2004 Toyota Solara Owners Manual - Page 68

'04 Solara_U (L/O 0402) The SRS side 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 airbag sensor triggers the side 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. 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 may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate only once. CAUTION SRS side airbags inflate with considerable force. To reduce the possibility of death or serious injury when they inflate, the driver and front passenger must: The SRS side airbag system consists mainly of the following components, and their locations are shown in the illustration. 1. SRS warning light 2. Front passenger occupant classification indicator light 3. Front passenger occupant classification system (ECU and sensors) 4. Side airbag sensors 5. Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator) 6. Front passenger's switch seat belt buckle D Wear their seat belts properly. D Remain properly seated with their backs upright and against the seats at all times. 7. Airbag sensor assembly 68 2004 SOLARA from Feb. '04 Prod. (OM33640U)