2006 Subaru Legacy Owners Manual

check that the webbing is not twist- ed.

Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective buckles. If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the connector’s tongue plate not fastened to the connec- tor’s buckle on the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wear- er in position in an accident, possi- bly resulting in serious injury or death.

Rear center seatbelt is stowed in the re- cess of the ceiling. 1. Remove the connector (tongue) plate from the slot located at the front of the re- cess by pulling the connector (tongue) plate rearward.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-19

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.

100735
2. Pull out the seatbelt slowly from the overhead retractor.

100114
5. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate in the center seatbelt buckle marked “CENTER” on the left-hand side until it clicks.

200298

4. After fastening the seatbelt, make sure that the “ ” mark on the connector (tongue) and the “ ” mark on the buck- le face outwards.

100309
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.

100310
6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place the lap belt as – CONTINUED –

1-20 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

low as possible on your hips, not on your waist. (cid:86) Unfastening the seatbelt

100116
Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt.

100381

200300
2. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plate in the recess on the ceiling and then insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front of the recess.

100382
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.

(cid:132) Seatbelt maintenance To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously af- fect their strength. Inspect the seatbelts and attachments in- cluding the webbing and all hardware pe- riodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Re- place the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.

(cid:121) Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid.

(cid:121) Never attempt to make modifica- tions or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating prop- erly.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-21

Front seatbelt pretensioners

100121
The driver’s and front passenger’s seat- belts have a seatbelt pretensioner. The seatbelt pretensioners are designed to be activated in the event of an accident in- volving a moderate to severe frontal colli- sion. The pretensioner sensor also serves as a SRS frontal airbag sensor. If the sensor detects a certain predetermined amount of force during a frontal collision, the front seatbelt is quickly drawn back in by the re- tractor to take up the slack so that the belt more effectively restrains the front seat occupant. When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated,

– CONTINUED –

100736

(cid:121) Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. Other- wise, the metal tongue plates may hit against the trim, resulting in damaged trim.

(cid:121) Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are neat- ly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit against the trim during driving, causing damage to the trim.

1-22 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

an operating noise will be heard and a small amount of smoke will be released. These occurrences are normal and not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt retractor remains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not be pulled out and retracted and there- fore must be replaced. NOTE (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioners are not de- signed to activate in minor frontal im- pacts, in side or rear impacts or in roll- over accidents. (cid:121) The driver’s seat and passenger’s seat pretensioners and frontal airbag operate simultaneously. (cid:121) Pretensioners are designed to func- tion on a one-time-only basis. In the event that a pretensioner is activated, both the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelt retractor assemblies must be replaced and only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When replacing seat- belt retractor assemblies, use only genuine SUBARU parts. (cid:121) If either front seatbelt does not re- tract or cannot be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of the preten- sioner, contact your SUBARU dealer as

soon as possible. (cid:121) If the front seatbelt retractor assem- bly or surrounding area has been dam- aged, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. (cid:121) When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buyer that it has seatbelt pretensioners by alerting him to the contents of this section.

(cid:121) When discarding front seatbelt re- tractor assemblies or scrapping the entire vehicle due to collision damage or for other reasons, con- sult your SUBARU dealer.

(cid:132) System monitors

(cid:121) To obtain maximum protection, occupants should sit in an upright position with their seatbelts prop- erly fastened. Refer to “Seatbelts” section in this chapter.

(cid:121) Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor assem- blies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental activa- tion of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the system inoper- ative, possibly resulting in seri- ous injury. Seatbelt pretensioners have no user-serviceable parts. For required servicing of front seatbelt retractors equipped with seatbelt pretensioners, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.

200326

SRS airbag system warning light

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 airbag system. Therefore, if any malfunction occurs in a seatbelt pre- tensioner, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. The SRS airbag sys- tem warning light will show normal system

operation by lighting for approximately 6
seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. The following components are monitored by the indicator: (cid:121) Front sub sensor (Right-hand side) (cid:121) Front sub sensor (Left-hand side) (cid:121) Airbag control module (including impact sensors) (cid:121) Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Frontal airbag module (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Side airbag sensor (Center pillar right- hand side) (cid:121) Side airbag sensor (Center pillar left- hand side) (cid:121) Side airbag module (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Side airbag module (Front passenger’s side) (cid:121) Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house right-hand side) (cid:121) Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel house left-hand side) (cid:121) Curtain airbag module (Right side) (cid:121) Curtain airbag module (Left side) (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver’s side) (cid:121) Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passen- ger’s side) (cid:121) Driver’s seat position sensor

(cid:121) Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen- sor (cid:121) Front passenger’s occupant detection system weight sensor (cid:121) Front passenger’s occupant detection control module (cid:121) Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator (cid:121) All related wiring

If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pre- tensioners and/or SRS airbag sys- tem. Immediately take your vehicle to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and properly repaired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbags will operate improperly (e.g. SRS airbags may inflate in a very mi- nor collision or not inflate in a se- vere collision), which may increase the risk of injury. (cid:121) Flashing or flickering of the warn-

ing light

(cid:121) No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-23

(cid:121) Continuous illumination of the

warning light

(cid:121) Illumination of the warning light

while driving

(cid:132) System servicing

(cid:121) When discarding a seatbelt retrac- tor assembly or scrapping the en- tire vehicle damaged by a colli- sion, consult your SUBARU deal- er.

