hi, We have a mark 2 model 05 plate. We are expecting our first baby in approx 6 weeks (although the car is really the wifes 1st baby).
We are getting conflicting advice from Mazda - we know there is no way to easily disable the passenger air bag and it has to be done as a “one off permanent” disablement.
I saw a post on here a few weeks ago where someone had had their air bag disabled and understandably had to sign a disclaimer - Mazda are telling us that they can not do this as it is against european rules blah blah blah. Cant believe this is true as presumably it would not be allowed to drive cars without air bags or to give the facility for the driver to switch it off in more modern cars.
Mazda told us there was a baby seat for £90.00 that has a chip in it that disables the air bag when it is put in the vehicle - this is now unavailable and the replacement model now costs £200.00!!!.
Can someone confirm if our model MX5 has the electronics to detect the maxda baby car seat without any additional electronics being required. I am a bit cynical and don’t believe there would be and Mazda are either confused or “deliberately” misleading us.
We have a newish car seat for our sensible boring car and want to disable the air bag at the cars next service (next week) so we can use it in the MX5
Anyone had similar experience or can add any info? and if the only solution is to buy the £200 seat, why arent there lots for sale (they only last 12 months) on ebay and mazda sites?
Thanks for taking the time to read and would really appreciate any responses.
Many Thanks
Isn’t it against the law to put a baby in the front seat of a car?
Nope - it is against the law to have a rear facing seat if the seat is protected by an automatic air bag - once child is old enough to be in front facing the air bag needs re-enabling.
Though I’m past the days when I need baby seats, my Mk3 has ISOFIX fit points for a baby seat and there is a switch to disable the passenger airbag, so it can’t be illegal to use a car seat in a 5.
G’day mate, welcome to the Forum
Our Mk2 also has iso fix - (does this make it a 2.5 model?)
but no method of disabling the air bag
A non working airbag will still pass an MOT. Our Vauxhall Astra has had the airbag failure warning light on for its past two tests and has passed. If there is a separate fuse for the airbag you can always remove the fuse and disable both airbags. On my car unfortunately it is the same fuse for the ABS. The workshop manual should be able to tell you how to disable the system.Not sure if a push chair will fit in the back of the MX5 on a more practical level . But with cars getting bigger and bigger nowadays is the little MX5 not a little vulnerable ?
Thanks for the info- i will get hold of a manual or does anyone else reading this know which fuse it is on our 05 plate mk2 model.
Car is impractical for baby but will only be used rarely for baby - for everyones info - the chassis wheels from our quinny puschair do fit in the boot of the mx (need to remove quick release wheels) - we are buying a boot rack to transport the body on the rare occaisons we will be using it.
Thanks again.
I was told that the Mazda transponder system was licenced from Mercedes as they hold the patent.
Mercedes (ASKE system) baby seats should disable the airbag in a mark 2 MX-5. I’ve tried one and it did.
I am going to pick up an as-new one up tomorrow.
I was told by Mazda UK that Britax had chosen to stop selling them the seats. I find this very difficult to believe as Britax (Roamer) are still making other seats for Mazda and seats with transponders for Mercedes and Vauxhall (Opel). More likely is that Mazda wanted to stop paying the licence fees. I have not tried a Vauxhall seat.
Mazda has dropped a real clanger with their ‘use’ of this system and lack of customer service.