Subaru Forester: Towing / Rear towing hook
- Take the towing hook and screwdriver
out of the tool bucket. Take the jack handle
out of the cargo area.

- Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver
with vinyl tape or cloth so that it will not
scratch the bumper. Pry off the cover on
the rear bumper using a screwdriver, and
you will find a threaded hole for attaching
the towing hook.

- Screw the towing hook into the thread
hole until its thread can no longer be seen.

- Tighten the towing hook securely using
the jack handle.
After towing, remove the towing hook from the vehicle and stow it in the tool
bucket.
Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.
WARNING
Do not use the towing hook
except when towing your vehicle.
Be sure to remove the towing
hook after towing. Leaving the
towing hook mounted on the
vehicle could interfere with proper
operation of the fuel pump
shut off function when the vehicle
is struck from behind.
CAUTION
To prevent deformation to the bumper
and the towing hook, do not
apply excessive load to the towing
hook.
Other information:
NOTE
The rear gate will remain unlocked
even after closing it. Always lock the
rear gate when leaving the vehicle.
If you cannot open/close the rear
gate by performing the operation described
here, a short electronic chirp
will sound three times (beep, beep,
beep)...
NOTE
If you unlock the driver’s door with a
key (including an emergency key) and
open the door while the alarm system is
armed, the alarm system is triggered
and the vehicle’s horn sounds. In this
case, perform any of the following
operations:
Models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”:
Press any button on the access
key fob (except when the access
key fob battery is discharged)...