Toyota 2003 HIGHLANDER User Manual page 63

The SRS side airbag system consists
mainly of the following components, and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. SRS warning light
2. Side airbag modules
(airbag and inflator)
3. Side airbag sensors
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.
'03 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0208)
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 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 happen 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.
2003 HIGHLANDER from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM48441U)
CAUTION
D
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. To ensure maximum
protection in an accident, the driver
and all passengers in the vehicle
must wear their seat belts properly.
Wearing a seat belt properly during
an accident reduces the chances of
death or serious injury or being
thrown out of the vehicle.
instructions and precautions con-
cerning the seat belt system, see
"Seat belts" on page 46 in this sec-
tion.
driver
For
63