Subaru Forester Manuals 2018 Forester Owner's Manual | Page 145

Keys and doors/Rear gate 2. Press and hold the rear gate opener button. The rear gate will open slightly. 3. Hold the rear gate and lift it up slowly. NOTE If the rear gate cannot be unlocked due to a discharged vehicle battery, a malfunction in the door locking/unlock- ing system or other causes, you can unlock it by manually operating the rear gate lock release lever. For the procedure, refer to “Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be opened” F9-19. To close: 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. CAUTION 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 recessed grip. . 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. That 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 open- ing or closing the rear gate and when loading or unloading car- go. 2-39 & Power rear gate (if equipped) WARNING . When opening the rear gate, make sure there are no people around it. If the rear gate, by any chance, should hit a part of the body, this may result in an injury. . When closing the rear gate, be extremely careful to prevent any- one’s fingers, arms, neck, head or other objects from being caught in the rear gate. Other- wise, serious personal injury may be caused by entrapment. . If either of the operating condi- tions has not been satisfied while operating the power rear gate, an electronic chirp will sound and the power rear gate will be deac- tivated. In this case, the rear gate may open or close suddenly. Be careful to prevent anyone’s body or any objects from being hit against the rear gate or being caught in the rear gate. . After opening the rear gate on a slope by using the power rear gate feature, the rear gate may close. Make sure that the rear gate has stopped completely – CONTINUED –