– CONTINUED –

(cid:121) Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle plac- ard attached to the door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner’s Manual.

1-24 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(cid:121) Tampering with or disconnecting the system’s wiring could result in accidental activation of the seat- belt pretensioner and/or airbag or could make the system inopera- tive, which may result in serious injury. The wiring harnesses of the seatbelt pretensioner and SRS airbag systems are covered with yellow insulation and the connec- tors of the system are yellow for easy identification. Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the seatbelt pre- tensioner and airbag systems. For required servicing of the seatbelt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.

The front sub sensors are located in both front fenders and the airbag control module including the impact sensors is located under the center console. If you need service or re- pair in those areas or near the front seatbelt retractors, have an autho- rized SUBARU dealer perform the work.

NOTE If the front part of the vehicle is dam- aged in an accident to the extent that the seatbelt pretensioner does not op- erate, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

(cid:132) Precautions against vehicle

modification

Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts to your vehicle.

Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the seatbelt pertensioners. (cid:121) Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genu- ine SUBARU accessory parts to the front end.

(cid:121) Modification of the suspension

system or front end structure.

Child restraint systems

100124
Infants and small children should always be placed in an infant or child restraint system in the rear seat while riding in the vehicle. You should use an infant or child restraint system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canada Mo- tor Vehicle Safety Standards, is compati- ble with your vehicle and is appropriate for the child’s age and size. All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in ve- hicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt por- tion of a lap/shoulder belt (except those covered under the section in this manual, entitled “Installation of child restraint sys- tems by use of lower and tether anchorag- es (LATCH)”).

Children could be endangered in an acci- dent if their child restraints are not proper- ly secured in the vehicle. When installing the child restraint system, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. All U.S. states and Canadian provinces require that infants and small children be restrained in an approved child restraint system at all times while the vehicle is moving.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot pro- tect the child from injury in a colli- sion, because the child will be caught between the passenger and objects inside the vehicle. Addition- ally, 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 –

1-26 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.

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. 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.

(cid:132) Where to place a child re-

straint system

The following are SUBARU’s recommen- dations on where to place a child restraint system in your vehicle.

100127

A: Front passenger’s seat You should not install a child restraint sys- tem (including a booster seat) due to the hazard to children posed by the passen- ger’s airbag. B: Rear seat, window-side seating po- sitions Recommended positions for all types of child restraint systems. In these positions, Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) seatbelts and lower anchorages (bars) are provided for installing a child restraint system.

Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because chil- dren are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For that reason, be sure to secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including facing child seats) in the REAR seats at all times. You should choose a restraint de- vice which is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Ac- cording to accident statistics, chil- dren are safer when properly re- strained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating posi- tions.

forward

100261

YOUR

VEHICLE

SINCE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER’S SRS AIRBAG, DO NOT INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFE- TY SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSEN- GER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SE- RIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-27

(cid:132) Choosing a child restraint

system

100502
Choose a child restraint system that is ap- propriate for the child’s age and size (weight and height) in order to provide the child with proper protection. The child re- straint system should meet all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for United States or Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Canada. It can be identified by looking for the label on the child restraint system or the manufacture’s statement of compli- ance in the document attached to the sys- tem. Also it is important for you to make sure that the child restraint system is com- patible with the vehicle in which it will be used.

– CONTINUED –

1-28 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(cid:132) Installing child restraint sys-

tems with A/ELR seatbelt

(cid:121) Child restraint systems and seat- belts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a child in it.

(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

ing the instructions provided by its manu- facturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

100504

4. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 5. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the re- tractor to change the retractor over from the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function. Then, allow the belt to rewind into the retractor. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the re- tractor functions as ALR.

When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that it is held se- curely in position. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in- creased. (cid:84) Installing a rearward facing child re-

straint

100503
1. Place the child restraint system in the rear seating position. 2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the child restraint system follow-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-29

ELR function of the retractor. That function is restored by retracting the seatbelt fully. (cid:84) Installing forward facing child re-

straint

100505
6. Push and pull the child restraint system forward and from side to side to check if it is firmly secured. Sometimes a child restraint can be more firmly secured by pushing it down into the seat cushion and then tightening the seat- belt. 7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

100506
8. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract com- pletely. The belt will return to the ELR mode.

NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. NOTE When the child restraint system is no longer in use, remove it and restore the

100136
1. Place the child restraint system in the seating position. 2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the child restraint system follow- ing the instructions provided by its manu- facturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.

– CONTINUED –

1-30 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

100137

4. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 5. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the re- tractor to change the retractor over from the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function. Then, allow the belt to rewind into the retractor. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the re- tractor functions as ALR.

