100117
100118
6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
100115
1. Insert a key or other hard pointed ob- ject into the slot in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will discon- nect from the buckle.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-19
fect their strength.
Inspect the seatbelts and attachments in- cluding the webbing and all hardware pe- riodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Re- place the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.
(cid:121) Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid.
(cid:121) Never attempt to make modifica- tions or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating prop- erly.
100119
100120
2. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plates in the recess on the ceiling and then insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front of the recess.
(cid:121) Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. Other- wise, the metal tongue plates may hit against the trim, resulting in damaged trim.
(cid:121) Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are neat- ly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit against the trim during driving, causing damage to the trim.
(cid:132) Seatbelt maintenance To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously af-
1-20 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seatbelt extender
If the front seatbelts are not long enough to permit the tongue plate to engage with the seatbelt buckle, an optional seatbelt extender is available from your SUBARU dealer. When ordering an extender, only order one particularly designed for your vehicle. Several different types of extend- ers are available to match various variet- ies of front seatbelt designs. See your SUBARU dealer for assistance.
The extender adds approximately 8 inch- es (200 mm) of length and it can be used for either the driver or front passenger seating position.
For the safety of others, the extender should be removed after each use, espe- cially if the next person using the seatbelt does not need one. Note that leaving the seatbelt extender’s tongue plate engaged with the seatbelt buckle may prevent the Subaru advanced front airbag system from functioning cor- rectly or cause the system to fail.
Be sure to observe the following when using the seatbelt extender.
Failure to follow these instructions and warnings could reduce the ef- fectiveness of the seatbelt and re- sult in more serious injury in the event of a collision. (cid:121) Never use the extender when the belt itself is long enough to permit it to be buckled properly. If remov- al of heavy clothing is all that is needed to permit the seatbelt to be buckled properly, remove the heavy clothing and do not use the extender.
(cid:121) Do not use the extender if the buckle of the extender rests over the abdomen.
(cid:121) Do not let someone else use the extender. Use of an extender when it is not needed could re- duce the effectiveness of the seat- belt and result in more serious in- jury in the event of a collision.
(cid:121) Use the extender only for the front seatbelts and only for the model for which it was originally provid- ed. Never use the extender for the rear seatbelts or for a different model.
NOTE When the seatbelt extender is used by
a pregnant passenger, consult a doctor to get approval in advance.
100605
To connect the extender to the seatbelt, insert the tongue plate into the seatbelt buckle so that the “PRESS” signs on the buckle-release buttons of the extender and the seatbelt are both facing outward as shown in the diagram. You will hear a click when the tongue plate locks into the buckle.
When releasing the seatbelt, press on the buckle-release button on the extender, not on the seatbelt. This helps to prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extend- er itself.
Front seatbelt pretensioners
100121
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat- belts have a seatbelt pretensioner. The seatbelt pretensioners are designed to be activated in the event of an accident in- volving a moderate to severe frontal colli- sion. Also, the seatbelt pretensioners are de- signed to be activated in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe side impact collision.
The pretensioner sensor also serves as the frontal and side SRS airbag sensors. If the sensors detect a certain predeter- mined amount of force during a frontal col- lision or a side impact collision, the front seatbelt is quickly drawn back in by the re-
tractor to take up the slack so that the belt more effectively restrains 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 there- fore must be replaced. NOTE (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioners are not de- signed to activate in minor frontal im- pacts, in minor side impacts or in rear impacts or in roll-over accidents. (cid:121) The driver’s seat and passenger’s seat pretensioners and frontal SRS air- bag operate simultaneously. (cid:121) The driver’s and passenger’s seat- belt pretensioners and the SRS side airbag operate simultaneously. (cid:121) Pretensioners are designed to func- tion 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 only by an authorized SUBA-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-21
RU dealer. When replacing seatbelt re- tractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU parts. (cid:121) If either front seatbelt does not re- tract or cannot be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the preten- sioner, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. (cid:121) If the front seatbelt retractor assem- bly or surrounding area has been dam- aged, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. (cid:121) 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.
(cid:121) To obtain maximum protection, the occupants should sit in an up- right position with their seatbelts properly fastened. Refer to the “Seatbelts” section in this chap- ter.
