Toyota 2002 Echo, Owner'S Manual

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2002MY ECHO (U) L/O0109
43
2002 ECHO (OM52463U)
SU13123
The SRS airbag system consists mainly of
the following components, and their loca-
tions are shown in the illustration.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Airbag module for driver (airbag and
inflator)
4. Airbag module for front passenger (air-
bag and inflator)
5. Airbag sensor assembly
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.
In a severe frontal impact, the sensors
detect deceleration and the system trig-
gers the airbag inflators. At this time a
chemical reaction in the inflators quickly
fills the airbags with non–toxic gas to help
restrain the forward motion of the occu-
pants.
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 gas is nor-
mally harmless; however, for those who
have delicate skin, it may cause a minor
skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent
any potential skin irritation.
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 inju-
ries, it may also cause minor burns or
abrasions and swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel
hub, dashboard) may be hot for several
minutes, but the airbags themselves will
not be hot. The airbags are designed to
inflate only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the air-
bags may break the windshield as the
vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a pas-
senger airbag the windshield may also be
damaged by absorbing some of the force
of the inflating airbag.