Side Airbag Module: Removal

CAUTION: Before handling the airbag system components, refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>General Description>CAUTION .

NOTE: Remove the passenger's side by referring to driver's side.

Remove the headrest assembly.
Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
Disconnect the ground cable from battery and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Ref. to NOTE>NOTE>BATTERY .
NOTE:
- For model with battery sensor, disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor.
- For the seat with lifter, set the height to the middle position.
- For the power seat, remove the slide rail installing bolt before removing the battery ground.
Remove the front seats. Ref. to SEATS>Front Seat>REMOVAL .
Remove the seat belt inner - front.
1. Remove the nut, and remove the seat belt inner - front.
2. Remove the clip for the seat belt inner - front located under the seat cushion assembly.
Fig 1: Locating Front Seat Belt Inner Clip
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Separate the backrest assembly and the seat cushion assembly. Ref. to SEATS>Front Seat>DISASSEMBLY .
Remove the side airbag module.
CAUTION: Do not open the protective cover of the side airbag module. If any damage is present in the protective cover or the cloth of side airbag module comes out from the protective cover slit, replace the side airbag module with a new part.
1. Remove the plastic fastener at the back side (bottom) of backrest assembly.
2. Open the fastener at the rear side of backrest assembly.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Backrest Assembly Plastic Fastener
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  NOTE: If it is hard to open, use a metal clip, etc.
3. Remove the hexagon cap nut and nuts.
4. While taking care not to damage the airbag protective cover, remove the side airbag module.
Fig 3: Locating Side Airbag Module Hexagon Cap And Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.