100138
6. Before having a child sit in the child re- straint system, move it back and forth and right and left to check if it is firmly secured. Sometimes a child restraint can be more firmly secured by pushing it down into the seat cushion and then tightening the seat- belt. 7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

Sedan

100262

100263

Station wagon

8. If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the top teth-

er anchor and tighten the top tether. See the “Top tether anchorages” for additional instructions.

(cid:132) Installing a booster seat

(cid:121) Child restraint systems and seat- belts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a child in it.

(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

100140
9. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract com- pletely. The belt will return to the ELR mode. NOTE When the child restraint system is no longer in use, remove it and restore the ELR function of the retractor. That function is restored by allowing the seatbelt to retract fully.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-31

When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that it is held se- curely in position. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in- creased.

100141
1. Place the booster seat in the rear seat- ing position and sit the child on it. The child should sit well back on the booster seat. 2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the booster seat and the child

– CONTINUED –

1-32 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. 3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click. Take care not to twist the seatbelt. Make sure the shoulder belt is positioned across the center of child’s shoulder and that the lap belt is positioned as low as possible on the child’s hips.

100142
4. To remove the booster seat, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract.

(cid:121) Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of in- jury to the child.

(cid:121) Never place the shoulder belt un- der the child’s arm or behind the child’s back. If an accident oc- curs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child.

(cid:121) The seatbelt should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as ef- fective in preventing or reducing injury.

(cid:121) Place the lap belt as low as possi- ble on the child’s hips. A high-po- sitioned lap belt will increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen, and both can result in serious internal injury or death. (cid:121) Make sure the shoulder belt is po- sitioned across the center of child’s shoulder. Placing the shoulder belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sud- den braking or in a collision.

(cid:132) Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)

(cid:121) Child restraint systems and seat- belts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a child in it.

(cid:121) Do not leave an unsecured child restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems can be thrown around inside of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that it is held se- curely in position. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in- creased. Some types of child restraint systems can be installed on the rear seat of your vehi- cle without use of the seatbelts. Such child restraint systems are secured to the dedi- cated anchorages provided on the vehicle body. The lower and tether anchorages are sometimes referred to as the LATCH sys- tem (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHil- dren).

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-33

the rear seat window-side seating posi- tions. For each window-side seating posi- tion, two lower anchorages are provided. Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.

100652
Your vehicle is equipped with four lower anchorages (bars) and three upper an- chorages (tether anchorages) for accom- modating such child restraint systems.

TOP TETHER

Sedan

100311
The lower anchorages (bars) are used for installing a child restraint system only on

100268

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1-34 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

TOP TETHER

100269

100653

Station wagon

Sedan

The tether anchorages (upper anchorag- es) are provided for all the seating posi- tions (middle and both window-side ones) of the rear seat.

dicate the positions of the lower anchorag- es (bars). Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.

When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that it is held se- curely in position. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in- creased.

Station wagon

100654

” at the bottom of You will find marks “ the rear seat seatbacks. These marks in-

100519
1. Sedan: Make the clearance between

the seat cushion and seatback a little wid- er to locate the two anchorages (bars) for the position where you want to install the child restraint system.

100655
Station wagon: Remove the two covers from the selected side of the rear seat- back to expose the anchorages (bars) to be used for installation of the child re- straint system.

100520
2. While following the instructions sup- plied by the child restraint system manu- facturer, connect the lower hooks onto the lower anchorages located at “ ” marks on the bottom of the rear seatback. When the hooks are connected, make sure the adjacent seatbelts are not caught.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-35

100656
3. [If your child restraint system is of a flexible attachment type (which uses teth- er belts to connect the child restraint sys- tem properly to the lower anchorages)] While pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion, pull both left and right lower tether belts up to secure the child restraint system firmly by taking up the slack in the belt. 4. Connect the top tether hook to the teth- er anchorage and firmly tighten the tether. For information on how to set the top teth- er, read the following “Top tether anchor- ages”.

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1-36 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

100657
5. Before seating a child in the child re- straint system, try to move seat back and forth and left and right to verify that it is held securely in position. 6. To remove the child restraint system, follow the reverse procedures of installa- tion. If you have any question concerning this type of child restraint system, ask your SUBARU dealer.

(cid:132) Top tether anchorages Your vehicle is equipped with three top tether anchorages so that a child restraint system having a top tether can be in- stalled in the rear seat. When installing a child restraint system using top tether, proceed as follows, while observing the in-

(cid:86) Station wagon

TOP TETHER

100269
Three tether anchorages, i.e., ones for the right, center and left positions, are already installed on the rear edge of the roof. Open the cover flap to use each anchor- age.

structions by the child restraint system manufacturer. Since a top tether can provide additional stability by offering another connection between a child restraint system and the vehicle, we recommend that you use a top tether whenever one is required or avail- able. (cid:84) Tether anchorage location (cid:86) Sedan

TOP TETHER

100268
Three tether anchorages are installed on the rear shelf behind the rear seat head restraint. Open the cover flap to use each anchorage.

