Subaru FORESTER 5th Generation 2019-2024 Rear center seatbelt
Rear center seatbelt
WARNING
- Be sure to fasten both tongue plates to the respective buckles.
- If the seatbelt is used only as a shoulder belt (with the connector tongue plate not fastened to the connector buckle on the right-hand side), it cannot properly restrain the wearer in an accident and may result in serious injury or death.
- The head restraint is not intended to be used at the lowest position. Before sitting on the seat, raise the head restraint to the extended position.
- Before fastening the seatbelt, confirm that the seatbelt is routed through the belt guide. Otherwise, it may slip onto the neck and cause injury during sudden braking or a collision.
The rear center seatbelt is stowed in the recess of the ceiling above the cargo area.
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Retrieve the connector (tongue) plate from the slot in the recess by pulling it out, then pull out the seatbelt slowly.
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Pass the seatbelt through the belt guide.
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After confirming that the webbing is not twisted, insert the connector (tongue) attached at the webbing end into the buckle on the right-hand side until a click is heard.
- If the belt stops before reaching the buckle, return the belt slightly and pull it out more slowly.
- If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let it retract slightly after a strong pull and then pull it out slowly again.
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After fastening the seatbelt, make sure that the marks on the connector (tongue) and the buckle face outward.
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Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate into the center seatbelt buckle marked “CENTER†on the left-hand side until it clicks.
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To make the lap portion tight, pull up on the shoulder belt.
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Place the lap belt as low as possible on your hips, not on your waist.
Unfastening the seatbelt
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Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt.
NOTE
When the seatback is folded down for greater cargo area, it is necessary to disconnect the connector.
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Insert a tongue plate or another hard pointed object into the slot in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in. The connector (tongue) plate will then disconnect from the buckle.
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Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. Hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Store the tongue plate neatly in the recess and insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot.
CAUTION
- Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. The metal tongue plates may hit the trim and cause damage.
- Ensure the seatbelt is fully rolled up and the tongue plates are neatly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and damage the trim while driving.
Seatbelt maintenance
To clean the seatbelts, use mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because doing so may seriously affect their strength.
Inspect the seatbelts and attachments periodically, including the webbing and hardware, for cracks, cuts, tears, loose bolts, or worn areas. Replace the seatbelts even if only minor damage is found.
CAUTION
- Keep the belts free of polishes, oils, chemicals, and particularly battery acid.
- Never attempt to modify or change the seatbelt system in a way that may prevent it from operating properly.
Front seatbelt pretensioners
The driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelts are equipped with seatbelt pretensioners. These pretensioners activate during moderate to severe frontal collisions, side collisions, or rollover accidents.
Seatbelt with shoulder belt pretensioner
NOTE
This section applies to the driver’s side seatbelt.
The pretensioner sensor also functions as:
- SRS frontal airbag sensor
- Side impact sensor
- Front door impact sensor
- Rollover sensor
If the sensor detects a predetermined force during a collision or rollover, the front seatbelt is quickly drawn back by the retractor to remove slack and better restrain the driver.
When activated, an operating noise may be heard and a small amount of smoke may be released. These are normal occurrences and do not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
Once the pretensioner has been activated, the seatbelt retractor remains locked and must be replaced.
NOTE
- Pretensioners do not activate during minor impacts or rear collisions.
- During rollover accidents, the curtain airbags and pretensioners activate simultaneously.
- During frontal collisions, the seatbelt pretensioners and SRS airbags operate together.
- Pretensioners function on a one-time-only basis and must be replaced after activation.
WARNING
- For maximum protection, occupants should sit upright with seatbelts properly fastened.
- Do not modify, remove, or strike the front seatbelt retractor assemblies or surrounding area.
- Seatbelt pretensioners have no user-serviceable parts. For service, consult an authorized dealer.
- When disposing of seatbelt retractors or scrapping the vehicle, consult an authorized dealer.
Seatbelt with shoulder belt and lap belt pretensioners
NOTE
This section applies to the front passenger’s seatbelt.
1) Seatbelt retractor assembly (shoulder belt pretensioner)
2) Lap belt pretensioner
On the front passenger side, the shoulder belt pretensioner is supplemented by a lap belt pretensioner to further reduce seatbelt slack during a collision.
