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Foreword
Congratulations on choosing a SUBARU vehicle. This Owner’s Manual has all the information necessary to keep your SUBARU in excellent condition and to properly maintain the emission control system
for minimizing emission pollutants. We urge you to read this manual
carefully so that you may understand your vehicle and its operation.
For information not found in this Owner’s Manual, such as details
concerning repairs or adjustments, please contact the dealer from
whom you purchased your SUBARU or the nearest SUBARU dealer.
The information, specifications and illustrations found in this manual
are those in effect at the time of printing. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
LTD. reserves the right to change specifications and designs at any
time without prior notice and without incurring any obligation to
make the same or similar changes on vehicles previously sold. This
Owner’s Manual applies to all models and covers all equipment, including factory installed options. Some explanations, therefore may
be for equipment not installed in your vehicle.
Please leave this manual in the vehicle at the time of resale. The next
owner will need the information found herein.
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD., TOKYO, JAPAN
and are registered trademarks of FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
© copyright 2003 FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.
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This manual describes the following vehicle types.
* The illustrated vehicle is one of the FORESTER series.
HSF029AA
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Warranties
Warranties for U.S.A.
All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru of America, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU
dealer in the United States come with the following
warranties:
SUBARU Limited Warranty
Emission Control Systems Warranty
Emissions Performance Warranty
All warranty information, including details of coverage
and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”. Please read these warranties carefully.
Warranties for Canada
All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru Canada,
Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in Canada come with the following warranties:
SUBARU Limited Warranty
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
Emission Control Warranty
All warranty information, including details of coverage
and exclusions, is in the Warranty and Service Booklet. Please read these warranties carefully.
This vehicle does not contain mercury devices or parts.
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How to use this owner’s manual
Using your Owner’s manual
Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this
manual. To protect yourself and extend the service life
of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this manual.
Failure to observe these instructions may result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.
This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each
chapter begins with a brief table of contents, so you
can usually tell at a glance if that chapter contains the
information you want.
Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
This chapter informs you how to use the seat and seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS airbags.
Chapter 2: Keys and doors
This chapter informs you how to operate the keys,
locks and windows.
Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This chapter informs you about the operation of instrument panel indicators and how to use the instruments
and other switches.
Chapter 4: Climate Control
This chapter informs you how to operate the climate
control.
Chapter 5: Audio
This chapter informs you how to operate your audio
system.
Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This chapter informs you how to operate interior
equipment.
Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This chapter informs you how to start and operate your
SUBARU.
Chapter 8: Driving tips
This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU
in various conditions and explains some safety tips on
driving.
Chapter 9: In case of emergency
This chapter informs you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.
Chapter 10: Appearance care
This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU
looking good.
Chapter 11: Maintenance and service
This chapter informs you when you need to take your
SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled maintenance
and informs you how to keep your SUBARU running
properly.
Chapter 12: Specifications
This chapter informs you about dimension and capacities of your SUBARU.
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Chapter 13: Consumer information and Reporting
safety defects
This chapter informs you about Uniform tire quality
grading standards and Reporting safety defects.
Chapter 14: Index
This is an alphabetical listing of all that’s in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want
to read.
Safety warnings
You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs and
NOTEs in this manual.
These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards
that could result in injury to you or others.
Please read these safety warnings as well as all other
portions of this manual carefully in order to gain a better understanding of how to use your SUBARU vehicle
safely.
A WARNING indicates a situation in which serious injury or death could result if the warning is
ignored.
A CAUTION indicates a situation in which injury
or damage to your vehicle, or both, could result
if the caution is ignored.
NOTE
A NOTE gives information or suggestions how to
make better use of your vehicle.
Safety symbol
HSF019AA
You will find a circle with a slash through it in this man-
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ual. This symbol means “Do not”, “Do not do this”, or
“Do not let this happen”, depending upon the context.
Vehicle symbols
There are some of the symbols you may see on your
vehicle.
Mark Name
CAUTION
Power door lock
Passenger’s windows lock
Fuel
Front fog lights
Parking lights
Hazard warning flasher
Cigarette lighter
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Mark Name
Mark Name
Engine hood
Seat heater
Child restraint top tether anchorages
Child restraint lower anchorages
Horn
Windshield wiper deicer
Wiper intermittent
Windshield wiper and washer
Rear window wiper and washer
Lights
Parking lights, tail lights, license plate
light and instrument panel illumination
Head lights
Illumination brightness
Fan speed
Instrument panel outlets
Instrument panel outlets and foot
outlets
Foot outlets
Windshield defroster and foot outlets
Windshield defroster
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Mark Name
Outside mirror defogger
Safety precautions when driving
Seatbelt and SRS airbag
Rear window defogger
Air recirculation
Engine oil
Washer
6
All persons in the vehicle should fasten their
seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move.
Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or
accident.
To obtain maximum protection in the event of
an accident, the driver and all passengers in the
vehicle should always wear seatbelts when the
vehicle is moving. The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag does not do away with
the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination
with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined
protection in case of a serious accident.
Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of
severe injury or death in a crash even when the
car has the SRS airbag.
The SRS airbags deploy with considerable
speed and force. Occupants who are out of
proper position when the SRS airbag deploys
could suffer very serious injuries. Because the
SRS airbag needs enough space for deploy-
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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.
Carefully read the sections “Seatbelts” and “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” in chapter 1 of this owner’s manual for instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system and SRS airbag system.
Child safety
Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms
while the vehicle is moving. The passenger
cannot protect the child from injury in a collision, because the child will be caught between
the passenger and objects inside the vehicle.
While riding in the vehicle, infants and small
children should always be placed in the REAR
seat in an infant or child restraint system which
is appropriate for the child’s age, height and
weight. If a child is too big for a child restraint
system, the child should sit in the REAR seat
and be restrained using the seatbelts. 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.
Put children aged 12 and under in the REAR
seat properly restrained at all times in a child
restraint device or in a seatbelt. The SRS airbag
deploys with considerable speed and force and
can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not
restrained or improperly restrained. Because
children are lighter and weaker than adults,
their risk being injured from deployment is
greater.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING
CHILD 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.
Always use the child safety locks whenever a
child rides in the rear seat. Serious injury could
result if a child accidentally opened the door
and fell out. Refer to the “Child safety locks”
section in chapter 2.
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Always lock the passenger’s windows using
the lock switch when children are riding in the
vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child operating the power
window. Refer to the “Windows” section in
chapter 2.
Never leave unattended children in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent operation of the
vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal
injuries to them.
