2006 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 80

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-53 Do not put any kind of cover or clothes or other objects over either front seatback and do not attach labels or stickers to the front seat surface on or near the SRS side airbag. They could prevent proper deployment of the SRS side airbag, reducing protection available to the front seat’s occupant. Operation The SRS side airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. 1 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. 2 3 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 deployment, the SRS side airbag will deflate in a few seconds. The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied. 1) SRS side airbag deploys as soon as a collision occurs. 2) SRS side airbag protects the front passenger’s head and chest. 3) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate immediately. 100625 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 result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle. – CONTINUED –