Lexus GS300 1998 Owner's Manual page 158

" 1 Side airbag module (airbag and inflator)
2 Front passenger airbag module (airbag and inflator)
3 Side airbag sensor assembly
4 Seat belt pretensioner
5 Steering wheel pad assembly (airbag and inflator)
6 SRS warning light
7 Driver and front passenger airbag sensor assembly
8 Front satellite sensor assembly
The SRS airbag sensor assemblies consist of a safing sensor
and driver and front passenger airbag sensors.
In a severe frontal impact, the driver and front passenger
airbag sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the
front airbag inflators and seat belt pretensioners. In a severe
side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag
inflator. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators
momentarily fills the airbags with non–toxic gas to help
restrain the forward or lateral motion of the occupants. Then
the inflators fill the airbags and the seat belts are quickly
drawn back in by the retractors to help restrain forward
motion of the occupants.
When the SRS operates, it produces a fairly loud noise and
release some smoke along with non–toxic gas. This does not
indicate a fire. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as
possible to prevent minor skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happen in a fraction of a second,
so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also
cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard,
front seats) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags
themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to
inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the driver and front
passenger airbags may break the windshield as the vehicle
buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger airbag, the
windshield may also be damaged by absorbing some of the
force of the inflating airbag.
COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
145