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MSA5M0704A 8

Front seats........................................................... 1-2 Manual seat ........................................................ 1-3 Power seat (if equipped) ...................................... 1-4 Memory function (Driver's seat only, if equipped)....................................................... 1-5 Head restraint adjustment.................................... 1-7 Active head restraint ........................................... 1-7 Lumbar support (if equipped) .............................. 1-8
Seat heater (if equipped) .................................... 1-8 Rear seats............................................................ 1-9
Folding down the rear seatback ........................... 1-9 Head restraint adjustment................................... 1-10 Armrest (if equipped) ......................................... 1-11 Loading long objects (Sedan) ............................. 1-12 Seatbelts ............................................................. 1-13 Seatbelt safety tips............................................. 1-13 Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................... 1-14 Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor
(A/ELR) ............................................................ 1-14 Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 1-14 Fastening the seatbelt ........................................ 1-16 Seatbelt maintenance ......................................... 1-23

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seatbelt pretensioners............................. 1-24 1
System monitors ............................................... 1-25 System servicing ............................................... 1-26 Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-27 Child restraint systems ..................................... 1-27 Where to place a child restraint system .............. 1-28 Choosing a child restraint system ...................... 1-30 Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR
seatbelt ........................................................... 1-30 Installing a booster seat..................................... 1-33 Installation of child restraint systems by use of
lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) .............. 1-35 Top tether anchorages ....................................... 1-37 *SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)................................................ 1-40 Vehicle with SRS airbags and lap/shoulder
restraints for driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers........................... 1-40 Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.............. 1-45 SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag............. 1-55 SRS airbag system monitors.............................. 1-61 SRS airbag system servicing ............................. 1-63 Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-64

1-2 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seats
WARNING
. Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.
. Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear seat passengers or luggage are clear of the adjusting mechanism.
. Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, 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.
. 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 airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always 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.

WARNING
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained 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 improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. Consequently, 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 facing 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.

! Reclining the seatback

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-3

& Manual seat
! Fore and aft adjustment
Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to the desired position. Then release the lever and move the seat back and forth to make sure that it is securely locked into place.

WARNING
To prevent the passenger from sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the upright position while the vehicle is in motion. Also, do not place objects such as cushions between the passenger and the seatback. 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.

Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the seatback to the desired position. 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.
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1-4 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
! Seat cushion height adjustment (driver's seat)

& Power seat (if equipped)
! Fore and aft adjustment

! Reclining the seatback

The height of the seat can be adjusted by moving the seat cushion adjustment lever up and down.
When the lever is pushed down, the seat is lowered.
When the lever is pulled up, the seat rises.

To adjust the seat forward or backward, move the control switch forward or backward.
NOTE
During backward-forward adjustment of the seat, you cannot adjust the seat cushion angle or seat height.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-5

To adjust the angle of the seatback, move the control switch. ! Seat cushion angle adjustment
(Driver's seat only)
To adjust the seat cushion angle, pull up

or push down the front end of the control switch. ! Seat height adjustment (Driver's
seat only)
To adjust the seat height, pull up or push down the rear end of the control switch.
& Memory function (Driver's seat only, if equipped)
Two of your favorite seat positions can be registered. Register the seat position with button "1" or "2" and retrieve the seat position by pressing either button. The following seat positions can be registered: . Forward/backward position of the seat . Angle of seatback

. Angle of seat cushion . Height of seat ! Registration of seat position
WARNING
. Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.
. Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands, feet and possessions of rear seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism.
. Before registering the seat position, confirm that the shift lever is in the "P" position (AT vehicles) or the parking brake lever is applied (MT vehicles).
1. Shift the shift lever in the "P" position (AT vehicles) or apply the parking brake (MT vehicles). 2. Adjust the seat position.
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1-6 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

3. While pressing the "SET" button, press the desired button "1" or "2". 4. The chirp sounds once, and the seat position is registered.
! Retrieval of seat position
WARNING
. Never retrieve the seat position while driving to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.
. Perform the seat position retrieval before driving. Before retrieving the seat position, confirm that the shift lever is in the "P" position (AT vehicles) or the parking brake lever is applied

(MT vehicles). Do not drive until the retrieval of the seat position is complete.
. Be sure to press the registered button of your seat position to retrieve the seat position. If the seat position is not optimum, an incorrect driving position disturbs driving and also the seatbelt does not function correctly, which could result in serious injury or death.
. To retrieve the seat position, make sure the hands, feet or luggage of rear seat passengers are clear of the seat adjusting mechanism.
. When any trouble or malfunction occurs during the retrieval of the seat position, stop the retrieval of the seat position using the control switch for manual adjustment.

1. Shift the shift lever in the "P" position (AT vehicles) or apply the parking brake (MT vehicles). 2. Press the desired button "1" or "2". 3. The chirp sounds once and the seat moves to the registered position. 4. When the seat moves to the registered position, the chirp sounds twice.
WARNING
. Be sure to press the registered button of your seat position to retrieve the seat position. If the seat position is not the optimum, an incorrect driving position disturbs driving and also the seatbelt does not function correctly, which could result in serious

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-7

injury or death. . To retrieve the seat position,
make sure the hands, feet or luggage of rear seat passengers are clear of the seat adjusting mechanism.
NOTE
. If a new position is registered for the same button, the previous seat position is deleted. . If the battery is disconnected, the registered seat position is not deleted.
& Head restraint adjustment
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.
WARNING Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed because they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear.
& Active head restraint
The front seats of your vehicle are equipped with active head restraints. They automatically tilt forward slightly in the

event the vehicle is struck from the rear, decreasing the amount of rearward head movement and thus reducing the risk of whiplash. For maximum effectiveness the head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is closest to the top of the occupant's ears.
CAUTION
. Each active head restraint is effective only when its height is properly adjusted and the driver/ passenger sits in the correct position on the seat.
. If your vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision, have an authorized SUBARU dealer inspect the active head restraints.
. The active head restraints may not operate in the event the vehicle experiences only a slight impact in the rear.
. The active head restraints may be damaged if they are pushed hard from behind or subjected to shock. As a result, they may not function if the vehicle suffers a rear impact.
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1-8 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

& Lumbar support (if equipped)
Pull the lever forward or backward. Pulling the lever forward will increase the amount of support for your lower back.

