Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Front seats 2-2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seat access (Coupe) 2-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 2-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fold down rear seat — Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT 2-8. . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelts 2-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt safety tips 2-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function
(except 2-point type seatbelt) 2-12
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function
(except driver’s and 2-point type seatbelt) 2-13
Seatbelt warning light and chime 2-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fastening the seatbelt 2-13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt maintenance 2-19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint systems 2-20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top tether anchorages 2-25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 2-27. . . . . . . .
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags
and lap/shoulder restraint 2-27
SRS airbag operation 2-32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system monitors 2-37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system servicing 2-38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions against vehicle modification 2-39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2
Front seats
WARNING
D Never adjust the seat while driving to avoid the possibility of
loss of vehicle control and of personal injury .
D 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.
D Before adjusting the seat, make sure the hands and feet of rear
seat passengers are clear of the adjusting mechanism.
D Seat belts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seat belt 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.
D 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.
D 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.
D 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
2-2
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
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 seat belt, 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.
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit well
back and upright.
Move the seat as far from the
steering wheel as practical.
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit
well back and upright.
Move the seat
as far back as
possible.
HS0234HS0233
– CONTINUED –
2-3
Put children in the rear seat properly
restrained at all times.
Do not recline the seatback while
vehicle is moving.
HS0247HG0356
B Fore and aft adjustment
OM-H0032OM-H0031
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.
B Reclining the seatback
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.
2-4
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
B Head restraint adjustment
HS0031
To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower it, push the head restraint down while depressing the release button on the top of the
seatback.
OM-H2735
The best position for the head restraint is just above or level with the
top of the ears.
– CONTINUED –
2-5
J Rear seat access (Coupe)
CAUTION
D Never operate the reclining pedal with your fingers or with
bare feet. Doing so could result in injury to your fingers or toes.
D Never allow children to operate the reclining pedal or lever.
Their fingers or feet could be caught in the reclining mechanism,
which may result in injury .
For access to the rear seat, pull up the reclining lever at the right side of
the passenger’s seat cushion. The seat back will recline forward fully, al-
lowing you to access to the rear seat.
For egress from the rear seat, depress the reclining pedal at the back of
the passenger’s seat cushion. The seat back will recline forward fully, al-
lowing you room to exit.
Raise the seat back until it locks after access to or egress from the rear
seat and make sure that the seat back is locked in position by moving
the top of it fore and aft.
Reclining pedal
2-6
Reclining lever
OM-H0425
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Rear seats
WARNING
D Seat belts 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.
D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback, in
the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury or death.
D 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.
D Secure skis and other lengthy items properly to prevent them
from shooting forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop, a sudden steering or a rapid acceleration.
Sit well back and
upright.
HG0339
– CONTINUED –
2-7
J Fold down rear seat — Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT
WARNING
D After returning the rear seat to its original position, be certain
to place all of the seat belts and the tab attached to the seat cushion above the seat cushion. And make certain that the shoulder
belts are fully visible.
D Never permit anyone to ride in the cargo area.
B Folding down the seatback
HG0276OM-H0037
Unlock the seatback by pulling the release knob and then fold the
seatback down.
B Folding down the seat cushion and seatback
1. Move the front seat forward.
2. Store the seat belts in the seat belt pocket to prevent them falling
below the cushion.
2-8
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Buckle
(center seatbelt)
Tongue
(center seatbelt)
OM-H0041
3. Raise the seat cushion by pulling up the tab.
OM-H0040
4. Unlock the seatback by pulling the release knob and fold the seatback down. Confirm that the pin located at the bottom of the seat
cushion is inserted into the slot at the top of the seatback.
– CONTINUED –
2-9
OM-H0042
To return the rear seat to its original position, raise the seatback and seat
cushion until they lock into place and make sure that they are securely
locked.
Make sure that the rear seat belts are not under the seat cushion or seatback.
2-10
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Seatbelts
J Seatbelt safety tips
WARNING
D 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.
D All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint.
Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing
injury.
D Each seatbelt is designed to support only one person. Never
use a single belt for two or more persons — even children. Other-
wise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result.
