sit in the REAR seat properly re- strained at all times in a child re- straint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the childs height and weight. Secure ALL types of child re- straint 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 CHILDS HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. 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 pre- cautions concerning the child re- straint system, see the Child re- straint 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 and side airbags deploys.
Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suit- able for your vehicle. See information on Child restraint systems in this chapter.
Children
If a child is too big for a child restraint sys- tem, the child should sit in the rear seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. Ac-
cording 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. If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, adjust the shoulder belt anchor height (window-side seating posi- tions only) and then if necessary move the child closer to the belt buckle to help pro- vide 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 childs 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 childs arm or behind the childs back.
Expectant mothers
100100
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 Retrac- tor (ELR)
The drivers 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 Lock- ing Retractor (A/ELR)
Each passengers seatbelt has an Auto- matic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ ELR). The Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor normally functions as an Emer- gency Locking Retractor (ELR). The A/ ELR has an additional locking mode Au- tomatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode in- tended to secure a child restraint system. When the seatbelt is once drawn out com- pletely and is then retracted even slightly, the retractor locks the seatbelt in that po- sition and the seatbelt cannot be extend- ed. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the retractor func- tions as an ALR. When the seatbelt is re- tracted fully, the ALR mode is released. When securing a child restraint system on the rear seats by the use of the seatbelt, the seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. When the child restraint system is re- moved, make sure that the seatbelt re- tracts fully and the retractor returned to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode. For instructions on how to convert the re- tractor to the ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, see the Child restraint
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-11
systems section in this chapter. Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the drivers seat, as re- quired by current safety standards. There is a seatbelt warning light in the combina- tion meter. If the driver has not yet fastened the seat- belt when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the seatbelt warning light will flash for 6 seconds, to warn that the seatbelt is unfastened. If the drivers seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously. If the drivers seatbelt is still not fastened 6 seconds later, the warning light will re- main lit for 15 seconds. If the drivers seat- belt is still not fastened even 15 seconds later (21 seconds after turning ON the ig- nition switch), the warning lights will alter- nate between flashing and steady illumi- nation at 15-second intervals, and the chime will sound while the warning light is flashing. Alternate flashing and steady illumination of the warning lights and sounding of the chime will continue until the driver fastens the seatbelt.
CONTINUED
1-12 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
NOTE
If the driver unfastens the seatbelt af- ter fastening, the seatbelt warning de- vice operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.
At speeds lower than approximate-
ly 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light will alternate be- tween flashing and steady illumina- tion at 15-second intervals. The chime will not sound.
At speeds higher than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light will alternate be- tween flashing and steady illumina- tion at 15-second intervals and the chime will sound while the warning light is flashing. It is possible to cancel the warning operation that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch by unfastening and refastening the drivers seatbelt. When the ignition switch is turned ON next time, howev- er, the complete sequence of the warn- ing operation resumes. For further de- tails about canceling the warning oper- ation, please contact your SUBARU dealer.
Fastening the seatbelt
Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of in- jury. Keep the lap belt as low as possi- ble on your hips. In a collision, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones in- stead of across the weaker abdo- men. Seatbelts provide maximum re- straint 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 up- right 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. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will in- crease, and both can result in se- rious internal injury or death.
100101
Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. If an ac- cident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can be- come very hot in a vehicle that 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: Drivers seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seatback as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control. Front passengers seat: Adjust the seat- back 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-13
Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor height
100102
4. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
100103
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.
200371
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 re-
lease button and slide the anchor down.
To raise the anchor height, slide the an-
chor 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.
CONTINUED
1-14 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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 on Wagon)
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.
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.
100105
100102
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
100103
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.
Adjusting the rear seat shoulder belt anchor height (window-side seating positions only)
100686
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best suited for
you. To adjust the anchor height, push the
release button and slide the anchor up or
down. 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-15
Rear center seatbelt on Wagon
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
1) Center seatbelt tongue plate 2) Connector (tongue) 3) Connector (buckle) 4) Center seatbelt buckle
100687
100105
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.
