2006 Toyota Solara Owners Manual - Page 83

'06 Solara_U (L/O 0502) The SRS side 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 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 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 smoke may remain inside the vehicle for some time, and may cause some minor irritation to the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation with soap and water. If you can safely exit from the vehicle, you should do so immediately. 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. 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 SRS side airbags inflate with considerable force. To reduce the possibility of death or serious injury when they inflate, the driver and front passenger must: D Wear their seat belts properly. D Remain properly seated with their backs upright and against the seats at all times. D Do not allow anyone to lean against the front door when the vehicle is in use, since the side airbag could inflate with considerable speed and force. Otherwise, he/she may be killed or be seriously injured. Special care should be taken especially when you have a small child in the vehicle. D Sit up straight and well back in the seat, distributing your weight evenly in the seat. Do not apply excessive weight to the outer side of the seats on vehicles with side airbags. 70 2006 SOLARA from Feb. '05 Prod. (OM33667U)