Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual - part 562

RS00Z–02

RS–8

–

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

STEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE

1352

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

REMOVAL

(See page 

SR–11

)

RS010–02

W03613

W03616

W03629

Horn Button
Contact Plate

W03617

–

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

STEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE

RS–9

1353

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

INSPECTION

1.

VEHICLES NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION

(a)

Do a diagnostic system check.
(See page 

DI–324

)

(b)

Do a visual check which includes the following items with
the steering wheel pad (with airbag) installed in the ve-
hicle.
Check cuts, minute cracks or marked discoloration on the
steering wheel pad top surface and in the grooved por-
tion.

2.

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND AIRBAG IS
NOT DEPLOYED

(a)

Do a diagnostic system check.
(See page 

DI–324

)

(b)

Do a visual check which includes the following items with
the steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the ve-
hicle.

Check cuts minute cracks or marked discoloration
on the steering wheel pad top surface and in the
grooved portion.

Check cuts and cracks in wire harnesses, and chip-
ping in connectors.

Check the deformation of the horn button contact
plate of the steering wheel.

HINT:

If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is de-
formed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel
assembly with a new one.

There should be no interference between the steering
wheel pad and steering wheel, and the clearance should
be uniform all the way around when the new steering
wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

CAUTION:
For removal and installation of the steering wheel pad, see
page 

SR–11

 and be sure to follow the correct procedure.

RS–10

–

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

STEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE

1354

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

3.

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND AIRBAG IS
DEPLOYED

(a)

Do a diagnostic system check.
(See page 

DI–324

)

(b)

Do a visual check which includes the following items with
the steering wheel pad (with airbag) removed from the ve-
hicle.

Check the deformation on the horn button contact
plate of the steering wheel.

Check the damage on the spiral cable connector
and wire harness.

HINT:

If the horn button contact plate of the steering wheel is de-
formed, never repair it. Always replace the steering wheel
assembly with a new one.

There should be no interference between the steering
wheel pad and steering wheel, and the clearance should
be uniform all the way around when the new steering
wheel pad is installed on the steering wheel.

RS011–31

AB0152

SST

–

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

STEERING WHEEL PAD AND SPIRAL CABLE

RS–11

1355

1997 LEXUS ES300   (RM511U)

DISPOSAL

HINT:
When a scrapping vehicle equipped with an SRS or disposing
of a steering wheel pad (with airbag), always first deploy the air-
bag in accordance with the procedure described below. If any
abnormality occurs with the airbag deployment, contact the
SERVICE DEPT. of TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.
When disposing of a steering wheel pad with an airbag
deployed in a collision, follow the same procedure given in step
1–(g) in ”DISPOSAL”.
CAUTION:

Never dispose of a steering wheel pad which has an
undeployed airbag.

The airbag produces a sizeable exploding sound
when it deploys, so perform the operation out–of–
doors and where it will not create a nuisance to
nearby residents.

When deploying the airbag, always use the specified
SST (SRS Airbag Deployment Tool). Perform the op-
eration in a place away from electrical noise.
SST

09082–00700

When deploying an airbag, perform the operation at
least 10 m (33 ft) away from the steering wheel pad.

The steering wheel pad is very hot when the airbag is
deployed, so leave it alone for at least 30 minutes af-
ter deployment.

Use gloves and safety glasses when handling a steer-
ing wheel pad with the deployed airbag.

Always wash your hands with water after completing
the operation.

Do not apply water, etc. to a steering wheel pad with
the deployed airbag.