Subaru Crosstrek (2019 year). Manual

(345,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver’s door pillar.

If all of four tires are not the same
for items (a) to (h), serious me-
chanical damage could occur to
the drive train of your car, and
affect the following.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

CAUTION

If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.

All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By
shifting power between the front and rear
wheels, SUBARU AWD can also provide
added traction during acceleration and
added engine braking force during decel-
eration.

Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging the
AWD system, you should keep the follow-
ing tips in mind.
.

An AWD model is better able to climb

steeper roads under snowy or slippery

conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling, how-
ever, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure to
reduce your speed and maintain an ample
distance from other vehicles.
.

Always check the cold tire pressure

before starting to drive. The recommended
tire pressure is provided on the tire
placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side.
.

Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle

under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of the follow-
ing items than that specified in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

– Engine oil
– Brake fluid
– Rear differential gear oil
– Manual transmission oil (MT mod-
els)
– Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models)
– Front differential gear oil (CVT
models)

Never attempt to drive through pools

and puddles, or roads flooded with water.
Water entering the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD models

8-5

(346,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

and may cause it to stall.
.

There are some precautions that you

must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to “Towing”
F9-13.

Off road driving

WARNING

Always maintain a safe driving

speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive model could easily
lead to a serious accident.

CAUTION

Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such
as rough roads or off roads will
necessitate more frequent replace-
ment of the following items than that
specified in the maintenance sche-
dule described in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.

Engine oil

Brake fluid

Remember that damage done to

your SUBARU while operating it off-
road and not using common sense
precautions such as those listed
here is not eligible for warranty
coverage.

Because of the AWD feature and higher
ground clearance, you can drive your
SUBARU on ordinary roads or off-road.
But please keep in mind that an AWD
SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither
a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-
terrain vehicle. If you do take your
SUBARU off-road, certain common sense
precautions such as those in the following
list should be taken.

Before driving

Make certain that you and all of your

passengers are wearing seatbelts.
.

Carry some emergency equipment,

such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel,
wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or
citizens band radio.
.

Secure all cargo carried inside the

vehicle and make certain that it is not piled
higher than the seatbacks. During sudden
stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be
thrown around in the vehicle and cause
injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof.
Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity and make it more prone to tip over.

Driving tips/Off road driving

8-6

(347,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Never equip your vehicle with tires

larger than those specified in this manual.

During driving

General precautions:
.

Drive carefully. Do not take unneces-

sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or
over rough terrain.
.

Slow down and employ extra caution at

all times. When driving off-road, you will
not have the benefit of marked traffic
lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and
the like.
.

Do not drive across steep slopes.

Instead, drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. A vehicle can much more
easily tip over sideways than it can end
over end. Avoid driving straight up or down
slopes that are too steep.
.

Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-

cially at higher speeds.
.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of the

steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the
wheel and injure your hands. Instead,
drive with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
.

Do not drive or park over or near

flammable materials such as dry grass or
fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The
exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the engine

stops. This could create a fire hazard.

Precautions when driving under espe-
cially dangerous situations:
.

If driving through water, such as when

crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the
stream bed for firmness and ensure that
the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and cross the stream without stopping.
The water should be shallow enough that it
does not reach the vehicle’s undercar-
riage. Water entering the engine air intake
or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle
and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to
drive through rushing water; regardless of
its depth, it can wash away the ground
from under your tires, resulting in possible
loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.
.

If you must rock the vehicle to free it

from sand or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the shift lever/
select lever back and forth between “1”/“D”
and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction,
avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
.

When the road surface is extremely

slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission in
2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT). For
CVT models, refer to “Selection of manual

mode” F7-26.

After driving

Always check your brakes for effective-

ness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and
stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that
process several times to dry out the brake
discs and brake pads.
.

After driving through tall grass, mud,

rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is
no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand,
etc. adhering to or trapped on the under-
body. Clear off any such matter from the
underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur.
.

Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-

road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly.

Driving tips/Off road driving

8-7

(348,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Winter driving

Operation during cold weath-
er

Maintenance

Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares,
a small shovel and jumper cables.

Check the battery and cables. Cold tem-
peratures reduce battery capacity. The
battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.

It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.

Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen, use
hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.

Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of

the vehicle.
SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con-
tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is
diluted, as indicated in the following table.

Washer Fluid Con-

centration

Freezing Temperature

30%

10.48F (−128C)

50%

−48F (−208C)

100%

−498F (−458C)

In order to prevent freezing of washer fluid,
check the freezing temperatures in the
table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with
a different concentration from the one
used previously, purge the old fluid from
the piping between the reservoir tank and
washer nozzles by operating the washer
for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if
the concentration of the fluid remaining in
the piping is too low for the outside
temperature, it may freeze and block the
nozzles.

