The airbag alert light is flashing and dealer says I need a new passenger seat sensor and complete passenger side seat track. Over $2K at dealer. I've got a 2007 MX-5 Grand Touring with 11K miles. Never in an accident. How can this happen? I have a claim in with Mazda since this is a safety issue and I'm still waiting to hear their decision. Anyone else with this problem? Thanks

 

If it isn't total BS and the service writer at the stealership trying to rip you off, you could easily source the part from a salvage yard for very little money. The sensor plus installation should be under $100 total if you deal with the right people.

I'd get a second opinion before replacing it, though. Try a different dealership and just tell them the light is on. Don't tell them what the other place said was wrong and see if they come to the same conclusion.

 

Today the stealership is telling me I need a Seat Track Adjuster ($966 for the part) and an SAS unit ($476 for the part). Has anyone ever heard of a way to disable the alert lights on the dash console? Besides black tape

 

If that is all you are looking for, on most vehicles there is a small electrical harness plug beneath the seat with one or two wires connected to it that carries the sensor signal. The plug may be attached to the underside of the seat itself, the track frame, or may be tucked just within the carpet. If a mechanic ever removes a seat he must be able to disconnect it so the factory makes it readibly accessible. In a worse case scenario it might be necessary to remove the bolts attaching the seat to the floor but most likely not. You may find it advantageous to slide the seat all the way forward or rearward to best access the plug, depending upon its location.

 

Thank you for your reply. I will try the suggestion. I would encourage all Mazda owners who are experiencing similar problems with the airbag sensor to file a complaint with the National Highway Transportation Safety Adm at SaferCar.gov. Airbags do not work if the sensor and accompanying parts do not work. Mazda is aware of this problem but the warranty for these parts is only 12 months or 12,000 miles. Mazda agrees that airbags may or may not deploy if the sensor and seat track parts are not working properly. The safety and life of the driver is worth more than 12 months or 12,000 miles. Please file a complaint. We cannot get Mazda to stand by their product if our voices are not heard. Thank you.

 

Being a short guy when I first got my NC I would sit on a cushion and this would trigger that light . I ended up raising the rear of the seat and never had any issues again. Try having another person with a different weight and build sitting in the seat to see if it behaves differently