2003 Lexus IS300 sensor

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
131
SV16094

1Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator)
2Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator)
3Side and curtain shield airbag sensors
4Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator)
5SRS warning light
6Airbag sensor assembly
7Front airbag sensors
8Curtain shield airbag module (airbag and inflator)
The SRS airbag system mainly consists of the above
components, and their locations are shown in the illustration.
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and
airbag sensors. The driver and front passenger airbag sensors constantly
monitor the forward deceleration of the vehicle. In an impact
results in a forward deceleration beyond the designed
threshold level, the system triggers the front airbag inflators. At
this time a chemical reaction in the inflators very quickly fills the
airbags with non±toxic gas to help restrain the forward or
lateral motion of the occupants. The airbags then quickly
deflate, so that there is no obstruction of the driver's vision
should it be necessary to continue driving.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a loud noise and
release some smoke and residue along with non±toxic gas.
This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may remain inside the
vehicle for some time, and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to wash off any residue as
soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can physically and safely exit the vehicle
after a collision, you should do so at the first opportunity.
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, primarily to the
head and chest, it may also cause other, less severe injuries
to the face, chest, arms and hands. These are usually in the
nature of minor burns or abrasions and swelling, but the force
of a deploying airbag can cause more serious injuries,
especially if an occupant's hands, arms, chest or head are in
close proximity to the airbag module at the time of deployment.
This is why it is important for the occupant to: avoid placing any
object or part of the body bet ween the occupant and the airbag
module; sit straight and well back into the seat; wear the
available seat belt properly; and sit as far as possible from the
airbag module, while still maintaining control of the vehicle.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
137
SV16150
Do not attach a microphone or any other device or
object around the part where the curtain shield airbag
activates such as on the windshield glass, side door
glass and front and side pillar. When the curtain
shield airbag inflates, the microphone or other device
or object will be thrown with great force or the curtain
shield airbag may not activate correctly, resulting in
death or serious injury.
 Do not use seat accessories 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 so may cause sudden SRS
front airbags inflation or disable the system, which
could result in death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or upholstery of
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.
 Do not disassemble or repair the front pillar and roof
side containing the curtain shield airbags. Such
changes may disable the system or cause the curtain
shield airbags to inflate accidentally, resulting in
death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repairs and modifications.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
251

You may hear the anti±lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti±lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti±lock brake system:
Although the anti±lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti±lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti±lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti±lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at the moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti±lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snow±covered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti±lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)