2005 Subaru Legacy Owners Manual

Foreword

Congratulations on choosing a SUBARU vehicle. This Owner(cid:146)s Man- ual has all the information necessary to keep your SUBARU in excel- lent condition and to properly maintain the emission control system for minimizing emission pollutants. We urge you to read this manual carefully so that you may understand your vehicle and its operation. For information not found in this Owner(cid:146)s Manual, such as details concerning repairs or adjustments, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased your SUBARU or the nearest SUBARU dealer. The information, specifications and illustrations found in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD. reserves the right to change specifications and designs at any time without prior notice and without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes on vehicles previously sold. This Owner(cid:146)s Manual applies to all models and covers all equipment, in- cluding factory installed options. Some explanations, therefore may be for equipment not installed in your vehicle. Please leave this manual in the vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need the information found herein.

FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD., TOKYO, JAPAN

is a registered trademark of FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.

' copyright 2004 FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.

This manual describes the following types of the Legacy series.

A) Legacy Sedan B) Legacy Station wagon C) OUTBACK Sedan D) OUTBACK Station wagon

UBF205AB

Warranties ! Warranties for U.S.A. All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru of Ameri- ca, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in the United States come with the following warranties: " SUBARU Limited Warranty " Emission Control Systems Warranty " Emissions Performance Warranty All warranty information, including details of coverage and exclusions, is in the (cid:147)Warranty and Maintenance Booklet(cid:148). Please read these warranties carefully. ! Warranties for Canada All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru Canada, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU deal- er in Canada come with the following warranties: " SUBARU Limited Warranty " Anti-Corrosion Warranty " Emission Control Warranty All warranty information, including details of coverage and exclusions, is in the (cid:147)Warranty and Service Book- let(cid:148). Please read these warranties carefully.

This vehicle does not contain mer- cury devices or parts.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150)

How to use this owner(cid:146)s manual ! Using your Owner(cid:146)s manual Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this manual. To protect yourself and extend the service life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this manual. Failure to observe these instructions may result in se- rious injury and damage to your vehicle. This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents, so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter contains the information you want. Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags This chapter informs you how to use the seat and seat- belt and contains precautions for the SRS airbags. Chapter 2: Keys and doors This chapter informs you how to operate the keys, locks and windows. Chapter 3: Instruments and controls This chapter informs you about the operation of instru- ment panel indicators and how to use the instruments and other switches. Chapter 4: Climate control This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control. Chapter 5: Audio

This chapter informs you how to operate your audio system. Chapter 6: Interior equipment This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment. Chapter 7: Starting and operating This chapter informs you how to start and operate your SUBARU. Chapter 8: Driving tips This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various conditions and explains some safety tips on driving. Chapter 9: In case of emergency This chapter informs you what to do if you have a prob- lem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine over- heating. Chapter 10: Appearance care This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU looking good. Chapter 11: Maintenance and service This chapter informs you when you need to take your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled maintenance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU running properly. Chapter 12: Specifications This chapter informs you about dimension and capac- ities of your SUBARU.

Chapter 13: Consumer information and Reporting safety defects This chapter informs you about Tire information, Uni- form tire quality grading standards and Reporting safety defects. Chapter 14: Index This is an alphabetical listing of all that(cid:146)s in this manu- al. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

! Safety warnings You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs and NOTEs in this manual. These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards that could result in injury to you or others. Please read these safety warnings as well as all other portions of this manual carefully in order to gain a bet- ter understanding of how to use your SUBARU vehicle safely.

A WARNING indicates a situation in which seri- ous injury or death could result if the warning is ignored.

A CAUTION indicates a situation in which injury or damage to your vehicle, or both, could result if the caution is ignored.

NOTE A NOTE gives information or suggestions how to make better use of your vehicle.

! Safety symbol

HSF019AA

You will find a circle with a slash through it in this man- (cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150)

ual. This symbol means (cid:147)Do not(cid:148), (cid:147)Do not do this(cid:148), or (cid:147)Do not let this happen(cid:148), depending upon the context.

