
2-22Keys and doors
handle allows them to open the lid. The 
handle is located on the inside of the trunklid.
To open the trunk lid from inside the trunk, 
press the yellow handle downward as
indicated by the arrow on the handle. 
This operation unlocks the trunk lid. Then, 
push up the lid. 
The handle is made of material that 
remains luminescent for approximately
an hour in the dark trunk space after it is
exposed to ambient light even for a shorttime.
WARNING
Never allow any child to get in the 
trunk and play with the release
handle. If the driver starts the vehi-
cle without knowing that a child is
inside the trunk and the child opens
the lid using the release handle, the
child could fall out and be killed or
seriously injured.
CAUTION
. Do not close the lid while grip-
ping the release handle. The 
handle may be damaged.
. Do not use the handle as a hook
to fasten straps or ropes to 
secure your cargo in the trunk. 
Such use may result in damage
of the handle.
. Load the trunk so that cargo can
not strike the release handle. If
the cargo hits the handle while
the vehicle is being driven, the
handle may be pushed down and
the trunk lid may open. That may
cause cargo to fall out of the
trunk, which could create a traffic
safety hazard. !
Inspection
Perform the following steps at least twice
a year to check the release handle for
correct operation. 
1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Use a screwdriver with a thin blade. 
Slide the screwdriver blade from the slit
aperture of the lock assembly fully to the
end until you hear a click.   

This places the latch in the locked posi- tion.
3. Move the release handle, from outside 
the vehicle, in the direction of the arrow to
check if the latch is released.If the latch is not released, contact your
SUBARU dealer. 
In that case, use the key to release the 
latch, then close the trunk lid. 
Also, if the movement of the release 
handle feels restricted or not entirely
smooth during operation, or the handle
and/or handle base is cracked, contact
your SUBARU dealer.
Rear gate (Wagon)
The rear gate can be locked and unlocked 
using either the keyless entry system or
the power door locking switches. 
Refer to the
“Power door locking switches ”
and “Remote keyless entry system ”sec-
tion in this chapter. 
To open the rear gate, first unlock the rear 
gate lock then pull the outside handle up. 
Then, hold the rear gate and raise it as 
high as it will go. Keys and doors
2-23
– CONTINUED –    

2-24Keys and doors
To close the rear gate, lower it slowly and 
push down firmly until the latch engages. 
The rear gate can be lowered easily if you 
pull it down holding the recessed grip.
WARNING
. To prevent dangerous exhaust
gas from entering the vehicle, 
always keep the rear gate closed
while driving.
. Do not attempt to shut the rear
gate while holding the recessed
grip. Also avoid closing the rear
gate by pulling on the recessed
grip from inside the cargo space.
There is a danger of your hand
being caught and injured.
CAUTION
. Do not jam a plastic bag in or
place cellophane tape on the rear 
gate stays or scratch the stays
while loading or unloading cargo.
That could cause leakage of gas
from the stays, which may result
in their inability to hold the rear
gate open.
. Be careful not to hit your head or
face on the rear gate when open-
ing or closing the rear gate and
when loading or unloading car-go.
NOTE 
If the rear gate cannot be unlocked due 
to a discharged battery, a fault in the
door locking/unlocking system or other
causes, you can unlock it by manually
operating the rear gate lock release
lever. 
For the procedure, refer to “Rear gate –
if the rear gate cannot be unlocked ”
section in chapter 9 “In case of emer-
gency ”. Moonroof (if equipped) 
The moonroof has both tilting and sliding functions. 
The moonroof operates only when the 
ignition switch is in the
“ON ”position.
& Tilt function
1) Tilt up 
2) Tilt down
The tilting function will only operate when 
the moonroof is fully closed. 
Push the rear side of the “Tilt ”switch to
raise the moonroof. 
Push the front side of the “Tilt ”switch to
lower the moonroof. 
Release the switch after the moonroof has   

been raised or has been lowered com- 
pletely. Pushing the switch continuously
may cause damage to the moonroof. &Sliding function
1) Open 
2) Close
Push the “Open/Close ”switch rearward to
open the moonroof. The sun shade will 
also be opened together with the moon-roof. 
Push the “Open/Close ”switch forward to
close the moonroof. The moonroof will 
stop halfway if you continue to press on
the switch. Release the switch once and
push it again to close the moonroof
completely. 
After washing the vehicle or after it rains, wipe away water on the roof prior to 
opening the moonroof to prevent drops
of water from falling into the passengercompartment.
NOTE 
If the moonroof cannot be closed 
through switch operation because of
system failure, it can be closed manu-
ally using a hex-head wrench. For the
procedure, refer to “Moonroof –if the
moonroof cannot be closed ”section in
chapter 9 “In case of emergency ”.
WARNING
. Never let anyone ’s hands, arms,
head or any objects protrude 
from the moonroof. A person
could be seriously injured if the
vehicle stops suddenly or turns
sharply or if the vehicle is in-
volved in an accident. 
To avoid serious personal injury 
caused by entrapment, you must
do the following.
. Before closing the moonroof,
make sure that no one ’s hands,
arms, head or other objects will
be accidentally caught in themoonroof.
. Before leaving the vehicle, al- ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child
to remain in the vehicle. Failure
to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child operat-
ing the moonroof.
CAUTION
. Do not sit on the edge of the open
moonroof.
. Do not operate the moonroof if
falling snow or extremely cold 
conditions have caused it to
freeze shut. Keys and doors
2-25
– CONTINUED –  

