Keys and doors/Rear gate (Outback)
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 (Outback)
&Manual rear gate (if
equipped)
The rear gate can be locked and unlocked
using any of the following systems.
.Power door locking switch: Refer to
“Power door locking switches”F2-9.
.Keyless access with the push-button
start system (if equipped): Refer to“Key-
less access with push-button start system”
F2-10.
.Remote keyless entry system: Refer to
“Remote keyless entry system”F2-23.
To open:
Rear gate opener button
1. Unlock the rear gate.
2-40
Push-button ignition switch
(models with push-button
start system)
&Safety precautions
Refer to“Safety precautions”F2-10.
&Operating range for push-
button start system
Legacy
1) Antenna
2) Operating range
Outback
1) Antenna
2) Operating range
NOTE
.If the access key is not detected
within the operating range of the an-
tennas inside the vehicle, the push-
button ignition switch and the engine
start cannot be operated.
.Even when the access key is outside
the vehicle, if it is placed too close to
the glass, it may be possible to switch
the power or to start the engine.
.Do not leave the access key in the
following places. It may become im-
possible to operate the push-button
ignition switch and the engine start.
–On the instrument panel–On the floor
–Inside the glove box
–Inside the door trim pocket
–On the rear seat
–On the rear shelf (Legacy)
–Inside the trunk (Legacy)
–At the corner of the cargo area
(Outback)
.When operating the push-button
ignition switch or starting the engine,
if the access key battery is discharged,
perform the procedure described in
“Access key–if access key does not
operate properly”F9-18. In such a
case, replace the battery immediately.
Refer to“Replacing battery of access
key”F11-50.
Instruments and controls/Push–button ignition switch (models with push–button start system)
–CONTINUED–3-5
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
&Door open indicator
When any of the doors, the rear gate
(Outback) or the trunk lid (Legacy) is not
fully closed, the door open indicator
appears. This function is effective even if
the ignition switch is in the“LOCK”/“OFF”
or“ACC”position (all models) or the key is
removed from the ignition switch (models
without“keyless access with push-button
start system”).
The open door is indicated by the corre-
sponding part of the door open indicator.
Always make sure this indicator does not
appear before you start to drive.
&Windshield washer
fluid warning indicator
This indicator appears when the fluid level
in the windshield washer fluid tank de-
creases to the lower limit (approximately
0.6 US qt, 0.6 liter, 0.5 Imp qt).
&All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (CVT models)
WARNING
Continued driving with the AWD
warning light flashing can lead to
powertrain damage. If the AWD
warning light flashes, promptly parkin a safe place then check whether
all four tires are the same diameter
and whether any of the tires has a
puncture or has lost air pressure for
some other reason.
NOTE
If the temporary spare tire is used, the
AWD warning light may flash. Use of
the temporary spare tire should there-
fore be restricted to the minimum time
necessary. Replace the temporary
spare tire with a conventional tire as
soon as possible.
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven
with tires of different diameters fitted on its
wheels or with the air pressure exces-
sively low in any of its tires.
&Power steering warn-
ing light
While the engine is running, this warning
light illuminates when a malfunction has
been detected in the electric power steer-
ing system.
CAUTION
When the power steering warning
light is illuminated, there may be
more resistance when the steeringwheel is operated. Drive carefully to
the nearest SUBARU dealer and
have the vehicle inspected immedi-
ately.
NOTE
If the steering wheel is operated in the
following ways, the power steering
control system may temporarily limit
the power assist in order to prevent the
system components, such as the con-
trol computer and drive motor, from
overheating.
.The steering wheel is operated fre-
quently and turned sharply while the
vehicle is maneuvered at extremely low
speeds, such as while frequently turn-
ing the steering wheel during parallel
parking.
.The steering wheel remains in the
fully turned position for a long period
of time.
At this time, there will be more resis-
tance when steering. However this is
not a malfunction. Normal steering
force will be restored after the steering
wheel is not operated for a while and
the power steering control system has
an opportunity to cool down. However,
if the power steering is operated in a
non-standard way which causes power
3-22
!Door interlock switch
Models with SUBARU STARLINK*
1) Door interlock switch
*: For details about the SUBARU STARLINK
(U.S.-spec. models only, if equipped), refer to
the Owner’s Manual supplement for the
SUBARU STARLINK.
Models without SUBARU STARLINK
1) Door interlock switch
The door interlock switch has the following
positions.
OFF:The map lights do not illuminate
automatically in conjunction with a door
opening. But, the lights can be turned on
manually by pressing the map light
switches.
