sensor TOYOTA TACOMA 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

iv
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
In order to be effective, the SRS airbags must deploy with
tremendous speed. The rapid deployment of the SRS air-
bags makes the SRS airbags themselves potential sources
of death or serious injury if an occupant is too close to an
airbag, or if an object or some part of his or her body has
been placed between the occupant and the airbag at the
time of deployment. This is just one example of how the
instructions in Section 1−3 of this Owner ’s Manual will help
ensure proper use of the occupant restraint systems, and
increase the safety they can provide to you and your fami-
ly in the event of an accident.
Toyota recommends you to read the provisions in Section
1 −3 carefully and refer to them as needed during your time
of ownership of this vehicle.Event data recorder
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control cer-
tain aspects of your vehicle. These computers assist in
driving and maintaining optimal vehicle performance. Be-
sides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is a
system to record data in a crash or a near car crash
event. This is called an Event Data Recorder (EDR).
The SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a
crash or a near car crash event, this device may record
some or all of the following information:
 Engine speed
 Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
 Vehicle speed
 To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
 Position of the transmission selector lever
 Whether the driver and front passenger wore the
seat belts or not
 Driver ’s seat position
 Front passenger ’s occupant classification

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS13098
The driver and front passenger seat
belt pretensioners are designed to be
activated in response to a severe fron-
tal impact. On vehicles equipped with
curtain shield airbags, the pretensioners
are also activated during vehicle roll
over.
When the sensor detects a severe frontal
impact or a vehicle roll over, the front
seat belts are quickly drawn back by the
retractors so that the belts snugly restrain
the occupants.The front passenger ’s seat belt pretension-
er will not activate if no passenger is
detected in the front passenger seat by
the front passenger occupant classification
system. However, the front passenger’s
seat belt pretensioner may activate if lug-
gage is put on the seat, or the seat belt
is buckled up regardless of the presence
of an occupant in the seat. (As for the
front passenger occupant classification
system, see “Front pass
enger occupant
classification system” on page 82 in this
Section.)
The seat belt pretensioners and SRS air-
bags may not operate together in all colli-
sions.
LS13193
The seat belt pretensioners will not oper-
ate in a vehicle rollover if the “RSCA
OFF” indicator light is on. For details, see
“Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off
switch” on page 92 in this Section.
—Seat belt pretensioners