Seat heater (if equipped)
The seat heater is equipped in the front seats. The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is either in the "ACC" or "ON" position. Each seat heater has four levels of adjustment. To use the heater in the right-hand seat, turn the "R" adjustment knob forward until the " " mark reaches the desired position. To activate the heater in the left-hand seat, turn the "L" adjustment knob forward until the " " mark reaches the desired position. Each heater warms the seat most quickly with the " " mark on the adjustment knob in the furthest-forward position. An indicator light

on the adjustment knob for each seat heater comes on when that seat heater is activated. When the vehicle's interior is warmed enough or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.
CAUTION
. There is a possibility that people with delicate skin may suffer slight burns even at low temperatures if they use the seat heater for a long period of time. When using the heater, always be sure to warn the persons concerned.
. 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.
NOTE
Use of the seat heater for a long period of time while the engine is not running can cause battery discharge.

Rear seats

WARNING
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.

WARNING
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.
& Folding down the rear seatback
WARNING
. After returning the rear seat to its original position, be certain to place all of the seatbelts and the tab attached to the seat cushion above the seat cushion. And

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-9
make certain that the shoulder belts are fully visible. . Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback or in the cargo area or trunk. Doing so may result in serious injury or death. . 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 maneuver or a rapid acceleration.
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1-10 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
! Sedan models

position, raise the seatback until it locks into place and make sure that it is securely locked.
! Wagon models

they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear.

! Rear windows side seating position

CAUTION
The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to an appropriate position depending on your sitting height.

1) Lock 2) Unlock
Unlock the seatback by turning the key lock, and then fold the seatback down. To return the seatback to its original

Unlock the seatback by pushing the release button and then fold the seatback down. To return the seatback to its original position, raise the seatback until it locks into place and make sure that it is securely locked.
& Head restraint adjustment
WARNING
Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed because

Sedan

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-11

head restraint to an appropriate position depending on your sitting height.

Armrest (if equipped)

Station wagon
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. When the seats are not occupied, lower the head restraints to improve rearward visibility.
! Rear center seating position
CAUTION
The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the

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.
When the rear center seating position is occupied, place the head restraint in its highest position. When the rear center seating position is not occupied, lower the head restraint to improve rearward visibility.

Sedan Station wagon

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1-12 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

To lower the armrest, pull on the top edge of the armrest.
WARNING
To avoid the possibility of serious injury, passengers must never be allowed to sit on the center armrest while the vehicle is in motion.
& Loading long objects (Sedan)

down while pulling the release tab.
WARNING
. 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.
. Avoid loading objects longer than 6.6 ft (2 m) and heavier than 55 lbs (25 kg). Such objects can interfere with the driver's proper operation of the vehicle, possibly causing an accident and serious injury.

NOTE
To protect your belongings in the trunk from theft, it is recommended that you lock the seatback panel.

1) Lock 2) Unlock
Folding down the armrest and opening the seatback panel affords a loading space for long objects. To open the seatback panel, unlock with the key lock and pull the seatback panel

Seatbelts
& Seatbelt safety tips
WARNING
. All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
. All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury.
. Each seatbelt is designed to support only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more persons even children. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.
. Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and attaching 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.
. Put children aged 12 and under in

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-13

the rear seat properly restrained 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 improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. Consequently, 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.

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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which will record the use of the seatbelt(s) by the driver and front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploys.
! Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle. See information on "Child restraint systems" section in this chapter.
! 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 accident 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.
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1-14 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, adjust the shoulder belt anchor height (window-side seating positions only) and then if necessary 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. ! Expectant mothers
Expectant mothers also need to use the seatbelts. They should consult their doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and as low as

possible over the hips, not over the waist.
& 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.
& Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)
Each passenger's seatbelt has an Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (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" intended 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 released.
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 allowing the seatbelt to retract fully.
For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, see the "Child restraint systems" section in this chapter.
& Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver's and front passenger's seat, as required by current safety standards.
With the ignition switch turned to the "ON" position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-15

Driver's warning light (Turbo models) Driver's warning light (Non-turbo models)

Front passenger's warning light
! Operation
If the driver and/or front passenger have/ has not yet fastened the seatbelt(s) when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position, the seatbelt warning light(s) will flash for 6 seconds, to warn that the seatbelt(s) is/are unfastened. If the driver's seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously.
If the driver's and/or front passenger's seatbelt(s) are/is still not fastened 6 seconds later, both warning lights or the warning light for the unfastened seatbelt will remain lit for 15 seconds. If the driver's and/or front passenger's seatbelt(s) are/is still not fastened even 15 seconds later (21 seconds after turning ON the ignition

switch), the warning lights will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals, and the chime will sound while the warning light(s) is/are flashing.
Alternate flashing and steady illumination of the warning lights and sounding of the chime will continue until both driver and front passenger fasten their seatbelts.
NOTE
. If the driver and/or front passenger unfasten(s) the seatbelt(s) after fastening, the seatbelt warning device operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.
. At speeds lower than approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals. The chime will not sound. . At speeds higher than approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals and the chime will sound while the warning light(s) is/are flashing.