DOOR:The map lights illuminate auto-
matically when any of the doors (other
than the rear gate or trunk lid) is opened
even while the map light switches are in
the OFF position. Several seconds after
all of the doors (other than the rear gate or
trunk lid) are closed, the map lights
gradually turn off. For details, refer to
“OFF delay timer”F6-4.
&Cargo area light (Outback)
1) DOOR
2) OFF
3) ON
The cargo area light switch has the
following positions.
DOOR:The light illuminates only when
the rear gate is opened. The light gradu-
ally turns off several seconds after the rear
gate is closed. For derails, refer to“OFF
delay timer”F6-4.
OFF:The light remains off.
ON:The light remains on continuously.
Interior equipment/Interior light
–CONTINUED–6-3
Interior equipment/Shopping bag hook
Shopping bag hook
CAUTION
Do not hang items on the shopping
bag hook that weigh 11 lbs (5 kg) or
more.
&Legacy
A shopping bag hook is attached to each
inner side wall of the trunk near the trunk
lid opening.
&Outback
A shopping bag hook is attached to each
side of the cargo area.
To use the hook, push the upper portion
and the shopping bag hook will appear.
Store the hook after using it.
Convenient grip (Outback)
CAUTION
.Do not hang items on the con-
venient grip that weigh 6 lbs (3
kg) or more. Depending on the
conditions of use (for example, in
low temperatures, etc.), the rear
gate may lower even with lighter
loads. However, this is not a
malfunction. Be careful not to
hit your head or other body parts.
.When using the convenient grip,
do not try to close the rear gate.
Doing so may cause the item on
the grip to be jammed in the rear
gate and damaged. Remove the
item from the grip before closing
the rear gate.
6-14
Interior equipment/Under–floor storage compartment
storing recesses.Under-floor storage compart-
ment
The subfloor storage compartment is
located under the floor of the trunk or
cargo area and can be used to store small
items. To open the lid, pull the tab or
handle up.
NOTE
When storing a flat tire, put the sub-
floor storage in the trunk or cargo area.
CAUTION
.Always keep the lid of the sub-
floor storage compartment
closed while driving to reduce
the risk of injury in the event of
sudden stop or an accident.
.Do not store spray cans, contain-
ers with flammable or corrosive
liquids or any other dangerous
items in the subfloor storage
compartment.
Legacy
Outback
For Outback, hang the hook provided on
the underside of the lid on the rear edge of
the roof to keep the lid open.
6-20
Rear view camera
Legacy
Outback
A rear view camera is attached to the
trunk lid (Legacy) or rear gate (Outback).
When the ignition switch is“ON”and the
shift lever (MT models) or select lever
(CVT models) is set to“R”, the rear view
camera automatically displays the rear
view image behind the vehicle on the
audio/navigation monitor.
WARNING
.Since the rear view camera uses
a wide-angle lens, the image on
the monitor is different from the
actual view in terms of distance.
.Since the range of the image on
the monitor is limited, you should
always check the rear view and
the surrounding area with your
eyes and mirrors, and move
backward at a slow speed. Mov-
ing backward only by checking
the rear view image from the
camera could cause an accident.
.Do not disassemble or modify the
camera, switch or wiring. If
smoke comes out or you smell
a strange odor, stop using the
rear view camera immediately.
Contact your SUBARU dealer
for an inspection. Continued use
may result in accident, fire orelectric shock.
CAUTION
.If your vehicle is washed with a
high-pressure washer, do not
allow water to contact the camera
directly. Entry of water in the
camera lens may result in con-
densation, malfunction, fire or
electric shock.
.Since the camera is a precision
device, do not subject it to strong
impacts. Otherwise, malfunction,
fire or electric shock may occur.
.If mud or snow sticks to or is
frozen on the camera, you must
be very careful removing it.
Otherwise, damage done to the
camera may cause a fire or
electric shock. Pour water or
lukewarm water over the camera
to remove mud and ice, and wipe
it with a soft, dry cloth.
.Do not put a flame close to the
camera or wiring. Otherwise, da-
mage or fire may occur.
.When replacing the fuse, be sure
to use a fuse with the specified
rating. Use of a fuse with a
different rating may result in a
Interior equipment/Rear view camera
–CONTINUED–6-21
Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
.A vehiclefails the OBDII inspection if
the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
.A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors“NOT
READY”is greater than one. If the
vehicle’s battery has been recently re-
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
not ready for the emission test. Under this
condition, the vehicle driver should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to reset the readiness monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
.Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector
not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer.Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk (Legacy)
and rear gate (Outback) are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the“ON”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
10. Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
7-8