2001 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 131

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT When the SRS airbag 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 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. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard, front seats) 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. 16R026c " 1 Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 2 Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator) 3 Side airbag sensors 4 Airbag sensor assembly 5 Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) 6 SRS warning light 7 Front airbag sensors The SRS airbag system consists mainly of the above components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. In a severe frontal impact, the sensors detect deceleration and the system triggers the front airbag inflators. In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag inflator. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the forward or lateral motion of the occupants. 108 2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)