2004 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 81

'04 4Runner_U (L/O 0308) The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor. In a severe side impact, the side and curtain shield airbag sensor and/or the curtain shield airbag sensor trigger(s) the side airbag inflators and/or the curtain shield airbag inflators. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non- toxic gas to help restrain the lateral motion of the occupants. In a vehicle rollover, the airbag sensor assembly triggers the curtain shield airbag inflator. At this time, a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly 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 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. Deployment of the airbags happens 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 swelling. Front seats as well as parts of the front and rear pillars, front, center and rear garnish and roof interior may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS warning light 2. Curtain shield airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 3. Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 4. Curtain shield airbag sensors 5. Side and curtain shield airbag sensors 6. Airbag sensor assembly 81 2004 4RUNNER from Aug. '03 Prod. (OM35811U)