Side Airbag Module: Removal

CAUTION: Before handling the airbag system components, refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM". Ref. to AIRBAG SYSTEM>GENERAL DESCRIPTION>CAUTION .

Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
NOTE: For models with power seat, remove the slide rail installing bolt before disconnecting the ground terminal of the battery sensor.
After the bolts are removed, slide the seat to the middle position in order to make it easier to take out of the vehicle.
Remove the front seats. Ref. to SEATS>FRONT SEAT>REMOVAL .
Remove the belt assembly front INN. Ref. to SEAT BELT SYSTEM>FRONT SEAT BELT>REMOVAL>BELT ASSEMBLY FRONT INN .
Separate the backrest assembly and the seat cushion assembly. Ref. to SEATS>FRONT SEAT>DISASSEMBLY .

Remove the side airbag module.

CAUTION: Do not open the protective cover of the side airbag module. If any damage is present in the protective cover or the cloth of side airbag module comes out from the protective cover slit, replace the side airbag module with a new part.

Remove the plastic fastener at the back side (bottom) of backrest assembly.

Open the fastener at the rear side of backrest assembly.

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Remove the hexagon cap nut and self-locking nuts.
While taking care not to damage the airbag protective cover, remove the side airbag module.

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Meaning of pictograms indicated on the label

(a)	Flammable explosive substance encapsulated parts; be careful of handling .
(b)	Indicates that this part is an airbag module .
(c)	Before handling, always refer to "CAUTION" of "General Description" in "AIRBAG SYSTEM" in the service information . For the disposal procedures of the airbag modules, refer to "Airbag Module Disposal" .
(d)	Do not disassemble the airbag module .