2004 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual - Page 47

'04 Tacoma U (L/O 0309) The front airbag sensors constantly monitor the forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an impact results in a forward deceleration beyond the designed threshold level, the system triggers the airbag inflators. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators very quickly fills the airbags with non- toxic gas to help restrain the forward motion of the occupants. The airbags then quickly deflate, so that there is no obstruction of the driver's vision should it be necessary to continue driving. When the airbags inflate, they produce a 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, primarily to the head and chest, it may also cause other, less severe injuries to the face, chest, arms and hands. These are usually in the nature of minor burns or abrasions and swelling, but the force of a deploying airbag can cause more serious injuries, especially if an occupant's hands, arms, chest or head is in close proximity to the airbag module at the time of deployment. This is why it is important for the occupant to: avoid placing any object or part of the body between the occupant and the airbag module; sit straight and well back into the seat; wear the available seat belt properly; and sit as far as possible from the airbag module, while still maintaining control of the vehicle. Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) may be hot for several minutes after deployment, so do not touch! The airbags inflate only once. The windshield may be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag. CAUTION The driver or front passenger who is too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the vehicle. D The front passenger sit as far back as possible from the dashboard. D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts. For instructions and precautions concerning the seating position, see "-Front seat precautions" in this Section. 47 2004 TACOMA from Sep. '03 Prod. (OM35814U)