Airbag System: General Description: Caution

• When servicing a vehicle, be sure to turn the ignition switch to OFF, disconnect the ground cable from battery, and wait for more than 20 seconds before starting work.
• The airbag system is fitted with a backup power source. If the airbag system is serviced within 20 seconds after the ground cable is disconnected, it may inflate.
• If the airbag warning light illuminates, repair the vehicle immediately. Airbag or pretensioner may inflate incorrectly, or not inflate in collision.
• If sensors, airbag module, airbag control module, pretensioner and harness are deformed or damaged, replace them with new parts.
  Fig 1: Precaution For Damaged Sensors, Airbag Module, Airbag Control Module, Pretensioner And Harness

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• When checking the airbag system, be sure to use a digital circuit tester. Use of an analog circuit tester may cause the airbag to activate erroneously.
  Fig 2: Checking Airbag System

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• When checking, use a test harness (1). Since damage to the connector terminal may cause the airbag to activate erroneously, do not directly apply the tester probe to any connector terminal of the airbag.
  Fig 3: Precaution For Use Test Harness

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• Do not check continuity of the airbag modules for driver, passenger, side or curtain, or pretensioner.
  Fig 4: Checking Continuity Of Airbag Modules For Driver

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• Do not drop each airbag module, airbag control module and each sensor, subject them to high temperature over 93°C (199°F), or let water, oil or grease get on them; the internal parts may be damaged and reliability greatly lowered.
  Fig 5: Do Not Drop Each Airbag Module

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• If any damage, opening or rust is found on the airbag system wire harness, do not attempt to repair using soldering equipment. Be sure to replace the faulty harness with a new genuine part.
  Fig 6: Repairing Airbag System Wire Harness

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• Install the wire harness securely with the specified clips to avoid interference or tangled up with other parts.
  Fig 7: Installing Wire Harness

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• Do not allow water or oil to come in contact with the connector terminals. Do not touch the connector terminals.
  Fig 8: Precaution For Not Touching Connector Terminals

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• Either of the airbag modules for driver, passenger, side or curtain, or pretensioner must not be disassembled.
  Fig 9: Pretensioner Must Not Be Disassembled

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• The removed front seat with airbag module must be kept at least 200 mm (8 in) away from walls and other objects.
  Fig 10: Precaution For Removed Front Seat With Airbag Module

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• Do not use the airbag or pretensioner parts from other vehicles. Always replace the defective parts with new parts.
• Never reuse a deployed airbag module and pretensioner.
• Do not discard the uninflated airbag or pretensioner.
• When painting or performing sheet metal work on the front part of the vehicle, including the front wheel apron front fender, and front side frame, remove the front sub sensors and wire harness of airbag system.
• When painting or performing sheet metal work on the side of the vehicle, including the side sill, center pillar, and front and rear doors, remove the side airbag sensors and wire harness of airbag system.
  Fig 11: Precaution For Airbags When Painting or Performing Sheet Metal Work

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• After removal, keep each airbag system part with the pad facing upward on a dry, clean and flat surface away from heat, light sources, moisture and dust.
  Fig 12: Keeping Airbag System Part With Pad Facing Upward

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• When storing a removed airbag module, do not place any objects on it or pile airbag modules on top of each other. If the airbag inflates for some reason when it is placed with its pad side facing downward or under any object, a serious accident may result.

Fig 13: Identifying Diver's Airbag Module And Passenger's Airbag Module

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.