2000-2004 Subaru Outback SUV Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags User Manual
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USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags for Your Subaru Outback SUV Second Generation (2000-2004)

1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seats 1-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat heater (if equipped) 1-9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 1-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest (if equipped) 1-10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headrest adjustment
— Rear center seating position on Station wagon 1-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding down the rear seat — Station wagon 1-12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelts 1-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt safety tips 1-16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 1-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) 1-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt warning light and chime 1-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening the seatbelt 1-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt maintenance 1-28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front seatbelt pretensioners 1-29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint systems 1-33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top tether anchorages 1-40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 1-43. . . . . . . .
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and
lap/shoulder restraints 1-43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS frontal airbag 1-48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS side airbag (if equipped) 1-55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system monitors 1-62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system servicing 1-63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions against vehicle modification 1-64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1-2
Front seats
WARNING
D Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid the possibility of
loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.
D Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed be-
cause they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury
in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear.
D Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear
seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism.
D Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding un-
der the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be al-
ways used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If
the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a colli-
sion, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt slid-
ing up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in se-
rious internal injury or death.
D Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants
and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding
under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen
will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.
D The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force.
Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag
deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS air-
bag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should al-
ways sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering
wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and
the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible
and sit upright and well back in the seat.
D Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly re-
strained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or im-
properly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For
that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including
those in child seats and those that have outgrown child restraint
devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a
child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for
the child’s age, height and weight.
Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward fac-
ing child seat) in the REAR seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE
FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE
SRS AIRBAG.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions. For instructions and precautions concerning child re-
straint systems, see the “Child restraint systems” section in this
chapter.
HB0290HS0233
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit well
back and upright.
Move the seat as far from the
steering wheel as practical.
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit
well back and upright.
Move the seat
as far back as
possible.
1-4
HS0247HB0291
Put children in the rearseat properly
restrained at all times.
Do not recline the seatback while
vehicle is moving.
B Fore and aft adjustment
n Manual type
HB1058BA
Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to the desired position. Then
release the lever and move the seatback and forth to make sure that it
is securely locked into place.
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n Power seat (if equipped)
HB1060BA
To adjust the seat forward or backward, move the control switch for-
ward or backward.
B Seat cushion angle and height adjustment (Power seat only)
HB1062BA
HB1078BA
To adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion, move the control
switch in the corresponding direction.
1-6
B Reclining the seatback
n Manual type
HB1072BA
Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the seatback to the desired posi-
tion. Then release the lever and make sure the seat is securely locked
into place.
The seatback placed in a reclined position can spring back upward
with force when released. When operating the reclining lever to return
the seatback, hold it lightly so that it may be raised back gradually.
n Power seat (if equipped)
HB1084BA
To adjust the angle of the seatback, move the control switch.
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NOTE
While adjusting the seatback, you can not at the same time adjust
the seat position or the seat cushion angle and height.
B Head restraint adjustment
HB1016BA
To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head
restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the
seatback.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head
restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.
NOTE
If the seatback is reclined rearward to the same level as the rear
seat cushion with the head restraint removed, a wide flat bed is
made available.
WARNING
D Never drive your car with the seats converted in a flat bed
position. If you do so, occupants will have a greater chance of
being injured even during simple deceleration, acceleration and
cornering since no firm restraint will be available for them.
D Before you lie on the flat bed to take a rest, read the descrip-
tion “Parking your vehicle” in Chapter 7 carefully and follow the
instructions.
1-8
HBS011AA
1. Slide the front seat forward as far as possible.
2. Pull off the head restraint while pressing the release button.
3. Recline the seatback rearward up to the lowest position. Remem-
ber to reinstall the head restraint whenever the seatback is raised
back.
B Lumbar support (if equipped)
HB1059BA
Pull the lever forward or backward.
Pulling the lever forward will increase the amount of support for your
lower back.
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Seat heater (if equipped)
CAUTION
D Use of the seat heater for a long period of time while the
engine is not running can cause battery discharge.
D Do not put anything on the seat which insulates against heat,
such as a blanket, cushion, or similar items. This may cause the
seat heater to overheat.
D When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine, paint thinner, or
any similar materials.
The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is either in the “ACC”
or “ON” position.
HB1073BB
HB1093BB
To turn on the seat heater, push the “LO” or “HI” position on the switch,
as desired, depending on the temperature. Selecting the “HI” position
will cause the seat to heat up quicker.
LO: Normal heating
HI: Rapid heating
The indicator located on the switch comes on when the seat heater is in
operation. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed enough or before you
leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.
1-10
Rear seats
WARNING
D Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat. Do not put cushions or any other
materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions. If
you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt
sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in
serious internal injury or death.
D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback, in
the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury or death.
D Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers
in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
D Secure skis and other lengthy items properly to prevent them
from being thrown around inside the vehicle and causing serious
injury during a sudden stop, a sudden steering or a rapid accel-
eration.
HB0302
Sit well back
and upright.
J Armrest (if equipped)
WARNING
To avoid the possibility of serious injury, passengers must never
be allowed to sit on the center armrest while the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
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HB1068BB HB1100BB
To lower the armrest, pull on the top edge of the armrest.