D 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.
D 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.
– CONTINUED –
2-11
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.
B Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle. See information on “Child restraint systems” in this chapter.
B 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, 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.
B Expectant mothers
Expectant mothers also need to use the seatbelts. They should consult their doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be
worn securely and as low as possible over the hips, not over the
waist.
J Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function (except
2-point type seatbelt)
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.
2-12
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
J Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function (except
driver’s and 2-point type seatbelt)
When securing a child restraint system on the passengers’ seats, the
seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
mode.
When the child restraint system is removed, make sure that the retractor
operates as an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR).
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.
J Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s
seat.
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 the
“ON” position to remind the driver to wear the seatbelt. If the driver’s
seatbelt is not fastened, a warning chime sounds at the same time.
J Fastening the seatbelt
WARNING
D Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this
can increase the risk or severity of injury .
D 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.
D 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 se-
– CONTINUED –
2-13
rious internal injury or death.
D 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 lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will
increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.
Always wear the seatbelts correctly.
Adjust the seatback
to upright position.
Sit well back and
upright.
Always wear the seat
belt correctly.
Sit well back and upright.
HS0230
Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or
behind the back.
HS0231
HG0358
CAUTION
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.
2-14
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
B 3-point type seatbelt (Combination lap/shoulder belts)
WARNING
Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. If
an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury.
OM-H0044OM-H0043
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 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.
4. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle until you hear a click.
5. To make the lap part tight, pull up on the shoulder belt. And place
the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
– CONTINUED –
2-15
n Adjusting the front seat shoulder belt anchor height
WARNING
When wearing the front 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.
OM-H0046
The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position
best suited for you.
To adjust the anchor height, pull the release knob and move the anchor to the desired position.
Always adjust the anchor height so that the shoulder belt passes over
the middle of the shoulder without touching the neck.
n Seatbelt guide (Coupe)
WARNING
The seatbelt guide must be in its fully raised position when the
seatbelt is worn.
Otherwise, the seatbelt will be less effective in prevailing injury in
an accident.
2-16
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Before fastening the seatbelt, raise the belt guide until it stops so that
the seatbelt can be easily handled. For easy access to or egress from
the rear seat, lower the guide to the storing position.
Wear front seat
belt with seat
belt guide
fully raised up.
Seat belt guide
HG0042
Starting
position
Seat belt
guide
Fully
raised up
position
OM-H0426
n Unfastening the seatbelt
Front
Push
Rear
Push
HS0138HB0303
Push the button on the buckle.
Before closing the door, make sure that the belts are retracted proper-
ly to avoid catching the belt webbing in the door.
– CONTINUED –
2-17
B 2-point type seatbelt (lap only belts)
T oo high
Keep as low on hip
bone as possible.
OM-H0049OM-H0048
1. Sit well back in the seat and pick up the tongue plate marked
“CENTER”. Be careful not to twist the belt.
2. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle marked “CENTER” until you
hear a click. The tongue plate marked “CENTER” can be fastened
only into the buckle marked “CENTER”. If the belt is not long enough
for you, hold the tongue plate at a right angle to the belt and pull the
belt to extend.
3. To make the belt tight, pull up on the belt. And place the lap belt as
low as possible on your hips, not your waist.
n Unfastening the seatbelt
Push
OM-H0050
Push the release button on the buckle.
2-18
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
NOTE
When the seatbelt is not in use, store the seatbelt in the seatbelt
pocket to prevent it from being damaged.
Saet belt pocket
Buckle
(center seatbelt)
Tongue
(center seatbelt)
OM-H0041
J Seatbelt maintenance
CAUTION
D Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals and particularly
battery acid.
D Never attempt to make modifications or changes that will prevent the seatbelt from operating properly .
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.
– CONTINUED –
2-19
Child restraint systems
WARNING
D Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap 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.
D 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.
D SINCE YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A PASSENGER’S
SRS AIRBAG, DO NOT 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.
D Children should be properly restrained in the rear seat at all
times. 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.
2-20
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Never hold a child on your lap or in
your arms in the front passenger’s
seat or any other seat.