2-26Keys and doors
& Sun shade
The sun shade can be slid forward or 
backward by hand while the moonroof isclosed. 
If the moonroof is opened, the sun shade 
also moves back.  

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4 
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-5
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ... ............ 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-6
Meters and gauges (WRX-STI) ........................... 3-6
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-6
Canceling sequential illumination of the combination meter ............................................ 3-6
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ............................................ 3-7
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-7
Fuel gauge .......................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ............................................. 3-8
Outside temperature indicator ............................. 3-9
REV indicator light and buzzer (WRX-STI) ........ 3-9
Setting the alarm-level engine speed ................... 3-10
Deactivating the REV alarm system ..................... 3-11
Meters and gauges (Except WRX-STI) .............. 3-11
Speedometer ...................................................... 3-11
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................... 3-11
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-12
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-12
Temperature gauge ............................................ 3-13
Outside temperature indicator ............................ 3-13
Warning and indicator lights ............................. 3-14
Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 3-14SRS airbag system warning light
........................ 3-14
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ........................................................ 3-15
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................. 3-16
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-16
Oil pressure warning light .................................. 3-16
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (AT vehicles) .................................................... 3-17
Rear differential oil temperature warning light (WRX-STI) ........................................................ 3-17
ABS warning light .............................................. 3-17
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-18
Door open warning light .................................... 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AWD AT vehicles –
if equipped) ..................................................... 3-19
Intercooler water spray warning light (WRX-STI) ........................................................ 3-19
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles) .................................................... 3-20
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-20
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-20
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-20
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-20
Driver ’s control center differential auto indicator
light (WRX-STI) ................................................ 3-20
Driver ’s control center differential indicator and
warning lights (WRX-STI) ................................. 3-21
Lights indicator light (WRX-STI) ......................... 3-21
REV indicator light (WRX-STI) .. .......................... 3-21
Clock .................................................................. 3-22Instruments and controls
3 

Ignition switch
WARNING
. Never turn the ignition switch to
“ LOCK ”while the vehicle is
being driven or towed because 
that will lock the steering wheel,
preventing steering control. And
when the engine is turned off, it
takes a much greater effort than
usual to steer.
. Before leaving the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child
to remain in the vehicle. Failure
to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child or
others. Children could operate
the power windows, the moon-
roof or other controls or even
make the vehicle move.
CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or 
key case to either key. If it banged
against your knees or hands while
you are driving, it could turn the
ignition switch from the “ON ”posi- tion to the
“Acc ”or “LOCK ”posi-
tion, thereby stopping the engine.
Also, if the key is attached to a
keyholder or to a large bunch of
other keys, centrifugal force may act
on it as the vehicle moves, resulting
in unwanted turning of the ignitionswitch.
The ignition switch has four positions: 
LOCK, Acc, ON and START. NOTE . Keep the ignition switch in the
“ LOCK ”position when the engine is
not running. . Using electrical accessories for a
long time with the ignition switch in the
"ON" or “Acc ”position can cause the battery to go dead..
If the ignition switch will not move
from the “LOCK ”position to the “Acc ”
position, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left and right as you turn
the ignition switch. & LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed 
in this position. The ignition switch will lock
the steering wheel when you remove the
key. 
If turning the key is difficult, turn the 
steering wheel slightly to the right and left
as you turn the key. ! Automatic transmission vehicles
Instruments and controls 3-3
– CONTINUED –   

3-4Instruments and controls
The key can be turned from “Acc ”to
“ LOCK ”only when the selector lever is in
the “P ”position.
! Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “Acc ”to “
LOCK ”only when the key is pushed in
while turning it.
& Acc
In this position the electrical accessories 
(radio, accessory power outlet, etc.) can
be used. & ON
This is the normal operating position after 
the engine is started. & START
The engine is started in this position. The 
starter cranks the engine to start it. When
the key is released (after the engine has
started), the key automatically returns tothe “ON ”position.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “ START ”position while the engine
is running.
! For vehicle with immobilizer
If your registered key fails to start the
engine, pull out the key once (the security
indicator light will blink), and then insert
the key in the ignition switch and turn it tothe “START ”position and again try to start the engine.
NOTE 
The engine may not start in the follow- 
ing cases:
. The key grip is touching another key
or a metallic key holder.