2009 Subaru Tribeca Owners Manual

the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death. . The SRS airbags deploy with 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 vehicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

WARNING

Put children aged 12 and under in a 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 re- strained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. Consequently, we strongly recommend that ALL children (in- cluding those in child seats and those that have outgrown child re- straint devices) sit in a REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seat- belt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Always secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward facing child seats) in one of the rear seating positions recommended in this Owner’s Manual. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FA- CING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating posi-

! Reclining the seatback

tions. For instructions and precau- tions concerning child restraint sys- tems, refer to the “Child restraint systems” section in this chapter.

& Power seat ! Forward and backward adjustment

WARNING

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

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-3

To adjust the angle of the seatback, move the control switch. ! Seat cushion angle adjustment

(driver’s seat)

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

1-4 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

switch. ! Seat height adjustment (driver’s

seat)

. Height of seat

! Registration of seat position

the desired button “1” or “2”. 3. The chime sounds once, and the seat position is registered.

WARNING

! Retrieval of seat position

. Never adjust the seat while driv- ing to avoid the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.

. Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear seat passengers or luggage are clear of the adjusting mechan- ism.

1. With the selector position, adjust the seat position.

lever

in the “P”

2. While pressing the “SET” button, press

WARNING

. Never retrieve the seat position while driving to avoid the possi- bility of loss of vehicle control and of personal injury.

. Perform the seat position retrie- val before driving. Be sure to confirm that the selector lever position is in the “P” position. Do not drive until the retrieval of the seat position is complete.

. Be sure to press the correct button to retrieve your registered seat position. If the seat position is not optimum for you, it may adversely affect your driving and may reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt. That could result in an accident involving serious injury or death.

. When retrieving a registered seat position, make sure the hands, feet and possessions of rear seat passengers are clear of the seat adjusting mechanism.

To adjust the seat height, pull up or push down the rear end of the control switch. & Memory function (driver’s

seat – if equipped)

Two of your favorite seat positions can be registered. Register the seat position with button “1” or “2” and retrieve the seat position by pressing either button.

The following seat positions can be registered: . Forward/backward position of the seat . Angle of seatback . Angle of seat cushion

. When any trouble or a malfunc- tion occurs during the retrieval of the seat position, stop the retrie- val of the seat position using any of the control switches for man- ual adjustment, seat memory set button, seat memory registered button 1 or 2.

NOTE . If a new position is registered for the same button, the previous seat posi- tion is deleted. . Even if the battery is disconnected, the registered seat position is not deleted. & Head restraint adjustment

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-5

WARNING

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.

& Active head restraint

lever

in the “P” 1. With the selector position, press the desired button “1” or “2”. 2. The chime sounds once and the seat moves to the registered position. 3. When the seat moves to the registered position, the chime sounds twice.

To raise: Pull the head restraint up. To lower: Push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.

The head restraint should be adjusted so that is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.

the head restraint

the center of

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

1-6 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

the center of the head restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.

& Lumbar support

Seat heater (if equipped)

CAUTION

. Each active head restraint

is effective only when its height is properly adjusted and the driver/ passenger sits in the correct position on the seat.

. If your vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision, have an authorized SUBARU dealer in- spect 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.

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

The seat heater is equipped in the front seats.

The seat heater operates when the igni- tion switch is in the “ON” position.

The seat heater can be adjusted in three levels. Press the button to activate the seat heater. Each subsequent press of the button will reduce the level. Pushing the button four times or keeping the button pressed for approximately 1 second will turn the heater off. While the seat heater is operating, its operating level is shown by the number of illuminated indicators. To warm the seat as quickly as possible, set the heater with three indicators illumi- nated.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-7

. Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of the rear seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism (7-sea- ter models only).

CAUTION

Never adjust the seat while driving. Doing so is dangerous as the seat could move rapidly and you could be injured.

When the vehicle’s interior is warmed enough or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.

