trunk SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G User Guide

2-24
Trunk lid (Sedan)
WARNING
To prevent dangerous exhaust gas from entering the vehicle,
always keep the trunk lid closed while driving. Help prevent young children from locking themselves in the
trunk. When leaving the vehicle, either close all windows and lockall doors or cancel the inside trunk lid release. Also make certainthat the trunk is closed. On hot or sunny days, the temperature inthe trunk could quickly become high enough to cause death orserious heat-related injuries including brain damage, particularlyfor small children.
To open and close the trunk lid from outside
HBF013CB
To open the trunk lid from outside, insert the key and turn it clockwise.
To close the trunk lid, lightly press the trunk lid down until the latchengages.

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Keys and doors2-25
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To open the trunk lid from inside
HB3000CB
Pull the trunk lid release lever upward. To cancel the trunk lid release
HBF014BA
The inside trunk lid release can be cancelled to help prevent unautho-
rized entry into the trunk. To cancel the trunk lid release, set the lid
release cancel lever (located on the inside of the trunk lid, mounted tothe trunk lid latch) to the “CANCEL” position. When this lock is in the
“CANCEL” position, the trunk can be opened only with the key.

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.

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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.

2-283. 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.

6
Interior equipment6-21
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HB6025BA
The coat hook is attached to each rear passenger ’s hand grip.
Shopping bag hook CAUTION
Do not hang items on the shopping bag hook that weigh 2.2 lb (1 kg) or more.
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.

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Interior equipment6-25
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HB6007BB
Sedan
HB6008BA
HB7019AD
The subfloor storage 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. 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 subfloor storage in the trunk or car- go area.

7
Starting and operating7-9
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than three. Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their Subaru
Dealer for service.
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

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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.