Vehicle symbols There are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Mark

Name

CAUTION

Passengers(cid:146) windows lock

Fuel

Front fog lights

Parking lights

Hazard warning flasher

Cigarette lighter

Seat heater

Mark

Name

Mark

Name

Child restraint lower anchorages

Child restraint top tether anchorages

Horn

Windshield wiper deicer

Wiper intermittent

Windshield wiper and washer

Rear window wiper and washer

Lights

Parking lights, tail lights, license plate lights and instrument panel illumina- tion

Head lights

Turn signal

Illumination brightness

Engine hood

Trunk lid (Sedan)

Fan speed

Instrument panel outlets

Instrument panel outlets and foot out- lets

Foot outlets

Windshield defroster and foot outlets

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150)

Mark

Name

Windshield defroster

Safety precautions when driving ! Seatbelt and SRS airbag

Rear window defogger/Outside mirror defogger

Air recirculation

Outside air

Night illumination dimness cancella- tion

Engine oil

Washer

Door lock (Transmitter)

Door unlock (Transmitter)

Trunk lid (Sedan) or rear gate (Station wagon) (Transmitter)

" All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury be- comes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident. " To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle should always wear seatbelts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS (Supplemental Re- straint System) airbag does not do away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined protection in case of a serious accident. Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the vehicle has the SRS airbag. " The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deploy-

ment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full ve- hicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

Carefully read the sections (cid:147)Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags(cid:148) in chapter 1 of this owner(cid:146)s manual for in- structions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system and SRS airbag system.

! Child safety

" Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a colli- sion, because the child will be caught between the passenger and objects inside the vehicle. " While riding in the vehicle, infants and small children should always be placed in the REAR seat in an infant or child restraint system which is appropriate for the child(cid:146)s age, height and weight. If a child is too big for a child restraint

system, the child should sit in the REAR seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. Accord- ing to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating po- sitions than in the front seating positions. Nev- er allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat. " Put children aged 12 and under in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk being injured from deployment is greater. " NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD(cid:146)S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. " Always use the child safety locks whenever a child rides in the rear seat. Serious injury could result if a child accidentally opened the door and fell out. Refer to the (cid:147)Door locks(cid:148) section in chapter 2. " Always lock the passenger(cid:146)s windows using

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150)

the lock switch when children are riding in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child operating the power window. Refer to the (cid:147)Power windows(cid:148) section in chapter 2. " Never leave unattended children in the vehi- cle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, tempera- ture in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to them. " Help prevent young children from locking themselves in the trunk. When leaving the vehi- cle, either close all windows and lock all doors or cancel the inside trunk lid release. Also make certain that the trunk is closed. On hot or sunny days, the temperature in a trunk could quickly become high enough to cause death or serious heat-related injuries including brain damage, particularly for small children.

Carefully read the sections (cid:147)Child restraint sys- tems(cid:148),(cid:147)*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)(cid:148), and (cid:147)Seatbelts(cid:148) in chapter 1 of this owner(cid:146)s manual for instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint system, seatbelt system and SRS

airbag system.

! Engine exhaust gas (carbon monox-

ide)

" Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex- haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color- less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. " Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en- tering the vehicle. " Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. " Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. " Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly. " If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem

checked and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. " Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

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 completely before getting behind the wheel.

! Drinking and driving

! Drugs and driving

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reac- tion and impairs your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking (cid:150) even if you drink just a little (cid:150) it will increase the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident, injuring or killing yourself, your passengers and others. In addition, if you are injured in the accident, alcohol may increase the severity of that injury. Please don(cid:146)t drink and drive.

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differently,

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(cid:146) and other persons(cid:146) risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident.

If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist or read the literature that accompanies the medication to determine if the drug you are taking can impair your driving ability. Do not drive after 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

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150)

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-be- ing, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the first place and to seek treatment if you are addicted to those drugs.

! Driving when tired or sleepy

When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction will be delayed and your perception, judgment and attentiveness will be impaired. If you drive when tired or sleepy, your, your passengers(cid:146) and other persons(cid:146) chances of being involved in a serious accident may increase.

Please do not continue to drive but instead 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 driving with others.

! Car phone/mobile phone and driving

Do not use a hand-held phone while driving; it may distract your attention from driving and can lead to an accident. If you use a hand-held phone, pull off the road and park in the safe place before using your phone. In some States/ Provinces, only hands-free phones may legally be used while driving.

