1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual - Page 40

What will you seeafter an air bag inflates? After the air bag inflates, it quickly deflates. This occurs so quickly that some people may not even realize the air bag inflated. Some componentsof the airbag module in the steering wheel hub will be hot for a short time. The part of the bag that comes into contactwith you may be warm, but it will never be too hot to touch. There will be some smoke and dust coming from vents in the deflated air bag. Air bag inflation willnot prevent the driver from seeing or from being able to steer vehicle, nor the will it stop people from leaving the vehicle. The air bag is designed to inflate only once. After it inflates, you'll need some new parts for your air bag system. If you don't get them, the air bag system won't be there to help protect in another crash. you A new system will include the air bag module and possibly other parts. The service manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace other parts. Your vehicle is equippedwith a diagnostic module, which records information about the air bag system. The module records information about the readiness of the system,when the sensors are activated and driver's safety belt usage at deployment. Let only qualified technicians work on your air bag systemAmproper service can mean that your air bag systemwon't work properly. See your dealer for service. When an airbag inflates, there is dust in the air. This dust could cause breathing problems for people witha history of asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, everyone in the vehicle should get out as soon as itis safe to do so. If you have breathing problems but can't get out of the vehicle after anair bag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. I NOTICE: If you damage thecover for the driver'sair bag, it may not work properly. You may haveto replace theair bag module. Do not openor break the air b,agcover. 1-33