– CONTINUED –
1-22 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:121) Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor assem- blies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental activa- tion of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the system inoper- ative, possibly resulting in seri- ous injury. Seatbelt pretensioners have no user-serviceable parts. For required servicing of front seatbelt retractors equipped with seatbelt pretensioners, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
(cid:121) When discarding front seatbelt re- tractor assemblies or scrapping the entire vehicle due to collision damage or for other reasons, con- sult your SUBARU dealer.
(cid:132) System monitors
100606
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the seatbelt pretensioner while the vehicle is being driven. The seat- belt pretensioners share the control mod- ule with the SRS airbag system. There- fore, if any malfunction occurs in a seat- belt pretensioner, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. The SRS air- bag system warning light will show normal system operation by lighting for approxi- mately 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The following components are monitored by the indicator: (cid:121) Front sub sensor (Right-hand side) (cid:121) Front sub sensor (Left-hand side) (cid:121) Airbag control module (including impact
sensors) (cid:121) Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Frontal airbag module (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Side airbag sensor (Center pillar right- hand side) (cid:121) Side airbag sensor (Center pillar left- hand side) (cid:121) Side airbag module (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Side airbag module (Front passenger’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Driver’s seat position sensor (cid:121) Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen- sor (if equipped) (cid:121) Front passenger’s occupant detection system weight sensor (cid:121) Front passenger’s occupant detection control module (cid:121) Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator (cid:121) All related wiring
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pre- tensioners and/or SRS airbag sys- tem. 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 not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may increase the risk of injury. (cid:121) Flashing or flickering of the warn-
ing light
(cid:121) No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position
(cid:121) Continuous illumination of the
warning light
(cid:121) Illumination of the warning light
while driving
(cid:132) System servicing
(cid:121) When discarding a seatbelt retrac- tor assembly or scrapping the en- tire vehicle damaged by a colli- sion, consult your SUBARU deal- er.
(cid:121) Tampering with or disconnecting the system’s wiring could result in accidental activation of the seat- belt pretensioner and/or SRS air- bag or could make the system in- operative, which may result in se- rious injury. The wiring harnesses of the seatbelt pretensioner and SRS airbag systems are covered with yellow insulation and the connectors of the system are yel- low for easy identification. Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the seatbelt pretensioner and SRS airbag sys- tems. For required servicing of the seatbelt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-23
The front sub sensors are located near the bottom of the radiator and the side airbag sensor is located in- side each center pillar and the SRS airbag control module including the impact sensors is located under the center console. If you need service or repair in those areas or near the front seatbelt retractors, we recom- mend that you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work. NOTE If the front part of the vehicle is dam- aged in an accident to the extent that the seatbelt pretensioner does not op- erate, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
(cid:132) Precautions against vehicle
modification
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts to your vehicle.
– CONTINUED –
1-24 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt pretensioners. (cid:121) Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genu- ine SUBARU accessory parts to the front end.
(cid:121) Modification of the suspension
system or front end structure.
(cid:121) Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle plac- ard attached to the driver’s door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner’s Manual.
Child restraint systems
100607
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 Mo- tor Vehicle Safety Standards, is compati- ble with your vehicle and is appropriate for the child’s age and size. All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in ve- hicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt por- tion of a lap/shoulder belt (except those covered under the section in this manual, entitled “Installation of child restraint sys- tems by use of lower and tether anchorag- es (LATCH)”).
Children could be endangered in an acci- dent if their child restraints are not proper- ly 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.
100125
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap or in his or her arms 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.
Children should be properly re- strained 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 de- ploys with considerable speed and force, the child could be injured or even killed.
(cid:132) Where to place a child re-
straint system
The following are SUBARU’s recommen- dations on where to place a child restraint system in your vehicle.
100126
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25
100127
A: Front passenger’s seat You should not install a child restraint sys- tem (including a booster seat) due to the hazard to children posed by the passen- ger’s airbag. B: Rear seat, window-side seating po- sitions 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 projec- tion of the seat cushion. In this seating position, you should use only a child restraint system that has a
– CONTINUED –
1-26 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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 seat- belt and an upper anchorage (tether an- chorage) are provided in this position. Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projec- tion 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.
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 chil- dren are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
forward
Consequently, be sure to secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including facing child seats) in the REAR seats at all times. You should choose a restraint de- vice which is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Ac- cording to accident statistics, chil- dren are safer when properly re- strained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating posi- tions.
