2002 Toyota Highlander Owners Manual - Page 63

'02 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0108) In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the lateral motion 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 normally 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 injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swelling. Front seats may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. CAUTION D The SRS side airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the primary protection of the driver 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. For instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt system, see "Seat belts" on page 46 in this section. The SRS side airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. 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 sensor and airbag sensor. 2002 MY HIGHLANDER_U (OM48429U) 63