HS0229
Never install rearward facing child
seat in the front passenger’s seat.
HS0042
Secure child restraint devices in the
REAR seats at all times.
OM-H0051
Never allow a child to stand up, or to
kneel on the front passenger’s seat
or any other seat.
HS0228
WARNING
D Child restraint systems and seat belts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn
a small child. Check the child restraint system before you place a
child in it.
D 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.
– CONTINUED –
2-21
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 the vehicle seats
by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt.
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.
B Installing child restraint systems in the 2-point type seat belt
position (Rear center seating position)
CAUTION
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that 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.
2-22
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
HS2002BA
1. Set the child restraint system in the center seating position.
2. Run the 2-point type seat belt through or around the child restraint
system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle.
4. Tighten the seat belt.
5. Before having a child sit in the child restraint system, move it back
and forth to check if it is firmly secured. Sometimes a child restraint
can be more firmly srcured by pushing it down into the seat cushion
and then tightening the seatbelt.
If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto
the top tether anchor and tighten the top tether. See “Top tether an-
chorages” for additional instructions.
6. To remove the child restraint system, press the release button on
the seatbelt buckle.
B Installing child restraint systems in the 3-point type seat belt
position
CAUTION
When you install a child restraint system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with it. After installing the child restraint system, check to ensure that 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.
– CONTINUED –
2-23
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 seat belt to retract fully .
HGS021BA
1. Set the child restraint system in the seating position.
2. Run the lap and shoulder belts through or around the child restraint system following the instructions provided by its manufacturer.
If the shoulder belt goes in front of the child’s face or neck, put it be-
hind the child restraint system.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle.
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
5. Pull out the seat belt 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.
6. Before having a child sit in the child restraint system, move it back
and forth to check if it is firmly secured. Sometimes a child restraint
can be more firmly secured by pushing it down into the seat cushion
and then tightening the seat belt.
7. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt to confirm that it cannot be
pulled out (ALR properly functioning).
If the child restraint system requires a top tether, latch the hook onto the
top tether anchor and tighten the top tether. See “Top tether anchorages”
2-24
for additional instructions.
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
HG0188
HGS022BA
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.
J Top tether anchorages
B Anchorage location
HG2005BBHG2004BB
Three anchorages, i.e., ones for the right, center and left positions,
are already installed on the rear parcel shelf (on coupe and sedan) or
on the back wall of the cargo area (on station wagon and OUTBACK
SPORT).
– CONTINUED –
2-25
B To hook the top tether
Coupe and sedan
Top tether hook
OM-H0396
Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT
Center anchorage
T op tether hook
OM-H0450
Left and right anchorage
HG2003BC
Fasten the top tether hook of the child restraint to the appropriate anchorage.
Tighten the top tether securely.
2-26
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
*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.
J Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS air-
bags and lap/shoulder restraint
WARNING
D 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 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.
D 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.
– CONTINUED –
2-27
D 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 .
D 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.
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit well
back and upright.
Move the seat as far from the
steering wheel as practical.
Adjust the seatback to
upright position. Sit
well back and upright.
Move the seat
as far back as
HS0233
possible.
WARNING
D 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 ap-
2-28
HB0290
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
propriate 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.
D 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.
D 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.
Put children in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times.
HB0291
Never install rearward facing child
seat in the front passenger’s seat.
HB0306
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2-29
Never allow a child to stand up, or
to kneel on the front passenger’s
seat
Never hold a child on your lap or in
your arms.
HB0307
HB0308
WARNING
D Do not put any objects over the steering wheel pad and dashboard. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects could interfere
with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the vehicle and cause injury .
D Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or fit an extrawide mirror over the rear view mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys,
those objects could become projectiles that could seriously injure vehicle occupants.
Do not put any objects over the
steering wheel pad and dashboard
Do not attach accessories to the
windshield, or fit an extra-wide mirror over the rear view mirror.
HS0245HS0244
2-30
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
CAUTION
D 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 .
D A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get
burnt if they come into direct contact with the hot gas.
The supplemental restraint system (SRS) consists of two airbags (driver’s
and front passenger’s SRS airbags).