YOUR
VEHICLE
SINCE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER’S SRS AIRBAG, NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFE- TY SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSEN- GER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SE- RIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
(cid:132) Choosing a child restraint
system
100608
100502
Choose a child restraint system that is ap- propriate for the child’s age and size (weight and height) in order to provide the
child with proper protection. The child re- straint 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 compli- ance in the document attached to the sys- tem. Also it is important for you to make sure that the child restraint system is com- patible with the vehicle in which it will be used.
(cid:132) Installing child restraint sys-
tems with A/ELR seatbelt
(cid:121) 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.
(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-27
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 se- curely 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 in- creased.
(cid:84) Installing a rearward facing child re-
straint
100503
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 follow-
– CONTINUED –
1-28 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
ing the instructions provided by its manu- facturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
100610
100506
100609
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 5. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the re- tractor 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 re- tractor functions as ALR.
6. Push and pull the child restraint system forward and from side to side to check if it is firmly secured. Sometime a child restraint can be more firmly secured by pushing it down into the seat cushion and then tightening the seat- belt. 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 com- pletely. The belt will return to the ELR mode.
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. 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. (cid:84) Installing forward facing child re-
straint
100136
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 follow- ing the instructions provided by its manu- facturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-29
100137
100138
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 5. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the re- tractor 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 re- tractor functions as ALR.
6. Before having a child sit in the child re- straint 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 seat- belt. 7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).
– CONTINUED –
1-30 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
100139
8. If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the top teth- er anchor and tighten the top tether. See the “Top tether anchorages” for additional instructions.
9. To remove the child restraint system,
100611
press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract com- pletely. The belt will return to the ELR mode. Unhook the top tether hook from the top tether anchor. 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.
(cid:132) Installing a booster seat
(cid:121) 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.
(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems 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.
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 se- curely 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 in- creased.
100141
100142
1. Place the booster seat in the rear seat- ing 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 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.
4. To remove the booster seat, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract.
(cid:121) Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of in- jury to the child.
(cid:121) Never place the shoulder belt un- der the child’s arm or behind the child’s back. If an accident oc- curs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-31
(cid:121) The seatbelt should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as ef- fective in preventing or reducing injury.
(cid:121) Place the lap belt as low as possi- ble on the child’s hips. A high-po- sitioned 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. (cid:121) Make sure the shoulder belt is po- sitioned across the center of child’s shoulder. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sud- den braking or in a collision.
– CONTINUED –
1-32 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:132) Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)
(cid:121) 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.
(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems 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.
The lower and tether anchorages are sometimes referred to as the LATCH sys- tem (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHil- dren).
Your vehicle is equipped with four lower anchorages (bars) and three upper an- chorages (tether anchorages) for accom- modating such child restraint systems.
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 se- curely 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 in- creased.
100144
The lower anchorages (bars) are used for installing a child restraint system only on the rear seat window-side seating posi- tions. For each window-side seating posi- tion, two lower anchorages are provided. Each anchor bar is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.
100612
Some types of child restraint systems can be installed on the rear seat of your vehi- cle without use of the seatbelts. Such child restraint systems are secured to the des- ignated anchorages provided on the vehi- cle body.
dicate the positions of the lower anchorag- es (bars).
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-33
100613
The tether anchorages (upper anchorag- es) are provided for all the seating posi- tions (center and both window-side ones) of the rear seat.
100615
Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.
” marks to locate the two 1. Use the “ lower anchorages (bars) for the position where you want to install the child restraint system.
100520
2. While following the instructions sup- plied by the child restraint system manu- 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.
You will find marks “ ” at the bottom of the rear seat seatbacks. These marks in-
100614
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1-34 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
structions 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 avail- able.
100616
100149
3. [If your child restraint system is of a flexible attachment type (which uses teth- er belts to connect the child restraint sys- tem 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. 4. Connect the top tether hook to the teth- er anchorage and firmly tighten the tether. For information on how to set the top teth- er, read the following “Top tether anchor- ages”.
5. Before seating a child in the child re- straint system, try to move seat back and forth and left and right to verify that it is held securely in position. 6. To remove the child restraint system, follow the reverse procedures of installa- tion.
