2003 Lexus LX 470 User Guide - Page 162

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT The front airbag sensors and airbag sensor assembly constantly monitor the forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an impact results in a forward deceleration beyond the designed threshold level, the system triggers the airbag inflators. In a severe side impact, the side and curtain shield airbag sensor and/or the curtain shield airbag sensor trigger(s) the side and curtain shield airbag inflators and/or the curtain shield airbag inflator. In a vehicle rollover, the airbag sensor assembly triggers the curtain shield airbag inflator. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators very quickly fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the forward or lateral motion of the front and second seat occupants. The airbags then quickly deflate, so that here is no obstruction of the driver's vision should it be necessary to continue driving. When the airbags inflate, they produce a 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 physically and safely exit the vehicle after a collision, you should do so at the first opportunity. 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, primarily to the head and chest, it may also cause other, less severe injuries to the face, chest, arms and hands. These are usually in the nature of minor burns or abrasions and swelling, but the force of a deploying airbag can cause more serious injuries, especially if an occupant's hands, arms, chest or head is in close proximity to the airbag module at the time of deployment. 16x507a " 1 2 3 4 5 Curtain shield airbag module (airbag and inflator) Front airbag sensors SRS warning light Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator) 6 Airbag sensor assembly 7 Side airbag module (airbag and inflator) 8 Side and curtain shield airbag sensor assembly 9 Curtain shield airbag sensor assembly 10 Driver's seat belt buckle switch 11 Driver's seat position sensor The SRS airbag system mainly consists of the above components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensors. 144