Carefully read the sections “Child restraint systems”,“*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System
airbag)”, and “Seatbelts” in chapter 1 of this owner’s
manual for instructions and precautions concerning
the child restraint system, seatbelt system and SRS
airbag system.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled.
Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except for the brief time needed to
drive the vehicle in or out of it.
Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If that
is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to
force fresh air into the vehicle.
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly.
If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive
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only with all windows fully open.
Keep the rear gate closed while driving to
prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
Drinking and driving
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reaction and impairs your perception, judgment and
attentiveness. If you drive after drinking – even
if you drink just a little – it will increase the risk
of being involved in a serious or fatal accident,
injuring or killing yourself, your passengers
and others. In addition, if you are injured in the
accident, alcohol may increase the severity of
that injury.
Please don’t drink and drive.
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differently,
you may have consumed too much alcohol to drive
safely even if the level of alcohol in your blood is below
the legal limit. The safest thing you can do is never
drink and drive. However if you have no choice but to
drive, stop drinking and sober up completely before
getting behind the wheel.
Drugs and driving
There are some drugs (over the counter and
prescription) that can delay your reaction time
and impair your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after taking them, it
may increase your, your passengers’ and other
persons’ risk of being involved in a serious or
fatal accident.
If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor or
pharmacist or read the literature that accompanies the
medication to determine if the drug you are taking can
impair your driving ability. Do not drive after taking any
medications that can make you drowsy or otherwise
affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If
you have a medical condition that requires you to take
drugs, please consult with your doctor.
Never drive if you are under the influence of any illicit
mind-altering drugs. For your own health and well-be-
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ing, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the first
place and to seek treatment if you are addicted to
those drugs.
Driving when tired or sleepy
When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction will
be delayed and your perception, judgment and
attentiveness will be impaired. If you drive
when tired or sleepy, your, your passengers’
and other persons’ chances of being involved
in a serious accident may increase.
Please do not continue to drive but instead find a safe
place to rest if you are tired or sleepy. On long trips,
you should make periodic rest stops to refresh yourself before continuing on your journey. When possible,
you should share the driving with others.
Modification of your vehicle
Your vehicle should not be modified. Modifica-
tion could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification
may not be covered under warranties.
Mobile phones and driving
Do not use a hand-held phone while driving; it
may distract your attention from driving and
can lead to an accident. If you use a hand-held
phone, pull off the road and park in the safe
place before using your phone. In some States/
Provinces, only hands-free phones may legally
be used while driving.
Driving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and
distract your attention from driving. In a collision or
sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be
thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or your
passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt under
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these situations. It is also for their own safety that pets
should be properly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain
a pet with a special traveling harness which can be secured to the rear seat with a seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a
seatbelt through the carrier’s handle. Never restrain
pets or pet carriers in the front passenger’s seat. For
further information, consult your veterinarian, local animal protection society or pet shop.
Tire pressures
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each
tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use a
pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the values shown on the tire placard.
Refer to the “Tires and wheels” section in chapter 11
for detailed information.
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire
pressures can cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase
in temperature could cause tread separation,
and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss
of vehicle control could lead to an accident.
California proposition 65 warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids in vehicles and certain components of product wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
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Table of contents
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Keys and doors
Instruments and controls
Climate control
Audio
Interior equipment
Starting and operating
Driving tips
In case of emergency
Appearance care
Maintenance and service
Specifications
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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Illustrated index
Exterior
123 4 5
1) Engine hood (page 11-5)
2) Headlight switch (page 3-17)
3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-62)
4) Wiper switch (page 3-24)
5) Roof rails (page 8-17)
6) Door locks (page 2-3)
7) Tire pressure (page 11-42)
8) Flat tires (page 9-3)
9) Tire chains (page 8-13)
10) Front fog light switch (page 3-
22)
11) Tie-down/Towing hooks (page
9-13)
14
11
6
78910
HSF020BB
Page 18
1) Rear window defogger switch
1
(page 3-28)
2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-4)
3) Child safety locks (page 2-20)
4) Tie-down/Towing hook (page 9-
13)
5) Rear gate (page 2-24)
3
2
45
HSF021BB
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Interior
Passenger compartment area
123
1) Lower anchorage for child restraint system (page 1-43)
2) Seatbelt (page 1-12)
3) Moonroof (page 2-26)
4) Parking brake lever (page 7-27)
5) Front seat (page 1-2)
6) Rear seat (page 1-9)
16
456
HSF022BB
Page 20
1) Cup holder (page 6-8)
2) Center console (page 6-5)
1
3) Glove box (page 6-5)
4) Cigarette lighter socket (page 6-
11)
5) Ashtray (page 6-14)
2
3
45
HSF023BB
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Instrument panel
12 3 4 5 67
1) Door locks (page 2-3)
2) Outside mirror switch (page 3-
32)
3) Light control lever (page 3-17)
4) Combination meter (page 3-5)
5) Wiper control lever (page 3-22)
6) Hazard warning flasher switch
(page 3-5)
7) Audio (page 5-2)
8) Gear shift lever (MT) (page 7-
11)/Selector lever (AT) (page 7-
14)
9) Climate control (page 4-2)
10) Cruise control (page 7-31)
11) Horn (page 3-35)
12) SRS airbag (page 1-50)
13) Tilt steering (page 3-34)
14) Fuse (page 11-58)/Coin tray
(page 6-7)
89101112141516 13
HSF024BB
15) Hood lock release (page 11-5)
16) Power window (page 2-21)
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Light control and wiper control levers/switches
1
12
10
11
9
7
5
1) Parking light switch (page 3-21)
2) Windshield wiper (page 3-24)
3) Mist (page 3-25)
4) Windshield washer (page 3-25)
5) Rear window wiper and washer
switch (page 3-26)
6) Wiper control lever (page 3-24)
7) Illumination brightness control
(page 3-21)
8) Light control lever (page 3-17)
9) Headlight ON/OFF (page 3-17)
4
3
10) Headlight flasher High/Low
beam change (page 3-17)
11) Turn signal (for lane change)
2
(page 3-20)
12) Turn signal (page 3-20)
8
6
HSF025BB
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FUEL DOOR
x1000r/min
km/h
Combination meter
Overview
23 41
P
F
EC
FUEL DOOR
H
R
N
D
3
2
1
1) Fuel gauge (page 3-7)
2) Temperature gauge (page 3-8)
3) Speedometer (page 3-5)
4) Tachometer (page 3-6)
5) Trip meter A/B selection and trip
meter reset knob (page 3-5)
6) Odometer and trip meter (page
3-5)
7) Outside temperature indicator
(page 3-8)
km/h
x1000r/min
MPH
20
567
HSF026BB
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Warning and indicator light
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-10
SRS airbag system warning
light
CHECK ENGINE warning
light/Malfunction indicator
lamp
Charge warning light 3-12
Oil pressure warning light 3-12
AT OIL temperature warning
light (if equipped)
or
ABS warning light 3-12
or
Brake system warning light 3-13
Door open warning light 3-15
3-10
3-11
3-12
Mark Name Page
Front-wheel drive warning
light (if equipped)
Low fuel warning light 3-15
Turn signal indicator lights 3-15