If you have any question concerning this type of child restraint system, ask your SUBARU dealer.
(cid:132) Top tether anchorages Your vehicle is equipped with three top tether anchorages so that a child restraint system having a top tether can be in- stalled in the rear seat. When installing a child restraint system using top tether, proceed as follows, while observing the in-
(cid:84) Anchorage location
Open the cover flaps to use the tether an- chorages. (cid:84) To hook the top tether
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-35
100740
TOP TETHER
1) For left seat 2) For center seat 3) For right seat
Three upper anchorages are installed on the rear edge of the roof.
100151
1. Remove the head restraint at the seat- ing position where the child restraint sys- tem has been installed with the lower an- chorages or seatbelt; lift up the head re- straint 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.
100152
2. Open the cover flaps to use the an- chorages. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the appropri- ate top tether anchorage.
3. Tighten the top tether securely.
100139
– CONTINUED –
1-36 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Always remove the head restraint when mounting a child restraint sys- tem with a top tether. Otherwise, it may not be possible to fasten the top tether tightly.
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
*SRS: This stands for supplemental re- straint system. This name is used be- cause 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 and side airbags deploys.
(cid:132) Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS air- bags and lap/shoulder re- straints
Your vehicle is equipped with a supple- mental restraint system in addition to a lap/shoulder belt at each front seating po- sition. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of two airbag (driver’s and front passenger’s frontal airbags) or four air- bags (driver’s and front passenger’s fron- tal airbags and driver’s and front passen- ger’s side airbags). These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protec- tion provided by the seatbelt.
The system also controls front seatbelt pretensioners. For operation instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt pretensioner, see the “Front seatbelt pre- tensioners” section in this chapter.
(cid:121) To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driv- er and all passengers in the vehi- cle should always wear seatbelts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS airbag is designed only as a supplement to the primary protec- tion 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 ve- hicle has the SRS airbag. For instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system, see the “Seatbelts” section in this chapter.
(cid:121) Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS airbag. Because the SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable speed – faster than the blink of an eye – and force to pro- tect 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 prop- er position such as one thrown forward during pre-accident brak- ing. 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.
(cid:121) The SRS airbags deploy with con- siderable speed and force. Occu- pants who are out of proper posi- tion 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 practi- cal while still maintaining full ve- hicle control and the front passen- ger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.
(cid:121) Do not place any objects over or near the SRS airbag cover or be- tween you and the SRS airbag. If the SRS airbag deploys, those ob- jects could interfere with its prop- er operation and could be pro- pelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37
100082
(cid:121) Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag de- ploys 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 re- strained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from de- ployment is greater.
– CONTINUED –
1-38 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Consequently, we strongly rec- ommend that ALL children (in- cluding those in child seats and those that have outgrown child re- straint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appro- priate for the child’s age, height and weight. Secure ALL types of child re- straint 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 posi- tions than in the front seating po- sitions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint sys- tem, see the “Child restraint sys- tems” section in this chapter.
(cid:121) NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD IN THE FACING CHILD SEAT FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
(cid:121) 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 air- bag deploys with considerable force and can injure or even kill the child.
(cid:121) 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 trou- ble. If you or your passengers have breathing problems after SRS airbag deploys, get fresh air promptly.
(cid:121) 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.
2
20
15
19
13
11
17
18
10
12
16
14
100800
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-39
side)
hand side)
hand side)
side)
ger’s side)
1) Airbag control module (including impact
2) Frontal airbag module (driver’s side) 3) Frontal airbag module (front passen-
sensors)
ger’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
8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-
9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar right-
10)Airbag wiring (yellow) 11)Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side) 12)Seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger’s
13)Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen-
14)Seatbelt buckle switch (driver’s side) 15)Driver’s seat position sensor 16)Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen-
sor
17)Front passenger’s occupant detection
system weight sensor
18)Front passenger’s occupant detection
19)Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and
control module
OFF indicator
20)SRS airbag system warning light
– CONTINUED –
1-40 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:132) Subaru advanced frontal air-
bag system
Your vehicle is equipped with a Subaru advanced frontal airbag system that com- plies with the new advanced frontal airbag requirements in the amended Federal Mo- tor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208. The Subaru advanced frontal airbag sys- tem automatically determines the deploy- ment force of the driver’s SRS frontal air- bag at the time of deployment as well as whether or not to activate the front pas- senger’s SRS frontal airbag and, if activat- ed, the deployment force of the SRS fron- tal 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 at- tached 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 sup- plemental 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.