CAUTION

Adjust the washer fluid concen-

tration appropriately for the out-
side temperature. If the concen-
tration is inappropriate, sprayed
washer fluid may freeze on the
windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in
the reservoir tank.

State or local regulations on

volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer anti-
freeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol anti-
freeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging
your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades
or washer system.

Before driving your vehicle

Before entering the vehicle, remove any
snow or ice from your shoes because that
could make the pedals slippery and driving
dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before
driving, check that the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and all other controls operate
smoothly.

Driving tips/Winter driving

8-8

(349,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Clear away ice and snow that has accu-
mulated under the fenders to avoid making
steering difficult. During severe winter
driving, stop when and where it is safe to
do so and check under the fenders
periodically.

Parking in cold weather

WARNING

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle if you park
the vehicle in snow with the engine
running.

CAUTION

Do not use the parking brake

when parking for long periods in
cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.

When the vehicle is parked in

snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.

When the vehicle has been left

parked after use on roads heavily
covered with snow, or has been
left parked during a snowstorm,

icing may develop on the brake
system, which could cause poor
braking action. Check for snow or
ice buildup on the suspension,
disc brakes and brake hoses
underneath the vehicle. If there
is caked snow or ice, remove it,
being careful not to damage the
disc brakes and brake hoses and
ABS harness.

When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. For MT models, place the shift lever in
the “1” or “R” position. For CVT models,
place the select lever in the “P” position.
2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent
the vehicle from moving.

Refueling in cold weather

To help prevent moisture from forming in
the fuel system and the risk of its freezing,
use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel
tank is recommended during cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically
designed for this purpose. When an anti-
freeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever the
fuel level reaches half empty.

If your SUBARU is not going to be used for

an extended period, it is best to have the
fuel tank filled to capacity.

Driving on snowy and icy
roads

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid
sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-
speed driving, and sharp turning when
driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
to avoid the need for sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the
engine brake effectively to control the
vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear
when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha-
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly
leading to loss of vehicle control.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-
hances your vehicle’s braking perfor-
mance on snowy and icy roads. For
information on braking on slippery sur-
faces, refer to “ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System)” F7-33 and “Vehicle Dynamics
Control system” F7-35.

WARNING

For models with cruise control:

Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads such as snowy or icy

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Winter driving

8-9

(350,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

roads. This may cause loss of vehi-
cle control.

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged continuous driving
in snowstorms. Snow will enter the
engine’s intake system and may
hinder the airflow, which could re-
sult in engine shutdown or even
breakdown.

Wiper operation when snowing

Before driving in cold weather, make sure
the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to
the windshield or rear window.

If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the
windshield or rear window, perform the
following procedure.
.

To thaw the windshield wiper blade

rubbers, use the defroster with the airflow
selection in “

” and the temperature set

for maximum warmth until the wiper blade
rubbers are completely thawed. Refer to
“Climate control” F4-1.
.

If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper

deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blade rubbers. Refer to
“Defogger and deicer” F3-86.
.

To thaw the rear wiper blade rubbers,

use the rear window defogger. Refer to
“Defogger and deicer” F3-86.

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts
to stick on the surface of the windshield
despite wiper operation, use the defroster
with the airflow selection in “

” and the

temperature set for maximum warmth.
After the windshield gets warmed enough
to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer. Refer to
“Windshield washer” F3-75.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the
wiper from working effectively. If snow is
stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to
a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the
vehicle at road side, use the hazard
warning flasher to alert other drivers. Refer
to “Hazard warning flasher” F3-8.

Corrosion protection

Refer to “Corrosion protection” F10-4.

Snow tires

WARNING

When replacing or installing win-

ter tire(s), all four tires must be
the same for following items.

(a) Size

(b) Circumference

(c) Speed symbol

(d) Load index

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For the items (a) to (d), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver’s door pillar.

If all of four winter tires are not
the same for items (a) to (h),
serious mechanical damage
could occur to the drive train of
your car, and affect the following.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

Do not use a combination of

Driving tips/Winter driving

8-10

(351,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

radial, belted bias or bias tires
since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead
to an accident.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season
tires” as original equipment, which are
designed to provide an adequate measure
of traction, handling and braking perfor-
mance in year-round driving. In winter, it
may be possible to enhance performance
through use of tires designed specifically
for winter driving conditions.
When you choose to install winter tires on
your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire
size and type. You must install four winter
tires that are of the same size, construc-
tion, brand and load range and you should
never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires
since this may result in dangerous hand-
ling characteristics. When you choose a
tire, make sure that there is enough
clearance between the tire and vehicle
body.