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1-16 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

. It is possible to cancel the warning operation that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned ON next time, however, the complete sequence of the warning operation resumes. For further details about canceling the warning operation, please contact your SUBARU dealer.
If there is no passenger on the front passenger's seat, the seatbelt warning device for the front passenger's seat will be deactivated. The front passenger's occupant detection system monitors whether or not there is a passenger on the front passenger's seat.
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the device from functioning correctly or cause the device to fail.
. Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback.
. Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket.
. Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger's seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
. Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of

them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to the "Manual seat" in the front seats section in Chapter 1 in this owner's manual. (Models equipped with manual seats only)
If the seatbelt warning device for the front passenger's seat does not function correctly (e.g., it is activated even when the front passenger's seat is empty or it is deactivated even when the front passenger has not fastened his/her seatbelt), take the following actions.
. Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than a child restraint system and the child occupant.
. Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
. Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger's seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only)
If the seatbelt warning device for front passenger's seat still does not function correctly after taking relevant corrective actions described above, immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

& Fastening the seatbelt
WARNING
. Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.
. Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a collision, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of across the weaker abdomen.
. Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, 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.
. Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-17

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.
WARNING 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.

has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn an occupant. Do not touch such hot parts until they cool.

! Front seatbelts
1. Adjust the seat position:
Driver's seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control.
Front passenger's seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seat as far back as possible.
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.

CAUTION
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can become very hot in a vehicle that

5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. 6. Place the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
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1-18 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! 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.

! Unfastening the seatbelt

! Rear seatbelts (except rear center seatbelt)
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, then pull it out slowly again.

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best suited for the driver/front passenger. To lower the anchor height, push the release button 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.
Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.

Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.

3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.
! Rear center seatbelt

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-19

4. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. 5. Place the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
! Unfastening the seatbelt

1) Center seatbelt tongue plate 2) Connector (tongue) 3) Connector (buckle) 4) Center seatbelt buckle

WARNING
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.

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1-20 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

recess of the ceiling.
1. Remove the connector (tongue) plate from the slot in the recess by pulling the connector (tongue) plate.

WARNING
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.

Sedan models
Rear center seatbelt is stowed in the recess on the rear shelf behind the rear seat head restraint.

Sedan models

Wagon models Rear center seatbelt is stowed in the

Wagon models

2. Pull out the seatbelt slowly from the retractor.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-21
"CENTER" on the left-hand side until it clicks.

3. After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the connector (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.

4. After fastening the seatbelt, make sure that the " " mark on the connector (tongue) and the " " mark on the buckle face outwards.

6. 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.

5. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate into the center seatbelt buckle marked

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1-22 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
! Unfastening the seatbelt

Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt.

1. Insert a key or other hard pointed object into the slot in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will disconnect from the buckle.

Wagon models
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 plate in the recess and then insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot.

Sedan models

Sedan models Wagon models

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-23

CAUTION
. 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.
. 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.
& Seatbelt maintenance
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.

CAUTION
. Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid.
. Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating properly.

1-24 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners
The driver's and front passenger's seatbelts have a seatbelt pretensioner. 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 retractor to take up the slack so that the belt more effectively restrains 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 occurrences are normal and not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt retractor remains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not be pulled out and retracted and therefore must be replaced.
NOTE
. Seatbelt pretensioners are not designed to activate in minor frontal impacts, in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents. . The driver's seat and passenger's seat pretensioners and frontal airbag operate simultaneously. . Pretensioners are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. In the event that a pretensioner is activated, both the driver's and front passenger's seatbelt retractor assemblies must be replaced and only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When replacing seatbelt retractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU parts. . 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.

. If the front seatbelt retractor assembly or surrounding area has been damaged, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. . When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buyer that it has seatbelt pretensioners by alerting him to the contents of this section.
WARNING
. To obtain maximum protection, occupants should sit in an upright position with their seatbelts properly fastened. Refer to "Seatbelts" section in this chapter.
. Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor assemblies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental activation of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the system inoperative, possibly resulting in serious injury. Seatbelt pretensioners have no userserviceable parts. For required servicing of front seatbelt retractors equipped with seatbelt pretensioners, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
. When discarding front seatbelt retractor assemblies or scrap-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25

ping the entire vehicle due to collision damage or for other reasons, consult your SUBARU dealer.
& System monitors
SRS airbag system warning light (Turbo models)

SRS airbag system warning light (Nonturbo models)
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the seatbelt pretensioner while the vehicle is being driven. The seatbelt pretensioners share the control module with the airbag system. Therefore, if any malfunction occurs in a seatbelt pretensioner, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. The SRS airbag system warning light will show normal system operation by lighting for approximately 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position.
The following components are monitored by the indicator: . Front sub sensor (Right-hand side) . Front sub sensor (Left-hand side)

. Airbag control module (including impact sensors) . Frontal airbag module (Driver's side) . Frontal airbag module (Front passenger's side) . Side airbag sensor (Center pillar righthand side) . Side airbag sensor (Center pillar lefthand side) . Side airbag module (Driver's side) . Side airbag module (Front passenger's side) . Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house right-hand side) . Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house left-hand side) . Curtain airbag module (Right side) . Curtain airbag module (Left side) . Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver's side) . Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passenger's side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver's side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passenger's side) . Driver's seat position sensor . Front passenger's seatbelt tension sensor . Front passenger's occupant detection system weight sensor . Front passenger's occupant detection
CONTINUED

1-26 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

control module . Front passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator . All related wiring
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag system. Immediately take your vehicle to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and properly repaired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbags will operate improperly (e.g. SRS airbags may inflate in a very minor collision or not inflate in a severe collision), which may increase the risk of injury.
. Flashing or flickering of the warning light
. No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the "ON" position
. Continuous illumination of the warning light
. Illumination of the warning light while driving

& System servicing
WARNING
. When discarding a seatbelt retractor assembly or scrapping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.
. Tampering with or disconnecting the system's wiring could result 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, 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.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-27

& Precautions against vehicle modification
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts to your vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt pretensioners.
. Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the front end.
. Modification of the suspension system or front end structure.
. Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle placard attached to the door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner's Manual.

Child restraint systems
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 compatible 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 covered under the section in this manual, entitled "Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)"). 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 restrained 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.
CONTINUED

1-28 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
WARNING
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 considerable speed and force, the child could be injured or even killed.

