Subaru Forester: Rear gate / Manual rear gate
The rear gate can be locked and unlocked
using any of the following systems.
- Power door locking switch: Refer to
“Locking and unlocking from the inside”.
- Keyless access with the push-button
start system (if equipped): Refer to “Keyless
access with push-button start system”.
- Remote keyless entry system: Refer to
“Remote keyless entry system”.
- Automatic door locking/unlocking: Refer
to “Automatic door locking/unlocking”.
To open:

Rear gate opener button
- Unlock the rear gate.
- Press and hold the rear gate opener
button. The rear gate will open slightly.
- Hold the rear gate and lift it up slowly.
NOTE
If the rear gate cannot be opened due to
a discharged vehicle battery, a malfunction
in the door locking/unlocking
system or other causes, the rear gate
can be unlocked by manually operating
the rear gate lock release lever. For the
procedure, refer to “Rear gate – if the
rear gate cannot be opened”.
To close:

Lower the rear gate slowly and push down
firmly until the latch engages.
The rear gate can be lowered easily if you
pull it down holding the handle.
WARNING
- To prevent dangerous exhaust
gas from entering the vehicle,
always keep the rear gate closed
while the engine is running.
- Do not attempt to shut the rear
gate while holding the handle.
- Do not close the rear gate by
pulling the handle from inside the
cargo space. There is a danger of
your hand being caught and
injured.
CAUTION
- Do not jam a plastic bag in or
place cellophane tape on the rear
gate stays or scratch the stays
while loading or unloading cargo.
Doing so could cause leakage of
gas from the stays, which may
result in their inability to hold the
rear gate open.
- Be careful not to hit your head or
face on the rear gate when opening
or closing the rear gate and
when loading or unloading cargo.
WARNING
When operating the power rear
gate, observe the following precautions.
Ignoring the precautions
may result in an injury (e.
g., anyone’s body is hit against
the rear gate or is caught in the
rear gate, etc...
Other information:
This light illuminates when the engine oil
level decreases to the lower limit.
If the warning light illuminates, check the
engine oil level on a level surface. When
the engine oil level is not within the normal
range, refill with engine oil. Refer to
“Engine oil”...
CAUTION
Do not open and close the center
console lid while operating the rear
seat heater switch. There is the risk
of fingers being caught in the lid.
The seat heater operates when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
Rear seat heater switch
HIGH mode indicators
LOW mode indicators
Left-hand side
Right-hand side
Press the rear seat heater switch...