(cid:84) To hook the top tether (cid:86) Sedan

200290
1. Remove the head restraint at the seat- ing position where the child seat has been installed with the seatbelt or lower anchor- ages; lift up the head restraint while press- ing the release button. Store the head restraint in the trunk. Avoid placing the head restraint in the passen- ger compartment to prevent it from being thrown around in the passenger compart- ment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37

Do not route the top tether over the head restraint. It may happen that the top tether cannot be fastened tightly. When the child restraint system is to be secured using the top tether, pass the top tether under the head restraint between the head restraint stay posts. If the top tether still can- not be fastened tightly, remove the head restraint. (cid:86) Station wagon

TOP TETHER

200309
2. Open the cover flaps to use the an- chorages.

200310
3. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the appropriate upper anchorage. 4. Tighten the top tether securely.

100270
1. Remove the head restraint at the seat- ing position where the child restraint sys- tem has been installed with the seatbelt or

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1-38 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

lower anchorages; lift up the head re- straint while pressing the release button. Store the head restraint in the cargo area. Avoid placing the head restraint in the passenger compartment to prevent it from being thrown around in the passenger compartment in a sudden stop or a sharp turn.

200308

3. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to the appropriate upper anchorage. 4. Tighten the top tether securely.

100271
2. Open the cover flaps to use the an- chorages.

Always remove the head restraint when mounting a child restraint sys- tem with a top tether. Otherwise, it may happen that the top tether can- not be fastened tightly.

*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) *SRS: This stands for supplemental re- straint system. This name is used be- cause the airbag system supplements the vehicle’s seatbelts. Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which will record the use of the seatbelt(s) by the driver and/or front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploys.

(cid:132) Vehicle with SRS airbags and

lap/shoulder restraints for driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers Your vehicle is equipped with a supple- mental restraint system in addition to a lap/shoulder belt at each front seating po- sition and each rear window-side seating positions. The supplemental restraint sys- tem (SRS) consists of six airbags. The configurations are as follows: (cid:121) Driver’s and front passenger’s frontal airbags (cid:121) Driver’s and front passenger’s side air- bags (cid:121) Curtain airbags (for driver, front pas-

senger, and window-side rear passen- gers) These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protec- tion provided by the seatbelt. The system also controls front seatbelt pretensioners. For operation instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt pretensioner, see the “Front seatbelt pre- tensioners” section in this chapter.

(cid:121) To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driv- er and all passengers in the vehi- cle should always wear seatbelts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS airbag is designed only as a supplement to the primary protec- tion provided by the seatbelt. It does not do away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined protection in case of a serious accident. Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the ve- hicle has the SRS airbag.

For instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system, see the “Seatbelts” section in this chapter.

(cid:121) Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS airbag. Because the SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable speed – faster than the blink of an eye – and force to pro- tect in high speed collisions, the force of an airbag can injure an occupant whose body is too close to SRS airbag. It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when the SRS airbag contacts an occupant not in prop- er position such as one thrown forward during pre-accident brak- ing. Even when properly positioned, there remains a possibility that an occupant may suffer minor injury such as abrasions and bruises to the face or arms because of the SRS airbag deployment force.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-39

(cid:121) The SRS airbags deploy with con- siderable speed and force. Occu- pants who are out of proper posi- tion when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practi- cal while still maintaining full ve- hicle control and the front passen- ger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

(cid:121) Do not place any objects over or near the SRS airbag cover or be- tween you and the SRS airbag. If the SRS airbag deploys, those ob- jects could interfere with its prop- er operation and could be pro- pelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.

– CONTINUED –

1-40 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

100082

(cid:121) Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag de- ploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly re- strained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from de- ployment is greater.

Consequently, we strongly rec- ommend that ALL children (in- cluding those in child seats and those that have outgrown child re- straint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appro- priate for the child’s age, height and weight. Secure ALL types of child re- straint devices (including forward facing child seats) in the REAR seats at all times. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating po- sitions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint sys- tem, see the “Child restraint sys- tems” section in this chapter.

(cid:121) NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

(cid:121) Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger’s seat, or never hold a child on your lap or in your arms. The SRS air- bag deploys with considerable force and can injure or even kill the child.

(cid:121) When the SRS airbag deploys, some smoke will be released. This smoke could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trou- ble. If you or your passengers have breathing problems after SRS airbag deploys, get fresh air promptly.

(cid:121) A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get burned if they come into direct contact with the hot gas.

NOTE When you sell your vehicle, we urge you to explain to the buyer that it is equipped with SRS airbags by alerting him or her to the applicable section in this owner’s manual.

