1998 Toyota Camry Owners Manual - Page 50

In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the lateral motion of the occupants. When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and release some smoke along with non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. Be sure to wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation. The SRS side airbag system mainly consists of the following components and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS airbag warning light 2. Side airbag module (airbag and inflator) 3. Side airbag sensor assembly 4. Airbag sensor assembly The SRS side airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. Deployment of the airbags happen 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. Front seats may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. CAUTION D The SRS side airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the primary protection of the driver side and front passenger side seat belt systems. The front seat occupants can be killed or seriously injured by an inflating airbag if they do not wear the available seat belts. During sudden braking just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front passenger can move sideward into direct contact with or close proximity to the airbag which may then deploy during the collision. To obtain maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts. Wearing a seat belt during an accident reduces the chances of death or serious injuries or being thrown out of the vehicle. For instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt system, see "Seat belts" in this chapter. 50