2000 Lexus GS300 dashboard

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
149
SRS AIRBAGS
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags
are designed to provide further protection for the
driver and front passenger in addition to the primary
safety protection provided by the seat belts.
16G020b

Driver and front passenger airbags
In response to a severe frontal impact, the driver and
front passenger airbags work together with the seat
belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The driver
and front passenger airbags help to reduce injuries
mainly to the driver's or front passenger's head or
chest directly hitting the steering wheel or
dashboard.
The front passenger airbag is activated even with no
passenger in the front seat.
Be sure to wear your seat belt.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
150
CAUTION
The driver or front passenger too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be
killed or seriously injured. Lexus strongly recommends
that:
The driver sit as far back as possible from the
steering wheel while still maintaining control of the
vehicle.
The front passenger sit as far back as possible from
the dashboard.
All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using
the available seat belts.
16G021a

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
160

1Side airbag module (airbag and inflator)
2Airbag module for front passenger
(airbag and inflator)
3Side airbag sensor assembly
4Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator)
5SRS warning light
6Airbag sensor assembly
7Front airbag sensors
The SRS airbag system consists mainly of the above
components, and their locations are shown in the
illustration.
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor
and airbag sensors.
In a severe frontal impact, the driver and front passenger
airbag sensors detect deceleration and the system
triggers the front airbag inflators. In a severe side
impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side airbag
inflator. Then a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly
fills the airbags with non±toxic gas to help restrain the
forward or lateral motion of the occupants.When the SRS operates, it produces a fairly loud noise
and release some smoke and residue along with
non±toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is
normally 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
injuries, it may also cause minor burns or abrasions and
swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub,
dashboard, front seats) 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 driver and front
passenger airbags may break the windshield as the
vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front passenger
airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
164
16G029
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 killed or seriously injured.
Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and
always use your seat belt.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
167
16G032
Do not put objects or your pets on or in front of
the dashboard or steering wheel pad that
houses the driver and front passenger airbag
system. They might restrict inflation or cause
death or serious injury as they are projected
rearward by the force of the deploying airbags.
Likewise, the driver and front passenger
should not hold things in their arms or on their
knees.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
169
Do not use accessories for the seats which
cover the parts where the side airbags inflate.
Such accessories may prevent the side airbags
from activating correctly, causing death or
serious injury.
Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not
modify, remove, strike or open any
components, such as the steering wheel pad,
steering wheel, column cover, front passenger
airbag cover, front seats or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing any of these may cause
sudden SRS airbag inflation or disable the
system, which could result in death or serious
injury.
Do not modify or replace the seats or
upholstery of the front seats with side airbags.
Such changes may disable the system or cause
the side airbags to inflate accidentally,
resulting in death or serious injury. Consult
your Lexus dealer if you consider
modifications of this kind.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or serious injury.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 devices such as a
mobile two±way radio, cassette tape player or
compact disc player.
Modification of the suspension system.
Modification of the front end structure and side
structure of the passenger compartment.
Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo
bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other
equipment to the front end.
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front
end structure, console, steering column,
steering wheel, dashboard near the front
passenger airbag or front seats.