Remember to drive with care at all times
regardless of the type of tires on your
vehicle.

Tire chains

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of clear-
ance between the tires and vehicle
body.

NOTE

When tire chains cannot be used, use of
another type of traction device (such as
spring chains) may be acceptable if use
on your vehicle is recommended by the
device manufacturer, taking into ac-
count tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer’s in-
structions, especially regarding max-
imum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.

Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with a
traction device. Overconfidence be-

cause you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.

Rocking the vehicle

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the shift
lever/select lever back and forth between
“1”/“D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction,
avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission in
2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT
models).

If your vehicle is a CVT model, for
information about holding the transmission
in the 2nd position, refer to “Selection of
manual mode” F7-26.

Driving tips/Winter driving

8-11

(352,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Loading your vehicle

WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride

on a folded rear seatback in the
cargo area. Doing so may result
in serious injury.

Never stack luggage or other

cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as
possible.

WARNING

When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.

Do not pile heavy loads on the

roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.

Secure lengthy items properly to

prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.

Never exceed the maximum load

limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.

Do not place anything on the

extended cargo area cover. Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
ious injury.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.

NOTE

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.

Vehicle capacity weight

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

8-12

(353,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Vehicle placard

The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Certification label

The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver’s side door pillar shows
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).

The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire

assembly) plus the vehicle capacity
weight.

In addition, the total weight applied to each
axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.

If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle
scale, found at a commercial weighing
station.

Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

8-13

(354,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Roof rail

Crossbar

Cargo can be carried on the roof after
securing the crossbars to the roof rails and
installing an appropriate carrying attach-
ment. When installing crossbars and a
carrying attachment, follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions. The roof rail system is
designed to carry loads (cargo, crossbars
and carrying attachment) of no more than
150 lbs (68 kg). Be sure not to exceed
your vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR.

CAUTION

When using a carrying attach-

ment, make sure that the total
carrying load of the cargo, cross-
bars and carrying attachment

does not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg).
Overloading may cause damage
to the vehicle.

For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof rails must be used together
with the crossbars and any ap-
propriate carrying attachment
that may be needed. The roof
rails must never be used alone
to carry cargo. Otherwise, da-
mage to the roof or paint, or a
dangerous road hazard due to
loss of cargo could result.

NOTE

Remember that the vehicle’s center of
gravity is altered with the weight of the
load on the roof, thus affecting driving
characteristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard
cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind
effects will be increased.

Roof tent

WARNING

Adding weight to the vehicle’s roof
can adversely affect handling, brak-
ing, and rollover resistance. The
vehicle must never be driven with a
total roof rail load in excess of 176
lbs (80 kg).

CAUTION

The roof rail load limit for sta-

tionary vehicles (700 lbs (317 kg))
applies only when the vehicle is
parked and the load is evenly
distributed left/right and front/
rear and the roof crossbars and

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

8-14

(355,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

roof tent are tightly secured to
the vehicle. If these conditions
are not met, the load limit will be
lower.

The maximum load limit of the

roof crossbars must be obtained
from the manufacturer or retailer
of the roof rack. When driving the
vehicle, the maximum roof rail
load is 176 lbs (80 kg) or the
crossbar load limit (whichever is
lower).

Roof tents may be used under certain
conditions at your own risk.

When driving the vehicle

The total weight on the roof rails, including
the roof crossbars and roof tent, must not
exceed the vehicle’s roof rail load of 176
lbs (80 kg), evenly distributed.

Roof rails

Roof crossbars

Roof tent

B + C < 176 lbs (80 kg)

When the vehicle is parked on level
ground

Roof rails

Roof crossbars

Roof tent

Occupants in the roof tent

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Loading your vehicle

8-15

(356,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

The total weight on the roof rails –
including the roof crossbars, roof tent,
and all occupants and contents in the roof
tent – must not exceed either the vehicle’s
roof rail load limit (700 lbs (317 kg)), evenly
distributed, or the load limit of the roof
crossbars, whichever is lower.

Load limit of the roof rail (A).
B + C + D < 700 lbs (317 kg)

Exceeding this load limit could cause
damage to the vehicle or racking system.
The vehicle must never be driven with
occupants in the roof tent. Before the
vehicle is driven, occupants and cargo
must be removed from the roof tent and
the roof rail load must be restored to within
the roof rail load limit of 176 lbs (80 kg).
Refer to the user manual that accompa-
nied the roof tent for important safety
information and instructions on the proper
installation and use of the tent.

