Table of Contents
Advertisement
The SRS side airbag system mainly con-
sists of the following components and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. SRS airbag warning light
2. Side airbag modules (airbag and inflat-
or)
3. Side airbag sensor assemblies
4. Airbag sensor assembly
The SRS side airbag system is controlled
by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag
sensor assembly consists of a safing sen-
sor and airbag sensor.
54
In a severe side impact, the side airbag
sensor triggers the side airbag inflators.
Then a chemical reaction in the inflators
momentarily fills the airbags with non- tox-
ic gas to help restrain the forward or lat-
eral motion of the occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a fair-
ly loud noise and release some smoke and
residue along with non- toxic gas. This does
not indicate a fire. This gas is normally harm-
less, however, for those who have delicate
skin, it may cause minor skin irritation. Be
sure to wash off any residue as soon as
possible to prevent minor 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 swellings.
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.
'99 AVALON (USA/CANADA)- U
CAUTION
"
The SRS side airbag system is de-
signed only as a supplement to the
primary
protection
of
the
side and front passenger side seat
belt systems. The front seat occu-
pants can be killed or seriously in-
jured by an inflating airbag if they
do
not
wear
the
available
belts. During sudden braking just
before a collision, an unrestrained
driver or front passenger can move
sideward into direct contact with or
close proximity to the airbag which
may then deploy during the colli-
sion. To obtain maximum protection
in an accident, the driver and all
passengers
in
the
vehicle
wear their seat belts. Wearing a
seat belt during an accident re-
duces the chances of death or seri-
ous injuries or being thrown out of
the vehicle. For instructions and
precautions
concerning
the
belt system, see "Seat belts" in this
chapter.
driver
seat
must
seat
Advertisement
Table of Contents