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.
100126
100608
Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger’s seat. The SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable force and can injure or even kill the child.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-41
It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when the SRS airbag con- tacts an occupant not in proper po- sition such as one thrown toward the front of the vehicle during pre- accident braking.
100125
100155
Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can in- jure or even kill the child.
The SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable speed and force. Occu- pants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Be- cause 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 possi- ble and sit upright and well back in the seat.
100156
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 pro- pelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.
– CONTINUED –
1-42 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
100157
Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or fit an extra-wide mir- ror over the rear view mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects could become projectiles that could seriously injure vehicle occupants.
(cid:84) 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 buck- le 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 ad- vanced frontal airbag system from func- tioning correctly or causing the system to fail. (cid:121) Do not place articles/metal objects or in- stall 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 bot- tom surface with his/her feet. (cid:121) 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 il- luminate. Although the driver’s SRS fron- tal airbag can deploy regardless of the backward-forward adjustment of the driv- er’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 and seat- belt pretensioner are not controlled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system. (cid:84) Front passenger’s SRS frontal air-
bag
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator op- erates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. The total load on the seat is monitored by the occupant detection system’s weight sensor located under the seat. The system has another sensor that mon- itors the tension of the front passenger seatbelt. Using the total seat load and seatbelt tension data from the sensors, the occupant detection system deter- mines whether the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag should or should not be in- flated. 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 ad- vanced frontal airbag system from func- tioning correctly or cause the system to fail.
ter.)
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front passenger’s occupant detection system have failed, the SRS airbag system warn- ing light will illuminate. Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer imme- diately if the SRS airbag system warning light comes on. If your vehicle has sustained impact, this may affect the proper function of the Sub- aru advanced frontal airbag system. Have your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU dealer. NOTE The front passenger’s SRS side airbag and seatbelt pretensioner are not con- trolled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.
(cid:121) Do not apply any strong impact to the front passenger’s seat such as by kicking. (cid:121) Do not spill liquid on the front passen- ger’s seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off im- mediately. (cid:121) Do not remove or disassemble the front passenger’s seat. (cid:121) Do not install any accessory (such as an audio amplifier) other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the front pas- senger’s seat. (cid:121) Do not place anything (shoes, umbrella, etc.) under the front passenger’s seat. (cid:121) The front passenger’s seat must not be used with the head restraint removed. (cid:121) Do not leave any article including a child restraint system on the front passenger’s seat or the seatbelt tongue and buckle en- gaged when you leave your vehicle. (cid:121) Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt retractor. (cid:121) Do not use front seats with their back- ward-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 sec- tion in Chapter 1 in this Owner’s Manual. (Models equipped with manual seats only) (cid:121) If you use an optional seatbelt extender, remove it after each use. (Refer to the “Seatbelt extender” section in this chap-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-43
(cid:84) Passenger’s frontal airbag ON and
OFF indicators
100547
1) U.S.-spec. models 2) Canada-spec. models
or
or
:Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator :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 next to the clock in the central portion of the instru- ment panel. When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, both the ON and OFF indi- cators illuminate for 6 seconds during which time the system is checked. Follow- ing the system check, both indicators ex- – CONTINUED –
1-44 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
tinguish for 2 seconds. After this, one of the indicators illuminates depending on the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag reached by the Subaru ad- vanced 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 air- bag ON indicator will remain extinguished while the OFF indicator will illuminate. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, if both the ON and OFF indica- tors remain lit or extinguished simulta- neously even after the system check peri- od, the system is faulty. Contact your SUBARU dealer immediately for an in- spection. (cid:84) Conditions in which front passen- ger’s SRS frontal airbag is not acti- vated
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will not be activated when any of the fol- lowing conditions are met regarding the front passenger’s seat: (cid:121) The seat is empty. (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a rearward facing child restraint system and an infant is restrained with it. (See WARNING that
follows.) (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a forward fac- ing child restraint system and a small child is restrained with it. (See WARNING that follows.) (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a booster seat and a small child is in the booster seat. (See WARNING that follows.) (cid:121) The seat is relieved of the occupant load for a time exceeding the predeter- mined period. (cid:121) The seat is occupied by a child who has outgrown a child restraint system (See WARNING that follows.) or a small adult. (cid:121) The front passenger’s occupant detec- tion system is faulty.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT EVEN IF THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SRS FRON- TAL AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Be sure to install it in the REAR seat in a correct manner. Also, it is strongly recommended that any forward fac- ing child seat or booster seat be in- stalled in the REAR seat, and that even children who have outgrown a child restraint system be also seat- ed in the REAR seat. This is because children sitting in the front passen- ger’s seat may be killed or severely injured should the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR seats are the safest place for chil- dren.