100108
CONTINUED
1-16 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Fastening the seatbelt with the web- bing twisted can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, espe- cially when inserting the connec- tors tongue plate into the mating buckle (on right-hand side), always check that the webbing is not twist- ed.
Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective buckles. If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the connectors tongue plate not fastened to the connec- tors buckle on the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wear- er in position in an accident, possi- bly resulting in serious injury or death.
100288
2. After drawing out the seatbelt, pass it
through the belt guide as follows: First in-
sert one edge of the belt into the open gap
in the comfort guide; then slide the rest of
the belt in, so that the whole belt fits in-
side.
100109
100111
1. Remove the tongue plate from the belt
holder located under the right rear quarter
glass and pull out the seatbelt slowly.
100113
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-17
Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt. NOTE When the seatback is folded down for greater cargo area, it is necessary to disconnect the connector.
100115
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.
Unfastening the seatbelt
100117
3. After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the connector (tongue) at- tached at the webbing end into the buckle on the right-hand side until a click is heard. If the belt stops before reaching the buck- le, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be un- locked, let the belt retract slightly after giv- ing it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.
100114
4. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate
in the center seatbelt buckle marked
CENTER on the left-hand side until it
clicks.
100116
CONTINUED
1-18 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Insert the tongue plate into the belt holder.
100118
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.
100289
2. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt.
100290
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. 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.
Seatbelt maintenance
To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously af- 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.
Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid. Never attempt to make modifica- tions or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating prop- erly.
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 extenders 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.
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. Do not use the extender if the buckle of the extender rests over the abdomen. 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. 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
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-19
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.
1-20 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags Front seatbelt pretensioners
100121
The drivers and front passengers 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.
The pretensioner sensor also serves as
the frontal SRS airbag sensor. If the sen-
sor 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 there- fore must be replaced. NOTE
Seatbelt pretensioners are not de- signed to activate in minor frontal im- pacts, in side or rear impacts or in roll- over accidents.
The drivers seat and passengers seat pretensioners and frontal SRS air- bag operate simultaneously.
Pretensioners are designed to func- tion on a one-time-only basis. In the event that a pretensioner is activated, both the drivers and front passengers seatbelt retractor assemblies must be replaced only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When replacing seat- belt retractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
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.
If the front seatbelt retractor assem- bly or surrounding area has been dam- aged, 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.
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. 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.
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. System monitors
100291
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:
Front sub sensor (Right-hand side) Front sub sensor (Left-hand side) Airbag control module (including impact
sensors)
gers side)
hand side)
hand side)
side)
gers side)
gers side)
sor
Frontal airbag module (Drivers side) Frontal airbag module (Front passen-
Side airbag sensor (Center pillar right
Side airbag sensor (Center pillar left
Side airbag module (Drivers side) Side airbag module (Front passengers
Seatbelt pretensioner (Drivers side) Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passen-
Seatbelt buckle switch (Drivers side) Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passen-
Drivers seat position sensor Front passengers seatbelt tension sen-
Front passengers occupant detection
system weight sensor
Front passengers occupant detection
control module
and OFF indicator
Front passengers frontal airbag ON
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-21
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 airbag will not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may increase the risk of injury.
Flashing or flickering of the indi- cator 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
CONTINUED
Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genu- ine 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 plac- ard attached to the drivers door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owners Manual.
1-22 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
System servicing
When discarding a seatbelt retrac- tor assembly or scrapping the en- tire vehicle damaged by a colli- sion, consult your SUBARU deal- er. Tampering with or disconnecting the systems 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.
The front sub sensors are located in both front fenders and the SRS air- bag 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.
Precautions against vehicle modification
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts to your vehicle.
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt pretensioners.
Child restraint systems
100688
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 childs 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 manufacturers 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-23
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.
100125
100126
CONTINUED
1-24 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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. Where to place a child re- straint system
The following are SUBARUs recommen- dations on where to place a child restraint system in your vehicle.
