
Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)
maximum gross weight. The chains
should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping onto the
ground in case it should disconnect from
the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the
chains taking tight turn situations into
account; however, be careful not to let
them drag on the ground.
WARNING
Do not connect safety chains to any
part of the vehicle other than the
safety chain hooks.
Hitch harness connector
8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black
four-pin wire connector to the towing
trailer ’s wire harness. 9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, stop and turn signal lights on the
trailer.
NOTE
Always disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a
watercraft.
&
If not towing a trailer
. Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube.
. Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch wire harness to
protect against possible damage.
. Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal grease.
Trailer towing (Crosstrek
models)
CAUTION
This “Trailer towing ”section is
applicable for Crosstrek models.
Other vehicle models are neither
designed nor intended to be used
for trailer towing. Therefore, never
tow a trailer with other vehicle
models.
Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’ s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. Do not use towing equipment
other than genuine SUBARU towing
equipment. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions for proper installation and
use provided by the trailer or caravan ’s
8-18

Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)
!Trailer lights
CAUTION
Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle ’s electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle ’s lighting system.
Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-
cle ’s electrical system requires modifica-
tions to the vehicle’ s lighting circuit to
increase its capacity and accommodate
wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights
are connected properly, please consult
your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper
operation of the turn signals and the brake
lights each time you connect a trailer to
your vehicle.
! Tires
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the tem-
porary spare tire is used. The tem-
porary spare tire is not designed to
sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing
can result in failure of the spare tire
and/or less stability of the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated. Refer to
“Tires”F 12-
8.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer ’s
specifications. Also check federal, state,
province and/or other applicable regula-
tions.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire
when towing a trailer, ask a commercial
road service representative or profes-
sional to repair the flat tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your
vehicle or trailer as a precaution against
getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare
tire is firmly secured.
& Trailer towing tips
CAUTION
. For models equipped with the
BSD (Blind Spot Detection) and
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
driving support systems, when
towing a trailer, press the BSD/
RCTA OFF switch to deactivate
the system. The system may not
operate properly due to the
blocked radar waves. For details
about the BSD/RCTA OFF switch, refer to
“BSD/RCTA OFF switch ”
F 7-56.
. Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)
when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days.
. When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent when compared to normal
operation. For safety’ s sake, you
should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you
should never drive at excessive
speeds. You should also keep the
following tips in mind:
! Before starting out on a trip
. Check the towing regulations for trailer
or caravan vehicles that vary by state/
region. Failure to comply with the proce-
dures set forth will not only compromise
your safety, but will also negate your
insurance coverage and/or may violate
the state road and traffic acts and regula-
tions.
. Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer.
. Check that the vehicle rests horizon-
tally with the trailer attached. If the vehicle
8-24

is tipped sharply up at the front and down
at the rear, check the total trailer weight,
GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then
confirm that the load and its distribution
are acceptable.
.Check that the tire rating and pressures
are correct.
. Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that:
–the trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer ’s brake
lights illuminate when the vehicle ’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the
trailer ’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle’ s turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
– the safety chains are connected
properly.
– all cargo in the trailer is secured
safely in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig-
nificant blind spot.
. Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel ”of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up. !
Driving with a trailer
. You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may
result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of
control.
. Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-
erations. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, always start out in first gear
and release the clutch at moderate engine
revolution.
. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.
. Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius because
the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In
a tight turn, the trailer could hit your
vehicle.
. Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and promptly begin
decelerating your vehicle at a gradual
pace.
. When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
. Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right
for a right turn.
. If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing
the trailer and have repairs performed
immediately by your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
Driving tips/Trailer towing (Crosstrek models)
–CONTINUED –8-25

Maintenance and service/Installation of accessories
4. Pull out the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. Inspect the fuse. If it has blown,
replace it with a spare fuse of the same
rating.
6. If the same fuse blows again, this
indicates that its system has a problem.
Contact your SUBARU dealer for repairs.
Installation of accessories
Always consult your SUBARU dealer
before installing fog lights or any other
electrical equipment in your vehicle. Such
accessories may cause the electronic
system to malfunction if they are incor-
rectly installed or if they are not suited for
the vehicle.
Replacing bulbs
WARNING
Bulbs may become very hot while
illuminated. Before replacing bulbs,
turn off the lights and wait until the
bulbs cool down. Otherwise, there is
a risk of sustaining a burn injury.
CAUTION
Replace any bulb only with a new
bulb of the specified wattage. Using
a bulb of different wattage could
result in a fire. For the specified
wattage of each bulb, refer to“Bulb
chart” F12-14.
& Headlights (models with HID
headlights)
WARNING
High-intensity-discharge (HID) bulbs
are used for the low beams of the
headlights. These HID bulbs use an
extremely high voltage. To avoid the
risk of an electric shock that could
result in serious injury, observe the
11-36

Specifications/Bulb chart
Bulb chart
&Safety precautions
WARNING
. Bulbs may become very hot while
illuminated. Before replacing
bulbs, turn off the lights and wait
until the bulbs cool down. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining
a burn injury.
. For models with HID low beam
headlights, observe the following
precautions. Not doing so carries
the risk of an electric shock that
could result in serious injury
because the HID bulbs use an
extremely high voltage.
– Do not replace any headlight
bulbs (both low beam and
high beam) by yourself.
– Do not remove/restore the
headlight assemblies by your-
self.
– Do not remove any headlight-
assembly components by
yourself. For replacement, contact your
SUBARU dealer.
CAUTION
Replace any bulb only with a new
bulb of the specified wattage. Using
a bulb of different wattage could
result in a fire.
12-14

