2003 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 94

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags B Operation The SRS side airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position. The driver's and front passenger's SRS side airbags deploy independently of each other since each has its own impact sensor. Also, the SRS side airbag deploys independently of the frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel. An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the vehicle's center pillars. If either sensor detects a certain predetermined amount of force during a side impact collision, the control module sends a signal to the side airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, instructing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the side airbag module produces gas, which instantly inflates the SRS side airbag. After the deployment, the SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The time required from detecting impact to the deflation of the SRS side airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye. The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied. When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are normal re- CONTINUED - A) SRS side airbag deploys as soon as a collision occurs. B) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate immediately. 1-59