Mazda RX-8 Manual page 2164

Side Air Bag Sensor Handling
Removing the side air bag sensor or disconnecting the side air bag sensor connector with the ignition
•
switch at the ON position can activate the side air bag sensor and operate (deploy) the side air bag,
which may cause serious injury. Before removing the side air bag sensor or disconnecting the side air
bag sensor connector, always turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position, disconnect the negative
battery cable, and then wait for 1 min or more to allow the backup power supply of the SAS control
module to deplete its stored power.
If the side air bag sensor is subjected to shock or the sensor is disassembled, the side air bag may
•
accidentally operate (deploy) and cause injury, or the system may fail to operate normally and cause a
serious accident. Do not subject the side air bag sensor to shock or disassemble the sensor.
Because a sensor is built into the side air bag sensor, once the air bag has operated (deployed) due to a
•
collision or other causes, the side air bag sensor must be replaced with a new one even if the used one
does not have any visible external damage or deformation. If the side air bag sensor is reused, the side
air bag may not operate (deploy) normally, which could result in a serious accident. Always replace the
side air bag sensor with a new one. The side air bag sensor cannot be bench-checked or self-checked.
Pre-tensioner Seat Belt Inspection
Inspecting a pre-tensioner seat belt using a tester can operate (deploy) the pre-tensioner seat belt, which
•
may cause serious injury. Do not use a tester to inspect a pre-tensioner seat belt. Always use the on-
board diagnostic function to diagnose the pre-tensioner seat belt for malfunctions.
Air Bag System Component Disassembly
Disassembling the air bag system components could cause it to not operate (deploy) normally. Never
•
disassemble any air bag system components.
(w) RX-8 Safety
Page 3