2008 Toyota Tacoma Owners Manual

holders located on the back sides of the bottom cushions.

to

FOLDING REAR SEATS 1. Swing

the bottom cushion up by pulling the lock release strap, and remove the head restraint.

If desired, each bottom cushion may be raised separately.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the box under the seat, do not sit on the box when the bottom cushion is in the raised position.

3. Fold down the seatback by pulling

the lock release strap.

If desired, each seatback can be folded down separately.

CAUTION

To avoid death or serious injury, do not sit on or place anything on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

41

08 02.19

CAUTION

When returning seats to their original position, observe the following pre- cautions in order to prevent death or serious injury in a collision or sud- den stop: D Make sure the seatback is securely locked by pushing forward and rear- ward on the top of the seatback. Failure to do so will prevent the seat belt from operating properly.

D Make sure the seat belts are not twisted or caught in the seatback and are arranged in their proper position and are ready to use.

D Make sure the bottom cushion is securely locked by trying to pull up the edge of the cushion near the lock release straps.

42

Front (bench seat)

Head restraints

LS13157

LS13159b

Front (separate seats)

Rear (double cab models)

LS13158a

For your safety and comfort, adjust the head restraint before driving. To raise: Pull it up. To lower: Push it down while pressing the lock release button. Rear center head restraint (double cab models) and front center head restraint (bench seat)—When an occupant sits on the the center position of rear seats (double cab models) or the front seats (bench seat), always pull up the center head restraint to the lock position.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

The head restraint is most effective when it is close to your head. Therefore, using a cushion on the seatback is not recom- mended.

CAUTION

D Adjust the center of the head re- straint so that it is closest to the top of your ears.

D After adjusting the head restraint, make sure it is locked in position. the head re-

D Do not drive with

straints removed.

Seat belts— —Seat belt precautions Toyota strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly re- strained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents. The seat belts provided for your vehicle are designed for people of adult size, large enough to properly wear them. Child. Use a child restraint system ap- propriate for the child until the child be- comes large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belts. See “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Section for details. REGULAR CAB MODELS— If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. ACCESS CAB and DOUBLE CAB MOD- ELS— If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle’s seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat.

If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. If an accident occurs and the seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid infla- tion of the airbag may cause death or serious injury to the child. Do not allow any children to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious in- jury or death during emergency braking or a collision. Also, do not let the child sit on your lap. Holding a child in your arms does not provide sufficient restraint. Small−framed person or youth in a seat belt. On models with a bench seat, have a small−framed person or youth sit slightly closer to the center of the vehicle (so the shoulder belt does not cross over the neck). On models with separate seats, move the seat fully backward. Pregnant woman. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not on the waist.

recommendations. The

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

43

08 02.19

Injured person. Toyota recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the inju- ry, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations

CAUTION

the vehicle

in their seats Persons should ride their seat belts properly wearing whenever is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury or death in the event of sudden braking or a collision. When using the seat belts, observe the following: D Use the belt for only one person at a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people—even children.

D Keep the belts clean and dry.

If they need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or lukewarm water. Never use bleach, dye, or abrasive clean- ers, or allow them to come into the belts—they may contact with severely weaken (See “Cleaning the interior” on page 351
in Section 5.)

the belts.

D Replace the belt assembly (includ- ing bolts) if it has been used in a severe impact. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

D Avoid reclining

the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection in a frontal or rear collision when the driver and the front passenger are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen or your neck may In the contact the shoulder belt. event of a the more the seat is reclined, the great- er the risk of death or serious inju- ry.

frontal collision,

D Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or side doors.

D Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be re- placed. Do not disassemble or modify the system.

44

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

—Fastening front and rear seat belts

LS13087

Tab

Buckle

tab

the

into

insert

Adjust the seat as needed and sit up straight and well back in the seat. To fasten your belt, pull it out of the re- tractor and the buckle. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. The seat belt length automatically adjusts to your size and the seat position. The retractor will lock the belt during a sudden stop or on impact. It also may lock if you lean forward too quickly. A slow, easy motion will allow the belt to extend, and you can move around freely.

is

then

When a passenger’s shoulder belt is com- pletely extended and retracted even slightly, the belt is locked in that position and cannot be extended. This fea- ture is used to hold the child restraint system securely. (For details, see “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Section.) To free the belt again, fully retract the belt and then pull the belt out once more. If the seat belt cannot be pulled out of the retractor, firmly pull the belt and release it. You will then be able to smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the belt is not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed, because it cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from death or serious injury.

