1998 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 74

Seat, seat belt and SRS AIRBAG HS0235 The driver's side SRS AIRBAG is stored in the center portion of the steering wheel. The passenger's side SRS AIRBAG is stored near the top of the dashboard under the cover marked "SRS AIRBAG". The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) AIRBAG in your vehicle affords the driver and front seat passenger additional protection during a moderate to severe frontal or front-angled collision. This system is available for the driver and front seat passenger and is designed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt. In a moderate to severe frontal or front-angled collision, the SRS AIRBAG supplements the seat belt by reducing the impact on the driver's and front passenger's head and chest. The SRS AIRBAG is designed to deploy in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe frontal or front-angled collision. It is basically not designed to deploy in lesser frontal impacts because the necessary protection can be achieved by the seat belt alone. Also, it is basically not designed to deploy in side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents because SRS AIRBAG deployment would not help the occupant in those situations. The SRS AIRBAG is designed to function on a one-time-only basis. In the event that the SRS AIRBAG is deployed, replacement of the system should be performed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the components of the SRS AIRBAG are replaced, use only genuine SUBARU parts. - CONTINUED - 2-31