WARNING
Children should be properly restrained at all times. Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on any seat. Unrestrained children will be thrown forward during sudden stop or in an accident and can be injured seriously.
Additionally, children standing up or kneeling on or in front of the front seat are exposed another serious danger. Since the SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force, the child could be injured or even killed.

& Where to place a child restraint system
The following are SUBARU's recommendations on where to place a child restraint system in your vehicle.

A: Front passenger's seat You should not install a child restraint system (including a booster seat) due to the hazard to children posed by the passenger's airbag.
B: Rear seat, window-side seating positions
Recommended positions for all types of child restraint systems.
In these positions, Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) seatbelts and lower anchorages (bars) are provided for

installing a child restraint system.
Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projection of the seat cushion.
In this seating position, you should use only a child restraint system that has a bottom base that fits snugly against the contours of the seat cushion and can be securely retained using the seatbelt.
C: Rear seat, center seating position
Installing a child restraint system is not recommended, although the A/ELR seatbelt and an upper anchorage (tether anchorage) are provided in this position. Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projection of the seat cushion.
In this seating position, you should use only a child restraint system that has a bottom base that fits snugly against the contours of the seat cushion and can be securely retained using the seatbelt.

WARNING
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained 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 improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
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.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-29
WARNING 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.

CONTINUED

1-30 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

& Choosing a child restraint system

& Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt

Choose a child restraint system that is appropriate for the child's age and size (weight and height) in order to provide the child with proper protection. The child restraint system should meet all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for United States or Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Canada. It can be identified by looking for the label on the child restraint system or the manufacture's statement of compliance in the document attached to the system. Also it is important for you to make sure that the child restraint system is compatible with the vehicle in which it will be used.

WARNING
. Child restraint systems and seatbelts can become hot in a vehicle 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.
. Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint systems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

CAUTION When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer'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 personal injury in the event of an accident may be increased.
! Installing a rearward facing child restraint
1. Place the child restraint system in the rear seating position. 2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through

or around the child restraint system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-31

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 indicate the retractor functions as ALR.

6. Push and pull the child restraint system forward and from side to side 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.
7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

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.
WARNING
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD 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.

CONTINUED

1-32 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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 retracting the seatbelt fully.
! Installing forward facing child restraint

1. Place 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.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

6. Before having a child sit in the child restraint system, move it back and forth and right and left 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.
7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-33

additional instructions.

& Installing a booster seat

Sedan

9. 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.

Station wagon
8. If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the top tether anchor and tighten the top tether. See the "Top tether anchorages" for

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.

WARNING . Child restraint systems and seat-
belts can become hot in a vehicle 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. . Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint systems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.
CONTINUED

1-34 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

following the instructions provided by its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click. Take care not to twist the seatbelt.
Make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of child's shoulder and that the lap belt is positioned as low as possible on the child's hips.

1. Place the booster seat in the rear seating position and sit the child on it. The child should sit well back on the booster seat.
2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the booster seat and the child

4. To remove the booster seat, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract.
WARNING
. Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child.

. Never place the shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child's back. If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child.
. The seatbelt should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury.
. Place the lap belt as low as possible on the child's hips. A high-positioned lap belt will increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.
. Make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of child's shoulder. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sudden braking or in a collision.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-35

& Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)
WARNING
. Child restraint systems and seatbelts can become hot in a vehicle 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.
. Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint systems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be increased.
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. The lower and tether anchorages are sometimes referred to as the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

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.
Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.

Your vehicle is equipped with four lower anchorages (bars) and three upper anchorages (tether anchorages) for accommodating such child restraint systems.

CONTINUED

1-36 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Sedan
Station wagon The tether anchorages (upper anchorages) are provided for all the seating positions (center and both window-side ones) of the rear seat.

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 manufacturer'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 personal injury in the event of an accident may be increased.

Remove the two covers from the selected side of the rear seatback to expose the anchorages (bars) to be used for installation of the child restraint system.
1. While following the instructions supplied by the child restraint system manu-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37

facturer, connect the lower hooks onto the lower anchorages located at " " marks on the bottom of the rear seatback. When the hooks are connected, make sure the adjacent seatbelts are not caught.

instructions by the child restraint system manufacturer.
Since a top tether can provide additional stability by offering another connection between a child restraint system and the vehicle, we recommend that you use a top tether whenever one is required or available.
! Tether anchorage location
! Sedan

2. If your child restraint system is of a flexible attachment type (which uses tether belts to connect the child restraint system properly to the lower anchorages), while pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion, pull both left and right lower tether belts up to secure the child restraint system firmly by taking up the slack in the belt.
3. Connect the top tether hook to the tether anchorage and firmly tighten the tether. 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 and left and right to verify that it is held securely in position. 5. To remove the child restraint system, follow the reverse procedures of installation.
If you have any question concerning this type of child restraint system, ask your SUBARU dealer.
& Top tether anchorages
Your vehicle is equipped with three top tether anchorages so that a child restraint system having a top tether can be installed in the rear seat. When installing a child restraint system using top tether, proceed as follows, while observing the

Three tether anchorages are installed on the rear shelf behind the rear seat head restraint. Open the cover flap to use each anchorage.
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1-38 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
! Station wagon

! To hook the top tether ! Sedan

Three tether anchorages, i.e., ones for the right, center and left positions, are already installed on the rear edge of the roof.
Open the cover flap to use each anchorage.

1. Remove the head restraint at the seating position where the child seat has been installed with the seatbelt or lower anchorages; lift up the head restraint while pressing the release button.
Store the head restraint in the trunk. Avoid placing the head restraint in the passenger compartment to prevent it from being thrown around in the passenger compartment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.

2. Open the cover flaps to use the anchorages.

3. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the appropriate upper anchorage.

