Subaru Forester: SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) / Occupant detection system

1. Occupant detection system sensors

The occupant detection system sensors are installed between the seat and seat rails, and monitor the physique and posture of the front passenger. Using this information, the occupant detection system determines whether the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag should be deployed or not.

WARNING

Do not kick the front passenger seat or subject it to severe impact. Otherwise, the SRS airbag system warning light may illuminate to indicate a malfunction of the front passenger occupant detection system. In this case, contact your SUBARU dealer immediately.

CAUTION

Electrical devices, such as cell phones, laptops, portable music players, or electronic games, especially when connected to the accessory power outlet and placed on the front passenger’s seat or used by the person sitting in the front passenger’s seat, may affect the operation of the occupant detection system. If either of the following situations occurs when using an electronic device in the vehicle, at first try to relocate that device to avoid it creating any interference.

• The SRS airbag system warning light illuminates.
• The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators operate erratically.

If the device continues to cause interference, the use of that device in the vehicle should be discontinued.

SRS airbag system warning light

If the front passenger’s seat cushion is wet, this may adversely affect the ability of the system to determine deployment. Wipe off liquid from the seat, let the seat dry naturally and then check the SRS airbag system warning light.

Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator

Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator

If the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators do not work properly even when the front passenger’s seat is dry, do not allow anyone to sit on the front passenger’s seat and have the occupant detection system checked by your SUBARU dealer.

Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator

Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator

Also, if luggage or electronic devices are placed on the front passenger’s seat, this may adversely affect the ability of the system to determine deployment. This may prevent the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators from working properly. Check that the indicators work properly.

When the OFF indicator turns off and the ON indicator illuminates, the front passenger’s frontal airbag may deploy during a collision. Remove luggage and electronic devices from the front passenger’s seat.