1999 Lexus LX 470 Owners Manual - Page 216

" 1 Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator) 2 Seat belt pretensioners 3 Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) 4 SRS warning light 5 Airbag sensor assembly 6 Front airbag sensors The SRS airbag sensor assemblies consist of a safing sensor and driver and front passenger airbag sensors. In a severe frontal impact, the airbag sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the front airbag inflators and seat belt pretensioners. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the forward or lateral motion of the occupants. Then the inflators fill the airbags and the seat belts are quickly drawn back in by the retractors to help restrain forward motion of the occupants. When the SRS operates, it produces 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 minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor 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 swellings. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. A crash severe enough to inflate the driver and front passenger airbags may break the windshield as the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.