Rear seats (5-seater models)/ Second-row seats (7-seater models)

CAUTION

. There is a possibility that people with delicate skin may suffer slight burns even at low tempera- tures 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 insulates against heat, such as a blanket, cushion, or similar items. This may cause the seat heater to overheat.

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

WARNING

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

WARNING

Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and

– CONTINUED –

1-8 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

! 7-seater models

& Forward and backward ad-

justment

! 5-seater models

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.

Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to the desired position.

When the right seat or the left seat pair is slid rearward, it stops partway at the lock point so as not to trap the legs of

passengers sitting on the third-row seat. It is possible to slide the seat or seat pair further rearward by releasing the lock that stops it. To do this, simultaneously pull the lever under the outboard seat cushion and turn the lever on the side of the seat cushion outward when sliding the seat or seat pair. Once you have released the lock, you can slide the seat or seat pair back and forth with only the lever under the seat cushion pulled. If you slide the seat or seat pair forward of the lock point, you will need to release the lock again before you can slide it behind the point. Then release the lever and move the seat back and forth to make sure that is securely locked into place.

it

CAUTION

If you slide the seat or seat pair aft of the lock point while the third-row seat is occupied, be careful not to trap the legs of the third-row pas- sengers.

& Reclining the seatback

CAUTION

& Folding down the seatback

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-9

. In a 7-seater model vehicle, never allow the third-row seat passen- gers to adjust the seatback of the second row. Doing so is danger- ous as the seatback will tilt rapidly and could injure the pas- sengers.

. If

the cargo area cover

is equipped, be careful not to pinch your hand between the headrest and the cargo area cover when you recline the rear seat.

WARNING

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

Pull the lever up and adjust the seatback to the desired position. Then release the lever and make sure the seatback is securely locked into place.

WARNING

. After returning the seat

to its original position, be certain to place all of the seatbelts and the tab attached to the seat cushion above the seat cushion. And make certain that the shoulder belts are fully visible.

. Never allow passengers to ride on the folded 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 inside the vehicle and causing serious injury during a sudden stop, a sudden steering maneuver or a rapid acceleration.

. If passengers are sitting on the third-row seat, never drive while folding the second-row seat. It can be a serious interference at the time of braking and impact.

. If passengers are sitting on the third-row seat, never drive while the center seatback of the sec- ond-row seat is folded. Doing so

– CONTINUED –

1-10 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

may result in serious injury in the event of a hard braking or an impact.

to its

1. Slide the seat or seat pair rearmost position. 2. Lower the head restraint to its lowest to the “Head restraint position. Refer adjustment” in this section. 3. Unlock the seatback by pulling the lever and then fold the seatback down. 4. To return the seatback to its original position, raise the seatback until it locks into place. Make sure it is securely locked.

By pulling the tab on the center seat, you can fold only the seatback of the center seat. To return the seatback to its original position, raise the seatback until it locks into place. Make sure it is securely locked.

1) Bar

CAUTION

. Folding the seatback of the cen- ter seat will expose the bar that retains it in the raised position. Be careful not to hurt yourself on it. Especially, do not rest your finger on the bar. Otherwise, when the seatback is raised, your finger could be pinched between the bar and seatback and thus injured.

. Raise the seatback of the center seat while taking care not to trap your hands or other parts of the body between the center seat and window-side seat.

NOTE

1) Holder

With the seatback folded, attach the tongue plate of each rear/second-row seatbelt to the corresponding holder. Do the same also before someone gets into the third-row seat.

& Head restraint adjustment

! Window side seats

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-11

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to an appropriate position depending on your sitting height.

A) When not used (retracted position) B) When used (extended position)

To raise: Pull the head restraint up.

– CONTINUED –

1-12 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

To lower: Push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.

& Armrest

the center of

the head restraint

The head restraint should be adjusted so that is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears. When the seats are not occupied, lower the head restraints to improve rearward visibility. ! Center seat

To raise: Pull the head restraint up. To lower: Push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.

the center of

the head restraint

The head restraint should be adjusted so that is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears. When the center seat is not occupied, lower the head restraint to improve rear- ward visibility.