Take up slack

Too high

LS13088

Keep as low on hips as possible

the

lap and

the position of

Adjust shoulder belts. Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips—not on your waist, then ad- just it to a snug fit by pulling the shoulder portion upward through the latch plate.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

45

08 02.19

CAUTION

could

D Both high−positioned lap belts and cause loose−fitting belts death or serious to sliding under the lap belt during a collision or other unintended event. Keep the lap belt positioned as low on hips as possible.

injuries due

D Do not place the shoulder belt un-

der your arm.

CAUTION

Always make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of your shoulder. The belt should be kept away from your neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Failure to do so could reduce the amount of protection in an accident and cause death or serious injuries in a colli- sion.

LS13089

Seat belts with an adjustable shoulder anchor— Adjust the shoulder anchor position to your size. To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push in the lock release button and slide the anchor down. After adjustment, make sure the anchor is locked in position.

46

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

—Stowing the rear seat belt buckles (access cab models)

LS13090

LS13109

LS13091a

To release the belt, press the buckle release button and allow the belt to retract. If the belt does not retract smoothly, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. Then make sure it remains untwisted as it re- tracts.

CENTER SEAT BELT OF THE BENCH SEAT Make sure the shoulder belt pass through the guide when using the cen- ter seat belt.

The buckles can be fixed when not in use. When taking out the buckle from the hold- er, pull on the belt webbing to remove the buckle from the lower portion.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

47

08 02.19

from your Toyota dealer

—Seat belt extender If your seat belts cannot be fastened se- curely because they are not long enough, a personalized seat belt extender is avail- able free of charge. Please contact your local Toyota dealer so that the dealer can order the proper re- quired length for the extender. Bring the heaviest coat you expect to wear for prop- er measurement and selection of length. Additional ordering information is available at your Toyota dealer.

CAUTION

the

When using the seat belt extender, following precautions. observe Failure to follow these instructions could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt restraint system in case of an accident, increasing the chance of death or serious injury. D Remember that the extender pro- vided for you may not be safe when used on a different vehicle, for another person, or at a different seating position than the one origi- nally intended.

48

LS13097

D If the seat belt extender has been connected to the driver’s seat belt buckle without the driver actually wearing the seat belt, the SRS driv- er’s airbag system will judge that the driver this case, the driver’s airbag may not activate correctly, causing death or serious injury in the event of colli- sion. Be sure to wear the seat belt with the seat belt extender.

is wearing

it.

In

D Make sure the front passenger oc- cupant classification indicator light indicates “ON” when using the seat belt extender for the front passen- ger seat. If the indicator light indi- cates “OFF”, disconnect the extend- er tongue from the seat belt buckle, then reconnect the seat belt. Recon- nect the seat belt extender after making sure the indicator light indi- cates “ON”. If you use the seat belt extender while the light indicates “OFF”, the front passen- ger airbag and side airbag on the front passenger side may not acti- vate correctly, which could cause death or serious injury in the event of collision.

indicator

D Do not use the seat belt extender

if it is not absolutely necessary.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

If

installing a child

D Do not use the seat belt extender when restraint system on the front or rear passen- ger seat. installing a child re- straint system with the seat belt ex- tender connected to the seat belt, the seat belt will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause death or serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of collision.

LS13092

To connect the extender to the seat belt, insert the tab into the seat belt buckle so that the “PRESS” signs on the buckle release buttons of the ex- tender and the seat belt are both facing outward as shown. You will hear a click when the tab locks into the buckle. When releasing the seat belt, press on the buckle release button on the extender, not on the seat belt. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extend- er itself.

As far as the seat belt extender on the front passenger side is concerned, do not fail to disconnect the extender from the seat belt after the above operation in or- der to activate the front passenger airbag correctly when getting the vehicle next time. When not and store in the vehicle for future use.

in use, remove the extender

into

CAUTION

D After inserting the tab, make sure the tab and buckle are locked and that the lap and shoulder portions of the belt and the seat belt extend- er are not twisted.

