Toyota Tacoma 2000, Operating Manual

Page: 39 / 268

’00 Tacoma(U)
39
Hitting a curb,
edge of pavement
or hard material
Landing hard or vehicle falling
Falling into or
jumping over a
deep hole
The SRS airbags may deploy if a seri-
ous impact occurs to the underside of
your vehicle. Some examples are shown
in the illustration. The SRS airbag system consists mainly of
the following components, and their loca-
tions are shown in the illustration.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. Airbag module for driver
(airbag and inflator)
3. Passenger airbag manual on- off switch
4. Airbag module for passenger
(airbag and inflator)
5. Airbag sensor assembly
6. SRS warning light
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.
In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect
deceleration and the system triggers the
airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction
in the inflators quickly fills the airbags
with non- toxic gas to help restrain the
forward 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 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.