! Modification of your vehicle

Your vehicle should not be modified. Modifica- tion could affect its performance, safety or du- rability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or perfor- mance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under warranties.

10

! Driving with pets Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and distract your attention from driving. In a collision or sudden stop, unrestrained 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 properly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling harness which can be se- cured to the rear seat with a seatbelt or use a pet car- rier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the carrier(cid:146)s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers in the front passenger(cid:146)s seat. For further information, consult your veterinarian, local an- imal protection society or pet shop.

! Tire pressures

Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform severe- ly and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.

Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and be- fore 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 (cid:147)Tires and wheels(cid:148) section in chapter 11
for detailed information.

! California proposition 65 warning

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other repro- ductive harm. In addition, certain fluids in vehi- cles and certain components of product wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 11

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

1) Engine hood lock release (page

11-5)

2) Headlight switch (page 3-45) 3) Bulb replacement (page 11-74) 4) Wiper switch (page 3-52) 5) Moonroof (page 2-41) 6) Roof rail (page 8-21) 7) Door locks (page 2-6) 8) Tire pressure (page 11-52) 9) Flat tires (page 9-5) 10) Tire chains (page 8-17) 11) Fog light switch (page 3-50) 12) Tie-down hooks (page 9-22) 13) Towing hook (page 9-22)

Illustrated index

! Exterior

2 3

13

12

11

8910

UBF200BB

14

1) Rear window defogger button

(page 3-57)

2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-4) 3) Child safety locks (page 2-30) 4) Tie-down hooks (page 9-22) 5) Towing hook (page 9-22) 6) Trunk lid (page 2-35) 7) Rear gate (page 2-39) 8) Bulb replacement (page 11-76) 9) Rear wiper blade assembly and rubber replacement (page 3-55)

UBF201BB

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 15

1)

Lower anchorages for child re- straint system (page 1-49)

2) Seatbelt (page 1-16) 3) Center console (page 6-8) 4) Front seat (page 1-2) 5) Rear seat (page 1-11)

! Interior ! Passenger compartment area

UBF508BB

16

1

1) Top tether anchorages (page 1-

55)

2) Dome lights (page 6-2) 3) Sun visors (page 6-5) 4) Cargo area light (page 6-3) 5) Rear center seatbelt (page 1-26) 6) Cargo area cover (page 6-23)

UBF202BB

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 17

1) Parking brake lever (page 7-51) 2) Gear shift lever (MT) (page 7-

13)

Information display (page 3-37)

3) Select lever (AT) (page 7-16) 4) 5) Clock (page 3-36) 6) Dashboard storage compart-

ment (page 6-7)

7) Glove box (page 6-7) 8) Hazard warning flasher switch

(page 3-7)

9) Audio (page 5-1) 10) Climate control (page 4-1) 11) Cigarette lighter (page 6-16) 12) Ashtray (page 6-19) 13) Tilt steering(page 3-63) 14) Cup holder (page 6-12/page 6-

13)

2 3

4 5 6

14

13 121110 9 8

UBF510CB

18

! Instrument panel

2 3 4 5 6

14

13

12

11

10

UBF509CB

1) Door locks (page 2-6) 2)

Illumination brightness control (page 3-47)

3) Remote control mirror (page 3-

4) Windshield wiper deicer (page

61)

3-56)

5) Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF

switch (page 7-48) 6) Light control lever (page 3-44) 7) Combination meter (page 3-7/

page 3-14)

8) Wiper control lever (page 3-51) 9) Cruise control (page 7-53) 10) Horn (page 3-64) 11) SRS airbag (page 1-59) 12) Fuse box (page 11-68) 13) Hood lock release knob (page

11-5)

14) Power window (page 2-31)

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 19

1) Parking light switch (page 3-49) 2) Windshield wiper (page 3-51) 3) Mist (page 3-53) 4) Windshield washer (page 3-52) 5) Rear window wiper and washer

switch (page 3-55)

6) Wiper control lever (page 3-52) 7) Light control lever (page 3-44) 8) Fog light switch (page 3-50) 9) Headlight ON/OFF (page 3-45) 10) Headlight flasher High/Low

beam change (page 3-45)