High beam indicator light 3-16
Security system indicator
light (if equipped)
Cruise control indicator light
(if equipped)
3-15
2-14
3-16
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Tire changing tools
1
1) Jack (page 9-19)
2) Jack handle (page 9-19)
3) Spare tire (page 9-3)
3
22
2
HSF027BB
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Cargo area cover
1) Cargo area cover (page 6-16)
2) Cargo tie-down hook (page 6-
1
2
4
18)
3) Accessory power outlet (page 6-
9)
4) Shopping bag hook (page 6-18)
3
HSF018BB
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seats .................................................... 1-2
Fore and aft adjustment ................................... 1-3
Reclining the seatback ..................................... 1-4
Seat height adjustment (driver’s seat) ............ 1-5
Lumbar support ................................................ 1-5
Head restraint adjustment ................................ 1-6
Active head restraint ........................................ 1-7
Seat heater (if equipped) .............................. 1-8
Rear seats ..................................................... 1-9
Headrest adjustment ........................................ 1-10
Folding down the rear seatback ...................... 1-11
Seatbelts ....................................................... 1-12
Seatbelt safety tips ........................................... 1-12
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .............. 1-13
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor
(A/ELR) ............................................................ 1-14
Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 1-14
Fastening the seatbelt ...................................... 1-14
Seatbelt maintenance ....................................... 1-26
Seatbelt extender ......................................... 1-27
Front seatbelt pretensioners ....................... 1-28
System monitors ............................................... 1-30
System servicing .............................................. 1-31
Precautions against vehicle modification ...... 1-31
Child restraint systems ................................ 1-32
Where to place a child restraint system ......... 1-34
Choosing a child restraint system .................. 1-36
Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR
seatbelt ............................................................ 1-36
Installing a booster seat ................................... 1-41
Installation of child restraint systems by use
of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) .... 1-43
Top tether anchorages ..................................... 1-47
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint
System airbag) ........................................... 1-50
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s
SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints ..... 1-50
SRS frontal airbag ............................................ 1-55
SRS side airbag (if equipped) .......................... 1-63
SRS airbag system monitors ........................... 1-71
SRS airbag system servicing .......................... 1-72
Precautions against vehicle modification ...... 1-73
1
1-1
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seats
Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid
the possibility of loss of vehicle control and of
personal injury.
Before adjusting the seat, make sure the
hands and feet of rear seat passengers are
clear of the adjusting mechanism.
Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when
the occupant sits well back and upright in the
seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the
seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks
should be always used in the upright position
while the vehicle is running. If the front 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.
HS1034BA
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat
properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag
deploys with considerable speed and force and
can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not
restrained or improperly restrained. Because
children are lighter and weaker than adults,
their risk of being injured from deployment is
greater. For that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in
child seats and those that have outgrown child
restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly
1-2
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
restrained at all times in a child restraint device
or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the
child’s age, height and weight. Secure ALL
types of child restraint devices (including forward facing child seat) in the REAR seats at all
times.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD
SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD
BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE
TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. For instructions and precautions concerning child restraint systems, see the “Child
restraint systems” section in this chapter.
Fore and aft adjustment
HS1035BA
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.
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1-3
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Reclining the seatback
HS1037BA
HS1036BA
Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the seatback to
the desired position. Then release the lever and make
sure the seatback is securely locked into place.
The seatback placed in a reclined position can spring
back upward with force when released. When operating the reclining lever to return the seatback, hold it
lightly so that it may be raised back gradually.
1-4
To prevent the passenger from sliding under
the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always
put the seatback in the upright position while
the vehicle is in motion. Also, do not place 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.
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Seat height adjustment (driver’s seat)
Lumbar support
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
2
1
HS1038BB HS1045BA
1) Turn the dial backward to lower the seat.
2) Turn the dial forward to raise the seat.
Use the adjusting dial to adjust the height of the seat.
Pull the lever forward or backward.
Pulling the lever forward will increase the amount of
support for your lower back.
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1-5
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Head restraint adjustment
HS1039BA
To raise the head restraint, pull it up.
To lower it, push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.
Never drive the vehicle with the head restraints
removed because they are designed to reduce
the risk of serious neck injury in the event that
the vehicle is struck from the rear.
NOTE
If the seatback is reclined rearward to the same
level as the rear seat cushion with the head restraint removed, a wide flat bed is made available.
HS1040BA
1. Slide the front seat forward as far as possible.
2. Pull off the head restraint while pressing the release button.
3. Recline the seatback rearward up to the lowest position. Remember to reinstall the head restraint whenever the seatback is raised back.
1-6
Page 34
Never drive your car with the seats converted
in a flat bed position. If you do so, occupants
will have a greater chance of being injured even
during simple deceleration, acceleration and
cornering since no firm restraint will be available for them.
Before you lie on the flat bed to take a rest,
read the description “Parking your vehicle” in
Chapter 7 carefully and follow the instructions.
Active head restraint
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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 adjust so
that the center of the head restraint is closest to the top
of the occupant’s ears.
Each active head restraint is effective only
when its height is properly adjusted and the
user sits in the correct position on the seat.
Each active head restraint is designed to
work only once. If your vehicle is involved in a
rear-end collision, have an authorized SUBARU
dealer inspect the active head restraints.
The active head restraints may not operate in
the event the vehicle experiences only a slight
impact in the rear.
The active head restraints may be damaged if
they are pushed hard from behind or subjected
to shock. As a result, they may not function if
the vehicle suffers a rear impact
HS1105BA
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1-7
Page 35
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seat heater (if equipped)
HI
LO
US1507BB
HI — Rapid heating
LO – Normal heating
The seat heater operates when the ignition switch is
either in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
To turn on the seat heater, push the “LO” or “HI” position on the switch, as desired, depending on the temperature. Selecting the “HI” position will cause the seat
to heat up quicker.
The indicator located on the switch comes on when
the seat heater is in operation. When the vehicle’s in-
terior is warmed enough or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.