4. Tighten the top tether securely.
CAUTION
Do not route the top tether over the head restraint. It may happen that the top tether cannot be fastened tightly. When the child restraint system is to be secured using the top tether, pass the top tether under the head restraint between the head restraint stay posts. If the top tether still cannot be fastened tightly, remove the head restraint.
! Station wagon

seating position where the child restraint system has been installed with the seatbelt or lower anchorages; lift up the head restraint while pressing the release button. Store the head restraint in the cargo area. Avoid placing the head restraint in the passenger compartment to prevent it from being thrown around in the passenger compartment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-39

3. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the appropriate upper anchorage.
4. Tighten the top tether securely.

2. Open the cover flaps to use the anchorages.

CAUTION
Always remove the head restraint when mounting a child restraint system with a top tether. Otherwise, it may happen that the top tether cannot be fastened tightly.

1. Remove the head restraint at the

1-40 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

*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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which will record the use of the seatbelt(s) by the driver and/or front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploys.
& Vehicle with SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints for driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint system in addition to a lap/shoulder belt at each front seating position and each rear window-side seating positions. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of six airbags. The configurations are as follows: . Driver's and front passenger's frontal airbags . Driver's and front passenger's side airbags . Curtain airbags (for driver, front pas-

senger, and window-side rear passengers)
These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt.
The system also controls front seatbelt pretensioners. For operation instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt pretensioner, see the "Front seatbelt pretensioners" section in this chapter.
WARNING
. To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle should always wear seatbelts 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.
Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the vehicle has the SRS airbag.
For instructions and precautions

concerning the seatbelt system, see the "Seatbelts" section in this chapter.
. Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS airbag. Because the SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed faster than the blink of an eye and force to protect in high speed collisions, 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 deployment force.
. 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 airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always 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.
. 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 vehicle and cause injury.

WARNING
. Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained 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 improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
Consequently, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have outgrown child

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-41
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.
. 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.
. Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger's seat, or never hold a child on your lap or in your arms. The SRS airbag deploys with consid-
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1-42 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
erable force and can injure or even kill the child.
CAUTION
. 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 passengers have breathing problems after SRS airbag deploys, get fresh air promptly.
. A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get burned if they come into direct contact with the hot gas.
NOTE
When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buyer that it is equipped with SRS airbags by alerting him or her to the applicable section in this owner's manual.

! Components

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-43
9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar righthand side)
10) Airbag wiring (yellow) 11) Seatbelt pretensioner (driver's side) 12) Seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger's
side) 13) Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house
right-hand side) 14) Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house
left-hand side) 15) Curtain airbag module (right side) 16) Curtain airbag module (left side) 17) Seatbelt buckle switch (front passenger's
side) 18) Seatbelt buckle switch (driver's side) 19) Driver's seat position sensor 20) Front passenger's seatbelt tension sen-
sor 21) Front passenger's occupant detection
system weight sensor 22) Front passenger's occupant detection
control module 23) Front passenger's frontal airbag ON and
OFF indicator 24) SRS airbag system warning light

Sedan 1) Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
2) Frontal airbag module (driver's side)
3) Frontal airbag module (front passenger's side)
4) Front sub sensor (left-hand side)

5) Front sub sensor (right-hand side)
6) Side airbag module (driver's side) 7) Side airbag module (front passenger's
side)
8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-hand side)

CONTINUED

1-44 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

10) Airbag wiring (yellow)
11) Seatbelt pretensioner (driver's side) 12) Seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger's
side)
13) Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house right-hand side)
14) Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house left-hand side)
15) Curtain airbag module (right side)
16) Curtain airbag module (left side)
17) Seatbelt buckle switch (front passenger's side)
18) Seatbelt buckle switch (driver's side) 19) Driver's seat position sensor 20) Front passenger's seatbelt tension sen-
sor
21) Front passenger's occupant detection system weight sensor
22) Front passenger's occupant detection control module
23) Front passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator
24) SRS airbag system warning light

Station wagon 1) Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
2) Frontal airbag module (driver's side) 3) Frontal airbag module (front passenger's
side)
4) Front sub sensor (left-hand side)
5) Front sub sensor (right-hand side)

6) Side airbag module (driver's side) 7) Side airbag module (front passenger's
side)
8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-hand side)
9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar righthand side)

& Subaru advanced frontal airbag system
Your vehicle is equipped with a Subaru advanced frontal airbag system that complies with the new advanced frontal airbag requirements in the amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208.
The Subaru advanced frontal airbag system automatically determines the deployment force of the driver's SRS frontal airbag at the time of deployment as well as whether or not to activate the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag and, if activated, the deployment force of the SRS frontal airbag at the time of deployment.
Your vehicle has warning labels on the driver's and front passenger's sun visors beginning with the phrase "EVEN WITH ADVANCED AIR BAGS" and a tag attached to the glove box lid beginning with the phrase "Even with Advanced Air Bags". Make sure that you carefully read the instructions on the warning labels and tag.
Always wear your seatbelt. The subaru advanced frontal airbag system is a supplemental restraint system and must be used in combination with a seatbelt. All occupants should wear a seatbelt or be seated in an appropriate child restraint

system. The driver's SRS frontal airbag is stowed in the center portion of the steering wheel. The front 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 passenger's SRS frontal airbags deploy and supplement the seatbelts by reducing the impact on the driver's and front passenger's head and chest.
WARNING NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-45
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD'S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
WARNING 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.
CONTINUED

1-46 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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 vehicle during preaccident braking.

WARNING
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.

WARNING
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 airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always 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

WARNING
Do not put any objects over the steering wheel pad and dashboard. If the SRS frontal airbag deploys, those objects could interfere with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-47

WARNING
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 injure vehicle occupants.
! Driver's SRS frontal airbag The driver's SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact, backward-forward adjustment of the driver's seat position and whether or not he/she is wearing the seatbelt. The backward-forward adjustment of the driver's seat position is monitored by the

driver's seat position sensor under the driver's seat.
Whether or not the driver is wearing the seatbelt is monitored by the seatbelt buckle switch.
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the seat position sensor to malfunction, preventing the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system from functioning correctly or causing the system to fail.
. Do not place articles/metal objects or install any accessory other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the driver's seat. Do not allow the rear seat occupant to kick the driver's seat or push up its bottom surface with his/her feet.
. Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle or under the driver's seat.
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the driver's seat position sensor have failed, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. Although the driver's SRS frontal airbag can deploy regardless of the backward-forward adjustment of the driver's seat position even when the warning light is on, have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS airbag system warning light comes on.