11) Turn signal (page 3-47)

! Light control and wiper control levers/switches

10

11

UBF512CB

20

! Combination meter ! U.S.-spec. vehicles

1) Temperature gauge (page 3-13/

page 3-19)

2) Tachometer (page 3-11/page 3-

3) Speedometer (page 3-9/page 3-

4) Fuel gauge (page 3-11/page 3-

5) Trip meter A/B selection and trip

meter reset knob (page 3-10/ page 3-16)

6) Trip meter and odometer (page

7) Selector lever position indicator

3-9/page 3-16)

(page 3-34)

8) Gear position indicator (page 3-

17)

15)

18)

34)

8 7

UBF203BB

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 21

1) Temperature gauge (page 3-13/

page 3-19)

2) Tachometer (page 3-11/page 3-

3) Speedometer (page 3-9/page 3-

4) Fuel gauge (page 3-11/page 3-

5) Trip meter A/B selection and trip

meter reset knob (page 3-10/ page 3-16)

6) Trip meter and odometer (page

7) Selector lever position indicator

3-9/page 3-16)

(page 3-34)

8) Gear position indicator (page 3-

17)

15)

18)

34)

! Canada-spec. vehicles

8 7

UBF204BB

22

! Warning and indicator light

Mark

Name

Seatbelt warning light

SRS airbag system warning light

CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp

Charge warning light

Oil pressure warning light

AT OIL temperature warn- ing light (if equipped)

ABS warning light

Brake system warning light

Door open warning light

or

or

Page

3-21

3-24

3-25

3-26

3-26

3-27

3-28

3-29

3-31

Mark

Name

Low fuel warning light

All-wheel drive warning light (if equipped)

Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light (if equipped)

Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dy- namics Control OFF indica- tor light (if equipped)

Security indicator light

Turn signal indicator lights

High beam indicator light

Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)

Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped)

Page

3-30

3-31

3-31

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-35

3-35

3-35

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 23

Mark

Name

Light indicator light

Low tire pressure warning light (if equipped)

Passenger airbag ON indi- cator light

Passenger airbag OFF indi- cator light

SPORT mode indicator light (if equipped)

ON or

OFF or

Page

3-35

3-27

3-24

3-24

3-34

24

! Trunk/cargo area

Jack handle (page 9-34) Jack (page 9-33)

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

UBF206BB

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 25

Function settings A SUBARU dealer can change the settings of the functions shown below to meet your personal requirements. Con- tact the nearest SUBARU dealer for details.

Item

Function

Possible settings

Default set- ting

Page

Alarm system

Alarm system

Monitoring start delay time (after closure of doors)

Impact sensor operation (only vehicles with shock sensors (dealer option))

Operation / Non-operation

0 second / 30 seconds

Operation / Non-operation

Passive arming

Operation / Non-operation

Remote keyless entry sys- tem

Hazard warning flasher

Operation / Non-operation

Audible signal

Operation / Non-operation

Key lock-in prevention

Key lock-in prevention

Operation / Non-operation

Operation

30 seconds

Non-opera- tion

Non-opera- tion

Operation

Operation

Operation

Rear window defogger

Rear window defogger

Operation for 15 min. / Continuous operation

Operation for 15 min.

2-23

2-25

2-29

2-27

2-12

2-15

2-11

3-57

26

Item

Function

Possible settings

Default set- ting

Page

Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped)

Windshield wiper deicer

Operation for 15 min. / Continuous operation

Operation for 15 min.

3-56

Dome light

Operation in interlock with remote keyless entry system

Battery drainage prevention function

Battery drainage prevention func- tion

OFF / Short / Normal / Long

Normal

6-2

Operation / Non-operation

Operation

2-9

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 27

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seats .................................................... Manual seat ....................................................... Power seat (if equipped) .................................. Reclining the seatback ..................................... Head restraint adjustment ................................ Active head restraint ........................................ Lumbar support (if equipped) .......................... Seat heater (if equipped) .............................. Rear seats ..................................................... Folding down the rear seat (cid:150) Station wagon .. Head restraint adjustment ................................ Armrest (if equipped) ................................... Loading long objects (Sedan) .......................... Seatbelts ....................................................... Seatbelt safety tips ........................................... Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .............. Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ............................................................ Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... Fastening the seatbelt ...................................... Seatbelt maintenance ....................................... Front seatbelt pretensioners ....................... System monitors ............................................... System servicing .............................................. Precautions against vehicle modification ...... Child restraint systems ................................ Where to place a child restraint system ......... Choosing a child restraint system .................. Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt ............................................................

