Operation Manual

FRONT SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE-IMPACT
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG AND
ROOF-MOUNTED CURTAIN SIDE-
IMPACT SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
SYSTEMS
The 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 occu-
pants. 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 on the side where the
vehicle is impacted.
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, fol-
lowed 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.
Side air bags, along with the use of seat belts,
help to cushion the impact force on the chest
and pelvis of the front occupants. Curtain air
bags help to cushion the impact force to the
head of occupants in the front and rear out-
board seating positions. They can help save
lives and reduce serious injuries. However, in-
flating side air bags and curtain air bags 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
practical away from the side air bags. Rear seat
passengers should be seated as far away as
practical from the door finishers and side roof
rails. The side air bags and curtain air bags
inflate quickly in order to help protect the
occupants. Because of this, the force of the side
air bags and curtain air bags inflating can
increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too
close to, or is against, these air bag modules
during inflation. The side air bags and curtain
air bags will deflate quickly after the collision is
over.
The side air bags and curtain air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light illu-
minates. The air bag warning light will turn off
after about 7 seconds if the systems are opera-
tional.
SSS0521
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-47