1998 Toyota Corolla Owners Manual - Page 43

1998 COROLLA(U) 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 airbags are not designed to inflate if the vehicle is rolled over. If the impact on the body of the passenger compartment is not strong as illustrated above, the relevant SRS side airbag may not inflate. 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. 43