wiring harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the air bag system.
. A cracked windshield should be
replaced immediately by a qualified
repair facility. A cracked windshield
could affect the function of the
supplemental air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the front air bag system
and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections
in this Owner’s Manual.
FRONT SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE-IM-
PACT SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
AND ROOF-MOUNTED CURTAIN
SIDE-IMPACT SUPPLEMENTAL AIR
BAG SYSTEMS
The front side air bags are located in the outside
of the seatback of the front seats. The curtain air
bags are located in the side roof rails. These
systems are designed to meet voluntary guide-
lines to help reduce the risk of injury to out-of-
position occupants. However, all of the
information, cautions and warnings in this
manual still apply and must be followed.
The side air bags and curtain air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity side
collisions, although they may inflate if the forces
in another type of collision are similar to those of
a higher severity side impact. They are designed
to inflate on the side where the vehicle is
impacted. They may not inflate in certain side
collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an
indication of proper side air bag and curtain air
bag operation.
When the side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed
by release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and does not indicate a fire. Care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
Front side air bags, along with the use of seat
belts, help to cushion the impact force on the
chest of the front occupants. Curtain air bags
help to cushion the impact force to the head of
occupants in the front seating positions. They
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating side air bag and curtain air
bag may cause abrasions or other injuries. Side
air bags and curtain air bags do not provide
restraint to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-41
