Subaru Baja (2006 year). Manual - part 20

8-26

Driving tips

and trailer are acceptable.

T Total trailer weight

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
load) must never exceed the maximum weight shown
in the following table.

HS8016AA

Model

Conditions

Maximum

total trailer

weight

MT models

When towing a trailer with-
out brakes.

1,000 lbs

(453 kg)

When towing a trailer with
brakes.

2,400 lbs

(1,087 kg)

AT models

When towing a trailer with-
out brakes.

1,000 lbs

(453 kg)

When towing a trailer with
brakes.

2,400 lbs

(1,087 kg)

When towing a trailer on a
long uphill grade continu-
ously for over 5 miles (8 km)
with an outside temperature
of 104°F (40°C) or above.

1,200 lbs

(543 kg)

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Driving tips

– CONTINUED –

T 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 combined 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.

GVWR is shown on the certification label located on
the driver’s door of your vehicle.

UB8038BA

UB8043BA

8-28

Driving tips

T Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross Axle Weight

The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must nev-
er exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The
front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehicle.

The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the cer-
tification label.
To check both GVWR and GAWR and to confirm that
the total weight and weight distribution are within safe
driving limits, you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing station.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a
change in weight distribution while driving.

UB8039BA

UB8043BA

8-29

Driving tips

– CONTINUED –

T Tongue load

Tongue load

If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the
back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load
is taken off the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to skid, espe-
cially during braking or when vehicle speed is
reduced during cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 per-
cent of the total trailer weight and does not exceed the
maximum value of 200 lbs (90 kg).

1) Jack
2) Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom
scale as shown in the following illustration. When
weighing the tongue load, be sure to position the tow-
ing coupler at the height at which it would be during ac-
tual towing, using a jack as shown.

HS8019AA

UB8040BB

8-30

Driving tips

F: Front

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution
of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with
more weight in the back than in the front; approximate-
ly 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front
and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distrib-
ute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and
right sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a
change in weight distribution while driving.

Trailer hitches

Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.

y Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, or other systems when installing
a hitch or other trailer towing equipment.
y Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can
cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bear-
ings, wheels or tires.

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-

60%

40%

50% 50%

HS8021BB

8-31

Driving tips

– CONTINUED –

mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure
to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch
mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

Connecting a trailer

T Trailer brakes

y Adequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs
(453 kg) total weight.
y Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydrau-
lic brake system to the hydraulic brake system
in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause
the vehicle’s brake performance to deteriorate

and could lead to an accident.

If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is re-
quired to be equipped with its own brake system. Elec-
tric brakes or surge brakes are recommended, and
must be installed properly. Check that your trailer’s
brakes conform with Federal, state/province and/or
other applicable regulations. Your SUBARU’s brake
system is not designed to be tapped into the trailer’s
hydraulic brake system. Please ask your SUBARU
dealer and professional trailer supplier for more infor-
mation about the trailer’s brake system.

T Trailer safety chains

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 or become disconnected, the trailer could get

8-32

Driving tips

loose and create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and
trailer with trailer safety chains. Pass the chains cross-
ing each other under the trailer tongue to prevent the
trailer from dropping onto the ground in case the trailer
tongue 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.
For more information about the safety chain connec-
tion, refer to the instructions for your hitch and trailer.

T Side mirrors

After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the

standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without significant blind spots. If significant blind
spots occur with the vehicle’s standard side mirrors,
use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/
province and/or other applicable regulations.

T Trailer lights

Direct splicing or other improper connection of
trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electri-
cal system and cause a malfunction of your ve-
hicle’s lighting system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical
system requires modifications to the vehicle’s lighting
circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wir-
ing changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected
properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check
for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake
lights and parking lights each time you hitch up.

T Tires

Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare

UB8041BA

8-33

Driving tips

– CONTINUED –

tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly
inflated.

The recommended cold tire pressure is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door jamb.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla-
tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer’s specifications.

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a
trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat
tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or
trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be
sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.

Trailer towing tips

y Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing
a trailer in hilly country on hot days.
y When towing a trailer, steering, stability,
stopping distance and braking performance
will be different from normal operation. For
safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:

T Before starting out on a trip
y Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer.
y Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the
front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then con-
firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable.
y Check that the tire pressures are correct.
y Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that.

8-34

Driving tips

– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is connected properly
and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi-
cle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s
turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal
lever is operated.
– the safety chains are connected properly.
– all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without a significant blind spot.

y Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of
the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out on a
trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping
and backing up.

T Driving with a trailer
y You should allow for considerably more stopping
distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking
because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and
loss of control.
y Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate en-
gine revolution.
y Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes.
y Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor-

mal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle.
y Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds
can be due to weather conditions or the passing of
large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the
steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradu-
ally.
y When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-
tance is required because of the added weight and
length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.

