Subaru Outback Manuals 2012 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 115

Keys 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. 2-25 ! Inspection Perform the following steps at least twice a year to check the release handle for correct operation. 1. Open the trunk lid. 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 cannot strike the release handle. If the cargo hits the handle while the vehicle is being driven, the handle may be pulled and the trunk lid may open. That may cause cargo to fall out of the trunk, which could create a traffic safety hazard. This places the latch in the locked posi- tion. 2. Use a flat-head screwdriver with a thin blade. Slide the flat-head screwdriver blade from the slit aperture of the lock assembly fully to the end until you hear a click. 3. Move the release handle, from outside the vehicle, in the direction of the arrow to check if the latch is released. – CONTINUED –