1995 Lexus ES300 dashboard

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SRS AIRBAGS
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags are
designed to provide further protection to the driver and
front passenger when added to the primary protection
provided by the seat belts.
In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS airbags
work together with the seat belts to prevent or reduce
injury by inflating, in order to decrease the likelihood of
the driver’s or front passenger’s head or face directly
hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
The passenger airbag is activated 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 airbags are operating
properly.
The SRS airbag warning light system monitors the front airbag
sensors, center airbag sensor assembly, inflators, warning
light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.

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Front airbag sensor
Steering wheel
pad assembly
(airbag and
inflator)
SRS airbag warning light
Passenger airbag module
(airbag and inflator)
Center airbag sensor assembly
Front airbag sensor
The center airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor
and center airbag sensor.
In a severe frontal impact, sensors detect deceleration and the
system triggers the airbag inflators. Then a chemical reaction
in the inflators momentarily fills the airbags with non-toxic
nitrogen gas to help restrain the forward motion of the
occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and
release some smoke along with the nitrogen gas. This is not
harmful and does not indicate a fire. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent minor skin irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happen 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 swellings.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 airbags may break the
windshield as the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a passenger
airbag the windshield may also be damaged by absorbing
some of the force of the inflating airbag.
CAUTION:

The SRS airbag system is designed only as a
supplement to the primary protection of the 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 54.

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.

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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.
Move fully back

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 66.

Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean over the
dashboard when the vehicle is in use. The airbags
inflate 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.

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Do not put objects on or in front of the dashboard or
steering wheel pad that houses the airbag system. They
might restrict inflation or cause personal injury as they
are projected rearward.

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 or front airbag sensors. Doing
any of these may cause sudden SRS airbag inflation or
disable the system, which could result in personal
injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe
injuries.
NOTICE:
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system
in some cases.

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

Modification of the suspension system.

Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
console, steering column, steering wheel or
dashboard near the front passenger airbag.