To lower the armrest, pull on the strap of the armrest.

WARNING

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

A) When not used (retracted position) B) When used (extended position)

Third-row seat (7-seater models)

WARNING

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-13

to move. Do not drive the vehicle with the seat in this state or allow anyone to sit on the seat unless it is completely locked. Doing so may result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION

When getting into or out of the third- row seat, make sure the second-row seat is in the completely slid-for- ward position and be sure to watch your step.

! To access the third-row seat

WARNING

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.

& Access to the third-row seat There are levers on both sides of the second-row seat. Each lever is used to facilitate access to the third-row seat.

WARNING

In its slid-forward position with the seatback tipped forward, the sec- ond-row seat is not locked and free

Raise the lever. The seatback of the second-row seat will tip forward and the seat will slide forward.

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1-14 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Before driving the vehicle, adjust the fore/ aft position of the second-row seat, raise the seatback, and make sure the seatback is securely locked in position. ! To get out from the third-row seat

Raise the lever from the third-row seat. The seatback of the second-row seat will tip forward and the seat will slide forward. Before driving the vehicle, adjust the fore/ aft position of the second-row seat, raise the seatback, and make sure the seatback is securely locked in position.

& Folding down the seatback

WARNING

. After returning the seat

to its original position, be certain to place all of the seatbelts and the tab attached to the seat cushion above the seat cushion. And make certain that the shoulder belts are fully visible.

. Never allow passengers to ride on the folded 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 inside the vehicle and causing serious injury during a sudden stop, a sudden steering maneuver or a rapid acceleration.

Place the head restraint in its lowest position, pull up the lever to release the seatback lock, and fold down the seat- back. Refer to “Head restraint adjustment” in this section. To return the seatback to its original position, raise the seatback until it locks into place. Make sure it is securely locked.

NOTE

& Head restraint adjustment

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-15

WARNING

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.

1) Holder

. Before folding or raising the seat- back of the third-row seat, confirm that the seatbelt is flat against the sidewall at the lower point and the webbing is attached to the holder. . When raising the seatback of the third-row seat, if the seatbelt catches on the seatback, hold the belt forward of the seatback while latching the seatback.

A) When not used (retracted position) B) When used (extended position)

To raise: Pull the head restraint up. To lower: Push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.

the center of

the head restraint

The head restraint should be adjusted so that is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears. When the seats are not occupied, lower the head restraints to improve rearward visibility.

– CONTINUED –

1-16 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

CAUTION

The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to an appropriate position depending on your sitting height.

Seatbelts & Seatbelt safety tips

WARNING

. All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Other- wise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or acci- dent.

. All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury.

. Each seatbelt

is designed to support only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more persons – even children. Other- wise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.

. Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and attach- ing hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. The entire as- sembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious.

. Put children aged 12 and under in

a 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 restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. Conse- quently, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have outgrown child re- straint devices) sit in a REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s height and weight. Always secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including for- ward facing child seats) in one of the rear seating positions recom- mended in this Owner’s Manual. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO

THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint system, refer to the “Child restraint systems” section in this chapter.

Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module, which will record the use of the seatbelt(s) by the driver and front passenger when any of the SRS frontal, side and curtain airbags deploy. ! Infants or small children is Use a child restraint system that suitable for your vehicle. Refer to the information on “Child restraint systems” 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 positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat.

