Subaru 2000 Forester Owner's Manual page 85

Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
HS2001BB
The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the
"ON" position.
If the front sub sensors inside the both front fenders and the impact
sensors in the airbag control module detect a certain predetermined
amount of force during a frontal collision, the control module sends
signals to the airbag modules instructing them to inflate the SRS air-
bags. Then both airbag modules produce gas, which instantly inflates
driver's and passenger's SRS airbags. After the deployment, the SRS
airbags immediately start to deflate so that the driver's vision is not
obstructed. The time required from detecting impact to the deflating
SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of eye.
The front passenger's SRS airbag deploys together with driver's SRS
airbag even when no one occupies the front passenger's seat.
Although it is highly unlikely that the SRS airbag would activate in a
non-accident situation, should it occur, the SRS airbag will deflate
quickly, not obscuring vision and will not interfere with the driver's
ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will
be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are
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