2003 SUBARU BAJA airbag

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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 inthe vehicle.
The SRS frontal airbag is designed to deploy in the event of an acci-
dent 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 acci-
dents because deployment of the SRS frontal airbag would not helpthe occupant in those situations. The SRS airbag is designed to func-
tion 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 thevisible damage done to the vehicle itself. nExamples of accident in which the SRS frontal 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) or higher activates the SRS frontal air-
bag. 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.
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nExamples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that
the SRS frontal airbag will deploy.
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 plunges into a deep ditch, is severely bumped or
knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).
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HB1137BA
n Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS frontal
airbag is unlikely to deploy.
There are many types of collisions which might not necessarily require
SRS frontal airbag deployment. If the vehicle strikes an object, suchas 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 in-volved.
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HB1041AB

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nExamples of the types of accidents in which the SRS frontal
airbag will basically not deploy.
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 low-speed frontal collision.
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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 onthe second.
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SRS airbag system monitors
HB4010EC
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS air-
bag system (including front seatbelt pretensioners) 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 igni-
tion 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)
Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
Frontal airbag module (Driver ’s side)
Frontal 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 “ON” position.
Continuous illumination of the warning light.

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Illumination of the warning light while driving.
SRS airbag system servicing
WARNING
When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire car
damaged by a collision, consult 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 near-
est SUBARU dealer. Tampering with or disconnecting the sys-
tem’ s wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag
or could make the system inoperative, which may result in seri-
ous injury. The wiring harnesses of the SRS airbag system arecovered with yellow insulation and system connectors are yellowfor 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.
Under the center console
Inside each front fender
Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
Top of the dashboard on front passenger ’s side and nearby
areas Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, replacement of the sys-
tem should be performed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer.When the components of the SRS airbag system are replaced, useonly genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags must be inspected

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by a SUBARU dealer ten years after the date of manufacture, which is
shown on the certification label attached to the driver’s door.
NOTE In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as pos- sible. 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.
Precautions against vehicle modification
WARNING
To avoid accidental activation of the system or rendering the
system inoperative, which may result in serious injury, no modifi-cations should be made to any components or wiring of the SRSairbag system.This includes following modifications: Installation of custom steering wheels
Attachment of additional trim materials to the dashboard
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 interferewith proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifi-cations can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag sys-tem. Attachment of any equipment (brush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts tothe front end. Modification of the suspension system or front end structure.

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Installation of a tire of different size and construction from the
tires specified on the tire placard attached to the driver ’s door
jamb.
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory
parts to your vehicle.

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remote transmitter. Note that in this mode, DOORS MUST BE MANU-
ALLY LOCKED. nTo enter the passive mode
WARNING
Do not disconnect or tamper with any yellow connector and/or any harness covered with yellow insulation and/or tape.Doing so could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag orcould make the SRS airbag system inoperative, which may result
in serious injury.
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HB2036BA
1. Remove the side sill cover on the driver ’s side.
1) Open the driver ’s door.
2) Remove the two clips fastening the front portion of the cover
with a screwdriver.
3) Remove the side sill cover by pulling it up.
2. Connect the white (1 pole) connector.
3. Turn the ignition switch from “LOCK” to “ON”.
4. Install the side sill cover.
To place the system in active arming mode (remote required for ac-
tivation), disconnect the white connector.