1-2
1-3
1-5
1-6
1-8
1-8
1-9
1-10
1-11
1-12
1-12
1-14
1-15
1-16
1-16
1-18
1-18
1-19
1-21
1-33
1-33
1-35
1-36
1-37
1-38
1-40
1-41
1-42

1-47
1-49
1-55

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) ........................................... 1-59
Vehicle with SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints for driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers ....................... Subaru advanced frontal airbag system ........ SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag ........ SRS airbag system monitors ........................... SRS airbag system servicing .......................... Precautions against vehicle modification ......

1-59
1-65
1-80
1-89
1-91
1-92

1-1

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seats

" Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury. " Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism. " Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seat- backs are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious in- ternal injury or death. " The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deploy- ment, the driver should always sit upright and

1-2

well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full ve- hicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

HS1034BA

Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not

restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For that reason, we strongly recom- mend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have outgrown child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child(cid:146)s age, height and weight. Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (in- cluding 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(cid:146)S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat- ing positions than in the front seating posi- tions. For instructions and precautions con- cerning child restraint systems, see the (cid:147)Child restraint systems(cid:148) section in this chapter.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Manual seat ! Fore and aft adjustment

UB1500BA

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

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-3

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Reclining the seatback

HS1037BA

To prevent the passenger from sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the upright position while the vehicle is in motion. Also, do not place ob- jects such as cushions between the passenger and the seatback. If you do so, the risk of slid- ing 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.

1-4

UB1501BA

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

! Seat cushion height adjustment (driver(cid:146)s seat)

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

UB1502BA

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

UB1541BA

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

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-5

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Reclining the seatback

HS1037BA

To adjust the angle of the seatback, move the control switch.

UB1542BA

To prevent the passenger from sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the upright position while the vehicle is in motion. Also, do not place ob- jects such as cushions between the passenger and the seatback. If you do so, the risk of slid- ing 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.

1-6

! Seat cushion angle adjustment (Driver(cid:146)s seat

only)

! Seat height adjustment (Driver(cid:146)s seat only)

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

To adjust the seat cushion angle, pull up or push down the front end of the control switch.

UB1540BA

To adjust the seat height, pull up or push down the rear end of the control switch.

UB1519BA

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-7

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Head restraint adjustment

the vehicle is struck from the rear.

! Active head restraint

UB1521BA

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 cen- ter of the head restraint is closest to the top of the oc- cupant(cid:146)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

1-8

HS1105BA

The front seats of your vehicle are equipped with ac- tive 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(cid:146)s ears.

" Each active head restraint is effective only when its height is properly adjusted and the user sits in the correct position on the seat. " Each active head restraint is designed to work only once. If your vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision, have an authorized SUBARU dealer inspect the active head restraints. " The active head restraints may not operate in the event the vehicle experiences only a slight impact in the rear. " The active head restraints may be damaged if they are pushed hard from behind or subjected to shock. As a result, they may not function if the vehicle suffers a rear impact.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Lumbar support (if equipped)

Pull the lever forward or backward. Pulling the lever forward will increase the amount of support for your lower back.

UB1520BA

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-9

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Seat heater (if equipped)

UB1208BA

The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is either in the (cid:147)ACC(cid:148) or (cid:147)ON(cid:148) position. Each seat heater has four levels of adjustment. To use the heater in the right hand seat, turn the (cid:147)R(cid:148) adjust- ment knob forward until the (cid:147) (cid:148) mark reaches the desired position. To activate the heater in the left hand seat, turn the (cid:147)L(cid:148) adjustment knob forward until the (cid:147) (cid:148) mark reaches the desired position. Each heater warms the seat most quickly with the (cid:147) (cid:148) mark on the adjustment knob in the furthest-forward position. An indicator light on the adjustment knob for each seat

1-10

heater comes on when that seat heater is activated. When the vehicle(cid:146)s interior is warmed enough or be- fore you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.