If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, adjust the shoulder belt anchor height (window-side seating posi- tions only) and then if necessary move the child closer to the belt buckle to help 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’s waist. If the shoulder portion of the belt cannot be properly positioned, a child restraint system should be used. Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back. ! Expectant mothers

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-17

& Emergency Locking Retrac-

tor (ELR)

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

& Automatic/Emergency Lock-

ing Retractor (A/ELR)

Each passenger’s seatbelt has an Auto- matic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ ELR). The Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor normally functions as an Emer- gency Locking Retractor (ELR). The A/ locking mode ELR has an additional “Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode” intended to secure a child restraint system. When the seatbelt is once drawn out completely and is then retracted even slightly, the retractor locks the seatbelt in that position and the seatbelt cannot be extended. As the belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard which indicate the retractor functions as ALR. When the seatbelt is retracted fully, ALR mode is released.

When securing a child restraint system on the passengers’ seats, the seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking – CONTINUED –

1-18 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

(ELR)

Retractor (ALR) mode. When the child restraint system is re- moved, make sure that the retractor is restored to the Emergency Locking Re- tractor function by allowing the seatbelt to retract fully. For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, refer to the “Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt” section in this chapter. & Seatbelt warning light

and chime

Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and front passenger’s seat. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat- belts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustrations and sounding a chime.

Driver’s warning light

Front passenger’s warning light ! Operation If the driver and/or front passenger have/ has not yet fastened the seatbelt(s) when

If

to warn that

the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning light(s) will the flash for 6 seconds, seatbelt(s) is/are unfastened. the dri- ver’s seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously. NOTE . If the driver’s and/or front passen- ger’s seatbelt(s) is/are still not fastened 6 seconds later, the seatbelt warning device operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.

. At speeds lower than approxi- mately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between steady illumination and flashing at 15-second intervals. The chime will not sound. . At speeds higher than approxi- mately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light(s) for unfastened seatbelt(s) will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals and the chime will sound while the warning light(s) is/are flashing.

. It is possible to cancel the warning operation that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is

time, however,

the turned ON next complete sequence of the warning operation resumes. For further details about canceling the warning operation, please contact your SUBARU dealer. there is no passenger on the front If passenger’s seat, the seatbelt warning device for the front passenger’s seat will be deactivated. The front passenger’s occupant detection system monitors whether or not there is a passenger on the front passenger’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/second-row seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.

If the seatbelt warning device for the front passenger’s seat does not function cor- rectly (e.g., it is activated even when the front passenger’s seat is empty or it is deactivated even when the front passen- ger has not fastened his/her seatbelt), take the following actions.

. Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than a child restraint system and the child occupant. . Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.

the seatbelt warning device for front If passenger’s seat still does not function correctly after taking relevant corrective actions described above, immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

& Fastening the seatbelt

WARNING

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

. Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a colli- sion, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of across the weaker abdomen.

. Seatbelts provide maximum re- straint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision,

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-19

the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright posi- tion while the vehicle is running. If the front seatbacks 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 internal injury or death. . Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.

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1-20 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

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

! Front seatbelts 1. Adjust the seat position: Driver’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seatback as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control. Front passenger’s seat: Adjust the seat- back to the upright position. Move the seat as far back as possible. 2. Sit well back in the seat. 3. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.

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.

! Adjusting the front seat shoulder

belt anchor height

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best suited for the driver/front passenger. Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.

To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push the release button and slide the anchor down.

Pull down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in place.

WARNING

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

! Unfastening the seatbelt

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-21

! Rear seatbelts (5-seater models)/

Second-row seatbelts (7-seater models) – excluding center seatbelt

1. Sit well back in the seat. 2. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving a strong pull on it, then pull it out slowly again.

Push the button on the buckle.

Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.

Insert the tongue plate into the buckle

3. until you hear a click.

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1-22 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Adjusting the shoulder belt anchor height (rear seats of 5-seater mod- els/second-row seats of 7-seater models)

WARNING

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

! Unfastening the seatbelt

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.

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best suited for the passenger. Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.

To raise: Slide the anchor up. To lower: Push the release button and slide the anchor down.

Pull down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in place.

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.

NOTE

! Rear center seatbelt (5-seater mod- els)/second-row center seatbelt (7- seater models)

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-23

1) Holder

With the seatback folded, attach the tongue plate of each rear/second-row seatbelt to the corresponding holder. Do the same also before someone gets into the third-row seat.

