2004 Mazda MPV Owner's Manual - Page 35

Essential Safety Equipment Seats M Third-Row Seat and Open Liftgate Position NOTE WARNING Rear Facing Third-Row Seat and a Moving Vehicle: Driving with the third-row seat facing rearward is dangerous because the liftgate cannot be securely closed. During sudden braking or a collision, passengers could be thrown out of the vehicle resulting in serious injury or death. Passengers seated facing rearward may suffer leg and foot injury even down a driveway or with a minor dip in the road. Place the thirdrow seat in the forward-facing position with the seatback upright before driving the vehicle. Support Bar: Sitting in the rear-facing, third-row seat position without installing the support bar is dangerous. Without the support of the bar, the seatback could collapse resulting in injury. Always install the support bar before sitting in the rear-facing, third-row seat position. Third-Row Seat and the Flat-Folding Strap: Pulling the flat-folding strap with the third-row seat facing rearward is dangerous. The seatback will collapse into the seat bottom and could result in injury. Do not pull the flat-folding strap with the third-row seat facing rearward. • Remove cargo from the seat well area before placing the third-row seat in the rear-facing position to avoid damaging the back of the seatback when it is folded down. • Adjust the seatback to the upright position when the third-row seat is facing rearward. To put the third-row seat in the rear facing position: 1. Open the liftgate. 2. Clean the rear bumper so that dirt the seat does not get soiled. 3. Clear away all cargo from the seat well. 4. Remove the head restraints. 5. Pull strap B while supporting the seatback with the other hand and carefully ease the seatback rearward and carefully ease the seatback rearward onto the rear bumper. Strap B 6. Go inside the vehicle and to the rear. 2-26