Subaru Outback: Towing and tie-down hooks/holes
The towing hooks should be used only in an emergency (e.g., to free a stuck vehicle from mud, sand or snow).
CAUTION
● Use only the specified towing hooks and tie-down hooks/holes. Never use suspension parts or other parts of the body for towing or tie-down purposes.
● Never use the tie-down hole closest to the muffler under the vehicle for towing purposes.
● To prevent deformation to the bumper and the towing hook, do not apply excessive lateral load to the towing hooks.
Front towing hook:
1. Take out the towing hook and screwdriver from the on board tool bucket. Take out the jack handle from the trunk (Legacy) or cargo area (Outback).
2. Pry off the cover on the front bumper using a screwdriver, and you will find a threaded hole for attaching the towing hook.
3. Screw the towing hook into the threaded hole until the threads can no longer be seen.
4. 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 SRS airbag system in a frontal collision.
Rear towing hook:
1. Take the towing hook out of the tool bucket and take the screwdriver out of the tool bucket. Take the jack handle out of the trunk (Legacy) or cargo area (Outback).
2. Pry off the cover on the rear bumper using a screwdriver, and you will find a threaded hole for attaching the towing hook.
3. Screw the towing hook into the threaded hole until its thread can no longer be seen.
4. 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.
Front tie-down hooks:
The front tie-down hooks are located between each of the front tires and the front bumper.
Rear tie-down holes:
1) Rear tie-down hole
The rear tie-down holes are located near each of the jack-up reinforcements.
WARNING
Use the rear tie-down holes only for downward anchoring. If they are used to anchor the vehicle in any other direction, cables may slip out of the holes, possibly causing a dangerous situation.
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Using a flat-bed truck
This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following procedures
to ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the select lever into the “P” position for AT and CVT models or the
shif
Towing with all wheels on the ground
WARNING
● Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the vehicle is
being towed because the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked.
● Reme
Electronic parking brake – if the electronic parking brake cannot be released
WARNING
● When the electronic parking brake cannot be released, the electronic parking
brake system may malfunction. Driving in such conditions may cause an unexpected
accident. Contact you
SEE MORE:
Trailer safety chains
WARNING
Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Towing trailer
without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates
from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break o
Pulling off the fender lining
It is necessary to pull off the fender lining when replacing some bulbs.
1. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully in the opposite direction
of the bulb to be replaced.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the clip from the fender lining. Refer to “Type B clips” F11-5.
4. Pull off