1) Center seatbelt tongue plate 2) Connector (tongue) 3) Connector (buckle) 4) Center seatbelt buckle

WARNING

Fastening the seatbelt with the web- bing twisted can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident. When fastening the belt after it is pulled out from the retractor, espe- cially when inserting the connec- tor’s tongue plate into the mating buckle (on right-hand side), always check that the webbing is not twisted.

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1-24 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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

Center seatbelt is stowed in the recess of the ceiling. 1. Remove the connector (tongue) plate from the slot located at the front of the recess by pulling the connector (tongue) plate rearward.

WARNING

If

Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective buckles. the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder (with the connector’s tongue belt 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.

insert

the connector

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-25

low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.

! Unfastening the seatbelt

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

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

5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place the lap belt as

into the slot

Insert a key or other hard pointed 1. object in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will disconnect from the buckle.

– CONTINUED –

1-26 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

! Third-row seatbelt (7-seater mod-

els)

1. Sit well back in the seat. 2. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted. If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after giving a strong pull on it, then pull it out slowly again.

Insert the tongue plate into the buckle

3. until you hear a click.

2. With the belt held by hand, allow the retractor to roll up the belt slowly. 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 con- nector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front of the recess.

CAUTION

. Do not allow the retractor to roll too quickly. up the seatbelt Otherwise, tongue plates may hit against the trim, resulting in damaged trim.

the metal

. 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.

Push the button on the buckle. NOTE

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.

! Unfastening the seatbelt

1) Holder

. Before folding or raising the seat- back of the third-row seat, confirm that the seatbelt is flat against the sidewall at the lower point and the webbing is attached to the holder. . When raising the seatback of the third-row seat, if the seatbelt catches on the seatback, hold the belt forward of the seatback while latching the seatback.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-27

& 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. Replace the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.

CAUTION

. Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly battery acid.

. Never attempt to make modifica- tions or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating prop- erly.

1-28 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners

restrains the front seat occupant.

When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated, an operating noise will be heard and a small amount of smoke will be released. These occurrences are normal and not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.

Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt retractor remains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not be pulled out and retracted and therefore must be replaced. NOTE . Seatbelt pretensioners are not de- signed to activate in minor frontal impacts, in minor side impacts or rear impacts. . The seatbelt pretensioners for the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat operate at the same time as the frontal, and side SRS airbags. If the vehicle rolls over, they operate simul- taneously with the curtain airbag. . 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-

The driver’s and front passenger’s seat- belts have a seatbelt pretensioner. The seatbelt pretensioners for the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat operate at the same time as the frontal, and side SRS airbags. they operate simultaneously with the curtain airbag.

the vehicle rolls over,

If

The front and side airbag sensors and the rollover sensor are used as the preten- If a sensor detects a sioner sensors. certain predetermined amount of force during a frontal collision, a side impact collision or a rollover collision of the vehicle, the front seatbelt is quickly drawn back in by the retractor to take up the slack so that the belt more effectively

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

WARNING

. To obtain maximum protection, occupants should sit in an up- right position with their seatbelts properly fastened. Refer to the “Seatbelts” section in this chap- ter.

. Do not modify, remove or strike the front seatbelt retractor as- semblies or surrounding area. This could result in accidental activation of the seatbelt preten- sioners or could make the sys- tem inoperative, possibly result- ing in serious injury. Seatbelt

pretensioners have no user-ser- viceable parts. For required ser- vicing of front seatbelt retractors equipped with seatbelt preten- sioners, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.

. When discarding front seatbelt retractor assemblies or scrap- ping the entire vehicle due to collision damage or for other reasons, consult your SUBARU dealer.

