2002 Mazda Tribute Owner's Manual - Page 115

Seating and Safety Restraints WARNING: 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 air bags room to work by sitting in the center of the seat while the vehicle is moving with seat belts worn properly. WARNING: 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 accidently deploy and that the seats retain an undamaged air bag connection. WARNING: Disposing of an air bag can be dangerous. Unless all safety procedures are followed, injury can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer how to safely dispose of an air bag or how to scrap an air bag equipped vehicle. WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag Supplemental Restraint System, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an air bag. See your authorized Mazda dealer. 115