trunk SUBARU OUTBACK 2007 4.G Owner's Manual

trunk lid down until the latch engages. NOTE
Do not leave your valuables in the
trunk when you leave your vehicle. &To open the trunk lid from inside
Pull the trunk lid release lever upward. &
To lock and unlock the trunk
lid release lever
When you entrust your vehicle key to
another person, you can lock the trunk lid
release lever to prevent luggage in the
trunk from being stolen. To lock the trunk
lid release lever, insert the master key or
submaster key into the key cylinder at the
rear of the release lever and turn it
counterclockwise. To unlock the trunk lid
release lever, turn the key clockwise. &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
handle is located on the inside of the trunklid.To open the trunk lid from inside the trunk,
press the yellow handle downward as
indicated by the arrow on the handle. This
operation unlocks the trunk lid. Then, push
up the lid.
The handle is made of material that
remains luminescent for approximately
an hour in the dark trunk space after it is
exposed to ambient light even for a shorttime.
Keys and doors
2-23
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2-24Keys and doors
WARNING
Never allow any child to get in the
trunk and play with the release
handle. If the driver starts the vehi-
cle without knowing that a child is
inside the trunk and the child opens
the lid using the release handle, the
child could fall out and be killed or
seriously injured.
CAUTION
. Do not close the lid while grip-
ping 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
of the 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, the
handle may be pushed down and
the trunk lid may open. That may
cause cargo to fall out of the
trunk, which could create a traffic
safety hazard. !
Inspection
Perform the following steps at least twice
a year to check the release handle for
correct operation.
1. Open the trunk lid.
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 you hear a click.
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 (Station wagon)
The rear gate can be locked and unlocked
using either the keyless entry system or
the power door locking switch.
Refer to the
“Power door locking switches ”
and “Remote keyless entry system ”sec-
tion in this chapter.
To open the rear gate, first unlock the rear
gate lock then pull the outside handle up.
To close the rear gate, lower it slowly and
push down firmly until the latch engages.
The rear gate can be lowered easily if you
pull it down holding the recessed grip.
WARNING
. To prevent dangerous exhaust
gas from entering the vehicle,
always keep the rear gate closed
while driving.
. Do not attempt to shut the rear
gate while holding the recessed
grip. Also avoid closing the rear
gate by pulling on the recessed
grip from inside the cargo space.
There is a danger of your hand
being caught and injured. Keys and doors
2-25
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3-16Instruments and controls
Warning messages Details
Door open warning
When any of the doors, the rear gate (Station wagon) or the trunk lid
(Sedan) is not fully closed, it is indicated by the corresponding part of the
door light.
Always make sure this warning message is out before you start to drive.
The display shows the interruptive warning message for 3 seconds.
Parking brake warning
This warning message comes on with the parking brake applied while the
ignition switch is in the“ON ”position. It goes out when the parking brake is
fully released.
The display shows the interruptive warning message for 3 seconds and
then returns to its original display. The interruptive warning message will be
displayed again after 20 seconds.
Run mode change system warning
This warning message indicates a mulfunction of the “SI-DRIVE mode ”
change. If this warning message is shown on the display, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the SI-DRIVE mode system inspected.
The display shows the interruptive warning message for 3 seconds.
Engine coolant temperature warning
When the engine coolant temperature reaches 248 8F (120 8C), this warning
message is indicated. If this warning message is displayed, refer to the “ Engine overheating
”section in chapter 9 for details the necessary measures.
The display shows the interruptive warning message for 3 seconds.

