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9)


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– CONTINUED –


Mark


Name


Electronic driver’s con- trol center differential auto indicator (if equipped)


Driver’s control center differential indicator light (if equipped)


Driver’s control center differential indicator and warning lights (if equipped)


Page


3-20


3-21


3-21


22


Warning and indicator light


Mark


Name


Page


Seatbelt warning light


3-14


ON or


OFF or


SRS airbag system warning light


Passenger airbag ON indicator light


Passenger airbag OFF indicator light


CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunc- tion indicator lamp


Charge warning light


Oil pressure warning light


AT OIL temperature warning light (if equipped)


or


ABS warning light


or Brake system warning


light


3-15


3-15


3-15


3-16


3-16


3-16


3-17


3-17


3-18


Mark


Name


Door open warning light


All-Wheel Drive warn- ing light (if equipped)


Turn signal indicator lights


High beam indicator light


Security indicator light (if equipped)


Intercooler water spray warning light (if equipped)


Light indicator light (if equipped)


Cruise control indica- tor light (if equipped)


Cruise control set indi- cator light


REV indicator light (if equipped)


Rear differential oil temperature warning light (if equipped)


Page


3-19


3-19


3-20


3-20


2-3, 2-13


3-19


3-21


3-20


3-20


3-21


3-17


23


Jack (page 9-16) Jack handle (page 9-16)


1) 2) 3) Spare tire (page 9-16)


Tire changing tools


000066


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


1-29


1-30
1-33


Installing a booster seat ......................................... Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) ............... Top tether anchorages ........................................... *SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System


airbag) .............................................................. 1-35
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints ................... Subaru advanced frontal airbag system .............. SRS side airbag ...................................................... SRS airbag system monitors ................................. SRS airbag system servicing ................................ Precautions against vehicle modification ............


1-35
1-39
1-51
1-56
1-57
1-58


1-2
1-3
1-3
1-4
1-4
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-9
1-11


Front seats .......................................................... Fore and aft adjustment ......................................... Reclining the seatback ........................................... Seat cushion height adjustment (driver’s seat) ... Head restraint adjustment (if equipped) ............... Active head restraint (if equipped) ........................ Seat heater (if equipped) ................................... Rear seats ........................................................... Armrest (if equipped) ............................................. Head restraint adjustment – Wagon ..................... Folding down the rear seat – Wagon .................... Seatbelts ............................................................. Seatbelt safety tips ................................................. Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .................... Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) .................................................................. Seatbelt warning light and chime .......................... Fastening the seatbelt ............................................ Seatbelt maintenance .............................................


1-11
1-11
1-12
1-18
Seatbelt extender ............................................... 1-19
Front seatbelt pretensioners ............................. 1-20
1-21
1-22
1-22
Child restraint systems ..................................... 1-23
1-24
1-25


System monitors .................................................... System servicing .................................................... Precautions against vehicle modification ............


Where to place a child restraint system ............... Choosing a child restraint system ........................ Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt ..................................................................


1-26


1-2 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags Front seats


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


Never adjust the seat while driv- ing to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury. Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism. 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.


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.


100082


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. Conse- quently, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have out- grown child restraint 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 restraint devices (including forward facing child seat) in the REAR seats at all times. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.


According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly re- strained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating posi- tions. For instructions and precau- tions concerning child restraint sys- tems, see the “Child restraint sys- tems” section in this chapter.


Fore and aft adjustment


100240
Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to the desired position. Then release the le- ver and move the seat back and forth to make sure that it is securely locked into place.


Reclining the seatback


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-3


100241
Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the seatback to the desired position. Then re- lease the lever and make sure the seat- back is securely locked into place. The seatback placed in a reclined position can spring back upward with force when released. When operating the reclining le- ver to return the seatback, hold it lightly so that it may be raised back gradually.


100085


To prevent the passenger from slid- ing under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the upright position while the ve- hicle is in motion. Also, do not place objects such as cushions between the passenger and the seatback. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious inter- nal injury or death.


– CONTINUED –


1-4 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


Seat cushion height adjust- ment (driver’s seat)


Head restraint adjustment (if equipped)


Active head restraint (if equipped)


100683
1) When the lever is pushed down, the seat


2) When the lever is pulled up, the seat ris-


is lowered.


es.


The height of the seat can be adjusted by moving the seat cushion adjustment lever up and down.


100087


To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is clos- est to the top of the occupant’s ears.


Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed because they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear.


100089
The front seats of your vehicle are equipped with active head restraints. They automatically tilt forward slightly in the event the vehicle is struck from the rear, decreasing the amount of rearward head movement and thus reducing the risk of whiplash. For maximum effectiveness the head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.


