Subaru 2003 Impreza - Manual (Page 76)

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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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 dur-
ing a frontal collision, the control module sends sig-
nals to the frontal airbag modules instructing them to
inflate the SRS frontal airbags. Then both airbag
modules produce gas, which instantly inflates driv-
er’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 to-
gether 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 ob-
scuring 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.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system compo-
nents around the steering wheel and dash-
board with bare hands right after deployment.
Doing so can cause burns because the com-
ponents can be very hot as a result of deploy-
ment.
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 neces-
sary 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 be-
cause 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