switch in the“ON ”position and with the
parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should
come on while driving (with the parking
brake fully released and with the ignition
switch positioned in “ON ”), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn
brake pads. If this occurs, immediately
stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place
and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid
level is below the “MIN ”mark in the
reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. Have
the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU
dealer for repair. ! Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning
The brake system warning light also
illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the
EBD system. In that event, it comes on
together with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be faulty if the
brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are
applied harder than usual and the vehi-cle ’s motion may therefore become some-
what harder to control. If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe,
flat place.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights go out, the EBD system
may be faulty.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights come on again
and stay illuminated after the engine has
been restarted, shut down the engine
again, apply the parking brake, and check
the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the “
MIN ”mark, the EBD system may be
faulty. Drive carefully to the nearest
SUBARU dealer and have the systeminspected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the “ MIN ”mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.
Instead, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.
& Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when
the tank is nearly empty approximately 2.6
US gal (10.0 liters, or 2.2 Imp gal). It only
operates when the ignition switch is in the “
ON ”position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the
tank is replenished up to an internal
fuel quantity of approximately 3.7 US
gal (14 liters, 3.1 Imp gal).
CAUTION
(Turbo model only) Promptly put
fuel in the tank whenever the low
fuel warning light comes on. Engine
misfires as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the engine.
& Door open warning light
When any of the doors, the rear gate
(Station wagon) or the trunk lid (Sedan) is
not fully closed, the door warning light
comes on.
For non-turbo models, the open door is
indicated by the corresponding part of the
door warning light.
For turbo models, the opening door is
indicated on the multi-information display.
Always make sure this light is out before
you start to drive. Instruments and controls
3-29
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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 11 lbs (5 kg) ormore.
& For Sedan models
A shopping bag hook is attached to each
inner side wall of the trunk near the trunk
lid opening. &
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. Interior equipment
6-11

6-16Interior equipment
Convenient tie-down hooks
(if equipped)
CAUTION
The convenient tie-down hooks are
designed only for securing light
cargo. Never try to secure cargo
that exceeds the capacity of the
hooks. The maximum load capacity
is 44 lbs (20 kg) per hook.
The cargo area is equipped with four tie-
down hooks so that cargo can be secured
with a luggage net or ropes.
When using the tie-down hooks, turn them
down out of the storing recesses. When
not in use, put the hooks up into the 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 storagecompartment.

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 properinflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk (Sedan)
and rear gate (Station wagon) are fullyclosed.
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. NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than ten
seconds. If the engine fails to start
after operating the starter for five to
ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or
more before trying again.
& Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac- cessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and
shift the shift lever into neutral.
Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while
starting the engine. The starter motor will
only operate when the clutch pedal is
pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON ”
position and check the operation of the
warning and indicator lights. Refer to the“ Warning and indicator lights ”section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START ”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started. Starting and operating
7-9
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exhaust fumes are entering the
vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.
. Keep the trunk lid (Sedan) or rear
gate (Station wagon) 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 sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound isnormal. Catalytic converter
WARNING
. Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive
or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-tures.
. Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
2.5-liter non-turbo models
2.5-liter turbo models
3.0-liter models
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust
gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust. Driving tips
8-3
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Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may
require the use of tire chains, in which
case put the chains on the front wheels
only. Use only SAE class S type chains
that are of the correct size for your tires so
as not to damage the vehicle body orsuspension.
When driving with tire chains, drive at
speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). When a
temporary spare tire is on a front wheel,
replace the temporary spare tire with the
rear tire on the same side of the vehicle,
and then fit chains on the front tires.
Always use the utmost care when driving
with tire chains–overconfidence because
you are driving with tire chains could
easily lead to a serious accident. & Rocking the vehicle
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the selector
lever back and forth between “D ”and “R ”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For
the best possible traction, avoid spinning
the wheels when trying to free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission
in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT).
Refer to the “Automatic transmission –4- speed
”and “Automatic transmission –5-
speed ”section in chapter 7 for information
on holding the transmission in 2nd posi- tion. Loading your vehicle
WARNING
Never allow passengers to ride on a
folded rear seatback, in the trunk or
in the cargo area. Doing so may
result in serious injury.
WARNING
. Never stack luggage or other
cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as Driving tips
8-13
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