There is a possibility that people with delicate
skin may suffer slight burns even at low temperatures if he/she uses 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.
When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine,
paint thinner, or any similar materials.
1-8
Page 36
Rear seats
HS1043BA
Seatbelts provide maximum restraint 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
HS8005BA
Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than
the top of the seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in the event of a
sudden stop or accident.
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1-9
Page 37
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Headrest adjustment
Rear windows side seating position
Rear center seating position
HS1106BA
HS1046BA
To raise the headrest, pull it up.
To lower it, push the headrest down while depressing
the release button on the top of the seatback.
When the seats are not occupied, lower the headrest
to improve rearward visibility.
1-10
To raise the headrest, pull it up.
To lower it, push the headrest down while pressing the
release button on the top of the seatback.
When the rear-center seating position is occupied,
place the headrest in its highest position. When the
rear center seating position is not occupied, lower the
headrest to improve rearward visibility.
Page 38
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Folding down the rear seatback
HS1047BA
HS1048BA
1. Lower the headrests.
2. Unlock the seatback by pulling the release knob
and then fold the seatback down.
To return the seatback to its original position, raise the
seatback until it locks into place and make sure that it
is securely locked.
After returning the rear seatback to its original position, make certain that the shoulder
belts are fully visible.
Never allow passengers to ride on the folded
rear seatback or in the cargo area. Doing so
may result in serious injury or death.
Secure lengthy items properly to prevent
them from shooting forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop.
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1-11
Page 39
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seatbelts
Seatbelt safety tips
All persons in the vehicle should fasten their
seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move.
Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or
accident.
All belts should fit snugly in order to provide
full restraint. Loose 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. Otherwise, in
an accident, serious injury or death could result.
Replace all seatbelt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. The entire assembly should be replaced
even if damage is not obvious.
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear
seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS
airbag deploys with considerable speed and
force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and
are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For that reason, we strongly
recommend that ALL children (including those
in child seats and those that have outgrown
child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat
properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s height and weight.
Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward facing child seats) in the REAR
seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD
SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD
BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE
TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint system, see the
“Child restraint systems” section in this chap-
1-12
Page 40
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
ter.
Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle. See 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 (windowside seating positions 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
HS1107AA
Expectant mothers also need to use the seatbelts.
They should consult their doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and
as low as possible over the hips, not over the waist.
Emergency Locking Retractor (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.
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1-13
Page 41
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)
Each passenger’s seatbelt has an Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR). The Automatic/
Emergency Locking Retractor normally functions as
an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The A/ELR
has an additional locking mode “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 an ALR. When the seatbelt is retracted fully,
the ALR mode is released.
When securing a child restraint system on the rear
seats by the use of the seatbelt, the seatbelt must be
changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) mode.
When the child restraint system is removed, make
sure that the seatbelt retracts fully and the retractor returned to the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
mode.
For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the
ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, see the
“Child restraint systems” section in this chapter.
Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s seat, as required by current safety
standards.
This device causes the seatbelt warning light on the
instrument panel to light up for about six seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to “ON” to remind the
driver to wear the seatbelt. If the driver’s seatbelt is not
fastened, a warning chime sounds at the same time.
Fastening the seatbelt
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 collision, this spreads the force of the
lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of
across the weaker abdomen.
Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when
the occupant sits well back and upright in the
seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the
seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks
should be always used in the upright position
while the vehicle is running. If the front seat-
1-14
Page 42
backs are not used in the upright position in a
collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt
and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen
will increase, and both can result in serious 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.
HS1049BA
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or
behind the back. If an accident occurs, this can
increase the risk or severity of injury.
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can become very
hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn an occupant. Do
not touch such hot parts until they cool.
Front seatbelts
1. Adjust the seat position:
Driver’s seat: Adjust the seatback to the upright position. Move the seatback as far from the steering wheel
as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control.
Front passenger’s seat: Adjust the seatback 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
– CONTINUED –
1-15
Page 43
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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.
HS1050BA
4. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you
hear a click.
5
6
HS1051BB
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.
1-16
Page 44
Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor
height
HS1052BA
The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to
the position best suited for you.
To lower the anchor height, push the release button
and slide the anchor down.
To raise the anchor height, slide the anchor up. Pull
down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in
place.
Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder
belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without
touching the neck.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
When wearing the seatbelts, make sure the
shoulder portion of the webbing does not pass
over your neck. If it does, adjust the seatbelt anchor to a lower position. Placing the shoulder
belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sudden braking or in a collision.
Unfastening the seatbelt
HS1053BA
Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are
retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing
– CONTINUED –
1-17
Page 45
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
in the door.
Rear seatbelts (except rear 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.
HS1050BA
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you
hear a click.
4
5
HS1051BC
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.
1-18
Page 46
Adjusting the rear seat shoulder belt anchor
height (window-side seating positions only)
HS1052BA
The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to
the position best suited for you.
To lower the anchor height, push the release button
and slide the anchor down.
To raise the anchor height, slide the anchor up. Pull
down on the anchor to make sure that it is locked in
place.
Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder
belt passes over the middle of the shoulder without
touching the neck.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
When wearing the seatbelts, make sure the
shoulder portion of the webbing does not pass
over your neck. If it does, adjust the seatbelt anchor to a lower position. Placing the shoulder
belt over the neck may result in neck injury during sudden braking or in a collision.
Unfastening the seatbelt
HS1053BA
Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are
retracted properly to avoid catching the belt webbing
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1-19
Page 47
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
in the door.
Rear center seatbelt
1
2
3
1) Center seatbelt tongue plate
2) Connector (tongue)
3) Connector (buckle)
4) Center seatbelt buckle
1-20
4
HS1054BA
US1527BB
Fastening the seatbelt with the webbing twisted
can increase the risk or severity of injury in an
accident. When fastening the belt after it is
pulled out from the retractor, especially when
inserting the connector’s tongue plate into the
mating buckle (on right-hand side), always
check that the webbing is not twisted.
Page 48
HS1055BA HS1065CA
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 connector’s buckle on
the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain
the wearer in position in an accident, possibly
resulting in serious injury or death.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
0
Rear-center seatbelt is stowed in the recess of the
ceiling.
1. Remove the connector (tongue) plate from the
holder located at the front of the recess by pulling the
connector (tongue) plate rearward.
– CONTINUED –
1-21
Page 49
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1
HS1057BA
2. Pull out the seatbelt slowly from the overhead retractor.
1-22
HS1058BB
1) Seatbelt comfort guide
3. Pass the seatbelt through the seatbelt comfort
guide located beside the headrest.