D Do not insert coins, clips, etc. in the buckle as this may prevent you from properly latching the tab and buckle.

D If the seat belt does not function normally, immediately contact your Toyota dealer. Do not use the seat until the seat belt is fixed, because it cannot protect an adult occupant or your child from death or serious injury.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

49

08 02.19

—Seat belt pretensioners

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

if no passenger

The front passenger’s seat belt pretension- er will not activate is detected in the front passenger seat by the front passenger occupant classification system. However, 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 passenger 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

in a vehicle rollover

The seat belt pretensioners will not oper- ate the “RSCA OFF” indicator light is on. For details, see “Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off switch” on page 92 in this Section.

if

50

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

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.

the seat belt pretensioners have the seat belt retractors

Once been activated, 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.

51

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the seat belt pretensioners in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Repairs on or near the front seat

belt pretensioner assemblies

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure or con- sole

52

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.

see

belt

front

buckle

switch,

details,

“Service

indicator

system∗

pretensioner

classification

“RSCA OFF”

sensor assembly,

light system monitors

the This warning airbag front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat passenger belt and occupant indicator light, passenger airbag off switch, seat assemblies, inflators, light, interconnecting wiring and power sources. (For 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. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D The light comes on while driving.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

D 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.

D The seat belt pretensioner assembly or

surrounding area has been damaged.

SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag (regular cab models with separate seats and access cab models)

LS13106

LS13117

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D 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. D Either seat belt pretensioner assembly scratched,

or cracked, or otherwise damaged.

surrounding area

is

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.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

53

08 02.19

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 the front passenger airbag may deploy if lug- gage is put in the seat. (As for the front passenger occupant classification system, see “Front passenger occupant classifica- tion system” on page 82 in this Section.) Always wear your seat belt properly.

front passenger seat. However,

CAUTION

D 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 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.

in

seriously

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed by or the injured deploying airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child restraint system. As to access cab models, Toyota strongly all infants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and properly restrained. The rear seat is the safest for infants and children. the For installation of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Section.

instructions concerning

recommends

that

54

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

LS13141a

Indicator light

to

airbag

system

passenger

The is equipped with a off switch and indica- tor light. Turning the passenger airbag off switch clockwise the “AUTO” position makes the front passenger air- bag system operational. To disable the front passenger airbag system, turn the off switch counterclockwise the “OFF” position and remove the key. The “OFF” light will come on when the front passenger airbag system has been disabled. See “Passenger airbag off switch” on page 70 in this Section for detail.

indicator

to

CAUTION

D Do not turn off the passenger air- bag off switch except when a mem- ber of a passenger risk group iden- tified in TABLE 1 is occupying the front passenger seating position.

D When

the passenger airbag off switch is turned off, the front pas- senger airbag will not inflate in a collision and turning off the front passenger airbag can reduce the occupant protection which your ve- hicle safety systems can provide to you in- crease the likelihood of death or serious injuries.

in certain accidents and

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

55

08 02.19

TABLE 1: A PASSENGER RISK GROUP

Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) who must ride in the front seat because: D Vehicle has no rear seat; D Vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate a rear−facing infant seat;

or

D The infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: D Vehicle has no rear seat: D Although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of vehicle; or

D The child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

Medical condition. A passenger has a medical condition which according to his or her physician: D Causes the passenger airbag to pose a special risk for the passenger: and D Makes the potential harm from the passenger airbag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning off the airbag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard, or windshield in a crash.

For more detailed information concerning about the passenger risk group, please contact NHTSA at 1−888−327−4236 or Transport Canada at 1−800−333−0371.

The SRS front airbags are designed to deploy in severe (usually frontal) colli- sions where the magnitude and duration of the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle exceeds the designed threshold level. The SRS front airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is above the de- signed threshold level, comparable to an approximate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision when the vehicle has the impact straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or deform. However, threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if the vehicle is involved in an underride collision in which the front of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It in some collisions where the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle is very close to the designed thresh- old level, the SRS front airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not activate togeth- er. Always wear your seat belts properly.