Seat heater (if equipped)


Driver’s side 1) HI – Rapid heating 2) LO – Normal heating


100684


Each active head restraint is ef- fective only when its height is properly adjusted and driver/pas- senger sits in the correct position on the seat. If your vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision, have an autho- rized SUBARU dealer inspect the active head restraints. The active head restraints may not operate in the event the vehi- cle experiences only a slight im- pact in the rear. The active head restraints may be damaged if they are pushed hard from behind or subjected to shock. As a result, they may not function if the vehicle suffers a rear impact.


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-5


100685


Front passenger’s side 1) HI – Rapid heating 2) LO – Normal heating The seat heater operates when the igni- tion switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” position. To turn on the seat heater, push the “LO” or “HI” position on the switch, as desired, depending on the temperature. Selecting the “HI” position will cause the seat to heat up quicker. The indicator located on the switch comes on when the seat heater is in operation. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed enough or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.


– CONTINUED –


1-6 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


There is a possibility that people with delicate skin may suffer slight burns even at low tempera- tures if he/she uses the seat heat- er for a long period of time. When using the heater, always be sure to warn the persons concerned. Do not put anything on the seat which insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, or similar items. This may cause the seat heater to overheat.


NOTE Use of the seat heater for a long period of time while the engine is not running can cause battery discharge.


Rear seats


100094


Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident.


100093


Seatbelts provide maximum re- straint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the ab- domen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.


Armrest (if equipped)


Loading long objects


200227
To lower the armrest, pull on the top edge of the armrest.


To avoid the possibility of serious injury, passengers must never be al- lowed to sit on the center armrest while the vehicle is in motion.


200228
Folding down the armrest and opening the seatback panel affords a loading space for long objects. To open the seatback panel, pull the re- lease tab.


Secure long objects properly to prevent them from shooting for- ward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop or sharp cornering. Tie long objects down with a rope or something equiva- lent.


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-7


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


200229
Head restraint adjustment – Wagon


Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints removed because they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear.


– CONTINUED –


1-8 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


100098


To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is clos- est to the top of the occupant’s ears. When the seats are not occupied, lower the head restraints to improve rearward visibility.


Rear center seating position


100099


To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback. When the rear-center seating position is occupied, raise the head restraint to the click position. When the rear center seat- ing position is not occupied, lower the head restraint to improve rearward visibil- ity.


The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Be- fore sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to the click position.


Folding down the rear seat – Wagon


After returning the rear seat to its original position, be certain to place all of the seatbelts and the tab attached to the seat cushion above the seat cushion. And make certain that the shoulder belts are fully visible. Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury or death. Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting for- ward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop.


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-9


place and make sure that it is securely locked.


Seatbelts


Seatbelt safety tips


All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident. All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fit- ting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury. Each seatbelt is designed to sup- port only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more per- sons – even children. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result. Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. The entire assembly should be replaced even if dam- age is not obvious.


– CONTINUED –


100095


100096


1. Lower the head restraints. 2. Unlock the seatback by pulling the re- lease knob and then fold the seatback down. To return the seatback to its original posi- tion, raise the seatback until it locks into


1-10 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags


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. Consequent- ly, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have outgrown child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly re- strained at all times in a child re- straint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s 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 CHILD’S 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 child’s waist. If the shoulder portion of the belt cannot be properly positioned, a child restraint system should be used. Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back.


Expectant mothers


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 driver’s seatbelt has an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The emergency locking retractor allows normal body movement but the retractor locks automatically during a sudden stop, impact or if you pull the belt very quickly out of the retractor.


Automatic/Emergency Lock- ing Retractor (A/ELR)


Each passenger’s 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 driver’s 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 driver’s seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously. If the driver’s seatbelt is still not fastened 6 seconds later, the warning light will re- main lit for 15 seconds. If the driver’s 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 driver’s 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: Driver’s 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 passenger’s 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- tor’s 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 connector’s tongue plate not fastened to the connec- tor’s 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 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.


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 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. 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 driver’s seat and passenger’s 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 driver’s and front passenger’s 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)


ger’s side)


hand side)


hand side)


side)


ger’s side)


ger’s side)


sor


Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side) Frontal airbag module (Front passen-


Side airbag sensor (Center pillar right


Side airbag sensor (Center pillar left


Side airbag module (Driver’s side) Side airbag module (Front passenger’s


Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side) Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passen-


Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver’s side) Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passen-


Driver’s seat position sensor Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen-


Front passenger’s occupant detection


system weight sensor


Front passenger’s occupant detection


control module


and OFF indicator


Front passenger’s 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 driver’s door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner’s 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 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.


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 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.


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 SUBARU’s 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 seat’s 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 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


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 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.


forward


100129


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.


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25


Choosing a child restraint system


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 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 manufacturer’s statement of compliance in the document attached to the system. Also it is important for you to make sure that the child restraint system is 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 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.


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 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


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 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
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 child’s shoulder and that the lap belt is positioned as low as possible on the child’s 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 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. 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 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. 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.


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 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 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 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 front passenger when any of the SRS frontal and side airbags deploys.


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 airbags (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.


– 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 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. 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.


Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37


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.


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 owner’s 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

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