1998 Toyota Tercel Owners Manual - Page 40

In a severe frontal impact, the sensor detects deceleration and the system triggers the airbag inflator. Then a chemical reaction in the inflator momentarily fills the airbag with non- toxic 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 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 airbag system mainly consists of the following components and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS airbag warning light 2. Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator) 3. Airbag sensor assembly The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. 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. CAUTION The SRS airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the primary protection of the driver side seat belt system. The driver 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 can move forward 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. 40