(e.g. a collision

is possible

that

this

56

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

Collision from the rear

LS13118

Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard surface

LS13119

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

Collision from the side

Vehicle rollover

Landing hard or vehicle falling

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, whenever a collision of any type causes sufficient forward deceleration of the vehicle, de- ployment of the SRS front airbags may occur.

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

57

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

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.

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 airbags 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.

injuries, especially

Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed 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 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 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 inflate only once. The windshield may be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflat- ing airbag.

touch! The airbags

the occupant

58

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

CAUTION

The driver or front passenger who is too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as pos- sible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle.

D The front passenger sit as far back

as possible from the dashboard.

D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts.

D If the seat belt extender has been connected to the driver’s seat belt buckle without the driver actually wearing the seat belt, the SRS driv- er’s airbag system will judge that the driver this case, the driver’s airbag may not activate correctly, causing death or serious injury in the event of colli- sion. Be sure to wear the seat belt with the seat belt extender.

is wearing

it.

In

For instructions and precautions con- cerning the seating position, see “—Front seat precautions” on page 34 in this Section.

CAUTION

A member of a passenger risk group should never sit or be occupied in the front passenger seat with airbag off switch in the “AUTO” position. (For details, see “SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag” on page 53 in this Section.)

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

59

08 02.19

LS13121

LS13162

LS13115

is

in use, since

D Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean against the dashboard when the vehicle the front passenger airbag could inflate with considerable speed and force. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, an airbag when it inflates, can be killed or seriously injured. Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and always use your seat belt properly.

D Toyota strongly recommends that all infants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and be properly restrained.

D Do not hold a child on your lap or in your arms. Use a child restraint system in the rear seat. For instruc- tions concerning the installation of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Sec- tion.

D Do not put anything or any part of your body on or in front of the dashboard or steering wheel pad that houses the front airbag sys- tem. They might restrict inflation or cause death or serious injury as they are projected rearward by the force of the deploying airbags. Like- wise, the driver and front passenger should not hold objects their arms or on their knees.

in

60

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

the

D 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 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, It may consult your Toyota dealer. dangerously the SRS front airbags operation.

interfere with

NOTICE

consulting

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure, con- steering sole, steering wheel, front passenger’s seat or dashboard near the front passenger airbag

column,

LS13104

sensor assembly,

light system monitors

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. the This warning airbag 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. “Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers” on page 153 in Section 1−6.)

details,

(For

see

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

61

08 02.19

∗: 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. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D 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.

SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag (regular cab models with bench seat and double cab models)

LS13116

LS13117

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The SRS airbags have been inflated. D 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 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.

front

D The pad section of the steering wheel or cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

passenger

airbag

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

62

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

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.

or

seat)

bench

The SRS front passenger airbag will not activate if there is no passenger sitting in the right front passenger seat (regular cab models with front passenger seat (double cab models). However, the front passenger airbag may deploy if luggage is put in the seat. (As for occupant classification “Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 86 in this Section.) Always wear your seat belt properly.

passenger

system,

front

see

the

CAUTION

D 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 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.

in

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

63

08 02.19

seriously

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed by or the injured deploying airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child restraint system. As to double cab models, Toyota strongly all infants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and properly restrained. The rear seat is the safest for infants and children. the For installation of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Section.

instructions concerning

recommends

that

The SRS front airbags are designed to deploy in severe (usually frontal) colli- sions where the magnitude and duration of the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle exceeds the designed threshold level. The SRS front airbags will deploy if the severity of the impact is above the de- signed threshold level, comparable to an approximate 25 km/h (15 mph) collision when the vehicle has the impact straight into a fixed barrier that does not move or deform. However, threshold velocity will be considerably higher if the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole, which can move or deform on impact, or if the vehicle is involved in an underride collision in which the front of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a truck, etc.). It in some collisions where the forward deceleration of the ve- hicle is very close to the designed thresh- old level, the SRS front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners may not activate together. Always wear your seat belts properly.

(e.g. a collision

is possible

that

this

Collision from the rear

LS13123

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, whenever a collision of any type causes sufficient forward deceleration of the vehicle, de- ployment of the SRS front airbags may occur.

