LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Subaru >> 2018 >> Outback 2.5i >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Restraints >> Restraints Control Systems >> Seat Belt System >> Disposal of Pretensioner >> Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Disposal of Pretensioner: Procedure

WARNING: Make sure to follow the instructions below. Otherwise, personal injuries may occur.
  • Before discarding a pretensioner, always perform an activation process to prevent any false activation.
  • Wear protective gloves, safety goggles and earplugs during this operation. Wash your hands afterwards.
  • Do not touch the pretensioner just after activation because it is very hot. Before handling it for disposal, wait for 40 minutes.
CAUTION:
  • Perform a pretensioner operation process in a safe, level place. Do not perform the process outdoors when there is a strong rain or wind.
  • Do not drop or damage the pretensioner.
  • A large explosive noise will occur when the pretensioner is deployed. Warn persons in the area, and do not allow anyone to approach a radius of 5 m (16 ft) from the discard location.
  • After activating the pretensioner, smoke may arise. Therefore, always perform an operation process in a well-ventilated place without any smoke sensor.
  • Do not expose the activated pretensioner to water.
  • Wrap the activated pretensioner in a sealed vinyl bag when discarding.
  • If it is impossible to perform a pretensioner activation process due to some situational reasons, consult SUBARU dealership or one of the authorized workshops.
  1. Fold the backrest all the way forward, and move the front seat all the way forward.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
  3. Disconnect the ground terminal from the battery sensor, and wait for at least 60 seconds before starting work. Ref. to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  4. Remove the cover side sill - front INN, cover side sill - rear INN, and trim panel - center pillar LWR. (On the side where seat belt assembly is removed) Ref. to EXTERIOR/INTERIOR TRIM>Lower Inner Trim>REMOVAL .
  5. Disconnect connector of the pretensioner.
    G10272544Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  6. Short the alligator clip and terminal of the airbag deployment tool together.
    CAUTION: Short the airbag deployment tool terminals until just before the pretensioner operation process.

    Preparation tool: 

    ST: AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT TOOL (98299PA030)

  7. Connect the airbag deployment tool (A) and test harness adapter D (B).

    Preparation tool: 

    ST: TEST HARNESS ADAPTER D (98299SA010)

    G10270503Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  8. Connect the test harness adapter D connector to the pretensioner.
  9. Make sure there is no one inside the vehicle.
  10. Extend the wiring of airbag deployment tool to the limit, and close all the windows and rear gate completely.
    G10272546Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  11. Move the battery 5 m (16 ft) or more from the vehicle, and affix nearby.
  12. Connect the airbag deployment tool alligator clip to the battery negative (-) terminal.
  13. Connect the other cable of airbag deployment tool to the battery positive (+) terminal, and activate the pretensioner.
    CAUTION:
    • After activation, the pretensioner will be extremely hot. Let it cool down for at least 40 minutes in an area with no one around.
    • Do not expose the activated pretensioner to water.
    G10270500Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  14. Remove the seat belt outer - front. Ref. to SEAT BELT SYSTEM>Front Seat Belt>REMOVAL .
  15. Cut the seat belt at a position as close as possible to the seat belt retractor.
    G10270668Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  16. Place the activated pretensioner in a sealed vinyl bag, then discard.
    G10270670Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.