" There is a possibility that people with delicate skin may suffer slight burns even at low tem- peratures if they use the seat heater for a long period of time. When using the heater, always be sure to warn the persons concerned. " Do not put anything on the seat which insu- lates 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. " When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine, paint thinner, or any similar materials.

Rear seats

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

HG1044BA

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

HS8005BA

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.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-11

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Folding down the rear seat (cid:150) Station

wagon

" After returning the rear seat to its original po- sition, 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 skis and other lengthy items properly to prevent them from being thrown around in- side the vehicle and causing serious injury dur- ing a sudden stop, a sudden steering maneuver or a rapid acceleration.

1-12

UB1534CA

Unlock the seatback by pushing the release button and then fold the seatback down. To return the seatback to its original position, raise the seatback until it locks into place and make sure that it is securely locked.

! Head restraint adjustment

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.

! Rear windows side seating position

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to the first or second click position depending on your sitting height.

! Rear center seating position

UB1529BA

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while press- ing the release button on the top of the seatback. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the cen- ter of the head restraint is closest to the top of the oc- cupant(cid:146)s ears. When the seats are not occupied, lower the head re- straints to improve rearward visibility.

UB1523BA

To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while press- ing the release button on the top of the seatback. When the rear center seating position is occupied, (cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-13

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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

Armrest (if equipped)

Sedan

UB1531BA

1-14

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Loading long objects (Sedan)

UB1201BA

Station wagon

To lower the armrest, pull on the top edge of the arm- rest.

To avoid the possibility of serious injury, pas- sengers must never be allowed to sit on the center armrest while the vehicle is in motion.

UB1532BA

Folding down the armrest and opening the seatback panel affords a loading space for long objects. To open the seatback panel, pull the panel down while pressing the release tab down.

" Secure long objects properly to prevent them from shooting forward and causing serious in- jury during a sudden stop or sharp cornering. Tie long objects down with a rope or something equivalent. " Avoid loading objects longer than 6.6 ft (2 m) (cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-15

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

and heavier than 55 lbs (25 kg). Such objects can interfere with the driver(cid:146)s proper operation of the vehicle, possibly causing an accident and serious injury.

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 be- comes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident. " All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as ef- fective in preventing or reducing injury. " Each seatbelt is designed to support only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more persons (cid:150) even children. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result. " Replace all seatbelt assemblies including re- tractors and attaching hardware worn by occu- pants of a vehicle that has been in a serious ac- cident. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious. " 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, espe-

UB1533BA

1-16

cially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly restrained. Be- cause children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deploy- ment is greater. For all these reasons, we strongly recommend that ALL children (includ- ing 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 appropriate for the child(cid:146)s height and weight. Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (in- cluding 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(cid:146)S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat- ing positions than in the front seating posi- tions. For instructions and precautions con- cerning the child restraint system, see the (cid:147)Child restraint systems(cid:148) section in this chap- ter.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and di- agnostic module, which will record the use of the seat- belt(s) by the driver and/or front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploys. ! Infants or small children Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your ve- hicle. See information on (cid:147)Child restraint systems(cid:148) in this chapter. ! Children If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating po- sitions 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, move the child closer to the belt buckle to help provide a good shoulder belt fit. Care must be taken to securely place the lap belt as low as possible on the hips and not on the child(cid:146)s waist. If the shoulder portion of the belt cannot be properly positioned, a child re- straint system should be used. Never place the shoul- der belt under the child(cid:146)s arm or behind the child(cid:146)s back.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-17

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Expectant mothers

HS1107AA

Expectant mothers also need to use the seatbelts. They should consult their doctor for specific recom- mendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips, not over the waist.

! Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) The driver(cid:146)s seatbelt has an Emergency Locking Re- tractor (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 quick- ly out of the retractor.

