2003 SUBARU FORESTER airbag

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS side airbag is basically not designed to de-
ploy if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision or is
struck from behind. Examples of such accidents are il-
lustrated.
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 an-
other from the same direction, once the SRS side air-
bag is activated on the first impact, it will not be activated on the second.
SRS airbag system monitors
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readi-
ness of the SRS airbag system while the vehicle is be-
ing driven. The SRS airbag system warning light
“AIRBAG” will show normal system operation by light-
ing for about 6 seconds when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position.
The following components are monitored by the indi- cator: Front sub sensor (Right hand side)
Front sub sensor (Left hand side)
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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
–CONTINUED –
Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side)
Frontal airbag module (Passenger’s side)
Side airbag sensor (Driver’s side – if equipped)
Side airbag sensor (Passenger’s side – if equipped)
Side airbag module (Driver’s side – if equipped)
Side airbag module (Passenger’s side – if
equipped) Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side)
Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
All related wiring
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of follow-
ing, the vehicle should be taken promptly to your near-
est 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

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
side and nearby areas
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, re-
placement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are re-
placed, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags
must be inspected by a SU BARU dealer ten years af-
ter the date of manufacture, which is shown on the cer-
tification plate attached to the driver’s door jamb.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU deal-
er 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

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
–CONTINUED –
airbags only)
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 inter-
fere with proper operation of the SRS airbag
system.
Do not perform any of the following modifica-
tions. Such modifications can interfere with
proper operation of the SRS airbag system. Attachment of any equipment (brush bar,
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 con-
struction from the tires specified on the tire
placard attached to the driver

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Keys and doors
1) Connector for SRS airbag system (yellow)
2) White (1P)
2. Connect the white (1 pole) connector.
3. Turn the ignition switch from the “LOCK” to the
“ON” position.
4. Install the side sill cover.
To place the system in active arming mode (remote re-
quired for activation), disconnect the white connector.
Do not disconnect or tamper with any yellow
connector and/or any harness covered with yel- low insulation and/or tape.
Doing so could result in accidental inflation of
the SRS airbag or could make the SRS airbag
system inoperative, which may result in serious
injury.
Arming the system
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
1) ON
2) LOCK
2. Turn the ignition switch from “ON” to “LOCK” posi-
tion and remove the key from the ignition switch.1
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3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch ............................................. 3-2 LOCK ................................................................ 3-2
ACC .................................................................. 3-3
ON ..................................................................... 3-3
START .............................................................. 3-3
Key reminder chime ........................................ 3-3
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ...... 3-4
Hazard warning flasher ............................... 3-5
Meters and gauges ...................................... 3-5 Speedometer ................................................... 3-5
Odometer/Trip meter ...................................... 3-5
Tachometer ...................................................... 3-6
Fuel gauge ....................................................... 3-7
Temperature gauge ......................................... 3-8
Ambient temperature gauge .......................... 3-9
Warning and indicator lights ...................... 3-9 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................. 3-9
SRS airbag system warning light .................. 3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp ................................................. 3-10
Charge warning light ...................................... 3-11
Oil pressure warning light .............................. 3-11
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(for AT vehicles) .............................................. 3-12
ABS warning light ........................................... 3-12
Brake system warning light ........................... 3-13
Door open warning lights ............................... 3-14
Low fuel warning light .................................... 3-14
Front-wheel drive warning light
(for AT vehicles) .............................................. 3-15
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) ........... 3-15 Turn signal indicator lights ............................ 3-15
High beam indicator light ............................... 3-15
Cruise control indicator light ......................... 3-15
Clock ............................................................. 3-16
Light control switch ..................................... 3-17 Headlights ....................................................... 3-17
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................. 3-18
Headlight flasher ............................................. 3-18
Daytime running light system ....................... 3-19
Turn signal lever .......................................... 3-19
Illumination brightness control .................. 3-20
Parking light switch ..................................... 3-21
Fog light switch (if equipped) ..................... 3-21
Wiper and washer ........................................ 3-22 Windshield wiper and washer switches ....... 3-23
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........ 3-25
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) ....... 3-26
Rear window defogger switch .................... 3-27
Mirrors ........................................................... 3-29 Inside mirror .................................................... 3-29
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-31
Tilt steering wheel ........................................ 3-33
Horn ............................................................... 3-34

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Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
Ambient temperature gauge
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from –22 °Fto122 °F(–30 °Cto
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
ing a shutdown. When the actual ambient temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica-
tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the seatbelt warning light will come on and the remind-
er chime will sound for about six seconds to remind the
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Instruments and controls
driver to fasten the seatbelt.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after six seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off by bucking
the driver’s side seatbelt or turn off automatically after
six seconds.
SRS airbag system warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for
about six seconds and go out. This shows the SRS air-
bag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and seatbelt
pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illuminat-
ed even after a period of about 6 seconds from when
the ignition has been turned on, it may indicate that the
SRS airbag system or SRS side airbag system (if
equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner system is not work-
ing properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you
are driving, have your vehicle checked/repaired
by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired
as necessary could cause serious damage,
which may not be covered by your vehicle