The front and second-row seat-mounted SRS side airbags are installed in the outer sides of the applicable front and second-row seatbacks.
The front seat-mounted SRS center airbag is located on the right side of the driver's seatback, while the Side Curtain SRS airbags are housed along the side roof rails. All information, cautions and warnings in this manual apply to these systems and must be followed carefully. The seat-mounted side airbags and curtain airbags are designed primarily to inflate during higher-severity side impacts, although deployment may also occur when the forces generated by another type of collision are similar to those of a severe side impact. In a qualifying side collision, the applicable airbags are designed to inflate on the side where the Mitsubishi Outlander is struck. They may not deploy in every side-impact accident.
The Side Curtain SRS airbags are also designed to inflate during certain rollover or near-rollover events. As a result, extreme vehicle movement, including movement that may occur during severe off-road driving, can create conditions that cause the curtain airbags to deploy.
The amount of visible vehicle damage, or the absence of obvious damage, does not by itself indicate whether the seat-mounted side airbags, center airbag or curtain airbags should have inflated.
When a side or curtain airbag deploys, occupants may hear a loud noise followed by the release of a smoke-like residue. This residue is not harmful and does not indicate a fire. Avoid inhaling it whenever possible, however, because it may irritate the throat or cause temporary choking or breathing discomfort. Anyone with a history of asthma or another respiratory condition should move into fresh air as soon as it is safe to do so.
Working together with correctly fastened seat belts, the front and second-row outboard seat-mounted side airbags help cushion impact forces applied to the chest and pelvic areas of front and second-row outboard occupants. The front seat-mounted center airbag supplements the seat belts by helping reduce impact forces affecting the head area of the driver and front passenger. The curtain airbags help cushion forces applied to the head, chest and pelvic areas of occupants seated in the front and second-row outboard positions.
These Mitsubishi Outlander airbag systems can help reduce the risk of serious injury and may help save lives. Airbag deployment can still cause abrasions, bruising or other injuries because inflation occurs rapidly and with considerable force. The side and curtain airbags do not directly restrain the lower body and must always be used together with the vehicle's seat belts.
The driver, front passenger and second-row outboard passengers must wear their seat belts correctly and remain seated upright, as far from the side airbag modules as practical. Second-row passengers should also keep a suitable distance from the door trim and side roof rails. Because the side, center and curtain airbags inflate very quickly, an occupant leaning against or positioned too close to a deployment area faces a greater risk of injury.
The front and second-row outboard seat-mounted side airbags deflate rapidly after deployment. The front seat-mounted center airbag and Side Curtain SRS airbags remain inflated for a short period to provide continued supplemental protection during the collision event.
The seat-mounted side airbags and Side Curtain SRS airbags can operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the SRS airbag warning light illuminates while the Mitsubishi Outlander performs an initial system check.
If the monitored side airbag and curtain airbag systems are operating normally, the SRS airbag warning light turns off after approximately 7 seconds.
WARNING
- Do not place objects near the outer sides of the front or second-row seatbacks. Do not wedge umbrellas, bags or other items between the front or rear door trim, the center console and the front or second-row seats. If a seat-mounted side airbag inflates, loose objects in these areas may be propelled toward an occupant and cause serious injury.
- Several side airbag and curtain airbag components become extremely hot immediately after deployment. Do not touch the airbag modules or nearby parts, as contact may cause severe burns.
- Do not make unauthorized changes to any component or wiring associated with the seat-mounted side airbags or Side Curtain SRS airbags. Modifications may damage the system, prevent correct deployment or cause an airbag to inflate accidentally.
- Do not alter the Mitsubishi Outlander electrical system, suspension or side body structure without authorization. Changes to these areas may interfere with the sensors, control unit or other components required for proper side and curtain airbag operation.
- Tampering with the seat-mounted side airbag system may result in serious personal injury. Do not modify the front or second-row seats, add padding near the seatbacks or install seat covers, upholstery or additional trim around the side airbag deployment areas unless the materials are specifically designed for use with the vehicle's airbag system.
*The SRS wiring harness connectors are colored yellow or orange so they can be identified easily during inspection and service.
When selling the Mitsubishi Outlander, inform the new owner that the vehicle is equipped with seat-mounted side airbags and Side Curtain SRS airbags, and direct them to the relevant safety information, warnings and operating precautions in this Owner's Manual.
