works properly. If at any time you suspect that ex- haust fumes are entering the vehi- cle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possi- ble. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all win- dows fully open. Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while driving to prevent ex- haust gas from entering the vehi- cle.
Drinking and driving
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Alcohol in the blood- stream delays your reaction and im- pairs your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking even if you drink just a lit- tle it will increase the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal acci- dent, injuring or killing yourself, your passengers and others. In ad- dition, if you are injured in the acci- dent, alcohol may increase the se- verity of that injury. Please dont drink and drive. Drunken driving is one of the most fre- quent causes of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differently, you may have consumed too much alcohol to drive safely even if the level of alcohol in your blood is below the legal limit. The safest thing you can do is never drink and drive. However if you have no choice but to drive, stop drinking and sober up com- pletely before getting behind the wheel.
Drugs and driving
Driving when tired or sleepy
Modification of your vehicle
When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction will be delayed and your perception, judgment and attentive- ness will be impaired. If you drive when tired or sleepy, your, your pas- sengers and other persons chanc- es of being involved in a serious ac- cident may increase. Please do not continue to drive but in- stead find a safe place to rest if you are tired or sleepy. On long trips, you should make periodic rest stops to refresh your- self before continuing on your journey. When possible, you should share the driv- ing with others.
There are some drugs (over the counter and prescription) that can delay your reaction time and impair your perception, judgment and at- tentiveness. If you drive after taking them, it may increase your, your passengers and other persons risk of being involved in a serious or fa- tal accident. If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist or read the liter- ature that accompanies the medication to determine if the drug you are taking can impair your driving ability. Do not drive af- ter taking any medications that can make you drowsy or otherwise affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have a medical condition that requires you to take drugs, please consult with your doctor. Never drive if you are under the influence of any illicit mind-altering drugs. For your own health and well-being, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the first place and to seek treatment if you are addicted to those drugs.
Your vehicle should not be modi- fied. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be cov- ered under warranties. Car phone/cell phone and driving
Do not use a car phone/cell phone while driving; it may distract your at- tention from driving and can lead to an accident. If you use a car phone/ cell phone, pull off the road and park in a safe place before using your phone. In some States/Provinces, only hands-free phones may legally be used while driving. Driving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and distract your attention from
CONTINUED
8
driving. In a collision or sudden stop, unre- strained pets or cages can be thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt under these situations. It is also for their own safety that pets should be prop- erly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling harness which can be secured to the rear seat with a seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a seat- belt through the carriers handle. Never re- strain pets or pet carriers in the front pas- sengers seat. For further information, consult your veterinarian, local animal protection society or pet shop.
Tire pressures
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pres- sure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the values shown on the tire placard. Refer to the Tires and wheels section in chapter 11 for detailed information.
Driving at high speeds with exces- sively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp in- crease in temperature could cause tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehi- cle control could lead to an acci- dent.
California proposition 65 warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constit- uents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addi- tion, certain fluids in vehicles and certain components of product wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can- cer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm.
Table of contents
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Keys and doors
Instruments and controls
Climate control
Audio
Interior equipment
Starting and operating
Driving tips
In case of emergency
Appearance care
Maintenance and service
Specifications
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Index
10
11
12
13
14
10
Illustrated index
Exterior
1) Engine hood (page 11-4) 2) Headlight switch (page 3-22) 3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-44) 4) Wiper switch (page 3-27) 5) Moonroof (page 2-24) 6) Door locks (page 2-4) 7) Tire pressure (page 11-30) 8) Flat tires (page 9-4) 9) Tire chains (page 8-11) 10) Front fog light button (page 3-26) 11) Tie-down hooks (page 9-11) 12) Towing hooks (page 9-11)
12
11
10
8 7