B Loading long objects (Sedan)
WARNING
D Secure long objects properly to prevent them from shooting
forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop or
sharp cornering. Tie long objects down with a rope or something
equivalent.
D Avoid loading objects longer than 6.6 ft (2 m) and heavier than
55 lb (25 kg). Such objects can interfere with the driver’s proper
operation of the car, possibly causing an accident and serious
injury.
HB1053BAHB1052BA
1-12
Folding down the armrest and opening the seatback panel affords a
loading space for long objects.
To open the seatback panel, pull the panel down while pressing the
release tab down.
J Headrest adjustment — Rear center seating position
on Station wagon
HB1099BA
To raise the headrest, pull it up. To lower it, push the headrest down while
pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.
When the rear center seating position is occupied, place the headrest in
its highest position. When the rear center seating position is not occu-
pied, lower the headrest to improve rearward visibility.
J Folding down the rear seat — Station wagon
WARNING
D After returning the rear seat to its original position, be certain
to place all of the seatbelts and the tab attached to the seat cush-
ion above the seat cushion. And make certain that the shoulder
belts are fully visible.
D Never permit anyone to ride in the cargo area.
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B Folding down the seatback
HB1095BAHB1094BA
1. Lower the headrests.
2. Unlock the seatback by pulling the release knob and then fold the
seatback down.
B Folding down the seat cushion and seatback
1. Move the front seat forward.
2. Close the rear passengers’ cup holder and ashtray.
3. Remove the headrests (if so equipped).
Window-side seating positions: Pull the headrest up while pressing
the release button located on the backside of the seatback.
Center seating position: Pull the headrest up while pressing the re-
lease button located on the top of the seatback.
HB1099CBHB1096BB
1-14
4. Store the seatbelts in the seatbelt pockets to prevent them from fal-
ling below the cushion.
HB1074BB
5. Raise the seat cushion by pulling up the tab.
Make certain that the rear passenger’s cup holder is fully retracted
before raising the seat cushion.
HB1097BA
6. Unlock the seatback by pulling the release knob and fold the seat-
back down. Confirm that the pin located at the bottom of the seat
cushion is inserted into the slot at the top of the seatback.
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HB1027BA
7. Install the headrests (if so equipped) onto the backside of the seat-
back (window-side positions only).
HB1098BA
To return the rear seat to its original position, raise the seatback and seat
cushion until they lock into place and make sure that they are securely
locked.
Make sure that the rear seatbelts are not under the seat cushion or seat-
back.
Place the headrests (if so equipped) back in their normal position.
1-16
Seatbelts
J Seatbelt safety tips
WARNING
D All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BE-
FORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of se-
rious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or ac-
cident.
D All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint.
Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing
injury.
D Each seatbelt is designed to support only one person. Never
use a single belt for two or more persons — even children. Other-
wise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.
D Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and at-
taching hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in
a serious accident. The entire assembly should be replaced even
if damage is not obvious.
D Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly re-
strained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or im-
properly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For
that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including
those in child seats and those that have outgrown child restraint
devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a
child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for
the child’s height and weight.
Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward
facing child seats) in the REAR seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE
FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO
THE SRS AIRBAG.
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According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child
restraint system, see the “Child restraint systems” section in this
chapter.
B Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle. See in-
formation on “Child restraint systems” in this chapter.
B Children
If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in
the rear seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. According to ac-
cident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a
child to stand up or kneel on the seat.
If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, move the
child closer to the belt buckle to help provide a good shoulder belt fit.
Care must be taken to securely place the lap belt as low as possible
on the hips and not on the child’s waist. If the shoulder portion of the
belt cannot be properly positioned, a child restraint system should be
used. Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind
the child’s back.
B Expectant mothers
HS1107AA
1-18
Expectant mothers also need to use the seatbelts. They should con-
sult their doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be
worn securely and as low as possible over the hips, not over the
waist.
J Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
The driver’s seatbelt has an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR).
The emergency locking retractor allows normal body movement but the
retractor locks automatically during a sudden stop, impact or if you pull
the belt very quickly out of the retractor.
J Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)
Each passenger’s seatbelt has an Automatic/Emergency Locking Re-
tractor (A/ELR). The Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor normally
functions as an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The A/ELR has an
additional locking mode “Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode” in-
tended to secure a child restraint system. When the seatbelt is once
drawn out completely and is then retracted even slightly, the retractor
locks the seatbelt in that position and the seatbelt cannot be extended.
As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the retractor
functions as ALR. When the seatbelt is retracted fully, ALR mode is re-
leased.
When securing a child restraint system on the passengers’ seats, the
seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
mode.
When the child restraint system is removed, make sure that the retractor
is restored to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function by allow-
ing the seatbelt to retract fully.
For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the ALR mode and re-
store it to the ELR mode, see the “Child restraint systems” section in this
chapter.
J Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s
seat.
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This device causes the seatbelt warning light on the instrument panel to
light up for about six seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position to remind the driver to wear the seatbelt. If the driver’s
seatbelt is not fastened, a warning chime sounds at the same time.
J Fastening the seatbelt
WARNING
D Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this
can increase the risk or severity of injury.
D Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.
D Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a colli-
sion, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip
bones instead of across the weaker abdomen.
D Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding un-
der the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be al-
ways used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If
the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a colli-
sion, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt slid-
ing up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in se-
rious internal injury or death.
D Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants
and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding
under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen
will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or
death.
1-20
HS0231
Never place the shoulder belt under
the arm or behind the back.
HS0230
Always wear the
seatbelts correctly.
Adjust the seatback
to upright position.
Sit well back and
upright.
CAUTION
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can become very hot in a vehicle
that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn an oc-
cupant. Do not touch such hot parts until they cool.
B Front seatbelts
OM-H0044OM-H0043
1. Adjust the seat position:
Driver’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the
seatback as far from the steering wheel as practical while still main-
taining full vehicle control.
Front passenger’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position.
Move the seat as far back as possible.
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1-21
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2. Sit well back in the seat.
3. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it
get twisted. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the
belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be
unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a strong pull, then
pull it out slowly again.
4. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place
the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
n Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor height
WARNING
When wearing the seatbelts, make sure the shoulder portion of
the webbing does not pass over your neck. If it does, adjust the
seatbelt anchor to a lower position. Placing the shoulder belt
over the neck may result in neck injury during sudden braking or
in a collision.
HB1029BB
The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position
best suited for you. To lower the anchor height, push the release but-
ton and slide the anchor down. To raise the anchor height, slide the
anchor up. Pull down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in
place.
1-22
Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over
the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.
n Unfastening the seatbelt
HB0303
Push
Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted prop-
erly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.
B Rear seatbelts (except rear center seatbelt on wagon)
OM-H0044OM-H0043
1. Sit well back in the seat.
2. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it
get twisted. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the
belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be
unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving a strong pull on it,
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1-23
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then pull it out slowly again.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place
the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
n Unfastening the seatbelt
HB0303
Push
Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted prop-
erly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.
B Rear center seatbelt on wagon model
WARNING
D Fastening the seatbelt with the webbing twisted can increase
the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the
belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, especially when
inserting the connector’s tongue plate into the mating buckle (on
right-hand side), always check that the webbing is not twisted.
D Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective
buckles. If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the
connector’s tongue plate not fastened to the connector’s buckle
on the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wearer in
position in an accident, possibly resulting in serious injury or
death.
1-24
HB1031BAHB1030BA
HS1017BB
HB1032BA
1. Pull out the seatbelt slowly from the overhead retractor.
1. Center seatbelt tongue
plate
2. Connector (tongue)
3. Connector (buckle)
4. Center seatbelt buckle
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HB1033BA
2. After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the connec-
tor (tongue) attached at the webbing end into the buckle on the right-
hand side until a click is heard. If the belt stops before reaching the
buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt
still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a
strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.
HB1034BA
3. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate in the center seatbelt buckle
marked “CENTER” on the left-hand side until it clicks. To make the lap
part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place the lap belt as low
as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
1-26
HS1019BA
n Unfastening the seatbelt
HS0317
Push
Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand
side) to unfasten the seatbelt.
NOTE
When the seatback is folded down for greater luggage space, it is
necessary to disconnect the connector.
CAUTION
D Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly.
Otherwise, the metal tongue plates may hit against the trim,
resulting in damaged trim.
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D Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are
neatly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit against
the trim during driving, causing damage to the trim.
HB1037BAHB1036BA
1. Insert a key or other hard pointed object into the slot in the con-
nector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in, and the connec-
tor (tongue) plate will disconnect from the buckle.
HB1048BAHB1038CA
2. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. You should hold the webbing
end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Neatly
store the tongue plates in the recess in the retractor and then insert
the connector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front of the
recess.
1-28
NOTE
When folding down the rear seat cushion, store the seatbelts in
the seatbelt pocket to prevent them falling below the cushion.
HB1074BB
J Seatbelt maintenance
CAUTION
D Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly
battery acid.
D Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will pre-
vent the seatbelt from operating properly.
To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never
bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously affect their strength.
Inspect the seatbelts and attachments including the webbing and all
hardware periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose
bolts or worn areas. Replace the seatbelts even if only minor damage is
found.
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Front seatbelt pretensioners
WARNING
D To obtain maximum protection, occupants should sit in an up-
right position with their seatbelts properly fastened. Refer to
“Seatbelts” section in this chapter.
D Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor as-
semblies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental ac-
tivation of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the system
inoperative, possibly resulting in serious injury. Seatbelt preten-
sioners have no user-serviceable parts. For required servicing of
front seatbelt retractors equipped with seatbelt pretensioners,
see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
D When discarding front seatbelt retractor assemblies or scrap-
ping the entire car due to collision damage or for other reasons,
consult your SUBARU dealer.
HB0373
Seatbelt retractor
assembly
(Pretensioner)
The driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelts have a seatbelt preten-
sioner. The seatbelt pretensioners are designed to be activated in the
event of an accident involving a moderate to severe frontal collision.
The pretensioner sensor also serves as a SRS frontal airbag sensor. If
the sensor detects a certain predetermined amount of force during a
frontal collision, the front seatbelt is quickly drawn back in by the re-
tractor to take up the slack so that the belt more effectively restrains
1-30
the front seat occupant.
When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated, an operating noise will be
heard and a small amount of smoke will be released. These occur-
rences are normal and not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a
fire in the vehicle.
Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt re-
tractor remains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not be pulled
out and retracted and therefore must be replaced.
NOTE
D Seatbelt pretensioners are not designed to activate in minor
frontal impacts, in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents.