Page 50
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1059BA HS1060BA
4. After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the connector (tongue) attached at the webbing
end into the buckle on the right-hand side until a click
is heard.
If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the
belt slightly and pull it out more slowly. If the belt still
cannot be unlocked, let the belt retract slightly after
giving it a strong pull, then pull it out slowly again.
5. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate in the center
seatbelt buckle marked “CENTER” on the left-hand
side until it clicks.
– CONTINUED –
1-23
Page 51
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
6
7
HS1061BC
6. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder
belt.
7. Place the lap belt as low as possible on your hips,
not on your waist.
Unfastening the seatbelt
HS1062BA
Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle
(on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt.
NOTE
When the seatback is folded down for greater cargo area, it is necessary to disconnect the connector.
1-24
Page 52
HS1063BA
HS1064BA
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
0
slot in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side
and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will
disconnect from the buckle.
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 plates
in the recess in the retractor and then insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot located at the front
of the recess.
HS1065BA
1. Insert a key or other hard pointed object into the
– CONTINUED –
1-25
Page 53
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1066BA
Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. Otherwise, the metal tongue
plates may hit against the trim, resulting in
damaged trim.
Have the seatbelt fully rolled up so that the
tongue plates are neatly stored. A hanging
tongue plate can swing and hit against the trim
during driving, causing damage to the trim.
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.
Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemi-
cals and particularly battery acid.
Never attempt to make modifications or
changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating properly.
1-26
Page 54
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seatbelt extender
If the front seatbelts are not long enough to permit the
tongue plate to engage with the seatbelt buckle, an
optional seatbelt extender is available from your
SUBARU dealer. When ordering an extender, only order one particularly designed for your vehicle. Several
different types of extenders are available to match various varieties of front seatbelt designs. See your
SUBARU dealer for assistance.
The extender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm)
of length and it can be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position.
Be sure to observe the following when using
the seatbelt extender.
Failure to follow these instructions and warnings could reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt and result in more serious injury in the
event of a collision.
Never use the extender when the belt itself is
long enough to permit it to be buckled properly.
If removal of heavy clothing is all that is needed
to permit the seatbelt to be buckled properly,
remove the heavy clothing and do not use the
extender.
Do not use the extender if the buckle of the
extender rests over the abdomen.
Do not let someone else use the extender.
Use of an extender when it is not needed could
reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt and result in more serious injury in the event of a collision.
Use the extender only for the front seatbelts
and only for the model for which it was originally provided. Never use the extender for the rear
seatbelts or for a different model.
NOTE
When the seatbelt extender is used by a pregnant
passenger, consult a doctor to get approval in advance.
– CONTINUED –
1-27
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Front seatbelt pretensioners
US1110BA
To connect the extender to the seatbelt, insert the
tongue plate into the seatbelt buckle so that the
“PRESS” signs on the buckle-release buttons of the
extender and the seatbelt are both facing outward as
shown in the diagram. You will hear a click when the
tongue plate locks into the buckle.
When releasing the seatbelt, press on the buckle-release button on the extender, not on the seatbelt. This
helps to prevent damage to the vehicle interior and extender itself.
For the safety of others, the extender should be removed after each use, especially if the next person using the seatbelt does not need one.
1-28
HS1067BA
The driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelts have a
seatbelt pretensioner. The seatbelt pretensioners are
designed to be activated in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe frontal collision.
Also, the seatbelt pretensioners are designed to be
activated in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe side impact collision.
The pretensioner sensor also serves as the frontal and
side SRS airbag sensors. If the sensors detect a certain predetermined amount of force during a frontal
collision or a side impact collision, the front seatbelt is
Page 56
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
quickly drawn back in by the retractor to take up the
slack so that the belt more effectively restrains the
front seat occupant.
When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated, an operating noise will be heard and a small amount of smoke
will be released. These occurrences are normal and
not harmful. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the
vehicle.
Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been activated,
the seatbelt retractor remains locked. Consequently,
the seatbelt can not be pulled out and retracted and
therefore must be replaced.
NOTE
Seatbelt pretensioners are not designed to activate in minor frontal impacts, in minor side impacts or in rear impacts or in roll-over accidents.
The driver’s seat and passenger’s seat pretensioners and frontal SRS airbag operate simultaneously.
The driver’s seat and passenger’s seat pretensioners and the SRS side airbag operate simultaneously.
Pretensioners are designed to function 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 re-
placed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
When replacing seatbelt retractor assemblies, use
only genuine SUBARU parts.
If either front seatbelt does not retract or cannot
be pulled out due to a malfunction or activation of
the pretensioner, contact your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.
If the front seatbelt retractor assembly 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.
To obtain maximum protection, the occupants should sit in an upright position with
their seatbelts properly fastened. Refer to the
“Seatbelts” section in this chapter.
Do not modify, remove or strike the front
seatbelt retractor assemblies or surrounding
area. This could result in accidental activation
of the seatbelt pretensioners or could make the
system inoperative, possibly resulting in serious injury. Seatbelt pretensioners have no
user-serviceable parts. For required servicing
of front seatbelt retractors equipped with seat-
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1-29
Page 57
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
belt pretensioners, see your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
When discarding front seatbelt retractor assemblies or scrapping the entire car due to collision damage or for other reasons, consult
your SUBARU dealer.
System monitors
HS1103BA
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 SRS airbag system. There-
fore, if any malfunction occurs in a seatbelt pretensioner, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. The SRS airbag system warning light will show
normal system operation by lighting for about 6 seconds when the ignition key 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)
Side airbag sensor (Driver’s side)
Side airbag sensor (Passenger’s side)
Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side)
Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
All related wiring
And all other airbag components
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of following, the vehicle should be taken promptly to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and repaired, the seatbelt pretensioners
and SRS airbag will not function reliably:
Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
No illumination of the warning light when the ignition
switch is first turned to the “ON” position.
Continuous illumination of the warning light.
1-30
Page 58
Illumination of the warning light while driving.
System servicing
When discarding a seatbelt retractor assembly or scrapping the entire car 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 SRS airbag or could make the system inoperative,
which may result in serious injury. The wiring
harnesses of the seatbelt pretensioner and SRS
airbag systems are covered with yellow insulation and the connectors of the system are yellow for easy identification. Do not use electrical
test equipment on any circuit related to the
seatbelt pretensioner and SRS airbag systems.
For required servicing of the seatbelt pretensioner, see your nearest SUBARU dealer.