1-18

! Automatic/Emergency Locking Retrac-

tor (A/ELR)

Each passenger(cid:146)s seatbelt has an Automatic/Emer- gency Locking Retractor (A/ELR). The Automatic/ Emergency Locking Retractor normally functions as an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The A/ELR has an additional locking mode (cid:147)Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode(cid:148) intended to secure a child re- straint system. When the seatbelt is once drawn out completely and is then retracted even slightly, the re- tractor locks the seatbelt in that position and the seat- belt cannot be extended. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the retractor func- tions as ALR. When the seatbelt is retracted fully, ALR mode is released. When securing a child restraint system on the passen- gers(cid:146) seats, the seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. When the child restraint system is removed, make sure that the retractor is restored to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function by allowing the seat- belt to retract fully. For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, see the (cid:147)Child restraint systems(cid:148) section in this chapter.

! Seatbelt warning light and chime Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning de- vice at the driver(cid:146)s and front passenger(cid:146)s seat. With the ignition switch turned to the (cid:147)ON(cid:148) position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated below and sounding a chime.

Driver: Instrument panel

UB7507NA

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

UB1582BA

Front passenger: Between map lights ! Operation If the driver and/or front passenger have/has not yet fastened the seatbelt(s) when the ignition switch is turned to the (cid:147)ON(cid:148) position, the seatbelt warning light(s) will flash for 6 seconds, to warn that the seat- belt(s) is/are unfastened. If the driver(cid:146)s seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously. If the driver(cid:146)s and/or front passenger(cid:146)s seatbelt(s) are/ is still not fastened 6 seconds later, both warning lights or the warning light for the unfastened seatbelt will re- main lit for 15 seconds. If the driver(cid:146)s and/or front pas- senger(cid:146)s seatbelt(s) are/is still not fastened even 15
(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-19

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

seconds later (21 seconds after turning ON the ignition switch), the warning lights will alternate between flash- ing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals, and the chime will sound while the warning light(s) is/are flashing. Alternate flashing and steady illumination of the warn- ing lights and sounding of the chime will continue until both driver and front passenger fasten their seatbelts. NOTE " If the driver and/or front passenger unfasten(s) the seatbelt(s) after fastening, the seatbelt warn- ing device operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.

" At speeds lower than approximately 9 mph (15
km/h) The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between flashing and steady illu- mination at 15-second intervals. The chime will not sound. " At approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or higher speeds The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between flashing and steady illu- mination at 15-second intervals and the chime will sound while the warning light(s) is/are flash- ing.

" It is possible to cancel the warning operation

1-20

that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch by unfastening and refastening the driver(cid:146)s seatbelt. When the ignition switch is turned ON next time, however, the complete se- quence of warning operation resumes. For further details about canceling the warning operation, please contact your SUBARU dealer. If there is no passenger on the front passenger(cid:146)s seat, the seatbelt warning device for front passenger(cid:146)s seat will be deactivated. The front passenger(cid:146)s occupant detection system monitors whether or not there is a passenger on the front passenger(cid:146)s seat. Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the device from functioning correctly or cause the device to fail. " Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback. " Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket. " Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger(cid:146)s seatback, or al- low him/her to pull the seatback. " Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place se- curely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to the (cid:147)Manual seat(cid:148) in the front seats section in Chapter 1 in this owner(cid:146)s manual. (Models equipped with manual

seats only) If the seatbelt warning device for front passenger(cid:146)s seat does not function correctly (e.g., it is activated even when the front passenger(cid:146)s seat is empty or it is deactivated even when the front passenger has not fastened his/her seatbelt), take the following actions. " Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the child restraint system and the child occupant. " Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket. " Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger(cid:146)s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only) If still the seatbelt warning device for front passenger(cid:146)s seat does not function correctly after taking relevant corrective actions described above, immediately con- tact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

! Fastening the seatbelt

" Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or sever- ity of injury.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

" Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a collision, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of across the weaker abdomen. " Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seat- backs are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious in- ternal 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 increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-21

! Front seatbelts 1. Adjust the seat position: Driver(cid:146)s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright posi- tion. Move the seatback as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control. Front passenger(cid:146)s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seat as far back as possi- ble. 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 reach- ing 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

HS1049BA

Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.

Metallic parts of the seatbelt can become very hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sun- ny weather; they could burn an occupant. Do not touch such hot parts until they cool.

1-22

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

HS1050BA

HS1051BA

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

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.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-23

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

" Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor

height

UB1200BA

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best suited for you. To lower the anchor height, push the release button and slide the anchor down. To raise the anchor height, slide the anchor up. Pull down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in place. Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.