D The driver’s seat and passenger’s seat pretensioners and fron-
tal airbag operate simultaneously.
D Pretensioners are designed to function on a one-time-only ba-
sis. In the event that a pretensioner is activated, both the driver’s
and front passenger’s seatbelt retractor assemblies must be re-
placed and only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When replac-
ing seatbelt retractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU
parts.
D If either front seatbelt does not retract or cannot be pulled out
due to a malfunction or activation of the pretensioner, contact
your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
D If the front seatbelt retractor assembly or surrounding area
has been damaged, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
D When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buy-
er that it has seatbelt pretensioners by alerting him to the con-
tents of this section.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-31
– CONTINUED –
B System monitors
HB4010EC
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the seatbelt
pretensioner while the vehicle is being driven. The seatbelt preten-
sioners share the control module with the airbag system. Therefore, if
any malfunction occurs in a seatbelt pretensioner, the SRS airbag sys-
tem warning light will illuminate. The SRS airbag system warning light
will show normal system operation by lighting for about 6 seconds
when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
The following components are monitored by the indicator:
D Front sub sensor (Right hand side)
D Front sub sensor (Left hand side)
D Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
D Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side)
D Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
D All related wiring
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of following, the vehicle
should be taken promptly to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the
system checked. Unless checked and repaired, the seatbelt preten-
sioners and airbags will not function reliably:
D Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
D No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is
first turned to the “ON” position.
D Continuous illumination of the warning light.
D Illumination of the warning light while driving.
1-32
B System servicing
WARNING
D When discarding a seatbelt retractor assembly or scrapping
the entire car damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU deal-
er.
D Tampering with or disconnecting the system’s wiring could re-
sult in accidental activation of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or
airbag or could make the system inoperative, which may result in
serious injury. The wiring harnesses of the seatbelt pretensioner
and SRS airbag systems are covered with yellow insulation and
the connectors of the system are yellow for easy identification.
Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the
seatbelt pretensioner and airbag systems. For required servicing
of the seatbelt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
CAUTION
The front sub sensors are located in both front fenders and the
airbag control module including the impact sensors is located
under the center console. If you need service or repair in those
areas or near the front seatbelt retractors, we recommend that
you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work.
NOTE
If the front part of the vehicle is damaged in an accident to the
extent that the seatbelt pretensioner does not operate, contact
your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-33
– CONTINUED –
B Precautions against vehicle modification
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifi-
cations can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt perten-
sioners.
D Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts to
the front end.
D Modification of the suspension system or front end structure.
D Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the
tires specified on the tire placard attached to the door jamb.
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any acces-
sory parts to your vehicle.
Child restraint systems
WARNING
D Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision, because the child will be caught between the
passenger and objects inside the vehicle. Additionally, holding a
child in your lap or arms in the front seat exposes that child to
another serious danger. Since the SRS airbag deploys with con-
siderable speed and force, the child could be injured or even
killed.
D Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly re-
strained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or im-
properly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
1-34
For that reason, be sure to secure ALL types of child restraint
devices (including forward facing child seats) in the REAR seats
at all times. You should choose a restraint device which is
appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. According to
accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.
D SINCE YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER’S
SRS AIRBAG, DO NOT INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD
SAFETY SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING
THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
D Children should be properly restrained in the rear seat at all
times. Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front
passenger’s seat. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
force and can injure or even kill the child.
HB0306
HB0308
HB0307
Never install rearward facing child
safety seat in the front passen-
ger’s seat.
Never allow a child to stand up, or
to kneel on the front passenger’s
seat or any other seat
Never hold a child on your lap or in
your arms in the front passenger’s
seat or any other seat.
HS1031BB
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-35
– CONTINUED –
WARNING
D Child restraint systems and seatbelts can become hot in a ve-
hicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn
a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a
child in it.
D Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehi-
cle. Unsecured child restraint systems can be thrown around in-
side of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; it can strike
and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries
or death to the child.
Infants and small children should always be placed in an infant or child
restraint system in the rear seat while riding in the vehicle. You should
use an infant or child restraint system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards or Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, is compat-
ible with your vehicle and is appropriate for the child’s age and size. All
child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by
lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt (except those cov-
ered under the section in this manual, entitled “Instruction of child re-
straint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages”).
Children could be endangered in an accident if their child restraints are
not properly secured in the vehicle. When installing the child restraint
system, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces require that infants and small
children be restrained in an approved child restraint system at all times
while the vehicle is moving.
B Installing child restraint systems with seatbelt
NOTE
When the child restraint system is no longer in use, remove it and
restore the ELR function of the retractor. That function is restored
by allowing the seatbelt to retract fully.
1-36
CAUTION
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufactur-
er’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child re-
straint system, check to ensure that it is held securely in posi-
tion. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your child
suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in-
creased.
HB1080BA
1. Set the child restraint system in the seating position.
2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the child restraint
system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. If the
shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it behind the
child restraint system.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle.
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
5. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the retractor to change the retractor
over from the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) to the Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) function. Then, allow the belt to rewind into
the retractor. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indi-
cate the retractor functions as ALR.
