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If A Side Deployment Occurs
The side airbag system is designed to deploy
when the side airbag control module detects a
moderate-to-severe side collision, to help restrain
the driver and front passenger, and then immedi-
ately deflate.
NOTE:
A side collision that is not severe enough to
need side airbag protection will not activate
the system. This does not mean something is
wrong with the side airbag system.
If you do have a collision which deploys the side
airbag, any or all of the following may occur:
• The nylon airbag material may sometimes
cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the
driver and front passenger as the airbags de-
ploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to
friction rope burns or those you might get
sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They
are not caused by contact with chemicals. They
are not permanent and normally heal quickly.
However, if you haven't healed significantly
within a few days, or if you have any blistering,
see your doctor immediately.
• As the side airbags deflate you may see some
smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal
by-product of the process that generates the
nontoxic gas used for airbag inflation. These
airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes,
nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation,
rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat
irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation con-
tinues, see your doctor. If these particles settle
on your clothing, follow the garment manufac-
turer's instructions for cleaning.
• It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
side airbags have deployed. If you are involved
in another collision, the side airbags will not be
in place to protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners
cannot protect you in another collision. Have the
airbags and seat belt pretensioners replaced by
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Enhanced Accident Response
If the airbags deploy after an impact and the
electrical system remains functional, vehicles
equipped with power door locks will unlock auto-
matically. In addition, approximately 10 seconds
after the vehicle has stopped moving, the interior
lights will illuminate until the ignition switch is
turned off.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
• Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You
could be injured because the airbags are not
there to protect you. Do not modify the com-
ponents or wiring, including adding any kind
of badges or stickers to the steering wheel
hub trim cover or the upper right side of the
instrument panel. Do not modify the front
bumper, vehicle body structure, or frame.
• You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any after-
market equipment on or behind the knee
bolsters.
• It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone
who works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate
for your protection in a collision. While the airbag
system is designed to be maintenance free, if any
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