NOTE
The driver's SRS side airbag, SRS curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner are not controlled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.
! Front passenger's SRS frontal airbag
The front passenger's SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. The total load on the seat is monitored by the passenger's occupant detection system weight sensor under the seat. The system has another sensor that monitors the tension of the front passenger seatbelt. Using the total seat load and seatbelt tension data from the sensors, the occupant detection system determines whether the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag should or should not be inflated. The occupant detection system may not inflate the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag even when the driver's SRS frontal airbag deploys. This is normal. Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system from functioning correctly or cause the system to fail.
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1-48 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

. Do not apply any strong impact to the front passenger's seat such as by kicking.
. Do not spill liquid on the front passenger's seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
. Do not remove or disassemble the front passenger's seat.
. Do not install any accessory (such as an audio amplifier) other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the front passenger's seat.
. Do not place anything (shoes, umbrella, etc.) under the front passenger's seat.
. The front passenger's seat must not be used with the head restraint removed.
. Do not leave any article including a child restraint system on the front passenger's seat or the seatbelt tongue and buckle engaged when you leave your vehicle.
. Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt retractor.
. Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to the "Manual seat" in the front seats section in Chapter 1 in this owner's manual. (Models equipped with manual seats only)
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front

passenger's occupant detection system have failed, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS airbag system warning light comes on.
If your vehicle has sustained impact, this may affect the proper function of the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system. Have your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
The front passenger's SRS side airbag, SRS curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner are not controlled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.

! Passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators
or : Front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator
or : Front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator
The front passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located between the map lights. When the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position, both the ON and OFF indicators illuminate for 6 seconds during which time the system is checked. Following the system check, both indicators extinguish for 2 seconds. After that, one of the indicators illuminates depending on the status of the front passenger's SRS

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-49

frontal airbag determined by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system monitoring.
If the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain extinguished.
If the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator will remain extinguished while the OFF indicator will illuminate.
If both the ON and OFF indicators remain lit or extinguished simultaneously, the system is faulty. Contact your SUBARU dealer immediately for an inspection.
! Conditions in which front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is not activated
The front passenger's SRS frontal airbag will not be activated when any of the following conditions are met regarding the front passenger's seat: . The seat is empty. . The seat is equipped with a rearward facing child restraint system and an infant is restrained with it. (See WARNING that follows.)
. The seat is equipped with a forward facing child restraint system and a small child is restrained with it. (See WARNING

that follows.) . The seat is equipped with a booster seat and a small child is in the booster seat. (See WARNING that follows.) . The seat is relieved of the occupant load for a time exceeding the predetermined monitoring time period. . The seat is occupied by a child who has outgrown a child restraint system (See WARNING that follows.) or by a small adult. . The front passenger's occupant detection system is faulty.
WARNING
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT EVEN IF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SRS FRONTAL AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Be sure to install it in the REAR seat in a correct manner. Also, it is strongly recommended that any forward facing child seat or booster seat be installed in the REAR seat, and that even children who have outgrown a child restraint system be also seated in the REAR seat. This is because children sitting in the front passenger's seat may be killed or severely injured should the front

passenger's SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR seats are the safest place for children.
When the front passenger's seat is occupied by a child, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may increase the load on the front passenger's seat, activating the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag even though that seat is occupied by a child. . Do not place any article on the seat other than the child occupant and a child restraint system. . Do not place more than one child on the seat. . Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback. . Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket. . Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger's seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
! If the front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indicator extinguishes even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat)
Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF"
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1-50 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

position if the front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indicator extinguishes even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat). Remove the child restraint system from the seat. By referring to the child restraint manufacturer's recommendations as well as the child restraint system installation procedures in the "Child restraint systems" section in this chapter, correctly install the child restraint system. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and make sure that the front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator goes out and the OFF indicator comes on.
If still the ON indicator remains illuminated while the OFF indicator extinguishes, take the following actions.
. Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the child restraint system and the child occupant.
. Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
. Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger's seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only)
If the ON indicator still illuminates while the OFF indicator extinguishes after taking

relevant corrective actions described above, relocate the child restraint system to the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
NOTE
When a child who has outgrown a child restraint system or a small adult is seated in the front passenger's seat, the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system may or may not activate the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag depending on the occupant's seating posture. If the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is activated (the ON indicator illuminates while the OFF indicator extinguishes), take the following actions.
. Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the occupant. . Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
If the ON indicator still illuminates while the OFF indicator extinguishes despite the fact that the actions noted above have been taken, seat the child/small adult in the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection. Even if the system has passed the dealer inspection, it is recommended that on subsequent trips the child/small adult always take the

rear seat.
Children who have outgrown a child restraint system should always wear the seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag is deactivated or activated.
! Conditions in which front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is activated
The front passenger's SRS frontal airbag will be activated for deployment upon impact when any of the following conditions is met regarding the front passenger's seat. . When the seat is occupied by an adult. . When a heavy article is placed on the seat.
When the front passenger's seat is occupied by an adult, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may lessen the load on the front passenger's seat, deactivating the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag despite the fact that the seat is occupied by an adult. . Do not allow the rear seat occupant to lift the front passenger's seat cushion using his/her feet. . Do not place any article under the front passenger's seat, or squeeze any article from behind and under the seat. This may lift the seat cushion. . Do not squeeze any article between

