Toyota Corolla 2004 Operating Manual page 56

In a severe side impact, the side airbag
sensor triggers the side airbag inflators.
At this time a chemical reaction in the
inflators quickly fills the airbags with non-
toxic gas to help restrain the lateral mo-
tion 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 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.
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 may be hot for several min-
utes, but the airbags themselves will not
be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate
only once.
50
'04 Corolla_U (L/O 0306)
CAUTION
SRS side airbags inflate with consid-
erable force. To reduce the possibility
of death or serious injury when they
inflate, the driver and front passenger
must:
"
Wear their seat belts properly.
"
Remain properly seated with their
backs upright and against the seats
at all times.
"
Do not allow anyone to lean against
the front door when the vehicle is
in use, since the side airbag could
inflates with considerable
and force. Otherwise, he/she may
be killed or be seriously injured.
Special care should be taken espe-
cially when you have a small child
in the vehicle.
"
Sit up straight and well back in the
seat, distributing your weight evenly
in the seat. Do not apply excessive
weight to the outer side of the
seats on vehicles with side airbags.
2004 COROLLA from Oct. '03 Prod. (OM12859U)
speed