6. Before having a child sit in the child restraint system, move it back
and forth to check if it is firmly secured. Sometimes a child restraint
can be more firmly secured by pushing it down into the seat cushion
and then tightening the seatbelt.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-37
– CONTINUED –
7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be
pulled out (ALR properly functioning).
If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto
the top tether anchorage and tighten the top tether. See the “Top teth-
er anchorages” for additional instructions.
HB1083BA
HBS065BA
8. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on
the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract completely. The belt
will return to the ELR mode.
If you have any question concerning this type of child restraint sys-
tem, ask your SUBARU dealer.
1-38
B Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and teth-
er anchorages
Some types of child restraint systems can be installed on the rear
seat of your vehicle without use of the seatbelts. Such child restraint
systems are secured to the dedicated anchorages provided on the
vehicle body.
HB1086BA
Your vehicle is equipped with four lower anchorages (bars) and three
upper anchorages (tether anchorages) for accommodating such child
restraint systems.
HB1090BA
HB1087BA
The lower anchorages (bars) are used for installing a child restraint
system only on the rear seat window-side seating positions. For each
window-side seating position, two lower anchorages are provided.
The tether anchorages (upper anchorages) are provided for all the
seating positions (middle and both window-side ones) of the rear seat.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-39
– CONTINUED –
HS1078BA
HB1088BA
You will find marks “ ” at the bottom of the rear seat seatbacks.
These marks indicate the positions of the lower anchorages (bars).
Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the
seatback.
CAUTION
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufactur-
er’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint
system, check to ensure that it is held securely in position. If it is
not held tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering per-
sonal injury in the event of an accident may be increased.
1. Use the “Child” marks to locate the two lower anchorages (bars)
for the position where you want to install the child restraint system.
2. While following the instructions supplied by the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer, connect the connectors of the child restraint sys-
tem to the lower anchorages.
When the connectors are fastened, make sure that the adjacent seat-
belts are not caught.
If your child restraint system is of a flexible attachment type (which
uses tether straps to connect the child restraint system proper to the
lower anchorages), firmly tighten the straps after connecting the con-
nectors.
3. Connect the top tether hook to the tether anchorage and firmly
tighten the tether.
1-40
For information on how to set the top tether, read the following “Top
tether anchorages”.
4. Before seating a child in the child restraint system, try to move seat
back and forth to verify that it is held securely in position.
If you have any question concerning this type of child restraint sys-
tem, ask your SUBARU dealer.
J Top tether anchorages
B Anchorage location
HBS061BB
HB1077BC
Three anchorages, i.e., ones for the right, center and left positions,
are already installed on the rear shelf (on Sedan) or on the rear edge
of the roof (on Staion wagon).
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-41
– CONTINUED –
B To hook the top tether
n Sedan
CAUTION
When the child restraint system is to be secured using the top
tether, always pass the top tether under the headrest between the
headrest stay posts. If the top tether is routed over the headrest,
it may not be properly tensioned, resulting in an unsteady child
restraint system.
HBS064BDHBS063BA
1. Remove the headrest at the seating position where the child seat
has been installed with the seatbelt or lower anchorages; lift up the
headrest while pressing the release button.
2. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the ap-
propriate upper anchorage.
1-42
HBS065BA
HB1064BA
3. Tighten the top tether securely.
4. Reinstall the headrest in such a way that the top tether is routed
between the headrest stay posts.
n Station wagon
CAUTION
Always remove the headrest when mounting a child restraint sys-
tem with a top tether. Otherwise, it may happen that the top tether
cannot be fastened tightly.
HB1099CBHB1096BB
1. Remove the headrest (if so equipped) at the seating position
where the child restraint system has been installed with the seatbelt or
lower anchorages; lift up the headrest while pressing the release but-
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-43
– CONTINUED –
ton. Store the headrest in the cargo area. Avoid placing the headrest
in the passenger compartment to prevent it from being thrown around
in the passenger compartment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.
HB1081BD
2. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the ap-
propriate upper anchorage.
3. Tighten the top tether securely.
*SRS airbag
(Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
*SRS: This stands for supplemental restraint system. This name is used
because the airbag system supplements the vehicle’s seatbelts.
J Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS air-
bags and lap/shoulder restraints
WARNING
D To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the
driver and all passengers in the vehicle should always wear seat-
belts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS airbag is designed
only as a supplement to the primary protection provided by the
seatbelt. It does not do away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In
combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined
protection in case of a serious accident.
1-44
Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or
death in a crash even when the car has the SRS airbag.
For instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system,
see the “Seatbelts” sections in this chapter.
D Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS airbag. Be-
cause the SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed – faster
than the blink of an eye – and force to protect in high speed colli-
sions, the force of an airbag can injure an occupant whose body
is too close to SRS airbag.
It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries
that can result when the SRS airbag contacts an occupant not in
proper position such as one thrown forward during pre-accident
braking.
Even when properly positioned, there remains a possibility that
an occupant may suffer minor injury such as abrasions and
bruises to the face or arms because of the SRS airbag deploy-
ment force.
D The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force.
Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag
deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS air-
bag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should al-
ways sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering
wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and
the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible
and sit upright and well back in the seat.
D Do not place any objects over or near the SRS airbag cover or
between you and the SRS airbag. If the SRS airbag deploys,
those objects could interfere with its proper operation and could
be propelled inside the car and cause injury.
D Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly re-
strained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or im-
properly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
For that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-45
– CONTINUED –
(including those in child seats and those that have outgrown
child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at
all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is
appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight.
Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward
facing child seats) in the REAR seats at all times.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions.
For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint
system, see the “Child restraint systems” section in this chapter.
D NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE
FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO
THE SRS AIRBAG.
D Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front pas-
senger’s seat, or never hold a child on your lap or in your arms.
The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or
even kill the child.
HB0291
Put children in the REAR seat prop-
erly restrained at all times.
1-46
CAUTION
D When the SRS airbag deploys, some smoke will be released.
This smoke could cause breathing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breathing trouble. If you or your pas-
sengers have breathing problems after SRS airbag deploys, get
fresh air promptly.
D A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get
burnt if they come into direct contact with the hot gas.
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint system in addition
to a lap/shoulder belt at each front seating position.
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of two airbags (driver’s
and front passenger’s frontal airbags) or four airbags (driver’s and front
passenger’s frontal airbags and driver’s and front passenger’s side air-
bags).
These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the prima-
ry protection provided by the seatbelt.
The system also controls front seatbelt pretensioners. For operation,
instructions are precautions concerning the seatbelt pretensioner, see
the “Front seatbelt pretensioner” section in this chapter.
NOTE
When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buyer that
it is equipped with SRS airbags by alerting him to the applicable
section in this owner’s manual.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-47
– CONTINUED –
B Components
HB1079DB
1 Airbag control module
(including impact sensors)
2 Airbag module (driver’s side)
3 Airbag module
(passenger’s side)
4 Front sub sensor
(left hand side)
5 Front sub sensor
(right hand side)
6 Seatbelt pretensioner
(driver’s side)
7 Seatbelt pretensioner
(passenger’s side)
8 Side airbag module
(driver’s side — if equipped)
9 Side airbag module
(passenger’s side — if
equipped)
Q Side airbag sensor
(driver’s side)
W Side airbag sensor
(passenger’s side)
E Airbag wiring (yellow)
1-48
J SRS frontal airbag
WARNING
D NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT
IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
D Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front pas-
senger’s seat, or never hold a child on your lap or in your arms.
The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or
even kill the child.
D The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force.
Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag
deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS air-
bag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should al-
ways sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering
wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and
the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible
and sit upright and well back in the seat.
It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries
that can result when the SRS airbag contacts an occupant not in
proper position such as one thrown toward the front of the car
during pre-accident braking.
HB0306
HB0307
Never install rearward facing child
restraint system in the front passen-
ger’s seat.
Never allow a child to stand up, or
to kneel on the front passenger’s
seat
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-49
– CONTINUED –
HB0308
Never hold a child on your lap or in
your arms.
HS0233
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit well
back and upright.
Move the seat as far from the
steering wheel as practical.
HB0290
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit
well back and upright.
Move the seat
as far back as
possible.
WARNING
D Do not put any objects over the steering wheel pad and dash-
board. If the SRS frontal airbag deploys, those objects could in-
terfere with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the
vehicle and cause injury.
D Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or fit an extra-
wide mirror over the rear view mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys,
those objects could become projectiles that could seriously in-
jure vehicle occupants.
1-50
HB1047BB
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag is stowed in the center portion of the
steering wheel. The passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is stowed near the
top of the dashboard under an “SRS AIRBAG” mark.
In a moderate to severe frontal collision, the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbags deploy and supplement the seatbelts by reduc-
ing the impact on the driver’s and front passenger’s head and chest.
B Operation
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system components around the
steering wheel and dashboard with bare hands right after deploy-
ment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be
very hot as a result of deployment.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-51
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbags deploy
as soon as a collision
occurs.
After deployment,
SRS airbags start to
deflate immediately
so that the driver’s
vision is not
obstructed.
OM-H0384
Driver’s side Passenger’s side
The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
If the front sub sensors inside the both front fenders and the impact
sensors in the airbag control module detect a certain predetermined
amount of force during a frontal collision, the control module sends
signals to the frontal airbag modules instructing them to inflate the
SRS frontal airbags. Then both airbag modules produce gas, which
instantly inflates driver’s and passenger’s SRS frontal airbags. After
the deployment, the SRS airbags immediately start to deflate so that
the driver’s vision is not obstructed. The time required from detecting
impact to the deflation of the SRS airbag after deployment is shorter
than the blink of an eye.
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag deploys together with driv-
er’s SRS frontal airbag even when no one occupies the front passen-
ger’s seat.
When the SRS frontal airbags deploy, the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s seatbelt pretensioners operate at the same time.
Although it is highly unlikely that the SRS airbag would activate in a
non-accident situation, should it occur, the SRS airbag will deflate
quickly, not obscuring vision and will not interfere with the driver’s
ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
1-52
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will
be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are
normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
The SRS frontal airbag is designed to deploy in the event of an acci-
dent involving a moderate to severe frontal collision. It is basically not
designed to deploy in lesser frontal impacts because the necessary
protection can be achieved by the seatbelt alone. Also, it is basically
not designed to deploy in side or rear impacts or in roll-over acci-
dents because deployment of the SRS frontal airbag would not help
the occupant in those situations. The SRS airbag is designed to func-
tion on a one-time-only basis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of force experienced in
the passenger compartment during a collision. That level differs from
one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on the
visible damage done to the vehicle itself.
n Examples of accident in which the SRS frontal airbag will most
likely deploy.