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-51

the front passenger's seat and side trim/ pillar, door or center console box. This may lift the seat cushion.
! If the passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminates and the ON indicator extinguishes even when the front passenger's seat is occupied by an adult
This can be caused by the adult incorrectly sitting in the front passenger's seat. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position. Ask the front passenger to set the seatback to the upright position, sit up straight in the center of the seat cushion, correctly fasten the seatbelt, position his/ her legs out forward, and adjust the seat to the rearmost position. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. If the OFF indicator remains illuminated while the ON indicator remains extinguished, take the following actions.
. Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position.
. Ensure that there is no article, book, shoe, or other object trapped under the seat, at the rear of the seat, or on the side of the seat.
. Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger's seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models

equipped with manual seats only) . Next, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and wait 6 seconds to allow the system to complete self-checking. Following the system check, both indicators extinguish for 2 seconds. Now, the ON indicator should illuminate while the OFF indicator remains extinguished.
If the OFF indicator still illuminates while the ON indicator remains extinguished, ask the occupant to move to the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
! Effect vehicle modifications made for persons with disabilities may have on Subaru advanced frontal airbag system operation (U.S. only)
Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, seat belts, front bumper, front side frame, instrument panel, combination meter, steering wheel, steering column, tire, suspension or floor panel can affect the operation of the Subaru advanced airbag system. If you have any questions, you may contact the following Subaru distributors:
<Continental U.S., Alaska and the District of Columbia> Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Dealer Services Department

P.O. Box 6000 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
<Hawaii> Schuman Inc, dba Subaru of Hawaii 740 Halekauwila Street Honolulu, HI 96813 808-591-3075
<Guam> Shen's Corporation dba Prestige Automobile 491, East Marine Drive, Route 1 Dededo, Guam 671-633-2698
<Puerto Rico> Trebol Motors P.O. Box 11204, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910 787-793-2828
There are currently no Subaru distributors in any other U.S. territories. If you are in such an area, please contact the Subaru distributor or dealer from which you bought your vehicle.
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1-52 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Operation
1) Driver's side 2) Passenger's side The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position. The Subaru advanced frontal airbag sys-

tem is designed to determine the activation or deactivation condition of the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag depending on the total load on the front passenger's seat monitored by the front passenger's occupant detection system weight sensor. For this reason, only the driver's SRS frontal airbag may deploy in the event of a collision, but this does not mean failure of the system.
If the front sub sensors inside both front fenders and the impact sensors in the airbag control module detect a predetermined amount of force during a frontal collision, the control module sends signals to the airbag module(s) (only driver's module or both driver's and front passenger's modules) instructing the module(s) to inflate the SRS frontal airbag(s). The driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags use dual stage inflators. The two inflators of each airbag are triggered either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the severity of impact, backwardforward adjustment of the driver's seat position and fastening/unfastening of the seatbelt in the case of the driver's SRS frontal airbag and depending on the severity of impact and the total load on the seat in the case of the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag. After deployment, the SRS airbag immediately starts

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.
Both when only the driver's SRS frontal airbag deploys and the driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags deploy, the driver's and front passenger'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.
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-53

CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system components around the steering wheel and dashboard with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.
The driver's SRS frontal airbag and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag are designed to deploy in the event of an accident 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, they are basically not designed to deploy in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents because deployment of only the driver's SRS frontal airbag or both driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags would not help the occupant in those situations. The driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags are designed to function 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. ! Examples of accident in which the
driver's/driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) 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 only the driver's SRS frontal airbag or both driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags. The airbag(s) will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the collision described above.

! Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the driver's/driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy.
The only the driver's SRS frontal airbag or CONTINUED

1-54 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

both driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags 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 impacted or knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).

! Examples of the types of accidents in which deployment of the driver's/ driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) is unlikely to occur.

of driver's/driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s). 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 driver's/driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.

There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require deployment

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-55

! Examples of the types of accidents in which the driver's/driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) will basically not deploy.
The driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags are designed basically not

to deploy if the vehicle is struck from the side or from behind, or if it rolls onto its side or roof, or if it is involved in a lowspeed frontal collision.
1) First impact 2) Second impact In an accident where the vehicle is impacted more than once, the driver's and/or front passenger's SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy only once on the first impact. Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle, then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, once either or both of the driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags is/are activated on the first impact, it/they will not be activated on the second impact.

& SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag
The SRS side airbag is stored in the door side of each front seat 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 and waist. The SRS side airbag operates only for front seat occupants.
The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the cabin is stored in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point over the rear seat). An "SRS AIRBAG" mark is located at the top of each center pillar.
In a moderate to severe side impact collision, the SRS curtain airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the side window and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant's head.

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1-56 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
WARNING The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are designed as only a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt. They do 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.
WARNING . 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. However, the force of SRS side airbag deployment may cause injuries if your head or other parts of the body are too close to the SRS side airbag.
. Since your vehicle is equipped with SRS curtain airbags, do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the front or rear door on either side. Also, do not put your head, arms and hands out of the window. The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the cabin is stored in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point over the rear seat), and it provides protection by deploying rapidly (faster than the blink of an eye) in the event of a side impact. However, the force of its deployment may cause injuries if your head is too close to it.

WARNING
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.

WARNING
. Never allow a child to kneel on the front passenger's seat facing the side window or to wrap his/ her arms around the front seat seatback. In the event of an accident, the force of the SRS side airbag deployment could injure the child seriously because his/her head or arms or other parts of the body are too close to the SRS side airbag.
Since your vehicle is also equipped with a front 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.
. Never allow a child to kneel on any passenger's seat facing the side window or put their head, arms and hands out of the window. In the event of an accident, the force of the SRS curtain airbag deployment could injure the child seriously because his/ her head is close to the SRS curtain airbag.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-57
WARNING . 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. . Do not attach a hands-free microphone or any other accessory to a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the windshield, a side window, an assist grip, or any other cabin surface that would be near a deploying SRS curtain airbag.
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1-58 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
A hands-free microphone or other accessory in such a location could be propelled through the cabin with great force by the curtain airbag, or it could prevent correct deployment of the curtain airbag. In either case, the result could be serious injuries.
. Do not hang coat hangers or other hard or pointed objects on the coat hooks. If such items were hanging on the coat hooks during deployment of the SRS curtain airbags, they could cause serious injuries by coming off the coat hooks and being thrown through the cabin or by preventing deployment of the curtain airbags.
Before hanging clothing on the coat hooks, make sure there are no sharp objects in the pockets. Hang clothing directly on the coat hooks without using hangers.

