Toyota 2003 Camry Manual page 68

The SRS side airbag and curtain shield
airbag system mainly consists of the fol-
lowing components, and their locations are
shown in the illustration.
1. SRS warning light
2. Curtain shield airbag modules
(airbag and inflator)
3. Side airbag modules
(airbag and inflator)
4. Curtain shield airbag sensors
5. Side and curtain shield airbag sensors
6. Airbag sensor assembly
64
'03Camry_U (L/O 0301)
The SRS side airbag and curtain shield
airbag system is controlled by the airbag
sensor assembly. The airbag sensor as-
sembly consists of a safing sensor and
airbag sensor.
In a severe side impact, the side and
curtain shield airbag sensor and/or the
curtain shield airbag sensor trigger(s) the
side airbag and curtain shield airbag inflat-
ors and/or the curtain shield airbag inflat-
ors. At this time a chemical reaction in
the inflators quickly fills the airbags with
non−toxic gas to help restrain the lateral
motion of the occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a
fairly loud noise and release some smoke
and residue along with non−toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This gas is nor-
mally harmless; however, for those who
have delicate skin, it may cause a minor
skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent
any potential skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a
fraction of a second, so the airbags must
inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious inju-
ries, it may also cause minor burns or
abrasions and swelling.
Front seats as well as parts of the front
and rear pillars, and roof side may be hot
for several minutes, but the airbags them-
selves will not be hot. The airbags are
designed to inflate only once.
CAUTION
D
The SRS side airbag and curtain
shield airbag system is designed
only as a supplement to the prima-
ry protection of the driver side, and
front and rear outside passenger
side seat belt systems. To ensure
maximum protection in an accident,
the driver and all passengers in the
vehicle must wear their seat belts.
Wearing a seat belt during an acci-
dent reduces the chances of death
or serious injury or being thrown
out of the vehicle. For instructions
and precautions concerning the seat
belt system, see "Seat belts" on
page 45 in this section.
2003 CAMRY from Jan. '03 Prod. (OM33593U)