
1-50
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
WARNING
Do not attach accessories to the
windshield, or fit an extra-wide mir-
ror over the rear view mirror. If the
SRS airbag deploys, those objects
could become projectiles that could
seriously injure vehicle occupants.
! Driver ’s SRS frontal airbag
The driver ’s SRS frontal airbag uses a
dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in
different ways depending on the severity
of impact, backward-forward adjustment
of the driver ’s seat position and whether or
not he/she is wearing the seatbelt.
The backward-forward adjustment of the
driver ’s seat position is monitored by the driver
’s seat position sensor under the
driver ’s seat.
Whether or not the driver is wearing the
seatbelt is monitored by the seatbelt
buckle switch.
Observe the following precautions. Failure
to do so may cause the seatbelt buckle
switch and/or the seat position sensor to
malfunction, preventing the Subaru ad-
vanced frontal airbag system from func-
tioning correctly or causing the system to
fail.
. Do not place articles/metal objects or
install any accessory other than a genuine
SUBARU accessory under the driver ’s
seat. Do not allow the rear seat occupant
to kick the driver ’s seat or push up its
bottom surface with his/her feet.
. Do not place a magnet near the
seatbelt buckle or under the driver ’s seat.
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or the
driver ’s seat position sensor have failed,
the SRS airbag system warning light will
illuminate. Although the driver ’sSRS
frontal airbag can deploy regardless of
the backward-forward adjustment of the
driver ’s seat position even when the
warning light is on, have the system
inspected by your SUBARU dealer im-
mediately if the SRS airbag system warn-
ing light comes on.
NOTEThe driver ’s SRS side airbag, SRS
curtain airbag and seatbelt preten-
sioner are not controlled by the Subaru
advanced frontal airbag system.
! Front passenger ’s SRS frontal air-
bag
The front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag
uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator
operates in different ways depending on
the severity of impact.
The total load on the seat is monitored by
the occupant detection system ’s weight
sensor located under the seat.
The system has another sensor that
monitors the tension of the front passen-
ger seatbelt. Using the total seat load and
seatbelt tension data from the sensors,
the occupant detection system determines
whether the front passenger ’s SRS frontal
airbag should or should not be inflated.
The occupant detection system may not
inflate the front passenger ’s SRS frontal
airbag even when the driver ’s SRS frontal
airbag deploys. This is normal.
Observe the following precautions. Failure
to do so may prevent the Subaru ad-
vanced frontal airbag system from func-
tioning correctly or cause the system to
fail.
. Do not apply any strong impact to the
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The Subaru advanced frontal airbag sys-
tem is designed to determine the activa-
tion or deactivation condition of the front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depend-
ing on the total load on the front passen-
ger ’s seat monitored by the front passen-
ger ’s occupant detection system weight
sensor. For this reason, only the driver ’s
SRS frontal airbag may deploy in the
event of a collision, but this does not mean
failure of the system.
If the front sub sensors located on both
sides of the radiator panel and the impact
sensors in the airbag control module
detect a predetermined amount of force
during a frontal collision, the control
module sends signals to the airbag
module(s) (only driver ’s module or both
driver ’s and front passenger ’s modules)
instructing the module(s) to inflate the
SRS frontal airbag(s). The driver ’s and
front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags use
dual stage inflators. The two inflators of
each airbag are triggered either sequen-
tially or simultaneously, depending on the
severity of impact, backward-forward ad-
justment of the driver ’s seat position and
fastening/unfastening of the seatbelt in the
case of the driver ’s SRS frontal airbag and
depending on the severity of impact and
the total load on the seat in the case of the
front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag. After deployment, the SRS airbag immediately
starts 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.
Both when only the driver ’s SRS frontal
airbag deploys and the driver ’s and front
passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags deploy,
the driver ’s and front passenger ’s seatbelt
pretensioners operate at the same time.
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 a normal result of the
deployment. This smoke does not indicate
a fire in the vehicle.
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.
