I didn't read the whole thread, but just to affirm a fix for the intermittent AIRBAG light. 2008 Legacy base model.
Was getting an intermittent AIRBAG light. The overhead Map Light indicator would show the AIRBAG light and ON light, but no OFF light. It started acting up within the last 2 weeks. Temps have been from 80-100 with max humidity (Gulf Coast).
Found the following youtube video:
Credit to this guy for my solution.
Initially only soldered the 5 incoming wire points and the 8 points for the LED lights. Tested and failed.
Brought it back in and soldered the small chips/diodes/whatever the black things are. I believe 4 on one side and 4 or 3 on the other. Did both ends of each chip. Reinstalled Map Light and the OFF light illuminated normally along with the rest of the lights. No AIRBAG light and overhead indicators indicated normally with and without a person in the passenger seat. Fixed.
Tips:
First, finer point soldering iron. To get to one side of the chips, you have to "thread the needle" between the LED lights. Also, some of the chips are very small. Just take your time and don't let any solder run into each other.
Second, the solder on the chips definitely has some coating to protect it. Use the iron to scrape it a little so the heat gets directly to the existing solder and melts. Then you can add more. Otherwise, you'll just add solder on top of the coating.
Third, if you don't remember, don't just pull down on the map light to remove it. Pull the light diffuser, then unscrew the two screws.
Hope this helps someone. I'm looking at trading in my Subaru for a new pickup and the last thing I wanted was a warning light for them to dock me on. She's treated me well other than this!
I didn't read the whole thread, but just to affirm a fix for the intermittent AIRBAG light. 2008 Legacy base model. Was getting an intermittent AIRBAG light. The overhead Map Light indicator would show the AIRBAG light and ON light, but no OFF light. It started acting up within the last 2 weeks. Temps have been from 80-100 with max humidity (Gulf Coast). Found the following youtube video: Credit to this guy for my solution. Initially only soldered the 5 incoming wire points and the 8 points for the LED lights. Tested and failed. Brought it back in and soldered the small chips/diodes/whatever the black things are. I believe 4 on one side and 4 or 3 on the other. Did both ends of each chip. Reinstalled Map Light and the OFF light illuminated normally along with the rest of the lights. No AIRBAG light and overhead indicators indicated normally with and without a person in the passenger seat. Fixed. Tips: First, finer point soldering iron. To get to one side of the chips, you have to "thread the needle" between the LED lights. Also, some of the chips are very small. Just take your time and don't let any solder run into each other. Second, the solder on the chips definitely has some coating to protect it. Use the iron to scrape it a little so the heat gets directly to the existing solder and melts. Then you can add more. Otherwise, you'll just add solder on top of the coating. Third, if you don't remember, don't just pull down on the map light to remove it. Pull the light diffuser, then unscrew the two screws. Hope this helps someone. I'm looking at trading in my Subaru for a new pickup and the last thing I wanted was a warning light for them to dock me on. She's treated me well other than this!