! Operation

WARNING
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 prevent proper deployment of the SRS side airbag, reducing protection available to the front seat's occupant.

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position.
The driver's and front passenger's SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags deploy independently of each other since each has its own impact sensor. Therefore, they may not both deploy in the same accident. Also, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploys independently of the driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is located in each of the left and right center pillars and rear wheel houses. If a center pillar impact sensor senses an impact force above a prede-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-59

termined level in a side collision, the control module causes both the SRS side airbag and curtain airbag on the impacted side to inflate regardless of whether the rear wheel house impact sensor on the same side senses an impact. If it is a rear wheel house impact sensor alone that senses a sufficiently strong impact force, the control module causes only the SRS curtain airbag on the impacted side to inflate. After the deployment, the SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The time required from detection of an impact to deflation of an SRS side airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
The SRS curtain airbag remains inflated for a while following deployment then slowly deflates.
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied.
When the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.

CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS side airbag system components around the front seat seatback with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.
After deployment, do not touch any part of the SRS curtain airbag system (from the front pillar to the part of the roof side over the rear seat). Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are 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 a lesser side impact. Also, it is basically not designed to deploy in frontal or rear impacts because SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment would not help the occupant in those situations. Each SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are designed to function on a onetime-only basis.
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag

deployment depend on the level of force experienced 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. ! Example of the type of accident in
which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag will most likely deploy.
A severe side impact near the front seat activates the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag.

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1-60 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are unlikely to deploy.

1) The vehicle is involved in an oblique side-on impact.
2) The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact in an area outside the vicinity of the passenger compartment.
3) The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or similar object.
4) The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact from a motorcycle.
5) The vehicle rolls onto its side or roof.
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment. In the event of accidents like those illustrated, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-61

! Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag will basically not deploy.

2) The vehicle is struck from behind.
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are 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.

and SRS curtain airbag are activated on the first impact, they will not be activated on the second.
& SRS airbag system monitors

1) The vehicle is involved in frontal collision with another vehicle (moving or stationary).

1) First impact 2) Second impact A) SRS curtain airbag B) SRS side airbag
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side more than once, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy only once on the first impact.
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

Turbo models

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1-62 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Non-turbo models
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS airbag 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 approximately 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position.
The following components are monitored by the indicator: . Front sub sensor (Right-hand side) . Front sub sensor (Left-hand side) . Airbag control module (including impact sensors) . Frontal airbag module (Driver's side) . Frontal airbag module (Front passen-

ger's side) . Side airbag sensor (Center pillar righthand side)
. Side airbag sensor (Center pillar lefthand side)
. Side airbag module (Driver's side) . Side airbag module (Front passenger's side)
. Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house right-hand side)
. Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house left-hand side)
. Curtain airbag module (Right side) . Curtain airbag module (Left side) . Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver's side) . Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passenger's side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver's side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passenger's side) . Driver's seat position sensor . Front passenger's seatbelt tension sensor
. Front passenger's occupant detection system weight sensor
. Front passenger's occupant detection control module
. Front passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator
. All related wiring

WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag system. Immediately take your vehicle to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and properly repaired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbags will operate improperly (e.g. SRS airbags may inflate in a very minor collision or not inflate in a severe collision), which may increase the risk of injury.
. Flashing or flickering of the warning light
. No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the "ON" position
. Continuous illumination of the warning light
. Illumination of the warning light while driving

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-63

& SRS airbag system servicing
WARNING
. When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.
. The SRS airbag has no userserviceable 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 nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with or disconnecting the system's wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or could make the system inoperative, which may result in serious 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 in the following, have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The SRS airbag control module, impact sensors and airbag modules are stored in these areas.
. Under the center console
. Inside each front fender
. Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
. Top of the dashboard on front passenger's side and nearby areas
. Each front seat and nearby area
. Inside each center pillar
. In each roof side (from the front pillar to a point over the rear seat)
. Between the rear seat cushion and rear wheel house on each side
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, replacement of the system should be performed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the components of the SRS airbag system are replaced, use only genuine SUBARU parts.

NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. . The front part of the vehicle was involved in an accident in which the only the driver's SRS frontal airbag or both driver's and front passenger's SRS frontal airbags did not deploy. . The pad of the steering wheel, the cover over the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag, or either roof side (from the front pillar to a point over the rear seat) is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged. . Either center pillar and rear wheel house or a nearby area of the vehicle was involved in an accident in which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag did not deploy. . The fabric or leather of either front seatback is cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged.
CONTINUED

1-64 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
& Precautions against vehicle modification
WARNING
. To avoid accidental activation of the system or rendering the system inoperative, which may result in serious injury, no modifications should be made to any components or wiring of the SRS airbag system.
This includes following modifications:
. Installation of custom steering wheels
. Attachment of additional trim materials to the dashboard
. Installation of custom seats
. Replacement of seat fabric or leather
. Installation of additional fabric or leather on the front seat
. Attachment of a hands-free microphone or any other accessory to a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the windshield, a side window, an assist grip, or any other cabin surface that would be near a

deploying SRS curtain airbag.
. 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.

. Attachment of any equipment (side steps or side sill protectors, etc.) other than genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the side body.
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts on your vehicle.

CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
. Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genuine SUBARU accessory parts.
. Modification of the suspension system or front end structure.
. Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle placard attached to the driver's door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner's Manual.

iText 2.1.7 by 1T3XT