1996 Toyota Paseo Owners Manual - Page 41

The SRS airbag is not designed to inflate if the vehicle is subjected to a side or rear impact, if it rolls over, or if it is involved in a low-speed frontal collision. The SRS airbag system mainly consists of the following components and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS airbag warning light 2. Steering wheel pad (airbag and inflator) 3. Airbag sensor assembly The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. In a severe frontal impact, sensors detects deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflator. Then a chemical reaction in the inflator momentarily fills the airbag with non-toxic nitrogen gas to help restrain the forward motion of the driver. When the airbag inflates, it produces a fairly loud noise and releases some smoke along with the nitrogen gas. This is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation. Deployment of the airbag happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbag must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and swellings. The steering wheel hub may be hot for several minutes, but the airbag itself will not be hot. The airbag is designed to inflate only once. 35