(cid:84) Components

16

14

18 19

24

23

11

21

22

10

100669

12

20

17

13

15

Sedan

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-41

1) Airbag control module (including impact

2) Frontal airbag module (driver’s side) 3) Frontal airbag module (front passen-

sensors)

ger’s side)

4) Front sub sensor (left-hand side) 5) Front sub sensor (right-hand side) 6) Side airbag module (driver’s side) 7) Side airbag module (front passenger’s

8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-

9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar right-

side)

hand side)

hand side)

10)Airbag wiring (yellow) 11)Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side) 12)Seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger’s

13)Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house

14)Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house

side)

right-hand side)

left-hand side)

15)Curtain airbag module (right side) 16)Curtain airbag module (left side) 17)Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen-

ger’s side)

18)Seatbelt buckle switch (driver’s side) 19)Driver’s seat position sensor 20)Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen-

21)Front passenger’s occupant detection

system weight sensor

22)Front passenger’s occupant detection

23)Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and

control module

OFF indicator

24)SRS airbag system warning light

sor

– CONTINUED –

1-42 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

11

16

14

18 19

24

23

21

22

10

100700

12

20

17

13

15

Station wagon

1) Airbag control module (including impact

2) Frontal airbag module (driver’s side) 3) Frontal airbag module (front passen-

sensors)

ger’s side)

4) Front sub sensor (left-hand side) 5) Front sub sensor (right-hand side) 6) Side airbag module (driver’s side) 7) Side airbag module (front passenger’s

8) Side airbag sensor (center pillar left-

9) Side airbag sensor (center pillar right-

side)

hand side)

hand side)

10)Airbag wiring (yellow) 11)Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side) 12)Seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger’s

13)Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house

14)Curtain airbag sensor (rear wheel house

side)

right-hand side)

left-hand side)

15)Curtain airbag module (right side) 16)Curtain airbag module (left side) 17)Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen-

ger’s side)

18)Seatbelt buckle switch (driver’s side) 19)Driver’s seat position sensor 20)Front passenger’s seatbelt tension sen-

21)Front passenger’s occupant detection

system weight sensor

22)Front passenger’s occupant detection

23)Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and

control module

OFF indicator

24)SRS airbag system warning light

sor

(cid:132) Subaru advanced frontal air-

bag system

Your vehicle is equipped with a Subaru advanced frontal airbag system that com- plies with the new advanced frontal airbag requirements in the amended Federal Mo- tor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208. The Subaru advanced frontal airbag sys- tem automatically determines the deploy- ment force of the driver’s SRS frontal air- bag at the time of deployment as well as whether or not to activate the front pas- senger’s SRS frontal airbag and, if activat- ed, the deployment force of the SRS fron- tal airbag at the time of deployment. Your vehicle has warning labels on the driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors beginning with the phrase “EVEN WITH ADVANCED AIR BAGS” and a tag at- tached to the glove box lid beginning with the phrase “Even with Advanced Air Bags”. Make sure that you carefully read the instructions on the warning labels and tag. Always wear your seatbelt. The subaru advanced frontal airbag system is a sup- plemental restraint system and must be used in combination with a seatbelt. All occupants should wear a seatbelt or be seated in an appropriate child restraint system.

The driver’s SRS frontal airbag is stowed in the center portion of the steering wheel. The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is stowed near the top of the dashboard under an “SRS AIRBAG” mark. In a moderate to severe frontal collision, the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags deploy and supplement the seatbelts by reducing the impact on the driver’s and front passenger’s head and chest.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-43

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’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

100261

100126

Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on the front passenger’s seat. The SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable force and can injure or even kill the child.

– CONTINUED –

1-44 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when the SRS airbag con- tacts an occupant not in proper po- sition such as one thrown toward the front of the vehicle during pre- accident braking.

100125

100155

Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can in- jure or even kill the child.

The SRS airbag deploys with con- siderable speed and force. Occu- pants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Be- cause the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possi- ble and sit upright and well back in the seat.

100274

Do not put any objects over the steering wheel pad and dashboard. If the SRS frontal airbag deploys, those objects could interfere with its proper operation and could be pro- pelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.

driver’s seat. Whether or not the driver is wearing the seatbelt is monitored by the seatbelt buck- le switch. Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the seat position sensor to malfunction, preventing the Subaru ad- vanced frontal airbag system from func- tioning correctly or causing the system to fail. (cid:121) Do not place articles/metal objects or in- stall any accessory other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the driver’s seat. Do not allow the rear seat occupant to kick the driver’s seat or push up its bot- tom surface with his/her feet. (cid:121) Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle or under the driver’s seat. If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the driver’s seat position sensor have failed, the SRS airbag system warning light will il- luminate. Although the driver’s SRS fron- tal airbag can deploy regardless of the backward-forward adjustment of the driv- er’s seat position even when the warning light is on, have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS airbag system warning light comes on.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-45

NOTE The driver’s SRS side airbag, SRS cur- tain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner are not controlled by the Subaru ad- vanced frontal airbag system. (cid:84) Front passenger’s SRS frontal air-

bag

The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator op- erates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. The total load on the seat is monitored by the passenger’s occupant detection sys- tem weight sensor under the seat. The system has another sensor that mon- itors the tension of the front passenger seatbelt. Using the total seat load and seatbelt tension data from the sensors, the occupant detection system deter- mines whether the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag should or should not be in- flated. The occupant detection system may not inflate the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag even when the driver’s SRS frontal airbag deploys. This is normal. Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the Subaru ad- vanced frontal airbag system from func- tioning correctly or cause the system to fail.