The front sub sensors are located near the bot-
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
tom of the radiator and the side airbag sensor
is located inside each center piller and the SRS
airbag control module including the impact
sensors is located under the center console. If
you need service or repair in those areas or
near the front seatbelt retractors, we recommend that you have an authorized SUBARU
dealer perform the work.
NOTE
If the front part of 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.
Precautions against vehicle modification
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts to your vehicle.
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with
proper operation of the seatbelt pretensioners.
Attachment of any equipment (bush bar,
– CONTINUED –
1-31
Page 59
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than
SUBARU genuine accessory parts to the front
end.
Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure.
Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the tires specified on the tire
placard attached to the driver’s door jamb.
Child restraint systems
UG1086BA
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 Motor Vehicle 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 lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)”).
1-32
Page 60
Children could be endangered in an accident if their
child restraints are not properly 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.
HS1069BA
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her
lap or in his or her arms while the vehicle is
moving. The passenger cannot protect the
child from injury in a collision, because the
child will be caught between the passenger and
objects inside the vehicle.
Additionally, holding a child in your lap or arms
in the front seat exposes that child to another
serious danger. Since the SRS airbag deploys
with considerable speed and force, the child
could be injured or even killed.
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1-33
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1070BA
Where to place a child restraint system
The following are SUBARU’s recommendations on
where to place a child restraint system in your vehicle.
Children should be properly restrained 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 deploys with considerable speed and force, the
child could be injured or even killed.
1-34
US1575AA
A: Front passenger’s seat
You should not install a child restraint system due to
the hazard to children posed by the passenger’s airbag.
B: Rear seat, window-side seating positions
Recommended positions for all types of child restraint
systems.
In these positions, Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) seatbelts and lower anchor bars are
provided for installing a child restraint system.
Page 62
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
C: Rear seat, center seating position
Installing a child restraint system is not recommended,
although the A/ELR seatbelt is 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.
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat
properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag
deploys with considerable speed and force and
can injure or even kill children, especially if
they are 12 years of age and under and are not
restrained or improperly restrained. Because
children are lighter and weaker than adults,
their risk of being injured from deployment is
greater.
For that reason, 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 device which is
appropriate for the child’s age, height and
weight. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions.
HS1072BA
SINCE YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A
PASSENGER’S SRS AIRBAG, NEVER INSTALL
A REARWARD FACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT
IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING
SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
Choosing a child restraint system
UGS507AA
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 applicable requirements
of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for United
States or Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for
Canada. It can be identified by locking for the label on
the child restraint system or the manufacture’s statement of compliance in the document attached to the
system. Also it is important for you to make sure that
the child restraint system is compatible with the vehicle in which it will be used.
Installing child restraint systems with
A/ELR seatbelt
Child restraint systems and seatbelts 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 systems can be thrown around inside of
the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; it
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
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that it 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 increased.
Installing a rearward facing child restraint
UGS508BA
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 following the instructions
provided by its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you
hear a click.
UGS509BA
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
5. Pull out the seatbelt 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.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
UGS510BA UG1089BA
6. Push and pull the child restraint system forward
and from side to side to check if it is firmly secured.
Sometime 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).
1-38
8. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt
to retract completely. 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.
Page 66
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.
Installing forward facing child restraint
US1581BA
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 following the instructions
provided by its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle untill you
hear a click.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
US1582BA
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
5. Pull out the seatbelt 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.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
US1583BA US1594BA
6. 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.
7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm
that it cannot be pulled out (ALR properly functioning).
1-40
8. If the child restraint system requires a top tether,
latch the hook onto the top tether anchor and tighten
the top tether. See the “Top tether anchorages” for additional instructions.
Page 68
UG1094BA
9. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt
to retract completely. The belt will return to the ELR
mode. Unhook the top tether hook from the top tether
anchor.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Installing a booster seat
Child restraint systems and seatbelts 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 systems can be thrown around inside of
the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; it
can strike and injure vehicle occupants as well
as result in serious injuries or death to the
child.
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.
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 securely in
position. If it is not held tight and secure, the
danger of your child suffering personal injury in
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
the event of an accident may be increased.
US1585BA
1. 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.
2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through or around
the booster seat and the child 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.
US1586BA
4. To remove the booster seat, press the release button on the seatbelt buckle and allow the belt to retract.
Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In
an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of 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
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
effective in preventing or reducing injury.
Place the lap belt as low as possible on the
child’s hips. A high-positioned lap belt will increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt and
of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen, and
both can result in serious internal injury or
death.
Make sure the shoulder belt is positioned
across the center of child’s shoulder. Placing
the shoulder belt over the neck may result in
neck injury during sudden braking or in a collision.
Installation of child restraint systems
by use of lower and tether anchorages
(LATCH)
Child restraint systems and seatbelts 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 re-
straint systems can be thrown around inside of
the vehicle in a sudden stop, turn or accident; it
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 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 increased.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
US1112BA HS1076BA
Some types of child restraint systems can be installed
on the rear seat of your vehicle without use of the seatbelts. Such child restraint systems are secured to the
designated anchorages provided on the vehicle body.
The lower and tether anchorages are sometimes referred to as the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and
Tethers for CHildren).
Your vehicle is equipped with four lower anchorages
(bars) and three upper anchorages (tether anchorages) for accommodating such child restraint systems.
1-44
The lower anchorages (bars) are used for installing a
child restraint system only on the rear seat windowside seating positions. For each window-side seating
position, two lower anchorages are provided.
Each anchor bar is located where the seat cushion
meets the seatback.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1077BA
The tether anchorages (upper anchorages) are provided for all the seating positions (middle and both
window-side ones) of the rear seat.
HS1078BA
You will find marks “ ” at the bottom of the rear
seat seatbacks. These marks indicate the positions of
the lower anchorages (bars).
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1-45
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1079BA US1588CA
Each lower anchorage is located where the seat cushion meets the seatback.
1. Use the “ ” marks to locate the two lower anchorages (bars) for the position where you want to install the child restraint system.
1-46
2. While following the instructions supplied by the
child restraint system manufacturer, 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.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
UG1098BA US1113BA
3. [If your child restraint system is of a flexible attachment type (which uses tether belts to connect the child
restraint system 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 tether anchorage and firmly tighten the tether.
For information on how to set the top tether, read the
following “Top tether anchorages”.
5. Before seating a child in the child restraint 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 installation.
If you have any question concerning this type of child
restraint system, ask your SUBARU dealer.
