Lexus GS300 2000 Comfort Adjustment

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
143
Front seat belt pretensioners
16G132
The driver and front passenger's seat belt
pretensioners are designed to be activated in
response to a severe frontal impact.
When the airbag sensor detects the shock of a severe
frontal impact, the front seat belt is quickly drawn back
by the retractor so that the belt snugly restrains the front
seat occupants.
The seat belt pretensioners are activated even with no
passenger in the front seat.
Collisions occurring at certain speeds and angles may
cause the seat belt pretensioners and SRS airbags not
to operate all together.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
144
16G022
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is
turned to the ªACCº or ªONº position. It goes off
after about 6 seconds. This means the front seat
belt pretensioners are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, side airbag sensor assemblies, front airbag
sensors, inflators, seat belt pretensioner assembly,
warning light, interconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see ªService reminder indicators and
warning buzzersº on page 63.)

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
145
16G134

1Front airbag sensor
2Seat belt pretensioner assembly
3SRS warning light
4Airbag sensor assembly
The seat belt pretensioner system consists mainly of the
above components, and their locations are shown in the
illustration.
The seat belt pretensioner is controlled by the airbag
sensor assembly. The airbag sensor assembly consists
of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.
When a seat belt pretensioner is activated, an operating
noise may be heard and a small amount of smoke±like
gas may be released. This gas is harmless and does not
indicate that a fire is occurring.
Once the seat belt pretensioner has been activated, the
seat belt retractor remains locked.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
146
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the front seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Doing any of these may cause sudden
operation of the front seat belt pretensioners or disable
the system, which could result in death or serious
injury.
Failure to follow the instruction can result in death or
serious injury.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
147
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
compact disc player.
Repairs on or near the front 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.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
148
16G136
This front seat belt pretensioner system has a service
reminder indicator to inform the driver of operating
problems. If any of the following conditions occurs, this
indicates a malfunction of the pretensioners. Contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
When the ignition key is turned to the ªACCº or ªONº
position, the light does not come on or flashes.
The light flashes while driving.
If either front seat belt does not retract or cannot be
pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the
pretensioner.
The front seat belt pretensioner assembly or
surrounding area has been damaged.The front parts of the vehicle (shaded in the
illustration) were involved in an accident that did not
cause the seat belt pretensioners to operate.
The front seat belt pretensioner assembly is
scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
149
SRS AIRBAGS
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags
are designed to provide further protection for the
driver and front passenger in addition to the primary
safety protection provided by the seat belts.
16G020b

Driver and front passenger airbags
In response to a severe frontal impact, the driver and
front passenger airbags work together with the seat
belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The driver
and front passenger airbags help to reduce injuries
mainly to the driver's or front passenger's head or
chest directly hitting the steering wheel or
dashboard.
The front passenger airbag is activated even with no
passenger in the front seat.
Be sure to wear your seat belt.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
150
CAUTION
The driver or front passenger too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be
killed or seriously injured. Lexus strongly recommends
that:
The driver sit as far back as possible from the
steering wheel while still maintaining control of the
vehicle.
The front passenger sit as far back as possible from
the dashboard.
All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using
the available seat belts.
16G021a

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
151

Side airbags
In response to a severe side impact, the side airbags
for the driver or front passenger work together with
the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The
side airbags help to reduce injuries mainly to the
driver or front passenger's chest.
The side airbag on the passenger seat is activated even
with no passenger in the front seat.
Be sure to wear your seat belt.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
152
CAUTION
The side airbags inflate with considerable force. To
avoid potential death or serious injury when they inflate,
the driver and front passenger must:
Wear their seat belts.
Remain properly seated with their back upright and
against the seat at all times.
16G022