Keys and doors/Rear gate (Outback)
gate has stopped completely
after opening it.
.Before leaving the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety (models
without“keyless access with
push-button start system”) 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 power rear gate.
.The driver should be aware of
and pay careful attention to his/
her responsibilities.
.The power rear gate button
should only be used to open
and close the rear gate when
the area around the rear gate is
clearly visible and when you
have checked that there is no
danger of people being caught in
the gate.
CAUTION
.When closing the rear gate after
opening it, make sure to use the
power rear gate. If you close the
rear gate manually with extra
force, the power rear gate maybe damaged.
.Do not install any accessories
other than genuine SUBARU
parts on the rear gate. If the
weight of rear gate increases
excessively, the rear gate stay
cannot support the rear gate
sufficiently when opening the
rear gate. Also, the power rear
gate may not function properly or
may malfunction.
.Do not touch the driving rod
while the power rear gate oper-
ates or stops. Doing so may
result in injury or damage.
The power rear gate operates only when
all of the following conditions are satisfied.
.The vehicle is stopped completely.
.The outside temperature is within a
range from−228F to 1408F (from−308Cto
608C).
.The ignition switch is in the“LOCK”/
“OFF”or“ACC”position. Or, the ignition
switch is in the“ON”position and the
parking brake is applied (MT models)/the
select lever is in the“P”position (CVT
models).
We recommend using the power rear gate
function in most circumstances instead of
manual operation.
NOTE
.If the power rear gate button is
pressed repeatedly while the power
rear gate is operating, the system may
ignore the button operation in order to
avoid being damaged. Do not press the
button unnecessarily.
.It is not possible to stop the rear
gate temporarily while opening be-
tween the completely closed position
and approximately 12 in (30 cm) open.
If you press one of the power rear gate
buttons briefly during this range, the
rear gate will be closed.
.If the vehicle starts to move while
the power rear gate is operating, the
system sounds a buzzer and closes the
rear gate automatically. At this time, if
the system detects jamming, it will
deactivate the power rear gate and the
rear gate will not be closed. If this
occurs, close the rear gate manually.
.If you try to open the rear gate using
the power rear gate function immedi-
ately after closing the rear gate using
the power rear gate function, an elec-
tronic chirp will sound and the rear
gate will not open. Wait for a while
before trying to open the rear gate via
the power rear gate function.
2-42
CAUTION
.If the reverse function is operated
3 times consecutively, automatic
opening and closing of the power
rear gate function will be can-
celed and the rear gate will stop
opening or closing suddenly.
Whether the rear gate opens or
closes depends on the rear gate
height when automatic operation
is ceased. Be careful that the rear
gate does not hit anyone’s head
or face, etc. and that fingers and
baggage, etc. are not caught in it.
.Take care not to damage the
touch sensors. Otherwise, the
reverse function may cease to
operate.
If, while opening or closing using power
rear gate, the rear gate catches persons
or baggage or hits an obstacle, an
electronic chirp will sound 3 times and
the rear gate will operate as follows.
When opening the rear gate:The rear
gate will automatically close.
When closing the rear gate:The rear
gate will automatically open.
1) Touch sensor
Touch sensors are attached on the left
and right edges of the rear gate. If the
touch sensors detect fingers, baggage,
etc. while closing by the power rear gate
function, an electronic chirp will sounds 3
times and the rear gate will open auto-
matically.
NOTE
When the rear gate is opened using the
reverse function, it will be opened fully
or to the height registered in the
memory function.!Rear gate drop prevention function
If, while fully opened via the power rear
gate function, the rear gate is lowered by
the weight of snow and such, an electronic
chirp will sound and the rear gate drop
prevention function will apply braking to
the rear gate so that it prevents a rapid
closure of the rear gate.
NOTE
.If there is snow on the rear gate,
only use the power rear gate function
after removing the snow.
.If you close the rear gate manually
just after the rear gate is fully opened
using the power rear gate function, the
rear gate drop prevention function will
detect a rapid closure of the rear gate
and apply braking to the rear gate. In
this case, this is not a malfunction.
!Selecting audible signal operation
Using an electronic chirp, the power rear
gate will give you an audible signal before
starting its operation. If desired, the
audible signal can be turned off by a
SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU
dealer for details.
For models with“keyless access with
push-button start system”, you can turn
the audible signal off by operating the
multi information display. For details, refer
Keys and doors/Rear gate (Outback)
–CONTINUED–2-47
Interior equipment/Cargo area cover (Outback–if equipped)
Cargo area cover
(Outback–if equipped)
The cargo area cover is provided for
covering the cargo area and to protect its
contents from direct sunlight. This cover is
detachable to make room for additional
cargo.
&Using the cover
To extend the cargo area cover:
1) Stopper
1. Hold the handle located at the center
of the cargo area cover and lift the handle
upward slightly to unlock the stoppers that
are located at the right and left end of the
cover.
2. Pull the handle toward you to extend
the cover area cover. Then insert its hooks
into the catches as shown.
To rewind the cargo area cover:
1. Hold the handle located at the center
of the cargo area cover, pull it toward you
and lift up slightly to unlock the cargo area
cover from the catches.1) Stopper
2. Slowly rewind the cargo area cover
completely. Then lift the handle upward
slightly to lock the stoppers.
WARNING
Do not place anything on the ex-
tended cover. Putting excessive
weight on the extended cover can
break it and an object on the cover
could tumble forward in the event of
a sudden stop or collision. This
could cause serious injury.
