OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
155
Seat belt pretensioners
G16015
Both front seats and the two outboard rear seats are
equipped with seat belt pretensioners and are designed to
be activated in response to a severe frontal impact.
When the sensor detects a severe frontal impact, the seat belts
are quickly drawn back by the retractor so that the belts snugly
restrain the seat occupants.
The front passenger seat belt pretensioner will not activate if
there is no passenger sitting in the front passenger seat.
However, the front passenger seat belt pretensioner may
activate if luggage is put in the seat, or the seat belt is buckled
up regardless of the presence of the occupant in the seat.
The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners are activated even
with no passengers in the outboard rear seats.
The seat belt pretensioners and SRS airbags may not operate
together in all collisions.
G16016
1 Front airbag sensors
2Occupant detection sensor
3Front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch
4Front seat belt pretensioner assembly
5SRS warning light
6Rear seat belt pretensioner assembly
7Airbag sensor assembly
The seat belt pretensioner system consists mainly of the
above components, and their locations are shown in the
illustration.
The seat belt pretensioners are controlled by the airbag sensor
assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing
sensor and airbag sensor.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
156When the seat belt pretensioners are activated, an operating
noise
may be heard and a small amount of non −toxic gas may
be released. This does not indicate that a fire is occurring. This
gas is normally harmless.
Once the seat belt pretensioners have been activated, the seat
belt retractors remain locked.
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Failure to follow these instructions may
prevent the seat belt pretensioners from activating
correctly, cause sudden operation of the system or
disable the system, which could result in death or
serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repair and modification.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the seat belt
pretensioners in some cases.
Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
two way radio, cassette tape player or CD player.
Repairs on or near the seat belt retractor assemblies.
Modification of the suspension system.
Modification of the front end structure.
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 or console.