Possible Causes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
An AIR BAG warning light that does not illuminate may be caused by SAS control module malfunction, instrument cluster (print plate) malfunction or short to ground in wiring harness between instrument cluster and SAS control module.
- Inspect other warning & indicator lights in instrument cluster
Turn ignition switch to ON position. If other warning and indicator lights illuminate in instrument cluster, turn ignition switch to LOCK position and go to next step. If other warning and indicator lights DO NOT illuminate, inspect instrument cluster power supply and ground system. Repair as necessary. Go to step 4 . - Check SAS control module
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Remove steering column cover and disconnect clockspring connector. Remove glove box and disconnect passenger-side air bag module connectors. Disconnect right and left side air bag module connectors. See SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect right and left side curtain air bag module connectors. See SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove right and left rear door lower trims and disconnect seat belt pretensioner connectors. See SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Partially peel back floor covering and disconnect all SAS control module connectors. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Inspect AIR BAG warning light. If AIR BAG warning light is illuminated, replace SAS control module. See SAS CONTROL MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. If AIR BAG warning light is not illuminated, go to next step.NOTE: Shake wiring harness and connector while performing the following test to determine if intermittent malfunction exists. If problem is detected, ensure all connectors, terminals and wiring harness are properly connected. - Inspect wiring harness between SAS control module & instrument cluster for short to ground
Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disable air bag system. Access instrument cluster and disconnect instrument cluster connector No. 1. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure continuity between ground and instrument cluster connector No. 2, terminal No. 2K. See Fig 1 . If continuity exists, replace wiring harness between SAS control module and instrument cluster. Go to next step. If continuity does not exist, replace instrument cluster. Go to next step. - Verify repair
Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disable air bag system. Reconnect all disconnected air bag system connectors. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Inspect AIR BAG warning light. If AIR BAG warning light operates normally, troubleshooting is complete. If AIR BAG warning light does not operate normally, verify symptom malfunction, go to step 1 and repeat troubleshooting procedure.