Top tether anchorages
Your vehicle is equipped with three top tether anchorages so that a child restraint system having a top tether can be installed in the rear seat. When installing a
child restraint system using top tether, proceed as fol-
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
lows, while observing the instructions 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 available.
Anchorage location
1
1) For left seat
2) For center seat
3) For right seat
3
2
HS1080BB
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Three upper anchorages are installed on the rear
edge of the roof.
Open the cover flaps to use the tether anchorages.
To hook the top tether
HS1081BA
1. Remove the headrest at the seating position where
the child restraint system has been installed with the
lower anchorages or seatbelt; lift up the headrest while
pressing the release button. Store the headrest in the
cargo area. Avoid placing the headrest in the passenger compartment to prevent it from being thrown
around in the passenger compartment in a sudden
stop or a sharp turn.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
US1593BA
2. Open the cover flaps to use the anchorages. Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint system to
the appropriate top tether anchorage.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
US1594BA
3. Tighten the top tether securely.
Always remove the headrest when mounting a
child restraint system with a top tether. Otherwise, it may not be possible to fasten the top
tether tightly.
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint
System airbag)
*SRS: This stands for supplemental restraint system.
This name is used because the airbag system supplements the vehicle’s seatbelts.
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint
system in addition to a lap/shoulder belt at each front
seating position.
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of
two airbag (driver’s and front passenger’s frontal air-
bags) or four airbags (driver’s and front passenger’s
frontal airbags and driver’s and front passenger’s
side airbags).
These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protection provided by the
seatbelt.
To obtain maximum protection in the event of
an accident, the driver and all passengers in the
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
vehicle should always wear seatbelts when the
vehicle is moving. The SRS airbag is designed
only as a supplement to the primary protection
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
car has the SRS airbag.
For instructions and precautions concerning
the seatbelt system, see the “Seatbelts” sections in this chapter.
Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the
SRS airbag. Because the SRS airbag deploys
with considerable speed – faster than the blink
of an eye – and force to protect 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 proper position such as one thrown forward during pre-accident braking.
Even when properly positioned, there remains
a possibility that an occupant may suffer minor
injury such as abrasions and bruises to the
face or arms because of the SRS airbag deployment force.
The SRS airbags deploy with 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 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 possible and sit
upright and well back in the seat.
Do not place any objects over or near the
SRS airbag cover or between you and the SRS
airbag. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects
could interfere with its proper operation and
could be propelled inside the car and cause injury.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1034BA
Put children aged 12 and under in the rear
seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS
airbag deploys with considerable speed and
force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and
are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than
adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
For that reason, we strongly recommend that
ALL children (including those in child seats and
those that have outgrown child restraint devic-
es) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at
all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s
age, height and weight.
Secure ALL types of child restraint 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 positions than in the front seating positions.
For instructions and precautions concerning
the child restraint system, see the “Child restraint systems” section in this chapter.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING
CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE
CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
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 airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or
even kill the child.
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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 trouble. If you or
your passengers have breathing problems after
SRS airbag deploys, get fresh air promptly.
A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get burnt 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 to the applicable section in this
owner’s manual.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
5
2
10
6
8
11
9
12
1
7
HS1083BB
1) Airbag control module (including
impact sensors)
2) Airbag module (driver’s side)
3) Airbag module (passenger’s
side)
4) Front sub sensor (left hand side)
4
5) Front sub sensor (right hand
side)
6) Side airbag module (driver’s
3
side if equipped)
7) Side airbag module (passenger’s side if equipped)
8) Side airbag sensor (driver’s
side)
9) Side airbag sensor (passenger’s
side)
10) Airbag wiring
11) Seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s
side)
12) Seatbelt pretensioner (passenger’s side)
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
SRS frontal airbag
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag is stowed in the center
portion of the steering wheel. The 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.
HS1072BA
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.
HS1070BA
Never allow a child to stand up, or to kneel on
the front passenger’s seat. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or
even kill the child.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1069BA HS1084BA
Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms.
The SRS airbag deploys with considerable
force and can injure or even kill the child.
1-56
The SRS airbag deploys 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 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 possible and sit
upright and well back in the seat.
It is also important to wear your seatbelt to help
Page 84
avoid injuries that can result when the SRS airbag contacts an occupant not in proper position such as one thrown toward the front of the
car during pre-accident braking.
HS1085BA
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 propelled inside
the vehicle and cause injury.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1086BA
Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or
fit an extra-wide mirror over the rear view mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects
could become projectiles that could seriously
injure vehicle occupants.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Operation
A
1
2
A) Driver’s side
B) Passenger’s side
1) SRS AIRBAGs deploy as soon as a collision occurs.
2) After deployment, SRS AIRBAGs start to deflate immediately so that the driver’s vision is not obstructed.
B
1-58
HS1087BB
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
If the sensors detect a certain predetermined amount
of force during a frontal collision, the control module
sends signals to the frontal airbag modules instructing
them to inflate the SRS frontal airbags. Then both airbag modules produce gas, which instantly inflates
driver’s and passenger’s SRS frontal airbags. After the
deployment, the SRS airbags immediately start to deflate so that the driver’s vision is not obstructed. The
time required from detecting impact to the deflation of
the SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the
blink of an eye.
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag deploys together with driver’s SRS frontal airbag even when no
one occupies the front passenger’s seat.
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 ability 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 occurrences are normal result of the
deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the
vehicle.
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 result of deployment.
The SRS frontal airbag is designed to deploy in the
event of an accident involving a moderate to severe
frontal collision. It is basically not designed to deploy
in lesser frontal impacts because the necessary protection can be achieved by the seatbelt alone. Also, it
is basically not designed to deploy in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents because deployment of
the SRS frontal airbag would not help the occupant in
those situations. The SRS airbag is designed to function on a one-time-only basis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of force
experienced in the passenger 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 itself.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
When will the SRS frontal airbag most likely deploy?
HS1088BA
A head-on collision against a thick concrete wall at a
vehicle speed of 12 to 19 mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates the SRS frontal airbag. The SRS frontal
airbag will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the above-mentioned collision.
At what other times might the SRS frontal airbag deploy?
US1556BA
The SRS frontal airbag may be activated when the vehicle sustains a hard impact in the undercarriage area
from the road surface (such as when the vehicle
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
plunges into a deep ditch, is severely bumped or
knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as
a curb).
When is the SRS frontal airbag unlikely to deploy?
US1557BA
There are many types of collisions which might not
necessarily require SRS frontal airbag deployment. 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 frontal impact, the SRS
frontal airbag may not deploy depending on the level
of accident forces involved.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
When will the SRS frontal airbag not deploy?
