2001 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 84

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags Driver's side SRS airbags deploy as soon as a collision occurs. Passenger's side After deployment, SRS airbags start to deflate immediately so that the driver's vision is not obstructed. OM-H0384 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 during a frontal collision, the control module sends signals to the frontal airbag modules instructing them to inflate the SRS frontal airbags. Then both airbag modules produce gas, which instantly inflates driver'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 deflating SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye. The front passenger's SRS frontal airbag deploys together with driver's SRS frontal airbag even when no one occupies the front passenger's seat. When the SRS frontal airbags deploy, the driver's and front passenger's seatbelt pretensioners operate at the same time. 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 obscuring vision and will not interfere with the driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle. - CONTINUED - 1-61