2003 Mazda Protege Owner's Manual - Page 51

J39L_EA.book Page 40 Saturday, June 8, 2002 5:35 PM Essential Safety Equipment SRS Air Bags Air Bag System Description 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. Inflator and air bag Inflators and air bags Side crash sensor Crash sensors and diagnostic module (SAS unit) Inflator and air bag Side crash sensor M 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. The side air bag will deploy only on the side the vehicle receives the force of the impact. 2-40 Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G