QuestionThe airbag light on my '96 Miata is continuously illuminated. I called a Mazda tech and he said it should flash a certain # of times to identify the problem. Mine does not - it is a steady light, in fact, it will go off after I start the car, and not return for 30-45 secs. I considered going to the trouble of removing the control module deep in the dash and sending it to be repaired/reprogrammed but the tech I talk to at airbagsystems.com said my problem did not sound like a bad module. The Mazda tech said he could run a diag on the computer to look for codes for $100 which may or may not ID the problem. Not sure what to do, but any guidance would be appreciated!
AnswerA solid on MIL state indicates the SAS unit has failed. A new SAS is about $600.
The SAS unit on the 1996 Miata is a solid state device. The entire system is comprised of the SAS unit (main control, under center dash), the clock spring (steering column to wheel connection), the driver's bag module and the passenger's bag module.
There was a recall on the SAS unit in 1995 and 1996 (check your actual production date, driver's door jamb label), attached is the recall notice which may or may not apply to you. The recall campaign may have expired but, it's worth a phone call, maybe several.
My advice, don't trust used or "rebuilt" air bag controls. They control explosive devices. It's your face, dash and windshield (that's right, the passenger bag dash door goes through the windshield) that will pay the ultimate price if the system is not repaired properly. These are not the newer "Smart Systems" a deployment either as normal operation or accidental discharge fires both bags at the same time. Safety devices are one area you don't skimp and save on. I highly recommend the system be serviced by a trained technician, extreme caution is advised and use of proper ground straps is required to avoid a static charge deployment.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V004000
Component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:AIR BAG
Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 90001
Year: 1995
Make: MAZDA
Model: MIATA
Manufactured From: JUL 1994 To: JUN 1995
Year of Recall: '00
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary:
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with the SAS sensor unit. These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Dealers will replace the SAS sensor units. Mazda has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
service@miatashop.com