1-24

When wearing the seatbelts, make sure the shoulder portion of the webbing does not pass over your neck. If it does, adjust the seatbelt an- chor to a lower position. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury dur- ing sudden braking or in a collision.

" Unfastening the seatbelt

Push the button on the buckle. Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are

HS1053BA

retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door. ! Rear seatbelts (except rear center seatbelt on

Station 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 reach- ing 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.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

HS1051BA

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.

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

HS1050BA

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-25

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

" Unfastening the seatbelt

! Rear center seatbelt on Station wagon model

HS1053BA

UB1552BB

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.

A) Center seatbelt tongue plate B) Connector (tongue) C) Connector (buckle) D) Center seatbelt buckle

1-26

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

HS1054BA

HS1055BA

Fastening the seatbelt with the webbing twisted can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, especially when inserting the connector(cid:146)s tongue plate into the mating buckle (on right hand side), always check that the webbing is not twisted.

Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the re- spective buckles. If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the connector(cid:146)s tongue plate not fastened to the connector(cid:146)s buckle on the right hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wearer in position in an accident, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-27

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

UB1216BA

UB1217BA

Rear center seatbelt is stowed in the recess of the ceil- ing. 1. Remove the connector (tongue) plate from the holder located at the front of the recess by pulling the connector (tongue) plate rearward.

2. Pull out the seatbelt slowly from the overhead re- tractor.

1-28

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

UB1508DA

UB1221BA

3. After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, in- sert the connector (tongue) attached at the webbing end into the buckle on the right hand side until a click is heard. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.

4. After fastening the seatbelt, make sure that the (cid:147) (cid:148) mark on the buckle face outwards.

(cid:148) mark on the connector (tongue) and the (cid:147)

(cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-29

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

5. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate in the center seatbelt buckle marked (cid:147)CENTER(cid:148) on the left hand side until it clicks.

6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.

HS1060BA

HS1061BA

1-30

" Unfastening the seatbelt

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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

HS1062BA

UB1036BA

UB1213BA

1. Insert a key or other hard pointed object into the (cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-31

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

slot in the connector (buckle) on the right hand side and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will disconnect from the buckle.

UB1546BA

UB1528BA

2. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retrac- tor while it is rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plate in the recess in the retractor and then insert the con- nector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front of the recess.

" Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seat- belt too quickly. Otherwise, the metal tongue plates may hit against the trim, resulting in damaged trim. " Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are neatly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit against the trim during driving, causing damage to the trim.

1-32

! Seatbelt maintenance To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously affect their strength. Inspect the seatbelts and attachments including the webbing and all hardware periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Re- place the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.

" Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemi- cals and particularly battery acid. " Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from op- erating properly.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners

HS1067BA

The driver(cid:146)s and front passenger(cid:146)s seatbelts 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 collision. The pretensioner sensor also serves as a SRS frontal airbag sensor. If the sensor detects a certain predeter- mined 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 re- strains the front seat occupant. When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated, an operat- (cid:150) CONTINUED (cid:150) 1-33

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

ing noise will be heard and a small amount of smoke will be released. These occurrences are normal and not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt retractor remains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not be pulled out and retracted and therefore must be replaced. NOTE " Seatbelt pretensioners are not designed to acti- vate in minor frontal impacts, in side or rear im- pacts or in roll-over accidents. " The driver(cid:146)s seat and passenger(cid:146)s seat preten- sioners and frontal airbag operate simultaneous- ly. " Pretensioners are designed to function on a one-time-only basis. In the event that a preten- sioner is activated, both the driver(cid:146)s and front pas- senger(cid:146)s seatbelt retractor assemblies must be re- placed and only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When replacing seatbelt retractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU parts. " If either front seatbelt does not retract or cannot be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the pretensioner, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

1-34

" If the front seatbelt retractor assembly or sur- rounding area has been damaged, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. " When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to ex- plain to the buyer that it has seatbelt pretension- ers by alerting him to the contents of this section.

" To obtain maximum protection, occupants should sit in an upright position with their seat- belts properly fastened. Refer to (cid:147)Seatbelts(cid:148) section in this chapter. " Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor assemblies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental activation of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the system inoperative, possibly resulting in seri-