Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction

• When the front passenger sensing system disables (will not inflate)

the front passenger frontal airbag, the indicator lamp will illuminate
and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is
disabled.

• If the child restraint has been installed and the indicator lamp is not

lit, then turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the
vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint
manufacturer’s instructions.

The front passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate)
the front passenger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a
person of adult size is sitting properly in the front passenger seat.
• When the front passenger sensing system enables the front passenger

frontal airbag (may inflate), the indicator will be unlit and stay unlit.

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, but the

⬙passenger airbag off⬙ or ⬙pass airbag off⬙ indicator lamp is lit, it is
possible that the person isn’t sitting properly in the seat. If this happens:
• Turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the

full upright position.

• Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion,

with the person’s legs comfortably extended.

• Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for

about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person
and enable the passenger’s frontal airbag.

• If the indicator lamp remains lit even after this, the person should be

advised to ride in the rear seat, and the system should be taken
promptly to an authorized Mazda dealer for repair before that seat is
occupied again.

Occupant

Pass Airbag Off
Indicator Lamp

Passenger Airbag

Empty seat

Unlit

Disabled

Small child in child
safety seat or booster

Lit

Disabled

Small child with seat
belt buckled or
unbuckled

Lit

Disabled

Adult

Unlit

Enabled

Seating and Safety Restraints

120

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: Even with Advanced Restraints Systems, children
12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating

position.

WARNING: Do not seat a child in a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat if the front passenger air bag

deactivation indicator light does not illuminate: While it is always
better to install any child-restraint system on the rear seat, it is
imperative that a child-restraint system ONLY be used on the front
passenger seat if the deactivation indicator light illuminates when the
child is seated in the child-restraint system. Seating a child in a
child-restraint system installed on the front passenger seat with the
front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light not illuminated is
dangerous. If this deactivation indicator light does not illuminate, this
means that the front passenger front and side air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner are ready for deployment. If an accident were to deploy
an air bag, a child in a child-restraint system sitting in the front
passenger seat could be seriously injured or killed. If the indicator light
does not illuminate after seating a child in a child-restraint system on
the front passenger seat, then seat a child in a child-restraint system
on the rear seat and consult an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as
possible.

After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it’s
very important that they continue to sit properly. A properly seated
occupant sits upright, leaning against the seat back, and centered on the
seat cushion, with their feet comfortably extended on the floor. Sitting
improperly can increase the chance of injury in a crash event. For
example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward,
leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of
injury during a crash is greatly increased.

WARNING: Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion

and affect the decision of the front passenger sensing system, resulting
in serious injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

Seating and Safety Restraints

121

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: Do not increase the total seated weight on the front
passenger seat that would allow the front passenger seatback to

contact the rear seat.

WARNING: Do not spill any liquids on the front seats or under
the front seats.

The front passenger sensing system may detect small or medium objects
placed on the seat cushion. For most objects that are in the front
passenger seat, the passenger airbag will be disabled. Even though the
passenger airbag is disabled, the

⬙pass airbag off⬙ lamp may or may not

be illuminated according to the table below.

Objects

Pass Airbag Off
Indicator Lamp

Passenger Airbag

Small (i.e. three-ring
binder, small purse,
bottled water)

Unlit

Disabled

Medium (i.e. heavy
briefcase, fully packed
luggage)

Lit

Disabled

Empty seat, or small
to medium object with
seat belt buckled

Lit

Disabled

If you think that the status of the passenger airbag off indicator lamp is
incorrect, check for the following:
• Objects lodged underneath the seat

• Objects between the seat cushion and the center console (if

equipped)

• Objects hanging off the seat back

• Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket (if equipped)

• Objects placed on the occupant’s lap

• Cargo interference with the seat

• Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat

• Rear passenger feet and knees resting or pushing on the seat
The conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated
occupant to be incorrectly interpreted by the front passenger sensing

Seating and Safety Restraints

122

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

system. The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or
lighter due to the conditions described in the list above.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of possible serious injury:
Do not stow objects in seat back map pocket (if equipped) or

hang objects off seat back if a child is in the front passenger seat.
Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between
the seat and the center console (if equipped).
Check Passenger Airbag Disable Indicator for proper airbag Status.
Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front
passenger seat sensing system.

