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 is continuously illuminated may be caused by weak battery, SAS control module malfunction, instrument cluster (print plate) malfunction, disconnected SAS control module, poor connection at instrument cluster connector No. 2, open or short to power in wiring harness between instrument cluster and SAS control module, poor connection at SAS control module connector No. 1, terminals 1T, 1X and/or 1W, poor connection between ground and SAS control module connector No. 1, terminals 1X and ground, or poor connection between battery and SAS control module connector No. 1, terminal 1W.
- Inspect battery
Measure voltage between positive and negative battery terminals. If voltage is more than 9 volts, go to next step. If voltage is less than 9 volts, inspect charging system and repair as necessary. Go to step 9 . - Check SAS control module connection
Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING SYSTEM under DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Lift up floor covering and ensure SAS control module connectors are fully connected. If SAS control module connectors are fully connected, go to next step. If SAS control module connectors are not fully connected, reconnect connector. Go to step 9 .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 continuity
Turn ignition to LOCK position. 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. Disconnect instrument cluster connector No. 1. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Measure continuity between SAS control module connector No. 1, terminal No. 1T and instrument cluster connector No. 2, terminal No. 2K. See Figure & Fig 1 . If continuity exists, go to next step. If continuity does not exist, replace wiring harness between SAS control module and instrument cluster. Go to step 9 .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 power
Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Measure voltage between ground and instrument cluster connector No. 2, terminal No. 2K. If voltage is more than 9 volts, replace wiring harness between SAS control module and instrument cluster. Go to step 9 . If voltage is less than 9 volts, go to next step. - Inspect AIR BAG warning light circuit for malfunction
Connect jumper wire between ground and instrument cluster connector No. 2, terminal No. 2K. Inspect AIR BAG warning light. If AIR BAG warning light illuminates with ignition switch in ON position, replace instrument cluster. Go to step 9 . If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate with ignition switch in ON position, go to next step. - Inspect SAS power supply circuit
Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disable air bag system. Reconnect all air bag system connectors. Using scan tool, inspect voltage for PID/DATA monitor RCM-VOLT. See PID/DATA MONITOR & RECORD under DIAGNOSTICS. If voltage is more than 9 volts, go to step 8 . If voltage is less than 9 volts, go to next step. - Inspect wiring harness between battery & fuse block
Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Measure voltage between ground and instrument cluster connector No. 1, terminal No. 1X. If voltage is more than 9 volts, go to next step. Go to step 9 . If voltage is less than 9 volts, replace wiring harness between battery and fuse block. Go to step 9 . - Inspect SAS control unit ground circuit
Turn ignition to LOCK position. 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. Disconnect right and left side curtain air bag module connectors. Remove right and left rear door lower trims and disconnect seat belt pretensioner connectors. Partially peel back floor covering and disconnect all SAS control module connectors. Measure for voltage or open between ground and SAS control module connector No. 1, terminal No. 1X. If short to power or open is detected, replace wiring harness. If short to power or open is not detected, replace SAS control module. - Verify repair
Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disable air bag system. Reconnect all disconnected air bag system connectors and install removed trim and components. 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, go to step 1 and repeat troubleshooting procedure.