64

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard surface

LS13124

Falling into or jumping over a deep hole

LS13189d

Landing hard or vehicle falling

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.

Regular cab models with bench seat

LS13125d

Double cab models

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. Front passenger occupant classification

indicator light

3. Airbag module for front passenger

(airbag and inflator)

4. Front passenger occupant classification

ECU

5. Front passenger’s seat position sensor 6. Pressure sensor 7. Load sensor 8. Belt tension sensor 9. Front passenger’s seat belt buckle

switch

10. Driver’s seat belt buckle switch 11. Driver’s seat position sensor 12. Airbag sensor assembly 13. Airbag module for driver

(airbag and inflator)

14. SRS warning light The airbag sensor assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

65

08 02.19

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 airbags 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.

injuries, especially

Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second, so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the system is designed 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 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 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 inflate only once. The windshield may be damaged by absorbing some of the force of the inflat- ing airbag.

touch! The airbags

the occupant

CAUTION

The driver or front passenger who is too close to the steering wheel or dashboard during airbag deployment can be killed or seriously injured. Toyota strongly recommends that: D The driver sit as far back as pos- sible from the steering wheel while still maintaining control of the ve- hicle.

D The front passenger sit as far back

as possible from the dashboard.

D All vehicle occupants be properly restrained using the available seat belts.

D If the seat belt extender has been connected to the driver’s seat belt buckle without the driver actually wearing the seat belt, the SRS driv- er’s airbag system will judge that the driver this case, the driver’s airbag may not activate correctly, causing death or serious injury in the event of colli- sion. Be sure to wear the seat belt with the seat belt extender.

is wearing

it.

In

66

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

For instructions and precautions con- cerning the seating position, see “—Front seat precautions” on page 34 in this Section.

LS13121

LS13162

is

in use, since

D Do not sit on the edge of the seat or lean against the dashboard when the vehicle the front passenger airbag could inflate with considerable speed and force. Anyone who is up against, or very close to, an airbag when it inflates, can be killed or seriously injured. Sit up straight and well back in the seat, and always use your seat belt properly.

D Toyota strongly recommends that all infants and children be placed in the rear seat of the vehicle and be properly restrained.

D Do not hold a child on your lap or in your arms. Use a child restraint system in the rear seat. For instruc- tions concerning the installation of a child restraint system, see “Child restraint” on page 93 in this Sec- tion.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

67

08 02.19

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 the SRS front airbags operation.

interfere with

LS13184

D Do not put anything or any part of your body on or in front of the dashboard or steering wheel pad that houses the front airbag sys- tem. They might restrict inflation or cause death or serious injury as they are projected rearward by the force of the deploying airbags. Like- wise, the driver and front passenger should not hold objects their arms or on their knees.

in

the

D 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 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.

D Bench seat only—Do not use seat accessory, such as a cushion or seat cover, that covers the front seat, or do not modify or replace the upholstery of front seat. Such accessories or changes may prevent the front passenger airbag system from activating correctly, disable the system or cause the front passenger airbag to inflate ac- cidentally, resulting in death or seri- ous injury.

the

68

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

NOTICE

consulting

front airbag system

Do not perform any of the following changes without your Toyota dealer. Such changes can interfere with proper operation of the SRS in some cases. z Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile two−way radio, cassette tape player or compact disc player

z Modification of the suspension sys-

tem

z Modification of the front end struc-

ture

z Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar, etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to the front end

z Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end structure, con- steering sole, steering wheel, front passenger’s seat or dashboard near the front passenger airbag

column,

LS13104

sensor assembly,

light system monitors

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 front airbags are operating properly. the This warning airbag front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag sensors, curtain shield airbag sensors, driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat passenger belt occupant and seat belt pretensioner indicator assemblies, “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.)

classification

system∗

inflators,

switch,

buckle

light,

front

∗: 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 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. D The light does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position or remains on for more than 6 seconds.

D 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.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

69

08 02.19

Passenger airbag off switch (regular cab models with separate seats and access cab models only)

NOTICE

Do not disconnect the battery cables before contacting your Toyota dealer.