The driver ’s SRS frontal airbag and front
passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag are de-
signed 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 be-
cause the necessary protection can be
achieved by the seatbelt alone. Also, they
are basically not designed to deploy in
side or rear impacts or in rollover acci-
dents because deployment of only the
driver ’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver ’s
and front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags
would not help the occupant in those
situations. The driver ’s and front passen-
ger ’s SRS frontal airbags are designed to
function on a one-time-only basis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the
level of force experienced in the passen-
ger 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.
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-55
– CONTINUED –
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1-68
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
&SRS airbag system monitorsA diagnostic system continually monitors
the readiness of the SRS airbag system
(including front seatbelt pretensioners)
while the vehicle is being driven. The
SRS airbag system warning light “AIR-
BAG ”will show normal system operation
by lighting for approximately 6 seconds
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position.
The following components are monitored
by the indicator:
. Front sub sensor (Right-hand side)
. Front sub sensor (Left-hand side)
. Airbag control module (including im-
pact and rollover sensors)
. Frontal airbag module (Driver ’s side)
. Frontal airbag module (Front passen- ger
’s side)
. Side airbag sensor (Center pillar right-
hand side)
. Side airbag sensor (Center pillar left-
hand side)
. Side airbag module (Driver ’s side)
. Side airbag module (Front passenger ’s
side)
. Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel
house right-hand side)
. Curtain airbag sensor (Rear wheel
house left-hand side)
. Curtain airbag module (Right side)
. Curtain airbag module (Left side)
. Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver ’s side)
. Seatbelt pretensioner (Front passen-
ger ’s side)
. Seatbelt buckle switch (Driver ’s side)
. Seatbelt buckle switch (Front passen-
ger ’s side)
. Driver ’s seat position sensor
. Front passenger ’s seatbelt tension
sensor
. Front passenger ’s occupant detection
system weight sensor
. Front passenger ’s occupant detection
control module
. Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON
and OFF indicator
. All related wiring
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of
the following conditions, there may
be a malfunction in the seatbelt
pretensioners and/or SRS airbag
system. Immediately take your vehi-
cle to your nearest SUBARU dealer
to have the system checked. Unless
checked and properly repaired, the
seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS
airbags will operate improperly (e.g.
SRS airbags may inflate in a very
minor collision or not inflate in a
severe collision), which may in-
crease the risk of injury.
.Flashing or flickering of the warn-
ing light
. No illumination of the warning
light when the ignition switch is
first turned to the “ON ”position
. Continuous illumination of the
warning light
. Illumination of the warning light
while driving
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Cargo area cover (if
equipped)The cargo area cover is provided for
covering the cargo area and to protect its
contents from direct sunlight. This cover is
detachable to make room for additional
cargo.&Using the cover1) HolderInsert the seat belt webbing to the holder
of the third-row seat. (7-seater models)
To extend the cover, pull the end of the
cover out of the housing, then insert its
hooks into the catches as shown. To
rewind it, unhook it from the catches and
it will rewind automatically. You should
hold on to the cover and guide it back into
the cover housing while it is rewinding.
WARNING
Do not place anything on the ex-
tended cover. Putting excessive
weight on the extended cover can
break it and an object on the cover
could tumble forward in the event of
a sudden stop or collision. This
could cause serious injury.
CAUTION
. If the cargo area cover is
equipped, be careful not to pinch
your hand between the headrest
and the cargo area cover when
you recline the rear seat.
. Be careful not to scratch the rear
gate stays while extending and
rewinding the cover.
Scratches on the stays could
cause leakage of gas from the
stays, which may result in their
inability to hold the rear gate
open.NOTEWhen the head restraint is adjusted at
the rearmost position of the seat with
the seatback leaned back, the head
restraint comes in contact with the
cargo area cover. In this case, raise
the seatback before adjusting the head
restraint.
If the head restraint is correctly fixed in
any of the lock positions, the head
restraint does not contact the cargo
area cover even when the seatback is
reclined.