& System monitors

SRS airbag system warning light

A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the seatbelt pretensioner while the vehicle is being driven. The

seatbelt pretensioners share the control module with the airbag system. Therefore, if any malfunction occurs in a seatbelt the SRS airbag system pretensioner, warning light will illuminate. The SRS airbag system warning light will show normal system operation by lighting for approximately 6 seconds when the igni- tion switch is turned to the “ON” position.

The following components are monitored by the indicator: . Front sub sensor (right-hand side) . Front sub sensor (left-hand side) . Airbag control module (including im- pact and rollover sensors) . Frontal airbag module (driver’s side) . Frontal airbag module (front passen- ger’s side) . Side airbag sensor (center pillar right- hand side) . Side airbag sensor (center pillar left- hand side) . Side airbag module (driver’s side) . Side airbag module (front passenger’s side) . Curtain airbag sensor house right-hand side) . Curtain airbag sensor house left-hand side) . Curtain airbag module (right side)

(rear wheel

(rear wheel

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-29

(front passen-

. Curtain airbag module (left side) . Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side) . Seatbelt pretensioner ger’s side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (driver’s side) . Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen- ger’s side) . Driver’s seat position sensor . Front passenger’s seatbelt sensor . Front passenger’s occupant detection system weight sensor . Front passenger’s occupant detection control module . Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator . All related wiring

tension

WARNING

If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag system. Immediately take your vehi- cle 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

– CONTINUED –

1-30 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

minor collision or not inflate in a severe collision), which may in- crease the risk of injury. . Flashing or flickering of the warn-

ing light

. No illumination of

the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position the

. Continuous illumination of

warning light

. Illumination of the warning light

while driving

& System servicing

WARNING

. When discarding a seatbelt re- tractor assembly or scrapping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.

. Tampering with or disconnecting the system’s wiring could result in accidental activation of the seatbelt pretensioner and/or air- bag or could make the system inoperative, which may result in serious injury. Do not use elec- trical test equipment on any

circuit related to the seatbelt pretensioner and airbag sys- tems. For required servicing of the seatbelt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.

& Precautions against vehicle

modification

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

CAUTION

The front sub sensors are located on both sides of the radiator panel, and the airbag control module in- cluding the impact sensors is lo- cated under the center console. If you need service or repair in those areas or near the front seatbelt retractors, we recommend that you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work.

CAUTION

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

. Modification of

the suspension

system or front end structure.

the front part of

NOTE If the vehicle is damaged in an accident to the extent that the seatbelt pretensioner does not operate, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

. Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle placard attached to the door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner’s Manual.

Child restraint systems

While riding in the vehicle, infants and small children should always be placed in an infant or child restraint system in one of the rear seating positions recommended in this Owner’s Manual.

You should use an infant or child restraint system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canada Motor Vehi- cle Safety Standards, is compatible with your vehicle and is appropriate for the child’s age and size.

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt (except those covered under the section in this manual, entitled “Installation of child

restraint systems by use of tether anchorages (LATCH)”).

lower and

if

Children could be endangered in an accident their child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle. When installing the child restraint system, care- fully 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 1-31

WARNING

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.

– CONTINUED –

1-32 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

WARNING

Children should be properly re- strained at all times. Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on any seat. Unrestrained children will be thrown forward during sudden stop or in an accident and can be injured seriously. Additionally, children standing up or kneeling on or in front of the front seat are exposed another serious danger. Since the SRS airbag de- ploys with considerable speed and force, the child could be injured or even killed.

& Where to place a child re-

straint system

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

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 center seat (5-seater models)/ second-row center seat (7-seater mod- els) Installing a child restraint system is not recommended, although the A/ELR seat- belt and an upper anchorage (tether anchorage) are provided in this position. Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projection 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.

D: Third-row seat (7-seater models) Installing a child restraint system is not recommended, although the A/ELR seat- belt and two upper anchorages (tether anchorages) are provided in these posi- tions. These seating positions are not equipped with lower anchorages (bars) for installing LATCH system-type child restraints. How- ever, child restraint devices can be used in these position using the A/ELR seatbelts and upper anchorages (tether an-

A: Front passenger’s seat install a child restraint You should not system (including a booster seat) due to the hazard to children posed by the passenger’s airbag.

