Page 1689 of 2543
(1) Terminal Twin±Lock Mechanism
Each connector has a two±piece construction consisting of
a housing and a spacer. This design secures the locking of
the terminal by two locking devices (the spacer and the lance)
to prevent terminals from coming out.
(2) Airbag Activation Prevention Mechanism
Each connector contains a short spring plate. When the con-
nector is disconnected, the short spring plate automatically
connects the power source and grounding terminals of the
squib.
HINT: The illustration shows connectors (4), (5) and (6). Con-
nector (1) has short spring plates on the female terminal side. RS±6
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMOPERATION
Page 1690 of 2543
`
(3) Electrical Connection Check Mechanism
This mechanism is designed to electrically check if connec-
tors are connected correctly and completely. The electrical
connection check mechanism is designed so that the con-
nection detection pin connects with the diagnosis terminals
when the connector housing lock is in the locked condition.
(4) Connector Twin±Lock Mechanism
With this mechanism the male and female connectors are
locked by two locking devices to increase connection reliabil-
ity. If the primary lock is incomplete, ribs interfere and prevent
the secondary lock.
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMOPERATIONRS±7
Page 1691 of 2543
When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision in the
hatched area (Fig. 1) and the shock is larger than a predeter-
mined level, the SRS is activated automatically. A safing sen-
sor is designed to go on at a smaller deceleration rate than
the front and center airbag sensors. As illustrated in Fig. 2,
ignition is caused when current flows to the squib, which hap-
pens when a safing sensor and a front airbag sensor and/or
the center airbag sensor go on simultaneously. When a de-
celeration force acts on the sensors, two squibs in the driver
airbag and front passenger airbag ignite and generate gas.
The gas discharging into the driver and front passenger air-
bags rapidly increases the pressure inside the bags, break-
ing open the steering wheel pad and instrument panel door.
Bag inflation then ends, and the bags deflate as the gas is
discharged through discharge holes at the bag's rear or side. RS±8
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMOPERATION
Page 1692 of 2543
PREPARATION
SST (SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS)
SRS Airbag Deployment Tool
Diagnosis Check Wire
Puller C SetSteering wheel
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Torx Socket T30
Torx Socket T40
TOYOTA Electrical Tester Set
Steering wheel pad
Center airbag sensor assembly
EQUIPMENT
Torque wrench
Bolt: Length: 35 mm (1.38 in.) Pitch: 1.0 mm (0.039 in.)
Diam.: 6.0 mm (0.236 in.)
Airbag disposal
Tire Width: 185 mm (7.28 in.) Inner diam.: 360mm (14.17 in.)
Airbag disposal
Tire with disc wheel Width: 185 mm (7.28 in.)
Inner diam.: 360 mm (14.17 in.)
Airbag disposal
Vinyl bag
Airbag disposal
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMPREPARATIONRS±9
Page 1693 of 2543

STEERING WHEEL PAD AND
SPIRAL CABLE
INSPECTION ITEMS
1. VEHICLES NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
(a) Do a diagnostic system check. (See page RS±44)
(b) Do a visual check which includes the following items with the
steering wheel pad (with airbag) installed in the vehicle.
wCheck for cuts, minute cracks or marked discoloration
of the steering wheel pad top surface and grooved
portion.
2. VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
IF THE AIRBAG IS NOT DEPLOYED
(a) Do a diagnostic system check. (See page RS±44)
(b) Do a visual check which includes the following items with the
steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the vehicle.
wCheck for cuts and cracks in, or marked discoloration of
the steering wheel pad top surface and its grooved
portion.
wCheck for cuts and cracks in wire harnesses, and for
chipping in connectors.
wCheck for deformation of the horn button contact plate
of the steering wheel.
HINT:
wIf the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is
deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering
wheel assembly with a new one.
wThere should be no interference between the steering
wheel pad and the steering wheel, and the clearance
should be uniform all the way around when the new
steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.
CAUTION: For removal and installation of the steering
wheel pad, see page RS±12, ºSTEERING WHEEL PAD
AND SPIRAL CABLE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATIONº
and be sure to follow the correct procedure. RS±10
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMSTEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE
Page 1694 of 2543

IF THE AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED
(a) Do a diagnostic system check. (See page RS±44)
(b) Do a visual check which includes the following items with the
steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the vehicle.
wCheck for deformation of the horn button contact plate
of the steering wheel.
wCheck for damage to the spiral cable connector and wire
harness.
HINT:
wIf the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is
deformed, never repair it. Always replace the steering
wheel assembly with a new one.
wThere should be no interference between the steering
wheel pad and the steering wheel, and the clearance
should be uniform all the way around when the new
steering wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.
REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
In the following cases, replace the steering wheel pad, steer-
ing wheel or spiral cable.
wIf the airbag has been deployed.
wIf the steering wheel pad or spiral cable has been found
to be faulty in troubleshooting.
wIf the steering wheel pad, steering wheel or spiral cable
has been found to be faulty during the check in items
1±(b) or 2±(b).
wIf the steering wheel pad has been dropped.
CAUTION: For replacement of the steering wheel pad,
see page RS±12, ºSTEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL
CABLE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATIONº and be sure to
follow the correct procedure.
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMSTEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLERS±11
Page 1695 of 2543
COMPONENTS
STEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL
CABLE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
(See SR section) RS±12
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMSTEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE
Page 1696 of 2543

STEERING WHEEL PAD (WITH AIRBAG)
DISPOSAL
When scrapping vehicles equipped with an SRS or disposing
of a steering wheel pad (with airbag), always first deploy the
airbag in accordance with the procedure described below.
If any abnormality occurs with the airbag deployment, con-
tact the SERVICE DEPT. of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES,
U.S.A., INC..
Never dispose of a steering wheel pad which has an un-
deployed airbag.
When disposing of a steering wheel pad with an airbag
deployed in a collision, follow the same procedure given un-
der ºWhen scrapping vehicle, step 4. DISPOSAL OF STEER-
ING WHEEL PAD (WITH AIRBAG)º.
PRECAUTIONS FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
wThe airbag produces a sizeable exploding sound when
it deploys, so do the operation out±of±doors and where
it will not create a nuisance to nearby residents.
wWhen deploying the airbag, always use the specified
SST: SRS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT TOOL (SST
09082±00700).
Carry out the operation in a place away from electrical
noise.
wWhen deploying an airbag, do it from at least 10 m (33
ft) away from the steering wheel pad.
wThe steering wheel pad is very hot when the airbag is
deployed, so leave it alone for at least 30 minutes after
deployment.
wUse gloves and safety glasses when handling a steering
wheel pad with a deployed airbag.
wDo not apply water, etc. to a steering wheel pad with a
deployed airbag.
wAlways wash your hands with water after completing the
operation.
± SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMSTEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLERS±13