags

Seating Position with Side Air Bags:
Sitting too close to the side air bag storage compartments or placing hands on them is
extremely dangerous. A side air bag inflates with great force and speed directly out of
the outboard shoulder of the front seat and expands along the front door on the side
the car is hit.
Serious injury could occur if someone is sitting too close to the door or leaning
against a window in the front seats or if rear seat occupants grab the sides of the front
seatbacks. Furthermore, sleeping up against the door or hanging out the driver’s-side
window while driving could block the side air bag and eliminate the advantages of
supplemental protection. Give the side airbags room to work by sitting in the center of
the seat while the vehicle is moving with seat belts worn properly.

Front Air Bag Storage Areas:
Attaching an object to a front air bag storage area or placing something in front of it
is dangerous. In an accident, the object could interfere with front air bag inflation
and injure the occupants.
Always keep the front air bag storage areas free of objects.

Side Air Bag Storage Areas:
Attaching things to the front seat in such a way as to cover the outboard side of the
seat in any way is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with the side
air bag, which inflates from the outboard side of the front seats, impeding the added
protection of the side air bag system or redirecting the air bag in a way that is
dangerous. Furthermore, the bag could be cut open spewing exhaust.
Do not hang net bags, map pouches or back pads with side straps on the front seats.
Never use seat covers on the front seats. Always keep the side air bag storage areas in
your front seats free to deploy in the event of a side collision.

Hot Air Bag Inflators:
Hot air bag inflators are dangerous. Immediately after inflation, the inflators in the
steering wheel, dashboard or the seatbacks are very hot. You could get burned. Don’t
touch the internal components of the air bag storage areas after the bags have
inflated.

WARNING

2-39

SRS Air Bags

Installation of Front-End Equipment:
Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar,
bull bar, push bar, etc.), snowplow, or winches, is dangerous. The air bag crash sensor
system could be affected. This could cause air bags to inflate unexpectedly, or it could
prevent the air bags from inflating during an accident. Front occupants could be
seriously injured. Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle.

Suspension Adjustment:
Adjusting the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle’s height or the
suspension is changed, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collision
resulting in incorrect or unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of serious
injuries.

Modification of the Supplemental Restraint System:
Modifying the components or wiring of the supplemental restraint system is
dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Don’t make any
modifications to the supplemental restraint system. This includes installing trim,
badges, or anything else over the air bag storage areas. It also includes installing
extra electric equipment on or near system components or wiring. An Authorized
Mazda Dealer can provide the special care needed in the removal and installation of
front seats. It is important to protect the side air bag wiring and connections to assure
that the bags do not accidentally deploy and that the seats retain an undamaged air
bag connection.

To prevent damage to the side air bag wiring, don’t place luggage or other objects under
the front seats.

NOTE

• When an air bag deploys, a loud inflation noise can be heard and some smoke will be

released. Neither is likely to cause injury, however, the texture of the air bags may
cause light skin injuries on body parts not covered with clothing through friction.

• Should you sell your Mazda, we urge you to tell the new owner of its air bag systems

and that familiarization with all instructions about them, from the Owner’s Manual, is
important.

WARNING

CAUTION

2-40

SRS Air Bags

The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:
• The air bag system with inflators and air bags.
• The electric system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.
The air bags are mounted in the following locations: the center of the steering wheel, the
passenger-side of the dashboard, and in the outboard sides of the front seatbacks. They are
out of sight until activated.

▼ How the Air Bags Work

When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal or side impact of greater than moderate force,
an electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the air bags and after the inflation, the air bags quickly
deflate.
The air bags will function only once. After that, the air bags will not work again and
must be replaced.
Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the systems.

Air Bag System Description

Inflators and air bags

Side crash sensor

Inflator and air bag

Side crash sensor

Inflator and air bag

Crash sensors and
diagnostic module
(SAS unit)

The side air bag will deploy only on the side
the vehicle receives the force of the impact.

2-41

SRS Air Bags

▼ Air Bag Activation/Deactivation

Front air bag activation

A greater than moderate impact will cause the front air bags to inflate in the following
cases:

Hitting a solid wall straight on at greater
than about 22 km/h (14 mph).

Frontal impact within about a 30 degree
range from head-on to the vehicle.

Driving into a big hole or hitting the far
side of a hole.

Hitting a curb, pavement edge or hard
object.

Landing hard or the vehicle falling.

2-42

SRS Air Bags

Limitations to front air bag activation

Depending on the severity of impact, the front air bags may not inflate in the following
cases:

Non-activation of front air bags

Front air bags will not normally inflate in the following cases:

Impacts involving trees or poles cause severe
cosmetic damage but may not have enough
impact to activate the air bag.

Rear-ending or running under a truck's tail
gate may not provide the stopping force
necessary for air bag deployment.

Frontal offset impact to the vehicle may not
provide the stopping force necessary for air
bag deployment.

Collision from the rear.

Impact to the side, but it may deploy a side
air bag.

Vehicle roll-over, may deploy the side air
bag(s) but not the front air bags.

2-43

SRS Air Bags

Side air bag activation

Greater than moderate impact to one side of the vehicle (driver or passenger side areas) will
cause a side air bag to inflate, but it will not normally deploy the front air bags.

Limitations to side air bag activation

Depending on the severity of impact, a side air bag may not inflate in the following cases:

Side impacts involving trees or poles can
cause severe cosmetic damage but may not
have enough impact force to activate a side
air bag.

Side impacts with two-wheeled vehicles
may not provide enough force to deploy a
side air bag.

Vehicle roll-over may not provide enough
side force to deploy the side air bags.

Frontal offset impact may not provide
enough side impact to deploy a side air bag.