In case there is a problem with the
front passenger sensing system, the
airbag readiness lamp in the
instrument cluster will stay lit.

If the airbag readiness lamp is lit, do the following:

The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that
may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering
with the seat.

If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take
the following steps to remove the obstruction:
• Pull the vehicle over.
• Turn the vehicle off.
• Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged

underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.

• Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).
• Restart the vehicle.
• Wait at least 2 minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is no

longer illuminated

• If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not

be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.

DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle
immediately to an authorized Mazda dealer. Ask the front seat occupant
to sit in a rear seat until the air bag system if checked by the authorized
Mazda Dealer.

If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Mazda Customer

Seating and Safety Restraints

123

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer
Assistance section of this Owner’s Manual.

WARNING: Any alteration/modification to the front passenger
seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing

system.

Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Airbag readiness
section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the
airbag is not required.
A malfunction with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
• The readiness light will either

flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not

illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beep sounds will be heard. The tone pattern will

repeat periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your authorized Mazda dealership immediately.

WARNING: Unless serviced, the system may not function
properly in the event of a collision.

Seat-mounted side airbag system

WARNING: Do not place objects or mount equipment on or
near the airbag cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front

seats or in front seat areas that may come into contact with a
deploying airbag. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the
risk of personal injury in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not use accessory seat covers or non-Mazda
leather seat upgrade kits. The use of accessory seat covers and

kits may prevent the deployment of the side airbags and increase the
risk of injury in an accident.

Seating and Safety Restraints

124

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag
could injure you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the
airbag SRS, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an

airbag. See an authorized dealer.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle should always wear
their seat belts even when an airbag SRS is provided.

How does the side airbag system work?

The design and development of the
side airbag system included
recommended testing procedures
that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as
the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of
side airbags.

The side airbag system consists of
the following:
• An inflatable bag (airbag) with a

gas generator concealed behind
the outboard bolster of the driver
and front passenger seatbacks.

• A special seat cover designed to

allow airbag deployment.

• The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used

for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors located on the lower portion of the b-pillar (one on

each side of the vehicle).

Side airbags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce the risk of
severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact collision.

Seating and Safety Restraints

125

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

The side airbags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the airbag on the side affected by
the collision will be inflated. The airbag was designed to inflate between
the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection provided
occupants in side impact collisions.

The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates airbag inflation.

The fact that the airbags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side airbags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal or
near-frontal collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral
deceleration.

WARNING: Several airbag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the side
airbag has deployed, the

airbag will not function again. The
side airbag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by an authorized dealer.
If the airbag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.

Determining if the side airbags are operational

First determine you have the optional side airbags - locate the “AIRBAG

⬙

labels on the outboard sides of the front seats.

The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Airbag readiness
section in the Instrument cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the
side airbag is not required.

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light as for front airbag system) will either

flash or stay lit.

Seating and Safety Restraints

126

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is

turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not
function properly in the event of a collision.

Side-curtain airbag system

WARNING: Do not place
objects or mount equipment

on or near the headliner at the
siderail that may come into
contact with a deploying
side-curtain airbags. Failure to
follow these instructions may
increase the risk of personal injury
in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not lean your head on the door or window glass.
The side-curtain airbags could injure you as it deploys from the

headliner.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the
side-curtain airbags, fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or the

headliner on a vehicle containing side-curtain airbags. See your
authorized Mazda dealer.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle including the driver
should always wear their seat belts even when an airbag SRS and

side-curtain airbags are provided.

WARNING: To reduce risk of injury, do not obstruct or place
objects in the deployment path of the inflatable side-curtain

airbags.

Seating and Safety Restraints

127

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: Serious injury could occur if rear seat occupants
grab the side of the front seatbacks.

How do the side-curtain airbags work?

The design and development of the
side air curtain system included
recommended testing procedures
that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as
the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of
side airbags (including side air
curtain systems).

The side-curtain airbags consists of
the following:
• An inflatable curtain with a gas

generator concealed behind the
headliner and above the doors
(one on each side of vehicle).