14-2Index
A
Abbreviation................................................................... 3
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-32
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
Access key ................................................................. 2-9
Warning indicator ................................................... 3-25
Accessories .............................................................. 11-36
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-8
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-12
Air conditioner Automatic climate control .......................................... 4-7
Manual climate control .............................................. 4-8
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-12
Air flow mode .............................................................. 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-27
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-23
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-28
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna ...................................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-32
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-29
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-8
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-10
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-19
Audio aha
TMby HARMAN ................................................ 5-44
AM/FM radio ......................................................... 5-28
AUX ..................................................................... 5-61
Base display audio set. ............................................. 5-4
Basic operation ...................................................... 5-18
Bluetooth audio ...................................................... 5-58 CD ....................................................................... 5-53
iPod
...................................................................... 5-56
Pandora
®.............................................................. 5-50
SiriusXM Satellite Radio .......................................... 5-37
STARLINK
TM7.0 Multimedia Plus audio set ................ 5-6
Steering switches for audio ...................................... 5-63
SUBARU STARLINK ............................................... 5-26
Unit setting ............................................................ 5-19
USB memory ......................................................... 5-55
Auto on/off headlights ................................................. 3-89
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .......................... 3-100, 3-102
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-94
Warning light .......................................................... 3-31
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) ................................................ 1-12
B
Battery Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-7
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (access key) ..................................... 11-44
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-20
Replacement (transmitter) ...................................... 11-45
Vehicle battery ..................................................... 11-34
Bluetooth
®
Audio .................................................................... 5-58
Hands-free phone system ........................................ 5-71
Settings ................................................................. 5-66
Troubleshooting ...................................................... 5-89
Bluetooth
®settings ..................................................... 5-66
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-32

EngineCompartment overview ........................................... 11-7
Coolant ........................................................ 11-11, 12-7
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 5, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Low oil level warning light ....................................... 3-18
Oil................................................................ 11-8, 12-4
Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting & stopping ........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder ......................................................... 8
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-6
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-11
Fluid level Brake .................................................................. 11-16
Clutch .................................................................. 11-17
Continuously variable transmission .......................... 11-15
Fog light Bulb .......................................................... 11-38, 12-14
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-31
Switch .................................................................. 3-94
Front
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-15, 12-6
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-20
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-38
Front seats .................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................. 1-3
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-5
Reclining ................................................................. 1-4 Seat height adjustment
............................................. 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................\
... 7-3
Consumption indicator ............................................. 3-33
Consumption screen ............................................... 3-48
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-12
Requirements ................................................. 7-3, 12-3
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-35
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-10
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ............................... 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-6
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-13
H
Hands-free phone system ............................................ 5-71
Hazard warning flasher .......................................... 3-8, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rear seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight Beam leveler. ......................................................... 3-94
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-36
Bulb wattage ........................................................ 12-14
Control switch ........................................................ 3-89
Flasher .................................................................. 3-91
Indicator light .........................................................
3
-32
Welcome lighting function ........................................ 3-90
HID headlights ...................................................... 1, 11-36
Index14-5

14-6Index
High beam indicator light............................................ 3-31
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-91
Hill start assist .................................................. 7-41, 11-19
OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-23
Warning light ......................................................... 3-22
HomeLink
®.............................................................. 3-102
Hook Cargo tie-down ...................................................... 6-14
Coat ..................................................................... 6-11
Shopping bag ........................................................ 6-12
Towing and tie-down ............................................... 9-14
Horn ........................................................................\
3-111
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-11
I
Ignition switch .............................................................. 3-4
Light ....................................................................... 3-6
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-93
Immobilizer. ................................................................. 2-3
Indicator light (security indicator light) ....................... 3-30
Indicator light BSD/RCTA OFF. .................................................... 3-32
BSD/RCTA warning ................................................ 3-32
Coolant temperature low ......................................... 3-17
Cruise control ........................................................ 3-31
Cruise control set ................................................... 3-31
Front fog light ........................................................ 3-31
Headlight .............................................................. 3-32
High beam ............................................................ 3-31
Hill start assist OFF ................................................ 3-23
Immobilizer. ........................................................... 3-30 Security
................................................................. 3-30
Select lever/Gear position ........................................ 3-30
Steering responsive fog lights OFF ... ........................ 3-32
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-31
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ................................. 3-25
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .......................... 3-24
Information display ...................................................... 3-32
Inside mirror .................................................. 3- 100, 3-102
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
Internal trunk lid release handle .................................... 2-39
J
Jack-up point .............................................................. 9-6
Jump starting ............................................................. 9-10
K
Key........................................................................\
.... 2-3 Number plate .......................................................... 2-3
Reminder chime ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement. .......................................................... 2-4
Keyless access entry function ...................................... 2-13
Keyless access with push-button start system ................. 2-9
Disabling keyless access functions ........................... 2-18
Locking and unlocking doors .................................... 2-13
Opening rear gate .................................................. 2-16
Opening trunk ........................................................ 2-16
Warning chimes and warning indicator ...................... 3-25
When access key does not operate properly .............. 9-18
Keyless entry system .................................................. 2-23