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. If it is unavoidable to install a child re- straint system in the rear seats center seating position, lower the center head re- straint to the lowest position and install the child restraint system by correctly passing the rear center seatbelt through the belt guide.
100127
A: Front passengers seat You should not install a child restraint sys- tem (including a booster seat) due to the hazard to children posed by the passen- gers 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
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. For that reason, 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 childs 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.
forward
100129
YOUR
VEHICLE
SINCE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGERS SRS AIRBAG, NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFE- TY SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSEN- GERS SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SE- RIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILDS HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25
Choosing a child restraint system
100502
Choose a child restraint system that is ap-
propriate for the childs 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 the United States or
of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards for Canada. It can be identified by
looking for the label on the child restraint
system or the manufacturers 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 compati-
ble with the vehicle in which it will be used.
CONTINUED
1-26 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Installing child restraint sys- tems with A/ELR seatbelt
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 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.
ing the instructions provided by its manu- facturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
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.
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturers 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.
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-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-27
ELR function of the retractor. That function is restored by allowing the seatbelt to retract fully.
Installing forward facing child re- straint
100610
6. Push and pull the child restraint system
forward and from side to side to check if it
is firmly secured. Sometimes a child re-
straint 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).
100506
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 PASSENGERS SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILDS HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. NOTE When the child restraint system is no longer in use, remove it and restore the
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.
CONTINUED
1-28 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
100137
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.
100138
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).
Sedan
100689
Wagon 8. If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the top teth-
100690
er anchor and tighten the top tether. See the Top tether anchorages for additional instructions.
Installing a booster seat
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 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.
100611
9. 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.
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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-29
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturers 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
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
CONTINUED
1-30 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 childs shoulder and that the lap belt is positioned as low as possible on the childs hips.
100142
4. To remove the booster seat, press the
release button on the seatbelt buckle and
allow the belt to retract.
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.
Never place the shoulder belt un- der the childs arm or behind the childs back. If an accident oc- curs, 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 ef- fective in preventing or reducing injury. Place the lap belt as low as possi- ble on the childs 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. Make sure the shoulder belt is po- sitioned across the center of childs shoulder. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sud- den braking or in a collision.
Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)
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 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.
es are sometimes referred to as the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Teth- ers for CHildren). 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 manufacturers 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 lower anchorage is located where
the seat cushion meets the seatback.
100691
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. The lower and tether anchorag-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-31
100694
The tether anchorages (upper anchorag-
es) are provided for all the seating posi-
tions (middle and both window-side ones)
of the rear seat.
100614
at the bottom of
You will find marks
the rear seat seatbacks. These marks in-
CONTINUED
1-32 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
dicate the positions of the lower anchorag- es (bars).
100615
Each lower anchorage is located where
the seat cushion meets the seatback.
1. Use the
marks to locate the two
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.
100616
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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-33
Anchorage location Sedan
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.
100149
5. Before seating a child in the child re-
straint system, try to move seat back and
forth and right and left 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.
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-
1) For left seat 2) For center seat 3) For right seat
100695
CONTINUED
1-34 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Three upper anchorages are installed on the rear shelf behind the rear seat.
Wagon
Wagon
There is an anchorage for the center seat- ing position at the rear edge of the roof, and anchorages for each of the two win- dow-side seating positions on the rear wall of the cargo area.
To hook the top tether Sedan
100151
1. Remove the headrest at the window-
side seating position where the child re-
straint system has been installed with the
lower anchorages or seatbelt; lift up the
headrest while pressing the release but-
ton. Store the headrest in the cargo area.
Avoid placing the headrest in the passen-
ger compartment to prevent it from being
thrown around in the passenger compart-
ment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.
100689
1. Attach the child restraint top tether
hook to the appropriate upper anchorage.
2. Tighten the top tether securely.
Please contact your SUBARU dealer if
you have any question regarding the in-
stallation of a child restraint system.
