Subaru Forester Manuals 2013 Forester Owner’s Manual | Page 45

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1. Push the release button of the center seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side) to unfasten the seatbelt. CAUTION NOTE When the seatback is folded down for greater cargo area, it is necessary to disconnect the connector. 3. Allow the retractor to roll up the belt. You should hold the webbing end and guide it back into the retractor while it is rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plate in the recessed compartment and then insert the connector (tongue) plate into the slot. 2. Insert a key or other hard pointed object into the slot in the connector (buckle) on the right-hand side and push it in, and the connector (tongue) plate will disconnect from the buckle. 1-19 . Do not allow the retractor to roll up the seatbelt too quickly. Otherwise, the metal tongue plates may hit and damage the trim. . Make sure that the seatbelt is fully rolled up so that the tongue plates are neatly stored. A hanging tongue plate can swing and hit and damage the trim while driving. & Seatbelt maintenance To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the belts because this could seriously affect their strength. Inspect the seatbelts and attachments including the webbing and all hardware periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears, damage, 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. – CONTINUED –