– CONTINUED –

100275

Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or fit an extra-wide mir- ror over the rear view mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects could become projectiles that could seriously injure vehicle occupants. (cid:84) Driver’s SRS frontal airbag The driver’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact, backward-forward adjustment of the driver’s seat position and whether or not he/she is wearing the seatbelt. The backward-forward adjustment of the driver’s seat position is monitored by the driver’s seat position sensor under the

1-46 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(cid:121) Do not apply any strong impact to the front passenger’s seat such as by kicking. (cid:121) Do not spill liquid on the front passen- ger’s seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off im- mediately. (cid:121) Do not disassemble the front passen- ger’s seat. (cid:121) Do not install any accessory (such as an audio amplifier) other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the front pas- senger’s seat. (cid:121) Do not place anything (shoes, umbrella, etc.) under the front passenger’s seat. (cid:121) The front passenger’s seat must not be used with the head restraint removed. (cid:121) Do not leave any article including a child restraint system on the front passenger’s seat or the seatbelt tongue and buckle en- gaged when you leave your vehicle. (cid:121) Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt retractor. (cid:121) Do not use front seats with their back- ward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to the “Manual seat” in the front seats sec- tion in Chapter 1 in this owner’s manual. (Models equipped with manual seats only) If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front passenger’s occupant detection system have failed, the SRS airbag system warn-

ing light will illuminate. Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer imme- diately if the SRS airbag system warning light comes on. If your vehicle has sustained impact, this may affect the proper function of the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system. Have your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU dealer. NOTE The front passenger’s SRS side airbag, SRS curtain airbag and seatbelt preten- sioner are not controlled by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system. (cid:84) Passenger’s frontal airbag ON and

OFF indicators

or

: Front passenger’s frontal air-

100663

or

: Front passenger’s frontal air-

bag ON indicator

bag OFF indicator

The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicators are located between the map lights. When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, both the ON and OFF indi- cators illuminate for 6 seconds during which time the system is checked. Follow- ing the system check, both indicators ex- tinguish for 2 seconds. After that, one of the indicators illuminates depending on the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag determined by the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system monitor- ing. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain extinguished. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal air- bag ON indicator will remain extinguished while the OFF indicator will illuminate. If both the ON and OFF indicators remain lit or extinguished simultaneously, the sys- tem is faulty. Contact your SUBARU deal- er immediately for an inspection.

(cid:84) Conditions in which front passen- ger’s SRS frontal airbag is not acti- vated

The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will not be activated when any of the fol- lowing conditions are met regarding the front passenger’s seat: (cid:121) The seat is empty. (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a rearward facing child restraint system and an infant is restrained with it. (See WARNING that follows.) (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a forward fac- ing child restraint system and a small child is restrained with it. (See WARNING that follows.) (cid:121) The seat is equipped with a booster seat and a small child is in the booster seat. (See WARNING that follows.) (cid:121) The seat is relieved of the occupant load for a time exceeding the predeter- mined monitoring time period. (cid:121) The seat is occupied by a child who has outgrown a child restraint system (See WARNING that follows.) or by a small adult. (cid:121) The front passenger’s occupant detec- tion system is faulty.

NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT EVEN IF THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SRS FRON- TAL AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Be sure to install it in the REAR seat in a correct manner. Also, it is strongly recommended that any forward fac- ing child seat or booster seat be in- stalled in the REAR seat, and that even children who have outgrown a child restraint system be also seat- ed in the REAR seat. This is because children sitting in the front passen- ger’s seat may be killed or severely injured should the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR seats are the safest place for chil- dren. When the front passenger’s seat is occu- pied by a child, observe the following pre- cautions. Failure to do so may increase the load on the front passenger’s seat, ac- tivating the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag even though that seat is occupied by a child. (cid:121) Do not place any article on the seat oth- er than the child occupant and a child re- straint system.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-47

(cid:121) Do not place more than one child on the seat. (cid:121) Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback. (cid:121) Do not store a heavy load in the seat- back pocket. (cid:121) Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback. (cid:86) If the front passenger’s frontal air-

bag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indicator extinguishes even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat)

Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” posi- tion if the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indi- cator extinguishes even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat). Remove the child restraint system from the seat. By refer- ring to the child restraint manufacturer’s recommendations as well as the child re- straint system installation procedures in the “Child restraint systems” section in this chapter, correctly install the child restraint system. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make sure that the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator

– CONTINUED –

1-48 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

goes out and the OFF indicator comes on. If still the ON indicator remains illuminated while the OFF indicator extinguishes, take the following actions. (cid:121) Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the child restraint system and the child occupant. (cid:121) Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket. (cid:121) Ensure that the backward-forward posi- tion and seatback of front passenger’s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only) If the ON indicator still illuminates while the OFF indicator extinguishes after tak- ing relevant corrective actions described above, relocate the child restraint system to the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection. NOTE When a child who has outgrown a child restraint system or a small adult is seated in the front passenger’s seat, the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system may or may not activate the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depending on the occupant’s seating posture. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated (the ON indi-

cator illuminates while the OFF indica- tor extinguishes), take the following actions. (cid:121) Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the occupant. (cid:121) Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket. If the ON indicator still illuminates while the OFF indicator extinguishes despite the fact that the actions noted above have been taken, seat the child/ small adult in the rear seat and immedi- ately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection. Even if the system has passed the dealer inspection, it is rec- ommended that on subsequent trips the child/small adult always take the rear seat. Children who have outgrown a child re- straint system should always wear the seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag is deactivated or activated. (cid:84) Conditions in which front passen-

ger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will be activated for deployment upon im- pact when any of the following conditions is met regarding the front passenger’s seat. (cid:121) When the seat is occupied by an adult.