• A headliner designed to flex open

above the side doors to allow side-curtain airbag deployment.

• The same warning light, electronic control and diagnostic unit as used

for the front airbags.

• Two crash sensors mounted at lower B-Pillar (one on each side).
• Two crash sensors located at the c-pillar behind the rear doors (one

on each side).

• Rollover sensor in the restraints control module (RCM).
The side-curtain airbags, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce
the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact
collision or rollover event.

Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in
the rear seats. The side-curtain airbags will not interfere with children
restrained using a properly installed child or booster seat because it is
designed to inflate downward from the headliner above the doors along
the side window opening.

Seating and Safety Restraints

128

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

The side-curtain airbags are designed to activate when the vehicle
sustains lateral deceleration sufficient to cause the RCM to initiate
side-curtain airbag inflation or when a certain likelihood of a rollover
event is detected by the rollover sensor.

The side-curtain airbags are mounted to roof side-rail sheet metal,
behind the headliner, above the first and second row seats. In certain
lateral collisions or rollover events, the side-curtain airbags will be
activated, regardless of which seats are occupied. In certain rollover
events, the side-curtain airbag on both sides of the vehicle will be
inflated, regardless of which seats are occupied. The side-curtain airbags
are designed to inflate between the side window area and occupants to
further enhance protection provided in side impact collisions and rollover
events.

The fact that the side-curtain airbags did not activate in a collision does
not mean that there is a malfunction with the system. Rather, it means
the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. The
side-curtain airbags are designed to inflate in certain side impact
collisions or rollover events, not in rear impact, frontal or near-frontal
collisions, unless the collision causes sufficient lateral deceleration or
rollover likelihood.

WARNING: Several
side-curtain airbag

components get hot after inflation.
Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the side-curtain airbags have deployed, the
side-curtain airbags will not function again unless replaced. The

side-curtain airbags (including the A, B and C pillar trim) must be
inspected and serviced by a authorized dealer in accordance with the
vehicle workshop manual. If the side-curtain airbags are not replaced,
the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Seating and Safety Restraints

129

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Determining if the side-curtain airbags are operational

A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light as for front airbag system) will either

flash or stay lit.

• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is

turned on.

• A series of five beep sounds will be heard. The tone pattern will

repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your authorized Mazda dealership immediately. Unless serviced, the
system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

The system automatically flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the
horn three times at four second intervals in the event of a serious impact
that deploys an airbag (front, side, side curtain or Safety Canopy

威) or

the seat belt pretensioners.

The system can be turned off when any one of the following actions are
taken by the driver or any other person:
• pressing the hazard control button,
• or pressing the panic button on the remote entry transmitter.
The feature will continue to operate until the vehicle runs out of power.

Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles

For disposal of seat belt pretensioners, airbags, or airbag equipped
vehicles, see your authorized Mazda dealership. Airbags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.

WARNING: Disposing of an airbag can be dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury can result. Ask an

Authorized Mazda dealer how to safely dispose of an airbag or how to
scrap an airbag equipped vehicle.

Seating and Safety Restraints

130

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children. Also see Airbag supplemental restraint system
(SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using airbags.

Important child restraint precautions

WARNING: Always make sure your child is secured properly in
a device that is appropriate for their height, age and weight.

Child safety restraints must be purchased separately from the vehicle.
Failure to follow these instructions and guidelines may result in an
increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

WARNING: All children are shaped differently. The
Recommendations for Safety Restraints are based on probable

child height, age and weight thresholds from NHTSA and other safety
organizations or are the minimum requirements of law. Mazda
recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician (CPST) and consult your pediatrician to make sure your
child seat is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and
properly installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station
and CPST contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the
internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local
St. John Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further
information, contact your provincial ministry of transportation, your
local St. John Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, or Transport
Canada at 1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca). Failure to properly
restrain children in safety seats made especially for their height, age,
and weight may result in an increased risk of serious injury or death to
your child.

Seating and Safety Restraints

131

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Child size, height, weight, or age

Recommended
restraint type

Infants or
toddlers

Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or
less (generally age four or younger)

Use a child safety
seat (sometimes
called an infant
carrier, convertible
seat, or toddler seat).