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS13188c
Bench seat
LS13103c
Separate seats
The seat belt pretensioner system con-
sists mainly of the following components
and their locations are shown in the il-
lustration.1. Front airbag sensors
2. SRS warning light
3. Front passenger occupant classification indicator light or passenger airbag on −
off indicator light
4. Front passenger occupant classification ECU
5. Pressure sensor
6. Load sensor
7. Belt tension sensor
8. Front passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch
9. Seat belt pretensioner assemblies
10. Airbag sensor assembly
The seat belt pretensioners are controlled
by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag
sensor assembly consists of a safing sen-
sor and airbag sensor.
When the seat belt pretensioners are acti-
vated, 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 instruc-
tions may prevent the seat belt pre-
tensioners from activating correctly,
cause sudden operation of the system
or disable the system, which could
result in death or serious injury. Con-
sult your Toyota dealer about any re-
pair and modification.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
seat belt pretensioners in some
cases.
Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Repairs on or near the front seat
belt pretensioner assemblies
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 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 con-
sole
LS13104
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the seat belt pretensioners
are operating properly. This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors,
driver ’s seat position sensor, driver ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger
occupant classification system
∗ and
indicator light, passenger airbag off switch,
seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, “RSCA OFF” indicator light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
(For details, see “Service reminder
indicators and warning buzzers” on page
153 in Section 1 −6.)
∗: The front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system includes the front passenger
occupant classification ECU, pressure sen-
sor, load sensor, front passenger ’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger ’s seat
position sensor and belt tension sensor.
If any of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
If any seat belt does not retract or can
not be pulled out due to a malfunction
or activation of the relevant seat belt
pretensioner.
The seat belt pretensioner assembly or
surrounding area has been damaged.
LS13106
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible:
The front of the vehicle (shaded in the
illustration) was involved in an accident
that was not severe enough to cause
the seat belt pretensioners to operate.
Either seat belt pretensioner assembly
or surrounding area is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
LS13117
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem) front airbags are designed to pro-
vide further protection for the driver
and front passenger in addition to the
primary safety protection provided by
the seat belts.
Your vehicle is equipped with “ADVANCED
AIRBAGS” designed based on US motor
vehicle safety standards (FMVSS208). The
airbag system controls airbag deployment
power for the driver and front passenger.
The driver airbag system consists of the
driver seat’s position sensor etc. The front
passenger ’s airbag system consists of the
front passenger occupant classification
sensor etc.
SRS driver airbag and front
passenger airbag (regular cab
models with separate seats and
access cab models)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
LS13118
Collision from the rear
Collision from the side Vehicle rollover
The SRS front airbags are not generally
designed to inflate if the vehicle is in-
volved in a side or rear collision, if it
rolls over, or if it is involved in a low
speed frontal collision. But, when ever a
collision of any type causes sufficient
forward deceleration of the vehicle, de-
ployment of the SRS front airbags may
occur.
LS13119
Hitting a curb,
edge of pavement
or hard surface
Landing hard or vehicle falling Falling into or
jumping over a
deep hole
The SRS front airbags may also deploy
if a serious impact occurs to the under-
side of your vehicle. Some examples
are shown in the illustration.
LS13120e
The SRS front airbag system consists
mainly of the following components, and
their locations are shown in the illustra-
tion.
1. Front airbag sensors
2. Passenger airbag on −off indicator light
3. Passenger airbag off switch
4. Airbag module for front passenger (airbag and inflator)
5. Front passenger occupant classification ECU
6. Load sensor
7. Front passenger ’s seat belt buckle switch
8. Driver ’s seat belt buckle switch

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
9. Driver ’s seat position sensor
10. Airbag sensor assembly
11. Airbag module for driver (airbag and inflator)
12. SRS warning light
The airbag sensor assembly consists of a
safing sensor and airbag sensor.
The airbag sensors constantly monitor the
forward deceleration of the vehicle. If an
impact results in a forward deceleration
beyond the designed threshold level, the
system triggers the airbag inflators. At this
time a chemical reaction in the inflators
very quickly fills the air bags with non−tox-
ic gas to help restrain the forward motion
of the occupants. The front airbags then
quickly deflate, so that there is no ob-
struction of the driver ’s vision should it be
necessary to continue driving. When the airbags inflate, they produce a
loud noise and release some smoke and
residue along with non
−toxic gas. This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may
remain inside the vehicle for some time,
and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to
wash off any residue as soon as possible
to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can safely exit
from the vehicle, you should do so imme-
diately. Deployment of the airbags happens in a
fraction of a second, so the airbags must
inflate with considerable force. While the
system is desi
gned to reduce serious inju-
ries, primarily to the head and chest, it
may also cause other, less severe injuries
to the face, chest, arms and hands. These
are usually in the nature of minor burns
or abrasions and swelling, but the force of
a deploying airbag can cause more seri-
ous injuries, especially if an occupant’s
hands, arms, chest or head is in close
proximity to the airbag module at the time
of deployment. This is why it is important
for the occupant to: avoid placing any
object or part of the body between the
occupant and the airbag module; sit
straight and well back into the seat; wear
the available seat belt properly; and sit as
far as possible from the airbag module,
while still maintaining control of the ve-
hicle.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel
hub, airbag cover and inflator) may be hot
for several minutes after deployment, so
do not touch! The airbags inflate only
once. The windshield may be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflat-
ing airbag.