B: Rear outboard seats (5-seater mod- els)/second-row outboard seats (7-sea- ter models) Recommended positions for all types of child restraint systems. In these positions, Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) seatbelts and lower anchorages (bars) are provided for installing a child restraint system. Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projection of the seat cushion. In this seating position, you should use

chorages) provided. Some types of child restraints might not be able to be secured firmly due to projection 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.

WARNING

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. Consequently, be sure to secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward 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-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-33

strained in the rear seating posi- tions than in the front seating posi- tions.

& Choosing a child restraint

system

WARNING

S I N C E Y O U R V E H I C L E I S EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER’S SRS AIRBAG, DO NOT INSTALL A R E A R WA R D FA C I N G C H I L D SAFETY SEAT IN THE FRONT PAS- SENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

Choose a child restraint system that is appropriate for the child’s age and size (weight and height) in order to provide the child with proper protection. The child restraint system should meet all applic- able requirements of Federal Motor Vehi- cle 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 manufacturer’s statement of com- pliance in the document attached to the system. Also it for you to make sure that the child restraint system is compatible with the vehicle in which it will be used.

is important

– CONTINUED –

1-34 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

& Installing child restraint sys-

tems with A/ELR seatbelt

WARNING

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

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

CAUTION

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 is held securely in position. If it is not held tight and secure, the danger of your

it

child suffering personal injury in the event of an accident may be in- creased.

! Installing a rearward facing child

restraint

to its

the seatback to the upright

1. Slide the seat or seat pair rearmost position. 2. Adjust position. 3. Place the child restraint system in the rear seating position. 4. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the child restraint system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. 5. until you hear a click.

Insert the tongue plate into the buckle

the seatbelt

6. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 7. Pull out fully from the retractor 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 retractor functions as ALR.

8. 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 seatbelt. 9. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

10. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt to retract buckle and allow the belt completely. The belt will return to the ELR mode.

WARNING

NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FA- CING 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.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-35

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 retracting the seatbelt fully. ! Installing forward facing child re-

straint

to its

the seatback to the upright

1. Slide the seat or seat pair rearmost position. 2. Adjust position. 3. Place the child restraint system in the seating position. 4. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the child restraint system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer.

– CONTINUED –

1-36 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Insert the tongue plate into the buckle

5. until you hear a click.

the seatbelt

6. Take up the slack in the lap belt. 7. Pull out fully from the retractor 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 retractor functions as ALR.

8. Before having a child sit in the child restraint 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 seatbelt. 9. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).

Rear seat seat (7-seater models)

(5-seater models)/Second-row

Third-row seat (7-seater models)

10. If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the top tether anchor and tighten the top tether.

to “Top tether anchorages”

Refer additional instructions.

for

& Installing a booster seat

creased.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-37

WARNING

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

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

CAUTION

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 is held securely 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-

it

to its

1. Slide the seat or seat pair rearmost position. 2. Place the booster seat in the rear seating position and sit the child on it. The child should sit well back on the booster seat. 3. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around the booster seat and the child following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. 4. 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.

– CONTINUED –

11. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt to retract buckle and allow the belt completely. 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.

1-38 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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

effective in preventing or redu- cing injury.

. Place the lap belt as low as possible on the child’s hips. A high-positioned lap belt will in- crease the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen, and both can result in serious inter- nal injury or death.

. Make sure the shoulder belt is positioned 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.

WARNING

. Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child.

. Never place the shoulder belt under the child’s arm or behind the child’s back. If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury to the child. . The seatbelt should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as

& Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)

WARNING

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

. Do not leave an unsecured child

restraint system in your vehicle. Unsecured child restraint sys- tems can be thrown around in- side of the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; they can strike and injure vehicle occu- pants as well as result in serious injuries or death to the child.

CAUTION

When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s