Interior equipment
6-13
– CONTINUED –
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New vehicle break-in driving–the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km) .................................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ......................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........ 8-2
Catalytic converter ........................................... 8-3
Periodic inspections ........................................ 8-4
Driving in foreign countries ............................ 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ......................... 8-4
On-pavement and off road driving .................. 8-5
Winter driving ................................................... 8-7
Operation during cold weather .......................... 8-7
Driving on snowy and icy roads ....................... 8-9
Corrosion protection ...................................... 8-10
Snow tires ..................................................... 8-10
Tire chains ...................................................... 8-11
Rocking the vehicle ......................................... 8-11
Loading your vehicle ...................................... 8-11
Vehicle capacity weight ................................... 8-12
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ..................... 8-12
Roof rails and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-13
Roof molding and crossbar (if equipped) ......... 8-16
Trailer hitch (if equipped).............................. 8-18
Connecting a trailer........................................ 8-18
When you do not tow a trailer .. ....................... 8-20
Trailer towing................................................. 8-20
Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-20
Maximum load limits ....................................... 8-20
Trailer hitches ................................................. 8-23
Connecting a trailer ........................................ 8-24
Trailer towing tips ........................................... 8-26
Driving tips
8
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8-12
Driving tips
CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.NOTEFor better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.&Vehicle capacity weight
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver ’s
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
& GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)Certification labelThe certification label attached to the
driver ’s side door shows GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation.
In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
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adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
&Roof rails and crossbar (if
equipped)1) Roof rails
2) Crossbar kit
CAUTION
. For cargo carrying purposes, the
roof rail must be used together
with a roof crossbar kit and the
appropriate carrying attachment.
The roof rail must never be used
alone to carry cargo. Otherwise,
damage to the roof or paint or a
dangerous road hazard due to
loss of cargo could result.
. When using the roof crossbar kit,
make sure that the total weight of the crossbars, carrying attach-
ment and cargo does not exceed
the maximum load limit. Over-
loading may cause damage to
the vehicle and create a safety
hazard.
The roof rails are not designed to carry
cargo by themselves. Cargo can be
carried after securing the roof crossbar
kit to the roof rail and installing the
appropriate carrying attachment. When
installing the roof crossbar kit, follow the
manufacturer ’s instructions.
When you carry cargo on the roof using
the roof crossbar kit and a carrying
attachment, never exceed the maximum
load limit as explained below. You should
also be careful that your vehicle does not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). Refer to the
“ Loading your vehicle ”section in this
chapter for information on loading cargo
into or onto your vehicle. The maximum
load limit of the cargo, crossbars and
carrying attachment must not exceed 150
lbs (68 kg) . Place the heaviest load at the
bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly
distribute the cargo. Always properly
secure all cargo.
Driving tips
8-13
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8-14
Driving tips
!Installing carrying attachments on
the crossbars
When installing any carrying attachment
such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak
carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the cross-
bars, follow the manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions and make sure that the attachment is
securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only
attachments designed specifically for the
crossbars. A set of the crossbars is
designed to carry loads (cargo and attach-
ment) of not more than 150 lbs (68 kg).
Before operating the vehicle, make sure
that the cargo is properly secured on the
attachment.NOTERemember that the vehicle ’s center of
gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting the
driving characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.
! Removal and installation of the
crossbars
The crossbars can be removed when you
do not use the roof to carry cargo. !
To remove the crossbar
1. Loosen and remove the T-30 torx®
head screw from the top of each crossbar
end support.
Loosen the lower clamps.
2. Carefully raise the crossbar from roof
rails.
!To install the crossbar
Front crossbar:
Front crossbar has 150 LBS Load Label
on left-hand side.1) T-25 torx® head screw1. Make sure that the T-25 torx® head
screw on the back of each crossbar end
support is tightened correctly.
2. Before placing the crossbar on the roof
rails, make sure that the T-30 torx® head
screw is removed from the top of each
crossbar end support.
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