Small
children

Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a child safety
seat (generally children who are
less than 4 feet 9 inches
(1.45 meters) tall, are greater than
age four (4) and less than age
twelve (12), and between 40 lb
(18 kg) and 80 lb (36 kg) and
upward to 100 lb (45 kg) if
recommended by your child
restraint manufacturer)

Use a belt-positioning
booster seat.

Larger
children

Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a
belt-positioning booster seat
(generally children who are at least
4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall or
greater than 80 lb (36 kg) or 100 lb
(45 kg) if recommended by child
restraint manufacturer)

Use a vehicle seat
belt having the lap
belt snug and low
across the hips,
shoulder belt
centered across the
shoulder and chest,
and seatback upright.

• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and

toddlers in the U.S. and Canada.

• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved

booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 ft 9 in.
(1.45 meters) tall, or 80 lb (36 kg). Check your local and state or
provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of
children in your vehicle.

Seating and Safety Restraints

132

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

• When possible, always properly restrain children twelve (12) years of

age and under in a rear seating position of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in a front seating position.

Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children

Restraint
Type

Child

Weight

Use any attachment method as indicated

below by “X”

LATCH
(lower
anchors
and
top
tether
anchor)

LATCH
(lower
anchors
only)

Seat
belt
and
top
tether
anchor

Seat belt
and
LATCH
(lower
anchors
and top
tether
anchor)

Seat
belt
only

Rear
facing
child seat

Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)

Forward
facing
child seat

Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)

Forward
facing
child seat

Over
48 lb
(21 kg)

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.
NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.

If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the
vehicle seat all the way back. When possible, all children age 12 and
under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. If all
children cannot be seated and restrained properly in a rear seating
position, properly restrain the largest child in the front seat.

Seating and Safety Restraints

133

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING: Always carefully follow the instructions and
warnings provided by the manufacturer of any child restraint to

determine if the restraint device is appropriate for your child’s size,
height, weight, or age. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s
instructions and warnings provided for installation and use in
conjunction with the instructions and warnings provided by the vehicle
manufacturer. A safety seat that is improperly installed or utilized, is
inappropriate for your child’s height, age, or weight or does not
properly fit the child may increase the risk of serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap
while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision, which may result in serious injury or
death.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child.
They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or

death in a collision.

WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster
seat. These objects may become projectiles in a collision or

sudden stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder
belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces

the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk
of injury or death in a collision.

WARNING: Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.

Transporting children

Always make sure your child is secured properly in a device that is
appropriate for their age, height and weight. All children are shaped
differently. The child height, age and weight thresholds provided are
recommendations or the minimum requirements of law. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides education and

Seating and Safety Restraints

134

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

training to ensure that all children ages 0 to 16 are properly restrained in
the correct restraint system. Mazda recommends checking with a NHTSA
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and your
pediatrician to make sure your seat is appropriate for your child and
properly installed in the vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station and
CPST contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the internet
at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local St. John
Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further information,
contact your provincial ministry of transportation, your local St. John
Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, or Transport Canada at
1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca).

Follow all the safety restraint and airbag precautions that apply to adult
passengers in your vehicle.

If the child is the proper height, age, and weight (as specified by your
child safety seat or booster manufacturer), fits the restraint and can be
restrained properly, then restrain the child in the child safety seat or
with the belt-positioning booster. Remember that child seats and
belt-positioning boosters vary and may be designed to fit children of
different heights, ages and weights. Children who are too large for child
safety seats or belt-positioning boosters (as specified by your child safety
seat manufacturer) should always properly wear seat belts.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Infant and/or toddler seats

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the
child.

When installing a child safety seat:
• Review and follow the information

presented in the Airbag
supplemental restraint system
(SRS) section in this chapter.

• Carefully follow all of the

manufacturer’s instructions
included with the safety seat you
put in your vehicle. If you do not
install and use the safety seat
properly, the child may be injured
in a sudden stop or collision.

Seating and Safety Restraints

135

2011 Tribute (j14)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Mazda Tribute (2011 year). Instruction - part 8