2004 Lexus LS 430 User Guide 2 - Page 198

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS The front airbag sensors 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. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators very quickly fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. The front airbags then quickly deflate, so that there 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 safely exit from the vehicle, you should do so immediately. 16L653a " 1 Occupant detection sensor 2 Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator) 3 Knee airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator) 4 Front passenger's seat belt buckle switch 5 SRS warning light 6 Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) 7 Knee airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) 8 Driver's seat belt buckle switch 9 Driver's seat position sensor 10 Airbag sensor assembly 11 Front airbag sensors The SRS front 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 sensors. 180