Before Starting Troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Even if any part must be replaced as the result of troubleshooting, do not use an airbag part or pretensioner part from other vehicles. Always replace the defective parts with new parts.
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 due to a minimal current inside tester.

Fig 1: Precaution For Checking Airbag System
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Do not allow water or oil to come in contact with the connector terminals. Also, do not touch the connector terminals directly.

Fig 2: Caution - Do Not Touch Connector Terminals
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When checking, use a test harness (1). Damage to connector terminal causes malfunction. Do not directly put the tester probe on airbag connector terminal.

Fig 3: Caution - Checking Airbag Connector Terminal, Use Test Harness
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Do not check continuity of the airbag modules for driver's side, passenger's side and curtain, or the pretensioner.

Fig 4: Caution - Do Not Check Continuity Of Airbag Modules For Driver Side, Passenger Side And Curtain, Or Pretensioner
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
If damage, open circuit or rust is found on airbag system wiring harness, do not use a soldering equipment to repair. Replace the faulty harness with a new genuine part.

Fig 5: Caution - Do Not Use Soldering Equipment To Repair
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.