Mazda Repair: air bag light, supplemental restraint system, functional safety

Question
QUESTION: I just took my 1990 Miata out of mothballs. It's up and running great, but the air bag instrument panel light keeps flashing and I can't figure out how to disable it. Any thoughts? I'd rather it not come on at all than flash. We removed what was supposedly the fuse, but it kept flashing. Thanks. Cindy

ANSWER: Depending upon how many flashes you are seeing, it is trying to tell you what is wrong with the system.  It will flash a given number of times then pause then resume.  (ex. 10 stop 10 or 4 stop 6)  If you count the flashes and let me know I can tell you what it is saying.  It is not possible to disable the light without other issues.  It is a functional safety device that could possibly save your life one day so the few hundred dollars it takes to have it fully operational is a worthy expense.

service@miatashop.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It blinks ten times. The pattern is consistent. Thanks.

ANSWER: The SRS Diagnostics Module needs to be replaced it is the main brain of the system.  It costs $189.90

service@miatashop.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The main brain of what system? Am I in any danger of the car knocking out on me in the near future? Thanks

Answer
The Diagnostics Module is the "main brain" of the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) or also known as the Air Bag System.  It is unlikely that the system will deploy the air bag accidently since it has multiple redundancies.  However, the module is signaling you that it has failed and the part should be replaced for continued reliable and safe operation.

service@miatashop.com