1994 Lexus LS400 airbag

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67
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS)
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) consists of
Airbags and Seat Belt Pretensioners. The combination of
these two systems provides further protection to the
driver and front passenger in a severe collision.
Airbags:
In response to a severe frontal impact, the airbags inflate
and reduce the likelihood of the driver and passenger’s
heads from directly hitting the steering wheel and
instrument panel.
Seat belt pretensioners:
In response to a severe frontal impact, the seat belts are
quickly drawn back in by the retractors so that the belts
snugly restrain the driver and front passenger.The passenger airbag is activated together with the driver
airbag, even with no passenger in the front seat.
The seat belt pretensioners are activated together with the
airbags, even with no passenger in the front seat.
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ACC” or “ON” position. It goes off after about 6
seconds. This means the SRS is operating properly.
The SRS warning light system monitors the front airbag
sensors, center airbag sensor assembly, inflators, seat belt
pretensioners, warning light, interconnecting wiring and power
sources.

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68
The SRS is designed to activate in response to a severe
frontal impact within the shaded area shown in the
illustration.
The SRS does not work in the following cases.

Impact from the side or real.

Vehicle overturn

Frontal collision at low speeds
For your safety, be sure to always wear your seat belts.
Front airbag sensorWarning lightFront airbag sensor
Passenger airbag module
(airbag and inflator)
Center airbag sensor assembly
Seat belt pretensioner
Steering wheel
pad assembly
(airbag and
inflator)
Seat belt pretensioner
The center airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor
and center airbag sensor. In a severe frontal impact, a front
airbag sensor and safing sensor, or center airbag sensor and
safing sensor detect the shock, and the center airbag sensor
assembly triggers the inflators and seat belt pretensioners.
Then the inflators fill the airbags and the seat belts are quickly
drawn back in by the retractors to help restrain forward motion
of the occupants.
When the SRS operates, it produces an operating noise and
releases a small amount of smoke-like gas. This gas is
harmless and does not indicate a fire.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
69 CAUTION:

The SRS is designed only as a supplement to the
conventional seat belt systems of the driver and front
passenger. The front seat occupants are particularly
susceptible to injury if they do not wear their seat belts;
when sudden braking or a collision occurs, they may be
thrown forward. To obtain further protection in an
accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle
should always wear their seat belts when driving. For
instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt
system, see “SEAT BELTS” on page 59.

A baby or small child who is too small to use a seat belt
should be properly secured in a rear seat using a child
restraint system.
Far back

Do not use a rear-facing child restraint system in the
front seat because the force of the rapid inflation of the
passenger airbag may cause severe injury to the child.
When using a forward-facing child restraint system in
the front seat, the seat must be moved as far back as
possible. For instructions concerning the installation
of a child restraint system, see “CHILD RESTRAINT” on
page 73.

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70

Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean over the
instrument panel when the vehicle is in use. The airbag
inflates with considerable speed and force; you may be
severely injured. Sit up straight and well back in the
seat, and always use your seat belt.
Do not put objects on or in front of the instrument panel
that houses the airbag system. They might restrict
inflation or cause personal injury.

Do not modify, remove or open any component or
wiring, such as the steering wheel, column cover, front
passenger airbag cover, front passenger airbag, center
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag sensors, or seat
belt assembly. Doing any of these may cause sudden
SRS operation or disable the system, which could
result in personal injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe
injuries.

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71
NOTICE:
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS in some
cases.

Installation of electronic items such as a mobile
two-way radio or cassette tape player.

Modifications to the suspension system.

Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
console, steering column, steering wheel or
instrument panel near front passenger airbag or seat
belt assembly.
This SRS has a warning light to indicate operating problems.
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction of the airbags and / or seat belt pretensioners.
Even if the seat belt pretensioners should fail, the seat belt will
operate conventionally. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ACC” or “ON” position, or remains on.

The light comes on while driving.

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72
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible:

The airbags have been inflated.

The seat belt pretensioners have been activated.

The front part of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was
involved in an accident not of the extent to cause the SRS
to inflate.

The pad section of the steering wheel or front passenger
airbag cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
NOTICE:
Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting
your Lexus dealer.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
79 INSTALLATION ON FRONT SEAT
Far back
CAUTION:
Do not use a rear-facing child restraint system in the front
seat because the force of the rapid inflation of the
passenger airbag may cause severe injury to the child.
When using a forward-facing child restraint system, move
the seat as far back as possible.
Fasten the lap and shoulder belt over the child restraint system
following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. Keep
the lap portion of the belt tight.
Fully extend the shoulder belt to put it in the lock mode.