1) Left turn
2) Right turn

HS8023BB

8-35

Driving tips

– CONTINUED –

y Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes prac-
tice. When backing up with a trailer, never accelerate
or steer rapidly. When turning back, grip the bottom of
the steering wheel with one hand and turn it to the left
for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
y If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle
is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have repairs
performed immediately by the nearest SUBARU deal-
er.

T Driving on grades
y Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift
into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to
utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheat-
ing of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
y When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condition-
er may turn off automatically to protect the engine from
overheating.
y When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to
the water temperature gauge pointer (for all vehicles)
and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT vehicles) since
the engine and transmission are relatively prone to
overheating under these conditions. If the water tem-
perature gauge pointer approaches the OVERHEAT
zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates,
immediately switch off the air conditioner and stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine

overheating” section in chapter 9, and “Warning and
indicator lights” section in chapter 3.

NOTE (Turbo models only)

In a vehicle that has an automatic transmission,
the engine is less likely to overheat with the “D”
range selected than it is with the manual mode se-
lected.

y If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid
using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an
uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or foot
brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to over-
heat.
y Non-turbo models only: If your vehicle has an auto-
matic transmission, place the selector lever as follows:
Uphill slopes: “D” position
Downhill slopes: A low-speed gear position to use en-
gine braking

T Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer
when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You
should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a
hill or slope cannot be avoided, you should take the
following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the

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Driving tips

vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the
regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the park-
ing brake; slowly release the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission)
or “P” (automatic transmission) and shut off the en-
gine.

9-1

In case of emergency

If you park your vehicle in an emergency ..

9-2

Jack and tools ...............................................

9-3

Location of jack and tools ...............................

9-3

Removing jack and tool bag ............................

9-3

Restoring jack and tools ..................................

9-5

Spare tire .......................................................

9-7

Removing the spare tire ...................................

9-7

Re-storage of spare tire ...................................

9-9

Temporary spare tire ....................................

9-10

Using the temporary spare tire ........................

9-10

Flat tires .........................................................

9-12

Changing a flat tire ...........................................

9-12

Jump starting ................................................

9-18

How to jump start .............................................

9-19

Engine overheating .......................................

9-21

If steam is coming from the engine

compartment ..................................................

9-21

If no steam is coming from the engine

compartment ..................................................

9-21

Towing ...........................................................

9-22

Towing and tie-down hooks ............................

9-23

Using a flat-bed truck .......................................

9-27

Towing with all wheels on the ground ............

9-27

9-2

In case of emergency

If you park your vehicle in an emer-
gency

The hazard warning flasher should be used in day or
night to warn other drivers when you have to park your
vehicle under emergency conditions.
Avoid stopping on the road. It is best to safely pull off
the road if a problem occurs.

The hazard warning flasher can be activated regard-
less of the ignition switch position.
Turn on the hazard warning by pushing the hazard
warning flasher switch. Turn it off by pushing the
switch again.

NOTE

When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn
signals do not work.

UB8002BA

9-3

In case of emergency

– CONTINUED –

Jack and tools

The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for
changing a tire.
Before using the jack, see the “Flat tires” section in this
chapter for instructions and precautions.

Location of jack and tools

The jack and tool bag are located in the left side rear
quarter pocket at the back side of the rear seatback.

A wheel nut wrench, jack drive tube, tire holding rod,
tire holding retainer, screwdriver and two belts are in-
cluded in the tool bag.

Removing jack and tool bag

Before folding down the seatback, check that
there is nothing in the seatback pocket. If there
is something in the pocket, it could be damaged
or cause damage to the seatback and rear cen-
ter console when the seatback is folded.

UB9091BA

900276

9-4

In case of emergency

1) Red
A) LOCK
B) UNLOCK

1. Pull the rear seatback locks up and fold down the
rear seatback to gain access to the rear quarter pock-
ets at both sides.

2. Open the left-hand pocket lid by turning the knob.
3. Take the tool bag out of the pocket.

UB1109BB

UB9074BA

9-5

In case of emergency

– CONTINUED –

4. Loosen the jack holding screw by turning counter-
clockwise and remove the jack from the pocket.

NOTE

y Be careful not to lose the jack holding screw af-
ter removing it.
y Make sure the jack is well lubricated before us-
ing it.

Restoring jack and tools

1. Strap the wheel nut wrench, jack drive tube, and
tire holding rod together using the two belts, then re-
turn them to the tool bag together with the other tools.
2. Contract the jack by turning the jack screw counter-
clockwise to the end.

UB9075BA

900277

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