(cid:121) When a heavy article is placed on the seat. When the front passenger’s seat is occu- pied by an adult, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may lessen the load on the front passenger’s seat, de- activating the front passenger’s SRS fron- tal airbag despite the fact that the seat is occupied by an adult. (cid:121) Do not allow the rear seat occupant to lift the front passenger’s seat cushion us- ing his/her feet. (cid:121) Do not place any article under the front passenger’s seat, or squeeze any article from behind and under the seat. This may lift the seat cushion. (cid:121) Do not squeeze any article between the front passenger’s seat and side trim/pillar, door or center console box. This may lift the seat cushion. (cid:86) If the passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminates and the ON indicator extinguishes even when the front passenger’s seat is occupied by an adult

This can be caused by the adult incorrect- ly sitting in the front passenger’s seat. Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” posi- tion. Ask the front passenger to set the seatback to the upright position, sit up straight in the center of the seat cushion,

correctly fasten the seatbelt, position his/ her legs out forward, and adjust the seat to the rearmost position. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. If the OFF in- dicator remains illuminated while the ON indicator remains extinguished, take the following actions. (cid:121) Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” po- sition. (cid:121) Ensure that there is no article, book, shoe, or other object trapped under the seat, at the rear of the seat, or on the side of the seat. (cid:121) Ensure that the backward-forward posi- tion and seatback of front passenger’s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only) (cid:121) Next, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and wait 6 seconds to allow the system to complete self-checking. Follow- ing the system check, both indicators ex- tinguish for 2 seconds. Now, the ON indi- cator should illuminate while the OFF indi- cator remains extinguished. If the OFF indicator still illuminates while the ON indicator remains extinguished, ask the occupant to move to the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

(cid:84) Effect vehicle modifications made for persons with disabilities may have on Subaru advanced frontal airbag system operation (U.S. only) Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, seat belts, front bumper, front side frame, instrument panel, combination meter, steering wheel, steering column, tire, suspension or floor panel can affect the operation of the Subaru advanced air- bag system. If you have any questions, you may contact the following Subaru dis- tributors: Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Dealer Services Department P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Schuman Carriage Motors, Inc. 1234 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-592-4497
Triple J Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 6066, Tamuning, Guam 96931
671-646-9126

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-49

Trebol Subaru of Puerto Rico, Inc. P.O. Box 11204, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910
787-793-2828
There are currently no Subaru distributors in any other U.S. territories. If you are in such an area, please contact the Subaru distributor or dealer from which you bought your vehicle.

– CONTINUED –

1-50 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(cid:84) Operation

100534

1) Driver’s side 2) Passenger’s side

The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. The Subaru advanced frontal airbag sys-

driver’s vision is not obstructed. The time required from detecting impact to the de- flation of the SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye. Both when only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag deploys and the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags deploy, the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelt pretensioners operate at the same time. Although it is highly unlikely that the SRS airbag would activate in a non-accident situation, should it occur, the SRS airbag will deflate quickly, not obscuring vision and will not interfere with the driver’s abil- ity to maintain control of the vehicle. When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These oc- currences are a normal result of the de- ployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.

tem is designed to determine the activa- tion or deactivation condition of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depend- ing on the total load on the front passen- ger’s seat monitored by the front passen- ger’s occupant detection system weight sensor. For this reason, only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag may deploy in the event of a collision, but this does not mean failure of the system. If the front sub sensors inside both front fenders and the impact sensors in the air- bag control module detect a predeter- mined amount of force during a frontal col- lision, the control module sends signals to the airbag module(s) (only driver’s module or both driver’s and front passenger’s modules) instructing the module(s) to in- flate the SRS frontal airbag(s). The driv- er’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal air- bags use dual stage inflators. The two in- flators of each airbag are triggered either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the severity of impact, backward-for- ward adjustment of the driver’s seat posi- tion and fastening/unfastening of the seat- belt in the case of the driver’s SRS frontal airbag and depending on the severity of impact and the total load on the seat in the case of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. After deployment, the SRS airbag immediately starts to deflate so that the

Do not touch the SRS airbag system components around the steering wheel and dashboard with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a re- sult of deployment. The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are de- signed to deploy in the event of an acci- dent involving a moderate to severe fron- tal collision. It is basically not designed to deploy in lesser frontal impacts because the necessary protection can be achieved by the seatbelt alone. Also, they are basi- cally not designed to deploy in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents because deployment of only the driver’s SRS fron- tal airbag or both driver’s and front pas- senger’s SRS frontal airbags would not help the occupant in those situations. The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags are designed to function on a one- time-only basis. SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of force experienced in the passen- ger compartment during a collision. That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on

the visible damage done to the vehicle it- self. (cid:86) Examples of accident in which the driver’s/driver’s and front passen- ger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will most likely deploy.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-51

(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the driv- er’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy.