A head-on collision against a thick concrete wall at a vehicle speed of
12 to 19 mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates the SRS frontal air-
bag. The SRS frontal airbag will also be activated when the vehicle is
exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the
above-mentioned collision.
HB1055BA
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-53
– CONTINUED –
n Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that
the SRS frontal airbag will deploy.
The SRS frontal airbag may be activated when the vehicle sustains a
hard impact in the undercarriage area from the road surface (such as
when the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch, is severely bumped or
knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).
HB1057BAHB1056BA
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS frontal
airbag is unlikely to deploy.
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require
SRS frontal airbag deployment. If the vehicle strikes an object, such
as a telephone pole or sign pole, or if it slides under a truck’s load
bed, or if it sustains an oblique offset frontal impact, the SRS frontal
airbag may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces in-
volved.
HB0311HB1042BB
HB1041AB
The vehicle sustains an
oblique offset frontal
impact.
1-54
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS frontal
airbag will basically not deploy.
The SRS frontal airbag is basically not designed to deploy if the
vehicle is struck from side or from behind, or if it rolls onto its side or
roof, or if it is involved in a low-speed frontal collision.
HB1044AB
The vehicle is struck from
the side.
HB0313HB1043BB
In an accident where the vehicle is impacted more than once, the
SRS frontal airbag deploys only once.
Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle,
then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, once the SRS
frontal airbag is activated on the first impact, it will not be activated on
the second.
HB1070BB
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-55
– CONTINUED –
J SRS side airbag (if equipped)
WARNING
D The SRS side airbag is designed as only a supplement to the
primary protection provided by the seatbelt. It does not do away
with the need to fasten seatbelts. It is also important to wear your
seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when an occupant is
not seated in a proper upright position.
D Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to either front door. The
SRS side airbag is stored in both front seat seatbacks next to the
door, and it provides protection by deploying rapidly (faster than
the blink of an eye) in the event of a side impact collision. Howev-
er, the force of SRS side airbag deployment may cause injuries if
your head or other body parts are too close to the SRS side air-
bag.
D Do not rest your arm on either front door or its internal trim. It
could be injured in the event of SRS side airbag deployment.
D Never allow a child to kneel on the front passenger’s seat fac-
ing the side window or to wrap his/her arms around the front seat
seatback. In the event of an accident, the force of SRS side airbag
deployment could seriously injure or even kill the child because
his/her head or arms or other body parts are close to the side air-
bag. Since your vehicle is also equipped with a passenger’s SRS
frontal airbag, children aged 12 and under should be placed in
the rear seat anyway and should be properly restrained at all
times.
1-56
HB0353HB0352
Do not sit or lean unnecessary close
to the front door.
Do not rest your arm on either front
door or its internal trim.
HB0354
Never allow a child to kneel on the
front passenger’s seat facing the side
window.
HB0355
Never allow a child to wrap his/her
arms around the front seatback.
WARNING
D Do not attach accessories to the door trim or near either SRS
side airbags and do not place objects near the SRS side airbags.
In the event of the SRS side airbag deployment, they could be
propelled dangerously toward the vehicle’s occupants and cause
injuries.
D Do not put any kind of cover or clothes or other objects over
either front seatback and do not attach labels or stickers to the
front seat surface on or near the SRS side airbag. They could pre-
vent proper deployment of the SRS side airbag, reducing protec-
tion available to the front seat’s occupant.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-57
– CONTINUED –
HS0353
Do not put any kind of cover over
either seatback.
Do not attach accessories to the door
trim or near either side airbag and do
not place objects near either side air-
bag.
HB0366
The SRS side airbag is stored in the door side of each front seatback,
which bears an “SRS AIRBAG” label.
In a moderate to severe side impact collision, the SRS side airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the
door panel and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the
occupant’s chest.
B Operation
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS side airbag system components around the
front seatback with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so
can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a
result of deployment.
1-58
SRS side airbag deploys as
soon as a collision occurs.
After deployment, SRS side
airbag starts to deflate immedi-
ately.
HB0359
The SRS side airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in
the “ON” position.
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags deploy indepen-
dently of each other since each has its own impact sensor. Also, the
SRS side airbag deploys independently of the frontal airbags in the
steering wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the vehicle’s center pil-
lars. If either sensor detects a certain predetermined amount of force
during a side impact collision, the control module sends a signal to
the side airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, instruct-
ing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the side airbag module pro-
duces gas, which instantly inflates the SRS side airbag. After the de-
ployment, the SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The time
required from detecting impact to the deflation of the SRS side airbag
after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occupies the seat on
the side of which an impact is applied.
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-59
– CONTINUED –
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation
noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occur-
rences are normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indi-
cate a fire in the vehicle.
The SRS side airbag is designed to deploy in the event of an accident
involving a moderate to severe side impact collision. It is basically not
designed to deploy in lesser side impact. Also, it is basically not de-
signed to deploy in frontal or rear impacts because SRS side airbag
deployment would not help the occupant in those situations.
Each SRS side airbag is designed to function on a one-time-only ba-
sis.
SRS side airbag deployment depends on the level of force experi-
enced in the passenger compartment during a side impact collision.
