Toyota 2006 Prius Owner's Manual page 69

22p238
The SRS front airbag system consists
mainly of the following components and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Front passenger occupant classification
indicator light
4. Airbag module for front passenger (air-
bag and inflator)
5. Passenger's seat belt buckle switch
6. Front passenger occupant classification
system (ECU and sensors)
7. Driver's seat belt buckle switch
8. Driver's seat position sensor
9. Airbag sensor assembly
10. Airbag module for driver
(airbag and inflator)
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.
The front airbag sensors constantly moni-
tor the forward deceleration of the vehicle.
If an impact results in a forward decelera-
tion beyond the designed threshold level,
the system triggers the airbag inflators. At
this time a chemical reaction in the inflat-
ors very quickly fills the airbags with non−
toxic gas to help restrain the froward mo-
tion of the occupants. The front airbags
then quickly deflate, so that there is no
obstruction of the driver's vision should it
be necessary to continue driving.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a
loud noise and release some smoke and
residue along with non−toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may
remain inside the vehicle for some time,
and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to
wash off any residue as soon as possible
to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can safely exit
from the vehicle, you should do so imme-
diately.
69