200312
A head-on collision against a thick con- crete wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19
mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags. The airbag(s) will also be activat- ed when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the collision described above.

The only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS

100277

– CONTINUED –

1-52 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

frontal airbags may be activated when the vehicle sustains a hard impact in the un- dercarriage area from the road surface (such as when the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch, impacted or knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).

is severely

(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents in which deployment of the driver’s/ driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) is unlikely to de- ploy.

might not necessarily require deployment of driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s). If the vehicle strikes an object, such as a telephone pole or sign pole, or if it slides under a truck’s load bed, or if it sustains an oblique offset fron- tal impact, the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) may not deploy depending on the level of acci- dent forces involved.

There are many types of collisions which

100278

(cid:86) Examples of the types of accidents

in which the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal air- bag(s) will basically not deploy.

to deploy if the vehicle is struck from the side or from behind, or if it rolls onto its side or roof, or if it is involved in a low- speed frontal collision.

100539

1) First impact 2) Second impact

In an accident where the vehicle is impact- ed more than once, the driver’s and/or front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy only once on the first impact. Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle, then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, once either or both of the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags is/are ac- tivated on the first impact, it/they will not be activated on the second impact.

The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags are designed basically not

100279

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-53

(cid:132) SRS side airbag and SRS cur-

tain airbag

The SRS side airbag is stored in the door side of each front seat seatback, which bears an “SRS AIRBAG” label. In a moderate to severe side impact colli- sion, the SRS side airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the door panel and supple- ments the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s chest and waist. The SRS side airbag operates only for front seat occupants. The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the cabin is stored in the roof side (be- tween the front pillar and a point over the rear seat). An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is lo- cated at the top of each center pillar. In a moderate to severe side impact colli- sion, the SRS curtain airbag on the im- pacted side of the vehicle deploys be- tween the occupant and the side window and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s head.

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1-54 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

The SRS side airbag and SRS cur- tain airbag are designed as only a supplement to the primary protec- tion provided by the seatbelt. They do not do away with the need to fas- ten seatbelts. It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help avoid in- juries that can result when an occu- pant is not seated in a proper up- right position.

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(cid:121) Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to either front door. The SRS side airbag is stored in both front seat seatbacks next to the door, and it provides protection by deploying rapidly (faster than the blink of an eye) in the event of a side impact collision. However, the force of SRS side airbag de- ployment may cause injuries if your head or other parts of the body are too close to the SRS side airbag.

(cid:121) Since your vehicle is equipped with SRS curtain airbags, do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the front or rear door on either side. The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the cabin is stored in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point over the rear seat), and it provides protection by deploying rapidly (faster than the blink of an eye) in the event of a side impact. However, the force of its deployment may cause inju- ries if your head is too close to it.

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Do not rest your arm on either front door or its internal trim. It could be injured in the event of SRS side air- bag deployment.

(cid:121) Never allow a child to kneel on the front passenger’s seat facing the side window or to wrap his/her arms around the front seat seat- back. In the event of an accident, the force of the SRS side airbag deployment could injure the child seriously because his/her head or arms or other parts of the body are too close to the SRS side air- bag. Since your vehicle is also equipped with a front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag, children aged 12 and under should be placed in the rear seat anyway and should be properly restrained at all times. (cid:121) Never allow a child to kneel on the front and rear passenger’s seat facing the side window. In the event of an accident, the force of the SRS curtain airbag deploy- ment could injure the child seri- ously because his/her head is close to the SRS curtain airbag.

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(cid:121) Do not attach accessories to the door trim or near either SRS side airbags and do not place objects near the SRS side airbags. In the event of the SRS side airbag de- ployment, they could be propelled dangerously toward the vehicle’s occupants and cause injuries.

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1-56 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(cid:121) Do not attach a hands-free micro- phone or any other accessory to a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the windshield, a side win- dow, an assist grip, or any other cabin surface that would be near a deploying SRS curtain airbag. A hands-free microphone or other accessory location could be propelled through the cabin with great force by the cur- tain airbag, or it could prevent correct deployment of the curtain airbag. In either case, the result could be serious injuries.

in such a

(cid:121) Do not hang coat hangers or other hard or pointed objects on the coat hooks. If such items were hanging on the coat hooks during deployment of the SRS curtain air- bags, they could cause serious in- juries by coming off the coat hooks and being thrown through the cabin or by preventing deploy- ment of the curtain airbags. Before hanging clothing on the coat hooks, make sure there are no sharp objects in the pockets. Hang clothing directly on the coat