LS13185

LS13141a

In the following cases, contact your Toyota dealer as soon as possible: D The SRS front airbags have been in-

flated.

D The front of the vehicle (shaded in the illustration) was involved in an accident that was not severe enough to cause the SRS front airbags to inflate.

Indicator light

This off switch is designed to disable the front passenger airbag in order to allow usage, if necessary, of a member of a passenger risk group identified in TABLE 1 is occupying the front passen- ger seating position. (For details, see “SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag” on page 53 in this Section.)

D The pad section of the steering wheel or cover (shaded in the illustration) is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

passenger

airbag

front

70

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

on

the

turn

varies

depending

Operate off switch as follows: Insert key into the keyhole. front passenger airbag To on—Turn the key clockwise to the “AUTO” position. At this time, the indicator light condition the occupant in the front passenger seat. (For details, see “Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 82 in this Section.) To front passenger airbag turn off—Turn the key counterclockwise to the “OFF” position and remove it. At this time, the “OFF” indicator light comes on. If the key is removed at any other position than “OFF”, the switch will automatically return to the “AUTO” position.

the

LS13140

The SRS warning light and the passen- ger airbag on−off indicator light will in- dicate “OFF” if there is a malfunction in the passenger airbag off switch.

CAUTION

D Do not turn off the passenger air- bag off switch except when a mem- ber of a passenger risk group iden- tified in TABLE 1 is occupying the front passenger seating position.

D When

the passenger airbag off switch is turned off, the front pas- senger airbag will not inflate in a collision and turning off the front passenger airbag can reduce the occupant protection which your ve- hicle safety systems can provide to you in- crease the likelihood of death or serious personal injuries.

in certain accidents and

For details, see “SRS driver airbag and front passenger airbag” on page 53 in this Section.

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

71

08 02.19

SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags

LS13126

The SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys- tem) side airbags and curtain shield air- bags are designed to provide further protection for the driver, front passen- ger and rear outside passengers in addition to the primary safety protec- tion provided by the seat belts.

Roll sensing function: In response to a vehicle rollover, the cur- tain shield airbags on both sides work with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflating. The curtain shield airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s, front passenger’s or rear passenger’s head and help prevent them from being thrown out of the vehicle. (This function can be turned off if inflation is not de- sired. See “Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off switch” on page 92 in this Section.) The SRS curtain shield airbags may acti- vate even when the side airbags are not activated. Always wear your seat belt properly.

In response to a severe side impact, the SRS side airbags and curtain shield air- bags in the impacted side work with the seat belts to help reduce injury by inflat- ing. The SRS side airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s or front pas- senger’s chest. The SRS curtain shield airbags help reduce injuries mainly to the driver’s, front passenger’s or rear outside passenger’s head and help prevent them from being thrown out of the vehicle. The SRS side airbag on the passenger seat will not activate if there is no pas- senger sitting in the front passenger seat. However, the side airbag on the passen- ger seat may deploy if luggage is put in the seat. (As for the front passenger oc- cupant classification system, see “Front passenger occupant classification system” on page 86 in this Section.) The SRS curtain shield airbag on the pas- senger side are activated even with no passenger in the front seat or rear outside seat.

72

2008 TACOMA from Apr. ’08 Prod. (OM35898U)

08 02.19

CAUTION

D The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is designed only as a supplement to the prima- ry protection of the driver, front passenger and rear outside passen- ger seat belt systems. To ensure maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all passenger in the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly. Wearing a seat belt prop- erly during an accident reduces the chances of death or serious injury or being thrown out of the vehicle. instructions and precautions For concerning the seat belt system, see “Seat belts” on page 43 in this Section.

D Do not allow anyone to lean his/her head or any part of his/her body against the door or the area of the seat, front pillar, rear pillar or roof side rail from which the SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag deploy even is a child seated in the child restraint system. It is dangerous if the SRS side air- bag and curtain shield airbag in- flate, and the impact of the deploy- ing airbag could cause death or se- rious injury to the occupant.

if he/she

restraint

D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and children can be killed or seriously injured by the deploy- ing airbags. An infant or child who is too small to use a seat belt should be properly secured using a child Toyota strongly recommends in-