When the front passenger’s seat is occu- pied by a child, observe the following pre- cautions. Failure to do so may increase the load on the front passenger’s seat, ac- tivating the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag even though that seat is occupied by a child. (cid:121) Do not place any article on the seat oth- er than the child occupant and a child re- straint system.
(cid:121) Do not place more than one child on the seat. (cid:121) Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback. (cid:121) Do not store a heavy load in the seat- back pocket. (cid:121) 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. (cid:86) If the front passenger’s frontal air-
bag 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” posi- tion if the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indi- cator 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 refer- ring to the child restraint manufacturer’s recommendations as well as the child re- straint 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 the ON indicator remains illuminated while the OFF indicator extinguishes, take the following actions. (cid:121) Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the child restraint system and the child occupant. (cid:121) Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket. (cid:121) Ensure that the backward-forward posi- tion 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 tak- ing 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 indi-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-45
cator illuminates while the OFF indica- tor extinguishes), take the following actions. (cid:121) Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the occupant. (cid:121) 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 immedi- ately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection. Even if the system has passed the dealer inspection, it is rec- ommended that on subsequent trips the child/small adult always take the rear seat.
Children who have outgrown a child re- straint system should always wear the seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag is deactivated or activated. (cid:84) Conditions in which front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will be activated for deployment upon im- pact when any of the following conditions is met regarding the front passenger’s seat. (cid:121) When the seat is occupied by an adult.
– CONTINUED –
1-46 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:121) When a heavy article is placed on the seat.
When the front passenger’s seat is occu- pied by an adult, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may lessen the load on the front passenger’s seat, de- activating the front passenger’s SRS fron- tal airbag despite the fact that the seat is occupied by an adult. (cid:121) Do not allow the rear seat occupant to lift the front passenger’s seat cushion us- ing his/her feet. (cid:121) 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. (cid:121) Do not squeeze any article between the front passenger’s seat and side trim/pillar, door or center console box. This may lift the seat cushion. (cid:86) 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 incorrect- ly sitting in the front passenger’s seat. Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” posi- tion. 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 in- dicator remains illuminated while the ON indicator remains extinguished, take the following actions. (cid:121) Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” po- sition. (cid:121) Ensure that there are no articles, books, shoes or other objects trapped under the seat, at the rear of the seat, or on the side of the seat. (cid:121) Ensure that the backward-forward posi- tion 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) (cid:121) Next, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and wait 6 seconds to allow the system to complete self-checking. Follow- ing the system check, both indicators ex- tinguish for 2 seconds. Now, the ON indi- cator should illuminate while the OFF indi- cator 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.
(cid:84) 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 air- bag system. If you have any questions, you may contact the following Subaru dis- tributors:
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
808-591-3075
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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-47
– CONTINUED –
1-48 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:84) Operation
A) Driver’s side B) Passenger’s side 1) SRS AIRBAGs deploy as soon as a collision occurs. 2) After deployment, SRS AIRBAGs start to deflate immediately so that the driver’s vision is not
obstructed.
100619
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 activa- tion or deactivation condition of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depend- ing on the total load on the front passen- ger’s seat monitored by the front passen- ger’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 air- bag control module detect a predeter- mined amount of force during a frontal col- lision, 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 in- flate the SRS frontal airbag(s). The driv- er’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal air- bags use dual stage inflators. The two in- flators of each airbag are triggered either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the severity of impact, backward-for- ward adjustment of the driver’s seat posi- tion and fastening/unfastening of the seat- belt 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 airbags immediately start to deflate so that the driver’s vision is not obstructed. The time required from detecting impact to the de- flation 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 abil- ity 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 oc- currences are a normal result of the de- ployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
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 re- sult of deployment.