Trailer hitch (dealer option)

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal in-
juries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. For possible recommenda-
tions and limitations, refer to
“Trailer towing” F8-18.

Trailer brakes are required when

the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs
(453 kg). Be sure your trailer has
safety chains and that each chain
will hold the trailer’s maximum
gross weight. Towing trailers
without safety chains could cre-
ate a traffic safety hazard if the
trailer separates from the hitch
due to coupling damage or hitch
ball damage.

Be sure to check the hitch pin and

safety pin for positive locking
placement before towing a trailer.
If the ball mount comes off the
hitch receiver, the trailer could
get loose and create a traffic

safety hazard.

Although towing regulations for

trailer or caravan vehicles vary
by state/region, all regulations
agree that specifications such
as the maximum gross trailer
weight must not exceed the les-
ser of the following:

– Maximum gross trailer weight

–

M a x i m u m g r o s s t o n g u e

weight

– GVWR

– GAWR

Failure to comply with the proce-

dures set forth will not only
compromise your safety, but will
also negate your insurance cov-
erage and/or may violate the state
road and traffic acts and regula-
tions.

Use only the ball mount supplied

with this hitch. Use the hitch only
as a weight carrying hitch. Do not
use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.

The standard bumper beam must

be installed after you remove the
trailer hitch. Consult a SUBARU
dealer for purchase of a standard
bumper beam if you do not have

Driving tips/Trailer hitch (dealer option)

8-16

(357,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

the original.

Safety performance is decreased

and there is increased risk of
injury to passengers in the case
of an accident if the trailer hitch
or a standard bumper beam is not
installed. One of them must al-
ways be installed on the vehicle.

If a trailer hitch is installed, it is

not possible to install the rear
towing hook.

The maximum gross trailer weight and
maximum gross tongue weight are indi-
cated in the following table.

Maximum gross trai-
ler weight

Maximum gross ton-
gue weight

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

200 lbs

(90 kg)

When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer
towing” F8-18.

Connecting a trailer

Ball mount

Hitch pin

Safety pin

Hitch receiver tube

1. Insert the ball mount into the hitch

receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole located
on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin
passes through the ball mount.
3. Insert the safety pin through the hole
located on the hitch pin securely.
4. Check the ball mount assembly by
pulling on it to make sure it does not come
off the hitch receiver.

Hitch ball installation point

Hooks for safety chains

5. Attach a hitch ball. Use only a hitch ball
that is appropriate for the ball mount and
your trailer. The hitch ball must be securely
installed on the ball mount.
6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.
7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with
safety chains that will hold the trailer’s

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Trailer hitch (dealer option)

8-17

(358,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

maximum gross weight. The chains should
cross under the trailer tongue to prevent
the tongue from dropping onto the ground
in case it should disconnect from the hitch
ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains
taking tight turn situations into account;
however, be careful not to let them drag on
the ground.

WARNING

Do not connect safety chains to any
part of the vehicle other than the
safety chain hooks.

1) Hitch harness connector

8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black
four-pin wire connector to the towing
trailer’s wire harness.

9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, stop and turn signal lights on the
trailer.

NOTE

Always disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a
watercraft.

If not towing a trailer

Remove the ball mount from the hitch

receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube.
.

Place the dust cap over the four-pin

connector of the hitch wire harness to
protect against possible damage.
.

Occasionally lubricate terminals of the

four-pin connector using terminal grease.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. Do not use towing equipment
other than genuine SUBARU towing
equipment. In addition, be sure to follow
the instructions for proper installation and
use provided by the trailer or caravan’s
manufacturer.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any
errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting
bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

Driving tips/Trailer towing

8-18

(359,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused by
trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow
a trailer, more frequent maintenance will
be required due to the additional load.
(Refer to “Maintenance schedule under
severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer be
towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with
any new powertrain component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearings,
etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving.

Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following.
Exceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.

CAUTION

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.

Before towing a trailer, check the

trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum total trailer weight in the follow-
ing table.

– CONTINUED –

Driving tips/Trailer towing

8-19

(360,1)

北米Model "A1340BE-A" EDITED: 2018/ 4/ 2

Crosstrek models

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

1,500 lbs (680 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade
continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an
outside temperature of 1048F (408C) or above.

750 lbs (340 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)

Gross Vehicle Weight

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-
bined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.

Driving tips/Trailer towing

8-20

Subaru Crosstrek (2019 year). Manual - part 22