That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have
no bearing on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself.
n Example of the type of accident in which the SRS side airbag
will most likely deploy.
A severe side impact near the front seat activates the SRS side air-
bag.
HB0313
1-60
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side air-
bag is unlikely to deploy.
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require
SRS side airbag deployment. In the event of accidents like those illus-
trated below, the SRS side airbag may not deploy depending on the
level of accident forces involved.
HB0363HB0362HB0361
The vehicle strikes a
telephone pole or similar
object.
The vehicle is involved in
a side impact in an area
outside the vicinity of the
passenger compartment.
The vehicle is involved in
an oblique side impact.
HB1044ABHB1045AB
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-61
– CONTINUED –
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side air-
bag will basically not deploy.
The SRS side airbag is basically not designed to deploy if the vehicle
is involved in a frontal collision or is struck from behind. Examples of
such accidents are illustrated below.
HB1043BBHB1046AB
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side more than
once, the SRS side airbag deploys only once.
Example: In the case of a double side impact collision, first with one
vehicle and immediately followed by another from the same direction,
once the SRS side airbag is activated on the first impact, it will not be
activated on the second.
HB1071BB
1-62
J SRS airbag system monitors
HB4010EC
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS air-
bag system (including front seatbelt pretensioners) while the vehicle is
being driven. The SRS airbag system warning light “AIRBAG” will show
normal system operation by lighting for about 6 seconds when the igni-
tion key is turned to the “ON” position.
The following components are monitored by the indicator:
D Front sub sensor (Right hand side)
D Front sub sensor (Left hand side)
D Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
D Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side)
D Frontal airbag module (Passenger’s side)
D Side airbag sensor (Driver’s side — if equipped)
D Side airbag sensor (Passenger’s side — if equipped)
D Side airbag module (Driver’s side — if equipped)
D Side airbag module (Passenger’s side — if equipped)
D Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side)
D Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
D All related wiring
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of following, the vehicle
should be taken promptly to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the
system checked. Unless checked and repaired, the SRS airbags will not
function reliably:
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-63
– CONTINUED –
D Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
D No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first
turned to the “ON” position.
D Continuous illumination of the warning light.
D Illumination of the warning light while driving.
J SRS airbag system servicing
WARNING
D When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire car
damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.
D The SRS airbag has no user-serviceable parts. Do not use
electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS airbag
system. For required servicing of the SRS airbag, see your near-
est SUBARU dealer. Tampering with or disconnecting the sys-
tem’s wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag
or could make the system inoperative, which may result in seri-
ous injury. The wiring harnesses of the SRS airbag system are
covered with yellow insulation and system connectors are yellow
for easy identification.
CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas listed below, we recommend
that you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors and airbag modules
are stored in these areas.
D Under the center console
D Inside each front fender
D Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
D Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s side and nearby
areas
D Each front seat and nearby area (only for vehicles with SRS
side airbags)
D Inside each center pillar
1-64
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, replacement of the sys-
tem should be performed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
When the components of the SRS airbag system are replaced, use
only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags must be inspected
by a SUBARU dealer ten years after the date of manufacture, which is
shown on the certification label attached to the driver’s door.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
D The front part of the vehicle was involved in an accident in
which the SRS frontal airbags did not deploy.
D The pad section of the steering wheel or front passenger’s
frontal airbag cover is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS side airbags, con-
tact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible in the following
cases.
D Either center pillar or a nearby area of the vehicle was involved
in an accident in which the SRS side airbag did not deploy.
D The fabric or leather of either front seatback is cut, frayed, or
otherwise damaged.
J Precautions against vehicle modification
WARNING
D To avoid accidental activation of the system or rendering the
system inoperative, which may result in serious injury, no modifi-
cations should be made to any components or wiring of the SRS
airbag system.
This includes following modifications:
D Installation of custom steering wheels
D Attachment of additional trim materials to the dashboard
D Installation of custom seats (only for vehicles with SRS side
airbags)
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-65
– CONTINUED –
D Replacement of seat fabric or leather (only for vehicles with
SRS side airbags)
D Installation of additional fabric or leather on the front seat
(only for vehicles with SRS side airbags)
D Installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment such
as a mobile two-way radio on or near the SRS airbag system
components and/or wiring is not advisable. This could interfere
with proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifi-
cations can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag sys-
tem.
D Attachment of any equipment (brush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts to
the front end.
D Modification of the suspension system or front end structure.
D Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the
tires specified on the tire placard attached to the driver’s door
jamb.
D Attachment of any equipment (side steps or side sill protec-
tors, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts to the
side body (only for vehicles with side airbags).
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory
parts to your vehicle.

Related Topics

Front seats Fore and aft adjustment Seat cushion angle and height adjustment Reclining the seatback Head restraint adjustment Lumbar support Seat heater Rear seats Armrest Loading long objects (Sedan) Headrest adjustment ? Rear center seating position on Station wagon Folding down the rear seat ? Station wagon Seatbelts Seatbelt safety tips Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) Seatbelt warning light and chime Fastening the seatbelt Seatbelt maintenance Front seatbelt pretensioners Child restraint systems Top tether anchorages SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) SRS frontal airbag SRS side airbag SRS airbag system monitors SRS airbag system servicing Precautions against vehicle modification

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