Subaru Outback (BR): SRS airbag operation

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.

The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags deploy independently of each other because each has its own impact sensor. Therefore, they may not both deploy in the same accident. Also, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploys independently of the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel.

An impact sensor, which senses impact force, is located in each of the following locations.

● In the left and right front doors ● In the left and right center pillars ● In the left and right rear wheel houses ● In the airbag control module

For Outback models, a rollover sensor is also located inside the airbag control module.

If the impact sensor that is located in the airbag control module and one of the center pillar impact sensors or front door impact sensors together sense an impact force above a predetermined level in a side collision, the control module causes both the SRS side airbag and curtain airbag on the impacted side to inflate regardless of whether the rear wheel house impact sensor on the same side senses an impact.

If the impact sensor that is located in the airbag control module and one of the rear wheel house impact sensors together sense an impact force above a predetermined level in a side collision, the control module causes only the SRS curtain airbag on the impacted side to inflate. For Outback models, if the rollover sensor detects rollover of the vehicle, the control module inflates the SRS curtain airbags. At this time, the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelt pretensioners also operate at the same time.

After the deployment, the SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The time required from detection of an impact to deflation of an SRS side airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.

The SRS curtain airbag remains inflated for a while following deployment then slowly deflates.

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied.

When the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.

CAUTION

Do not touch the SRS side airbag system components around the front seat seatback with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.

After deployment, do not touch any part of the SRS curtain airbag system (from the front pillar to the part of the roof side over the rear seat). Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are designed to deploy in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe side impact collision. They are basically not designed to deploy in a lesser side impact.

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment depend on the level of force experienced in the passenger compartment during a side impact collision.

That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself.

For Outback models, the SRS curtain airbags are also designed to deploy when the vehicle is in an extremely inclined state such as during a rollover. They are basically not designed to deploy in a lesser inclined state.

The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are basically not designed to deploy in frontal or rear impacts because the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment would not help the occupant in those situations.

Each SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are designed to function on a onetime- only basis.

Example of the type of accident in which the SRS side airbag will most likely deploy.

A severe side impact near the front seat activates the SRS side airbag.

Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag will most likely deploy.

Outback models

1) The vehicle is involved in a severe side impact near the front seat or the rear seat.

2) The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.

3) The angle of vehicle tip-up is marginal or the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curbstone laterally.

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