000168
1
11
1) Rear window defogger button (page
3-29)
2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-4) 3) Child safety locks (page 2-18) 4) Tie-down/Towing hook (page 9-12) 5) Trunk lid (page 2-20) 6) Rear gate (page 2-23) 7) Roof rail (page 8-14)
000057
CONTINUED
12
Interior Passenger compartment area
1) Lower anchorages for child restraint
system (page 1-30) 2) Seatbelt (page 1-9) 3) Moonroof (page 2-24) 4) Parking brake lever (page 7-25) 5) Front seat (page 1-2) 6) Rear seat (page 1-6)
000186
13
1) Cup holder (page 6-5) 2) Center console (page 6-4) 3) Glove box (page 6-4) 4) Cigarette lighter (page 6-6) 5) Ashtray (page 6-8)
4 5
000187
CONTINUED
14
Instrument panel
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
000188
1) Door locks (page 2-4) 2) Outside mirror switch (page 3-34) 3) Light control lever (page 3-22) 4) Combination meter (page 3-11) 5) Wiper control lever (page 3-26) 6) Hazard warning flasher switch (page
3-6)
7) Audio (page 5-1) 8) Gear shift lever (5MT) (page 7-11)/
Gear shift lever (6MT) (page 7-9)/Se- lector lever (AT) (page 7-16)
9) Climate control (page 4-1) 10) Cruise control (page 7-27) 11) Horn (page 3-35) 12) SRS airbag (page 1-35) 13) Tilt steering (page 3-35) 14) Fuse box (page 11-41) 15) Hood lock release knob (page 11-4) 16) Power windows (page 2-18)
Light control and wiper control levers/switches
12
10
11
34
000020
15
1) Parking light switch (page 3-25) 2) Windshield wiper (page 3-27) 3) Mist (page 3-28) 4) Windshield washer (page 3-28) 5) Rear window wiper and washer
switch (page 3-28)
6) Wiper control lever (page 3-28) 7)
Illumination brightness control (page 3-25) 8) Light control lever (page 3-22) 9) Headlight ON/OFF (page 3-22) 10) Headlight flasher High/Low beam
change (page 3-22)
11) Turn signal (for lane change) (page 3-
24)
12) Turn signal (page 3-24)
CONTINUED
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-12) 2) Selector lever position indicator
(page 3-20)
3) Temperature gauge (page 3-13) 4) Tachometer (page 3-12) 5) Speedometer (page 3-11) 6) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-11) 7) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-11)
8) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-13) Low fuel warning light (page 3-12)
16
Combination meter U.S.-spec. vehicles WRX
9)
A B
000159
WRX-STI
km/h
17
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-8) 2) DCCD indicator (page 3-21) 3) Temperature gauge (page 3-8) 4) Tachometer (page 3-7) 5) REV indicator (page 3-9) 6) Speedometer (page 3-6) 7) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-7) 8) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-7) 9) REV setting knob (page 3-9) 10) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-9)
11) Low fuel warning light (page 3-8)
11
10
000160
CONTINUED
18
Except turbo models
9)
A B
000161
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-12) 2) Selector lever position indicator
(page 3-20)
3) Temperature gauge (page 3-13) 4) Speedometer (page 3-11) 5) Tachometer (page 3-12) 6) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-11)
7) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-11) 8) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-13) Low fuel warning light (page 3-12)
Canada-spec. vehicles WRX
19
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-12) 2) Selector lever position indicator
(page 3-20)
3) Temperature gauge (page 3-13) 4) Tachometer (page 3-12) 5) Speedometer (page 3-11) 6) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-11) 7) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-11)
8) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-13) Low fuel warning light (page 3-12)
9)
A B
000162
CONTINUED
20
WRX-STI
11
10
000163
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-8) 2) DCCD indicator (page 3-21) 3) Temperature gauge (page 3-8) 4) Tachometer (page 3-7) 5) REV indicator (page 3-9) 6) Speedometer (page 3-6) 7) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-7) 8) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-7) 9) REV setting knob (page 3-9) 10) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-9)
11) Low fuel warning light (page 3-8)
21
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-12) 2) Selector lever position indicator
(page 3-20)
3) Temperature gauge (page 3-13) 4) Speedometer (page 3-11) 5) Tachometer (page 3-12) 6) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-11)
7) Odometer and trip meter (page 3-11) 8) Outside temperature indicator (page
3-13) Low fuel warning light (page 3-12)
Except turbo models
9)
A B
000164
CONTINUED
Mark
Name
Electronic drivers con- trol center differential auto indicator (if equipped)
Drivers control center differential indicator light (if equipped)
Drivers 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 drivers and front passengers 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 (drivers 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 childs 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 CHILDS 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 (drivers 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 occupants 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 occupants ears.
Seat heater (if equipped)
Drivers 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 passengers 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 vehicles 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 drivers 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 occupants 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 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-