US1558BA
The SRS frontal airbag is basically not designed to deploy if the vehicle is struck from side or from behind, or
if it rolls onto its side or roof, or if it is involved in a lowspeed frontal collision.
2
1
HS1104BB
1) First impact
2) Second impact
In an accident where the vehicle is impacted more
than once, the SRS frontal airbag deploys only once.
Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle, then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, once the SRS frontal airbag is activated on the first impact, it will not be activated on the
second.
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SRS side airbag (if equipped)
The SRS side airbag is stored in the door side of each
front seatback, which bears an “SRS AIRBAG” label.
In a moderate to severe side impact collision, the SRS
side airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the door panel and
supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on
the occupant’s chest and head.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS side airbag is designed as only a supplement to the primary protection provided by
the seatbelt. It does not do away with the need
to fasten seatbelts. It is also important to wear
your seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when an occupant is not seated in a proper
upright position.
HS1092BA
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 deployment may cause injuries
if your head or other body parts are too close to
the SRS side airbag.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1093BA HS1094BA
Do not rest your arm on either front door or its
internal trim. It could be injured in the event of
SRS side airbag deployment.
HS1095BA
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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 seatback. 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
body parts are too close to the SRS side airbag.
Since your vehicle is also equipped with a 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1096BA
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 deployment, they could
be propelled dangerously toward the vehicle’s
occupants and cause injuries.
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1-65
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
HS1097BA
Do not put any kind of cover or clothes or other
objects over either front seatback and do not
attach labels or stickers to the front seat surface on or near the SRS side airbag. They could
prevent proper deployment of the SRS side airbag, reducing protection available to the front
seat’s occupant.
Operation
A
B
C
HS1098BB
A) SRS side airbag deploys as soon as a collision oc-
curs.
B) SRS side airbag protects the front passenger’s head
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
and chest.
C) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate im-
mediately.
The SRS side airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags
deploy independently of each other since each has its
own impact sensor. Also, the SRS side airbag deploys
independently of the frontal airbags in the steering
wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the vehicle’s center pillars. If either sensor detects a certain
predetermined amount of force during a side impact
collision, the control module sends a signal to the side
airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, instructing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the
side airbag module produces gas, which instantly inflates the SRS side airbag. After the deployment, the
SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The
time required from detecting impact to the deflation of
the SRS side airbag after deployment is shorter than
the blink of an eye.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied.
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly
loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will
be released. These occurrences are normal result of
the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
Do not touch the SRS side airbag system components around the front seatback with bare
hands right after deployment. Doing so can
cause burns because the components can be
very hot as a result of deployment.
The SRS side airbag is designed to deploy in the event
of an accident involving a moderate to severe side impact collision. It is basically not designed to deploy in
lesser side impact. Also, it is basically not designed to
deploy in frontal or rear impacts because SRS side airbag deployment would not help the occupant in those
situations.
Each SRS side airbag is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis.
SRS side airbag deployment depends on the level of
force experienced in the passenger compartment during a side impact collision. That level differs from one
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing
on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself.
When will the SRS side airbag most likely deploy?
HS1099BA
A severe side impact near the front seat activates the
SRS side airbag.
When is the SRS side airbag unlikely to deploy?
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1) The vehicle is involved in an ob-
1
2
lique side-on impact.
2) The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact in an area outside the vicinity of the passenger compartment.
3) The vehicle strikes a telephone
pole or similar object.
4) The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact from a motorcycle.
4
5) The vehicle rolls onto its side or
roof.
3
5
US1568BB
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
There are many types of collisions which might not
necessarily require SRS side airbag deployment. In
the event of accidents like those illustrated, the SRS
side airbag may not deploy depending on the level of
accident forces involved.
When will the SRS side airbag not deploy?
1
2
US1569BB
1) The vehicle is involved in frontal collision with another
vehicle (moving or stationary).
2) The vehicle is struck from behind.
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS side airbag is basically not designed to deploy if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision or is
struck from behind. Examples of such accidents are illustrated.
2
1
HS1102BB
1) First impact
2) Second impact
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side
more than once, the SRS side airbag deploys only
once.
Example: In the case of a double side impact collision,
first with one vehicle and immediately followed by another from the same direction, once the SRS side airbag is activated on the first impact, it will not be acti-
vated on the second.
SRS airbag system monitors
HS1103BA
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS airbag system while the vehicle is being driven. The SRS airbag system warning light “AIRBAG” will show normal system operation by lighting for
about 6 seconds when the ignition key 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)
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side)
Frontal airbag module (Passenger’s side)
Side airbag sensor (Driver’s side)
Side airbag sensor (Passenger’s side)
Side airbag module (Driver’s side)
Side airbag module (Passenger’s side)
Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side)
Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
All related wiring
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of following, the vehicle should be taken promptly to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and repaired, the SRS airbags will not
function reliably:
Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
No illumination of the warning light when the ignition
switch is first turned to the “ON” position.
Continuous illumination of the warning light.
Illumination of the warning light while driving.
SRS airbag system servicing
When discarding an airbag module or scrap-
ping the entire car damaged by a collision, con-
sult your SUBARU dealer.
The SRS airbag has no user-serviceable
parts. Do not use electrical test equipment on
any circuit related to the SRS airbag system.
For required servicing of the SRS airbag, see
your nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with
or disconnecting the system’s wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or
could make the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury. The wiring harnesses of
the SRS airbag system are covered with yellow
insulation and system connectors are yellow
for easy identification.
If you need service or repair in areas listed below, we recommend that you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in these areas.
Under the center console
Near the bottom of the radiator
Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s
side and nearby areas
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Each front seat and nearby area (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only)
Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, replacement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are replaced, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags
must be inspected by a SUBARU dealer ten years after the date of manufacture, which is shown on the certification plate attached to the driver’s door jamb.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
The front part of the vehicle was involved in an
accident in which the SRS frontal airbags did not
deploy.
The pad section of the steering wheel or front
passenger’s frontal airbag cover is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS
side airbags, contact your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible in the following cases.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Either center pillar or a nearby area of the vehicle was involved in an accident in which the SRS
side airbag did not deploy.
The fabric or leather of either front seatback is
cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged.
Precautions against vehicle modification
To avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any components or wiring of
the SRS airbag system.
This includes following modifications:
Installation of custom steering wheels
Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard
Installation of custom seats (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only)
Replacement of seat fabric or leather (for
vehicles with SRS side airbags only)
Installation of additional fabric or leather
on the front seat (for vehicles with SRS side
airbags only)
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