6-16
New vehicle break-in driving–the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km)..................................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints............................................ 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............ 8-2
Catalytic converter.............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections........................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries............................... 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles............................ 8-5
Off road driving................................................... 8-6
Legacy................................................................ 8-6
Outback.............................................................. 8-6
Winter driving...................................................... 8-8Operation during cold weather............................. 8-8
Driving on snowy and icy roads......................... 8-10
Corrosion protection.......................................... 8-11
Snow tires......................................................... 8-11
Tire chains......................................................... 8-12Rocking the vehicle........................................... 8-12
Loading your vehicle......................................... 8-12Vehicle capacity weight...................................... 8-13
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and Gross Axle Weight Rating)........................ 8-14
Roof rails with integrated crossbars
(Outback)........................................................ 8-14
Trailer hitch (Outback—if equipped).............. 8-18Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-19
If not towing a trailer.......................................... 8-20
Trailer towing (Legacy)...................................... 8-21
Trailer towing (Outback).................................... 8-21
Warranties and maintenance.............................. 8-21
Maximum load limits.......................................... 8-21
Trailer Hitches................................................... 8-25
Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-25
Trailer towing tips.............................................. 8-26
Driving tips
8
possible.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.
.Do not pile heavy loads on the
roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.
.Secure long items properly to
prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.
.Never exceed the maximum load
limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle..Do not place anything on the rear
shelf behind the rear seatback
(Legacy) or the extended cargo
area cover (Outback–if
equipped). Such items could
tumble forward in the event of a
sudden stop or a collision. This
could cause serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.
&Vehicle capacity weight
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s
Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
–CONTINUED–8-13
Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
&GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
driver’s side door shows GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongueload. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation.
In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
&Roof rails with integrated
crossbars (Outback)
1) Integrated crossbars
CAUTION
.For cargo carrying purposes, the
bars must be used as crossbars
and be used together with the
genuine SUBARU carrying at-
tachment. The bars must never
be used alone to carry cargo.
Otherwise, damage to the roof or
paint or a dangerous road hazard
due to loss of cargo could result.
.When using the bars as cross-
bars, make sure that the total
weight of the carrying attach-
ment and cargo does not exceed
8-14
the maximum load limit. Over-
loading may cause damage to
the vehicle and create a safety
hazard.
The bars can be used as crossbars.
Cargo can be carried after setting the
bars as crossbarsand installing the
genuine SUBARU carrying attachment.
When you carry cargo on the roof using
the crossbars and a carrying attachment,
never exceed the maximum load limit
explained in the following. You should
also be careful that your vehicle does not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). For information
on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle,
refer to“Loading your vehicle”F8-12. The
maximum load limit of the cargo and
carrying attachment must not exceed the
allowable load limit described in the Own-
er’s Manual of a genuine SUBARU carry-
ing attachment. Place the heaviest load at
the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly
distribute the cargo. Always properly
secure all cargo.!Installing carrying attachments on
the crossbars
When installing any carrying attachment
such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak
carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the cross-
bars, follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions and make sure that the attachment is
securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only
attachments designed specifically for the
crossbars. A set of the crossbars is
designed to carry loads (cargo and attach-
ment) of not more than the allowable load
limit described in the Owner’s Manual of a
genuine SUBARU carrying attachment.
Before operating the vehicle, make sure
that the cargo is properly secured on the
attachment.
NOTE
.Remember that the vehicle’s center
of gravity is altered with the weight of
the load on the roof, thus affecting the
driving characteristics. Drive carefully,
avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and
abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be
increased.
.Restore the bars to the original
position when the bars are not used
as crossbars.!How to use as crossbars
CAUTION
.Do not raise the bar higher than
necessary. The base of the bar
may be damaged.
.Be careful not to contact the bars
while sliding them. Otherwise,
the bars may be scratched or
the latch portions may be da-
maged.
.Do not slide the bar more than
necessary when sliding the bar.
The base of the bar may be
damaged.
.Do not allow the bar to fall on or
contact the roof panel or the
moonroof when sliding the bar.
Otherwise the roof panel may be
dented or the glass of the moon-
roof may be damaged.
Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
–CONTINUED–8-15
Driving tips/Trailer hitch (Outback—if equipped)
4. Install the bars into the holders.
5. Make sure that the latches are fitted
securely.
!Rope hook (attached to the roof rail)
Rope hook
CAUTION
.When you use the rope hooks,
always secure the rope at all four
hook points.
.Do not tighten the rope exces-
sively. Otherwise, it may lead to
damage to the vehicle body or
cargo.
.Check that the rope is not loose
before driving the vehicle.
.When you use the rope hooks,
never exceed the maximum load
limit.
Load limit:
Observe the load limit that is indicated on
the rope hook.
Trailer hitch (Outback—if
equipped)
WARNING
.Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal in-
juries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. For possible recommenda-
tions and limitations, refer to
“Trailer towing (Outback)”F8-
21.
.Trailer brakes are required when
the towing load exceeds 1,000
lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer
has safety chains and that each
chain will hold the trailer’s max-
imum gross weight. Towing trai-
lers without safety chains could
create a traffic safety hazard if
the trailer separates from the
hitch due to coupling damage or
hitch ball damage.
.Be sure to check the hitch pin
and safety pin for positive lock-
ing placement before towing a
trailer. If the ball mount comes off
8-18