trunk SUBARU OUTBACK 2002 3.G User Guide

2-26
Internal trunk lid release handle
The internal trunk lid release handle is a device designed to open the
trunk lid from inside the trunk. In the event children or adults become
locked inside the trunk, the handle allows them to open the lid. The han-dle is located on the inside of the trunk lid.
WARNING
Never allow any child to get in the trunk and play with the releasehandle. If the driver starts the vehicle without knowing that achild is inside the trunk and the child opens the lid using the re-
lease handle, the child could fall out and be killed or seriously in-jured.
CAUTION
Do not close the lid while gripping 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 ofthe 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, thehandle may be pushed down and the trunk lid may open. Thatmay cause cargo to fall out of the trunk, which could create a traf-fic safety hazard.

Keys and doors2-27
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HBS070BA
To open the trunk lid from inside the trunk, press the yellow handle down-
ward as indicated by the arrow on the handle. This operation unlocks thetrunk lid. Then, push up the lid.
The handle is made of material that remains luminescent for approxi-mately an hour in the dark trunk space after it is exposed to ambient light
even for a short time.
Inspection
Perform the following steps at least twice a year to check the release
handle for correct operation.
1. Open the trunk lid.
HBS072BB
HBS071BA
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 youhear a click. This places the latch in the locked position.

2-28
3. Move the release handle, from outside the vehicle, in the direction
of the arrow to check if the latch is released.
HG2018BA
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 movements of the release handle feel restricted or not en-
tirely smooth during operation, or the handle and/or handle base is
cracked, contact your SUBARU dealer.

Interior equipment6-15
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HB7014BD
HBF014CB
Sedan
n For sedan models
A shopping bag hook is attached to each inner side wall of the trunk near the trunk lid opening. n For station wagon models
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.
Floor mat (if equipped)
CAUTION
Make sure the driver ’s floor mat is placed back in its proper loca-
tion and correctly secured on its retaining pin. If the floor matslips forward and interferes with the movement of the pedals dur-ing driving, it could cause an accident.

Interior equipment6-19
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HB6007BB
Sedan
HB6008BA
HB7019AD
The storage tray 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 handleup. Station wagon: Hang the hook provided on the underside of the lid on
the rear edge of the roof to keep the lid open. NOTE When storing a flat tire, put the storage tray in the trunk or cargo area.

7-8
more accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution than the basic emission test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states using two-
wheel dynamometers in their emission testing programs haveEXEMPTED Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing pro-
gram that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel dynamometers in their testing
programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD Subaru 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 be-
fore you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unob- structed.
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 and rear gate 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 theirseatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the en-gine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid
levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

8-4
If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the
vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as pos-
sible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with allwindows fully open. Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while driving to prevent
exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the
manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling soundcoming from the exhaust system for a short time after the enginehas been shut off. This sound is normal.
Catalytic converter
WARNING
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), be-
cause the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures. Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is veryhot.
HB8029BA
HB3003BA

Driving tips8-17
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Refer to the “Automatic transmission ” section in chapter 7 for information
on holding the transmission in 2nd position.
Loading your vehicle
WARNING
Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback, in
the trunk or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious in-
jury. Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengersin the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as possible. When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it when-
ever 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
vehicle’ s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.
Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting
forward 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 seat-
back (for sedan) or the extended luggage cover (for station wag-on). 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 corrosiveliquids or any other dangerous items inside the vehicle.

9-6
5. Take out the spare tire, jack, and wheel nut wrench.
HB6008BCHB9003BB
HS0252
Temporary spare tire
HBF015CB
Jack handle
Jack
Spare tireHB8004BD
The spare tire is stored under the floor of the trunk or cargo area.
To remove the spare tire, proceed as follows:Sedan: Remove the floor cover from the trunk. Remove the storage tray.
Turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take the spare tire out.Station wagon: Open the lid and hang the hook provided on the under-

In case of emergency9-7
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side of the lid on the rear edge of the roof to keep the lid open.
Remove the storage tray. Turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then
take spare tire out.
If the spare tire provided in your vehicle is a temporary spare tire, care-
fully read the section “Temporary spare tire ” in this chapter and strictly
follow the instructions.
HB7008CD
HB9001BB
The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk or cargo area.
To take out the jack:
Remove the cover, turn the jackscrew counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack.
The jack handle is stored under the spare tire cover. NOTE Make sure the jack is well lubricated before using it.