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Do not modify or remove any wir-
ing. Do not modify, remove, strike
or open any components such as
the steering wheel pad, steering
wheel, column cover, dashboard
near the front passenger airbag,
front passenger airbag cover, front
passenger airbag or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing so may prevent the
front airbag system from activating
correctly, cause sudden activation
of the system or disable the sys-
tem, which could result in death or
serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or serious injury.
Consult your Toyota dealer about any
repair and modification.
If you wish to modify your vehicle for
a person with a physical disability,
consult your Toyota dealer. It may
dangerously interfere with the SRS
front airbags operation.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following
changes without consulting your
Toyota dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the
SRS airbag system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices
such as a mobile twoway radio,
cassette tape player or compact
disc player
 Modification of the suspension sys-
tem
 Modification of the front end struc-
ture
 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, con-
sole, steering column, steering
wheel, front passenger ’s seat or
dashboard near the front passenger
airbag
LS13104
This indicator comes on when the en-
gine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. It goes off after about 6 seconds.
This means the SRS airbags are operat-
ing properly.
This warning light system monitors the
airbag sensor assembly, front airbag
sensors, driver ’s seat position sensor,
driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front
passenger occupant classification system
∗
and indicator light, passenger airbag off
switch, seat belt pretensioner assemblies,
inflators, interconnecting wiring and power
sources. (For details, see “Service
reminder indicators and warning buzzers”
on page 153 in Section 1 −6.)

62
2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
∗: The front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system includes the front passenger
occupant classification ECU, load sensor
and front passenger ’s seat belt buckle
switch.
If either of the following conditions occurs,
this indicates a malfunction of the airbags
or seat belt pretensioners. Contact your
Toyota dealer as soon as possible.
The light does not come on when the
engine switch is turned to the “ON”
position or remains on for more than
6 seconds.
The light comes on while driving.
The SRS warning light will come on and
front passenger occupant classification in-
dicator light will indicate “OFF” if there is
a malfunction in the front passenger occu-
pant classification system.
LS13116
In the following cases, contact your Toyota
dealer as soon as possible:
The SRS airbags have been inflated.
The front of the vehicle (shaded in the
illustration) was involved in an accident
that was not severe enough to cause
the SRS airbags to inflate.
The pad section of the steering wheel
or front passenger airbag cover
(shaded in the illustration) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery cables
before contacting your Toyota dealer.
LS13117
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem) front airbags are designed to pro-
vide further protection for the driver
and right front passenger (regular cab
models with bench seat) or front pas-
senger (double cab models) in addition
to the primary safety protection pro-
vided by the seat belts.
SRS driver airbag and front
passenger airbag (regular cab
models with bench seat and double
cab models)

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2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)
Your vehicle is equipped with “ADVANCED
AIRBAGS” designed based on US motor
vehicle safety standards (FMVSS208). The
airbag system controls airbag deployment
power for the driver and front passenger.
The driver airbag system consists of the
driver seat’s position sensor etc. The front
passenger ’s airbag system consists of the
front passenger occupant classification
sensor etc.
Vehicles with bench seat—The SRS air-
bags are designed to protect the driver
and right front passenger, and they are
not designed to protect an occupant in the
front center seating position.
In response to a severe frontal impact,
the SRS front airbags work with the seat
belts to help reduce injury by inflating.
The SRS front airbags help reduce injuries
mainly to the driver ’s or front passenger ’s
head or chest caused by hitting the ve-
hicle interior.The SRS front passenger airbag will not
activate if there is no passenger sitting in
the right front passenger seat (regular cab
models with bench seat) or front
passenger seat (double cab models).
However, the front passenger airbag may
deploy if luggage is put in the seat. (As
for the front passenger occupant
classification system, see “Front
passenger occupant classification system”
on page 86 in this Section.)
Always wear your seat belt properly.CAUTION
The SRS front airbag system is de-
signed only as a supplement to the
primary protection of the driver and
front passenger seat belt systems.
The driver and front passenger can
be killed or seriously injured by the
inflating airbags if they do not wear
the available seat belts properly.
During sudden braking just before
a collision, an unrestrained driver
or front passenger can move for-
ward into direct contact with or
close proximity to the airbag which
may then deploy during the colli-
sion. To ensure maximum protection
in an accident, the driver and all
passengers in the vehicle must
wear their seat belts properly. Wear-
ing a seat belt properly during an
accident reduces the chances of
death or serious injury or being
thrown out of the vehicle. For in-
structions and precautions concern-
ing the seat belt system, see “Seat
belts” on page 43 in this Section.