Operation Manual

tain side-impact 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. Ve-
hicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air bag
operation.
When the supplemental side air bag and
curtain side-impact air bag inflate, a fairly
loud noise may be heard, followed by re-
lease 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 his-
tory of a breathing condition should get
fresh air promptly.
Supplemental 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 side-impact
air bags help to cushion the impact force
to the head of occupants in the front and
rear outboard seating positions. They can
help save lives and reduce serious inju-
ries. However, an inflating side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag may
cause abrasions or other injuries. Supple-
mental side air bags and curtain side-
impact air bags do not provide restraint
to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn
and the driver and passenger seated up-
right as far as practical away from the
side air bag. 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 side-impact air
bag inflate quickly in order to help protect
the out-of-position occupants. Because of
this, the force of the side air bag and cur-
tain side-impact air bag inflating can in-
crease the risk of injury if the occupant is
too close to, or is against, these air bag
modules during inflation. The side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag will de-
flate quickly after the collision is over.
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag
warning light illuminates. The air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7 sec-
onds if the systems are operational.
WARNING
O Do not place any objects near the seat-
back of the front seats. Also, do not
place any objects (an umbrella, bag,
etc.) between the front door finisher and
the front seat. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause injury if
the supplemental side air bag inflates.
O Right after inflation, several side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system
components will be hot. Do not touch
them; you may severely burn yourself.
O No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
this side air bag and curtain air bag
system. This is to prevent accidental in-
flation of the side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag or damage to the
side air bag and curtain side-impact air
bag system.
O Do not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, suspen-
sion system or side panel. This could af-
fect proper operation of the supple-
1-48 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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