1) For left seat 2) For center seat 3) For right seat
100696
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-35
*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 vehicles 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 front passenger when any of the SRS frontal and side airbags deploys.
Vehicle with drivers and front passengers 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 airbags (drivers and front passengers frontal airbags) or four air- bags (drivers and front passengers fron- tal airbags and drivers and front passen- gers side airbags). These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protec- tion provided by the seatbelt.
CONTINUED
100297
2. (For both window-side seating posi-
tions) Remove the cap from the anchor fit-
ting cover by prying it with a screwdriver.
Center
100692
100690
Window-side 3. Attach the child restraint top tether hook to the appropriate upper anchorage. 4. Tighten the top tether securely. Please contact your SUBARU dealer if you have any question regarding the in- stallation of a child restraint system.
Always remove the headrest when mounting a child restraint system with a top tether. Otherwise, the top tether cannot be fastened tightly.
1-36 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
For that reason, 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 childs 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. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILDS HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37
Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passengers 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.
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. 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 owners manual.
CONTINUED
100082
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.
1-38 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Components
15
20
19
100701
11
14
13
16
12
17
18
10
side)
hand side)
hand side)
side)
gers side)
1) Airbag control module (including impact
2) Frontal airbag module (drivers side) 3) Frontal airbag module (front passen-
sensors)
gers side)
4) Front sub sensor (left-hand side) 5) Front sub sensor (right-hand side) 6) Side airbag module (drivers side) 7) Side airbag module (front passengers
8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-
9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar right-
10)Airbag wiring (yellow) 11)Seatbelt pretensioner (drivers side) 12)Seatbelt pretensioner (front passengers
13)Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen-
14)Seatbelt buckle switch (drivers side) 15)Drivers seat position sensor 16)Front passengers seatbelt tension sen-
sor
17)Front passengers occupant detection
system weight sensor
18)Front passengers occupant detection
19)Front passengers frontal airbag ON and
control module
OFF indicator
20)SRS airbag system warning light
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 drivers SRS frontal air- bag at the time of deployment as well as whether or not to activate the front pas- sengers 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 drivers and front passengers 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-39
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILDS HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
The drivers SRS frontal airbag is stowed in the center portion of the steering wheel. The front passengers SRS frontal airbag is stowed near the top of the dashboard under an SRS AIRBAG mark. In a moderate to severe frontal collision, the drivers and front passengers SRS frontal airbags deploy and supplement the seatbelts by reducing the impact on the drivers and front passengers head and chest.
100126
100608
Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passengers seat. The SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable force and can injure or even kill the child.
CONTINUED
1-40 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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.
drivers 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.
Do not place articles/metal objects or in- stall any accessory other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the drivers seat. Do not allow the rear seat occupant to kick the drivers seat or push up its bot- tom surface with his/her feet.
Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt
buckle or under the drivers seat. If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the drivers seat position sensor have failed, the SRS airbag system warning light will il- luminate. Although the drivers SRS fron- tal airbag can deploy regardless of the backward-forward adjustment of the driv- ers 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-41
NOTE The drivers SRS side airbag and seat- belt pretensioner are not controlled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.
Front passengers SRS frontal air- bag
The front passengers 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 systems 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 passengers SRS frontal airbag should or should not be in- flated. The occupant detection system may not inflate the front passengers SRS frontal airbag even when the drivers 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.
CONTINUED
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.
Drivers SRS frontal airbag
The drivers 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 drivers seat position and whether or not he/she is wearing the seatbelt. The backward-forward adjustment of the drivers seat position is monitored by the drivers seat position sensor under the
1-42 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Do not apply any strong impact to the front passengers seat such as by kicking. Do not spill liquid on the front passen- gers seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off im- mediately.
Do not disassemble the front passen-
gers seat.
Do not install any accessory (such as an audio amplifier) other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the front pas- sengers seat.
Do not place anything (shoes, umbrella,
etc.) under the front passengers seat.