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are de- signed to deploy in the event of an acci- dent involving a moderate to severe fron- tal collision. They are basically not de- signed 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 acci- dents 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 situ- ations. The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags are designed to func- tion on a one-time-only basis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of force experienced in the passen- ger compartment during a collision. That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-49
the visible damage done to the vehicle it- self. (cid:86) Examples of accidents in which the
driver’s/driver’s and front passen- ger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will most likely deploy.
100159
A head-on collision against a thick con-
crete 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 activat-
ed when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal
impact similar in fashion and magnitude to
the collision described above.
– CONTINUED –
1-50 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the driv- er’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy.
frontal airbags may be activated when the vehicle sustains a hard impact in the un- dercarriage area from the road surface (such as when the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch, impacted or knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).
is severely
(cid:86) 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.
100160
Only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS
100161
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require deployment
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 fron- tal impact, the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) may not deploy depending on the level of acci- dent forces involved.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-51
(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents
in which the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal air- bag(s) will basically not deploy.
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 low- speed frontal collision.
100621
1) First impact 2) Second impact
In an accident where the vehicle is impact- ed 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 ac- tivated on the first impact, it/they will not be activated on the second impact.
– CONTINUED –
100162
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags are designed basically not
1-52 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:132) SRS side airbag (if equipped) 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 colli- sion, the SRS side airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the door panel and supple- ments the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s chest and head.
The SRS side airbag is 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 impor- tant to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when an occupant is not seated in a prop- er upright position.
100164
100165
Do not rest your arm on either front door or its internal trim. It could be injured in the event of SRS side air- bag deployment.
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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-53
Do not attach accessories to the door trim or near either SRS side air- bags and do not place objects near the SRS side airbags. In the event of the SRS side airbag deployment, they could be propelled dangerous- ly toward the vehicle’s occupants and cause injuries.
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 be-
cause 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 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.
100623
100624
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100622
100167
1-54 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Do not put any kind of cover or clothes or other objects over either front seatback and do not attach la- bels or stickers to the front seat sur- face on or near the SRS side airbag. They could prevent proper deploy- ment of the SRS side airbag, reduc- ing protection available to the front seat’s occupant.
(cid:84) Operation
100625
1) SRS side airbag deploys as soon as a
collision occurs.
2) SRS side airbag protects the front pas-
senger’s head and chest.
3) After deployment, SRS side airbag
starts to deflate immediately.
The SRS side airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” po- sition.
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags deploy independently of each other since each has its own impact sen- sor. Also, the SRS side airbag deploys in- dependently of the frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the vehicle’s center pillars. If ei- ther sensor detects a certain predeter- mined amount of force during a side im- pact collision, the control module sends a signal to the side airbag module on the im- pacted side of the vehicle, instructing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the side airbag module produces gas, which in- stantly inflates the SRS side airbag. After deployment, the SRS side airbag will de- flate in a few seconds.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied.
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sud- den, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the de- ployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-55
(cid:86) Example of the type of accident in
which the SRS side airbag will most likely deploy.
A severe side impact near the front seat activates the SRS side airbag.
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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 compo- nents can be very hot as a result of deployment.
The SRS side airbag is designed to de- ploy 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 im- pacts because SRS side airbag deploy- ment would not help the occupant in those situations. Each SRS side airbag is designed to func- tion on a one-time-only basis.
SRS side airbag deployment depends on the level of force experienced in the pas- senger 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.
– CONTINUED –
1-56 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag is 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 deployment. In the event of acci- dents like those illustrated, the SRS side airbag may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.
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(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag will ba- sically not deploy.
The SRS side airbag is basically not de- signed to deploy if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision or is struck from be- hind. Examples of such accidents are il- lustrated.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-57
(cid:132) SRS airbag system monitors
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1) The vehicle is involved in frontal collision with another vehicle (moving or station- ary).
2) The vehicle is struck from behind.
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1) First impact 2) Second impact
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side more than once, the SRS side airbag deploys only once on the first impact.
Example: In the case of a double side im- pact collision, first with one vehicle and