2003 Toyota Sequoia Owners Manual - Page 488

03_SEQUOIA_U (L/O 0301) Collision from the rear The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. In a severe side impact, the side and curtain shield airbag sensor triggers the side airbag and curtain shield airbag inflators. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the lateral motion of the occupants. The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS warning light 2. Curtain shield airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 3. Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 4. Side and curtain shield airbag sensors 5. Airbag sensor assembly 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 happens 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. Collision from the front Vehicle rollover The SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags are not designed to inflate if the vehicle is involved in a front or rear collision, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low−speed side collision. 82 2003 SEQUOIA from Jan. '03 Prod. (OM34422U)