The front passengers seat must not be
used with the head restraint removed.
Do not leave any article including a child restraint system on the front passengers seat or the seatbelt tongue and buckle en- gaged 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 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 Front seats section in this chapter.
If you use an optional seatbelt extender, remove it after each use. (Refer to the Seatbelt extender section in this chap- ter.) If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front
passengers 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 Subaru advanced frontal airbag system. Have your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU dealer. NOTE The front passengers SRS side airbag and seatbelt pretensioner are not con- trolled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system.
Passengers frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators
ON or
OFF or
100704
: Front passengers frontal airbag
ON indicator
: Front passengers frontal airbag
OFF indicator
The front passengers frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passengers SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located next to the clock in the center portion of the dash- board. 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- tinguish for 2 seconds. After that, one of
follows.)
The seat is equipped with a forward fac- ing 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 predeter- mined 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 passengers occupant detec-
tion system is faulty.
the indicators illuminates depending on the status of the front passengers SRS frontal airbag determined by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system monitor- ing. If the front passengers SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passengers frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain extinguished. If the front passengers SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passengers 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.
Conditions in which front passen- gers SRS frontal airbag is not acti- vated
The front passengers SRS frontal airbag will not be activated when any of the fol- lowing conditions are met regarding the front passengers 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
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-43
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT EVEN IF THE FRONT PASSENGERS 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- gers seat may be killed or severely injured should the front passengers SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR seats are the safest place for chil- dren. When the front passengers seat is occu- pied by a child, observe the following pre- cautions. Failure to do so may increase the load on the front passengers seat, ac- tivating the front passengers SRS frontal airbag even though that seat is occupied by a child.
Do not place any article on the seat oth- er than the child occupant and a child re- straint system.
CONTINUED
1-44 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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 seat-
back pocket.
Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passengers seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
If the front passengers 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 passengers 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 manufacturers recommendations as well as the child re- straint system installation procedures in the Seat heater (if equipped) section in this chapter, correctly install the child re- straint system. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and make sure that the front passengers frontal airbag ON indi-
cator 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 posi- tion and seatback of front passengers seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. 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 passengers seat, the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system may or may not activate the front passengers SRS frontal airbag depending on the occupants seating posture. If the front passengers SRS frontal airbag is activated (the ON indi-
cator illuminates while the OFF indica- tor 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 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.
Conditions in which front passen- gers SRS frontal airbag is activated The front passengers SRS frontal airbag will be activated for deployment upon im- pact when any of the following conditions is met regarding the front passengers seat.
When the seat is occupied by an adult.
When a heavy article is placed on the
seat. When the front passengers seat is occu- pied by an adult, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may lessen the load on the front passengers seat, de- activating the front passengers SRS fron- tal airbag despite the fact that the seat is occupied by an adult.
Do not allow the rear seat occupant to lift the front passengers seat cushion us- ing his/her feet.
Do not place any article under the front passengers seat, or squeeze any article from behind and under the seat. This may lift the seat cushion.
Do not squeeze any article between the front passengers seat and side trim/pillar, door or center console box. This may lift the seat cushion.
If the passengers frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminates and the ON indicator extinguishes even when the front passengers seat is occupied by an adult
This can be caused by the adult incorrect- ly sitting in the front passengers 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,
sition.
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.
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF po-
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 posi- tion and seatback of front passengers seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth.
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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-45
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)
808-592-4497
671-646-9126
CONTINUED
1-46 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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.
Operation
A) Drivers side B) Passengers side 1) SRS AIRBAGs deploy as soon as a collision occurs. 2) After deployment, SRS AIRBAGs start to deflate immediately so that the drivers vision is not
100619
obstructed.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-47
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 passengers SRS frontal airbag depend- ing on the total load on the front passen- gers seat monitored by the front passen- gers occupant detection system weight sensor. For this reason, only the drivers SRS frontal airbag may deploy in the