These SRS airbags are designed only as a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt.
The driver’s SRS airbag is stowed in the center portion of the steering
wheel. The passenger’s SRS airbag is stowed near the top of the dash-
board under an “SRS AIRBAG” mark.
In a moderate to severe frontal collision, the driver’s and front passen-
ger’s SRS airbags deploy and supplement the seatbelts by reducing the
impact on the driver’s and front passenger’s head and chest.
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.
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2-31
B Components
SRS airbag module
Front sub sensor
(Left hand side)
(Driver’s side)
Front sub sensor
(Right hand side)
SRS airbag module
(Passenger’s side)
SRS airbag control module
(including impact sensors)
HG0287
J SRS airbag operation
CAUTION
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.
2-32
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
Passenger’s side
OM-H0384
SRS airbags
deploy as soon as
a collision occurs.
After deployment,
SRS airbags start
to deflate immediately so that the
driver’s vision is not
obstructed.
Driver’s side
The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
If the front sub sensors inside the both front fenders and the impact
sensors in the airbag control module detect a certain predetermined
amount of force during a frontal collision, the control module sends
signals to the airbag modules instructing them to inflate the SRS airbags. Then both airbag modules produce gas, which instantly inflates
driver’s and passenger’s SRS 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 deflating
SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
The front passenger’s SRS airbag deploys together with driver’s SRS
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
– CONTINUED –
2-33
normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
The SRS 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 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.
n Examples of accident in which the SRS airbag will most likely
deploy.
A head-on collision against a thick concrete wall at a vehicle speed of
12 to 19 mph (20 to 30 km/h) activates the SRS airbag. The SRS airbag will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the above-mentioned collision.
2-34
HG2000BA
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
n Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that
the SRS airbag will deploy.
The SRS airbag may be activated when the vehicle sustains a hard
impact in the undercarriage area from the road surface (such as when
the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch, is severely bumped or knocked
hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).
HG2002BAHG2001BA
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS airbag is
unlikely to deploy.
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require
SRS 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 airbag may not
deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.
The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or similar object.
The vehicle slides under a
truck’s load bed.
The vehicle sustains an
oblique offset frontal impact.
HG0290HG0289HG0288
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2-35
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS airbag
will basically not deploy .
The SRS 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 low-speed frontal collision.
The vehicle is struck from
behind.
The vehicle is struck from
the side.
The vehicle rolls onto its
side or roof.
HG0293HG0292HG0291
In an accident where the vehicle is impacted more than once, the
SRS airbag deploys only once on the first impact.
Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle,
then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, the SRS airbag
is activated on the first impact but not on the second.
2-36
HB1070BB
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
J SRS airbag system monitors
SRS airbag system warning light
HG0341
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:
D Front sub sensor (Right hand side)
D Front sub sensor (Left hand side)
D Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
D Airbag module (Driver’s side)
D Airbag module (Passenger’s side)
D 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:
D Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
D No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first
turned to the “ON” position.
D Continuous illumination of the warning light.
D Illumination of the warning light while driving.
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2-37
J SRS airbag system servicing
WARNING
D When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire car
damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.
D 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 the system connectors are
yellow for easy identification.
CAUTION
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.
D Under the center console
D Inside each front fender
D Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
D Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s side and nearby
areas
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 label attached to the driver’s door.
2-38
Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
D The front part of the vehicle was involved in an accident in
which the SRS airbags did not deploy .
D The pad section of the steering wheel or front passenger’s air-
bag cover is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.
J Precautions against vehicle modification
WARNING
D 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:
D Installation of custom steering wheel
D Attachment of additional trim materials to the dashboard
D Installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment such
as a mobile two-way radio on or near the SRS airbag system
components and/or wiring is not advisable. This could interfere
with proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
D Attachment of any equipment (brush bar, winches, snow
plow, skid plate, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory
parts to the front end
D Modification of the suspension system or front end structure
D Installation of a tire of different size and construction from
the tires specified on the tire placard attached to the door jamb
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory
parts to your vehicle.
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2-39
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