Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Opening/closing the back door (vehicles without power back door)

■ Open

In the Subaru Solterra, the back door can be manually opened by lifting it upward while pressing the back door opener switch. This action releases the latch and allows smooth access to the luggage compartment.

■ Close

To close the Subaru Solterra back door, gently pull it down using the interior handle and then press firmly on the outer surface to ensure it is securely latched.

When using the handle, avoid applying sideways force, as improper movement may affect alignment or cause unnecessary strain on the mechanism.

■ Luggage compartment light

• In the Subaru Solterra, the luggage compartment light automatically illuminates when the back door is opened, improving visibility when loading or unloading cargo.
• After the power switch is turned OFF, the light will automatically turn off after approximately 20 minutes to preserve battery power.

■ If the back door opener is inoperative

If the back door of the Subaru Solterra cannot be opened using the external switch, it can be released manually from inside the vehicle.

1. Remove the protective cover.

To avoid damage, wrap the tip of the screwdriver with a cloth before use.

2. Loosen the screw and shift the cover aside.

3. Operate the internal lever to release the lock.

4. To reassemble, perform the above steps in reverse order.

NOTICE

■ Back door damper stays

The Subaru Solterra back door is equipped with damper stays designed to hold the door securely in the open position.

Failure to do so may lead to damage of the damper stays and improper operation of the Subaru Solterra back door.

• Do not attach foreign materials such as stickers, films, or adhesive elements to the damper rod.
• Avoid touching the damper rod with gloves or cloth materials that may leave residue.
• Use only genuine Subaru Solterra accessories when attaching components to the back door.
• Do not apply side pressure or place hands directly on the damper stay.

Opening/closing the back door (vehicles with power back door)

■ Using the wireless remote control

In the Subaru Solterra, press and hold the designated button on the remote control to automatically open or close the power back door.

If the button is pressed during operation, the movement will stop. Pressing and holding it again will reverse the direction of the back door.

■ Using the power back door switch on the instrument panel

Press and hold the switch located on the instrument panel of the Subaru Solterra to operate the power back door.

The system functions when the vehicle is unlocked*. If the switch is pressed during movement, the operation pauses; pressing and holding again will reverse the direction.

*: Opening the power back door while locked can be enabled through customization settings in the Subaru Solterra.

■ Opening the back door using the back door opener switch

When unlocked: Press the back door opener switch to open the Subaru Solterra back door.

When locked: Carry the electronic key and press and hold the opener switch to activate automatic opening.

The power back door opens smoothly and automatically.

If the switch is pressed during opening, the operation will stop. Pressing it again resumes the opening process.

■ Using the power back door switch on the back door

• Close

In the Subaru Solterra, press the integrated switch on the back door to initiate automatic closing. The system ensures smooth and controlled movement for enhanced convenience.

If the switch is pressed while the Subaru Solterra power back door is in motion, the operation will pause immediately.

Pressing the switch again after stopping will reverse the movement direction, allowing full control over the back door operation.

• Close the back door and lock all doors (close & lock function)

While carrying the electronic key, press the dedicated button to activate the combined close-and-lock function in the Subaru Solterra.

After activation, the system temporarily delays closing (approximately 30 seconds) if the electronic key remains within the detection range, providing additional safety and preventing accidental closure.

Once the key moves outside the detection area, the Subaru Solterra power back door will automatically begin closing.

If the key re-enters the detection zone during closing, the system will immediately stop the operation to avoid unintended contact.

A distinct buzzer sound, different from the standard tone, will indicate that the Subaru Solterra back door is preparing to close automatically.

After the back door is fully closed, all doors of the Subaru Solterra will lock simultaneously, and visual/audible signals will confirm successful locking.

If the switch is pressed during closing, the operation pauses. Pressing it again reverses the movement direction.

■ Using the back door handles

In the Subaru Solterra, gently pull the back door downward using the handle to initiate closing.

The integrated closing assist system will engage automatically, ensuring that the back door is fully latched without requiring excessive force.

■ Luggage compartment light

• The Subaru Solterra luggage compartment light activates automatically when the back door is opened, providing improved visibility.
• After the power switch is turned OFF, the light will automatically switch off after approximately 20 minutes to preserve battery charge.

■ Back door closer

If the Subaru Solterra back door is not completely closed, the automatic closer function will engage to gently pull it into the fully latched position.

This feature operates regardless of the power switch state, ensuring consistent convenience and safety.

■ Power back door operating conditions

The Subaru Solterra power back door system will operate automatically when the following conditions are satisfied:

• The power back door function is enabled in the system settings.
• When the power switch is in ON, the Subaru Solterra allows operation if one of the following conditions is met:
  • The parking brake is engaged
  • The brake pedal is pressed
  • The shift lever is in the P position

■ Operation of the power back door

• In the Subaru Solterra, a buzzer sounds and the hazard lights flash twice to indicate that the back door is opening or closing.
• If the power back door system is disabled, the Subaru Solterra back door must be operated manually.
• If an obstacle or abnormal condition is detected while opening, the Subaru Solterra system will automatically stop the operation to prevent damage or injury.

■ Jam protection function

The Subaru Solterra is equipped with sensors on both sides of the power back door. If an obstruction is detected while the door is closing, the system will either reverse the movement or stop completely to prevent injury or damage.

■ Fall-down protection function

During automatic opening of the Subaru Solterra back door, if excessive force is applied, the system will stop the movement to prevent sudden closing and ensure safe operation.

■ Back door closing assist

In the Subaru Solterra, if the back door is manually lowered from an open position, the integrated closing assist system will automatically engage and complete the closing process, ensuring a secure and proper latch without requiring additional force.

■ Back door reserve lock function

This advanced Subaru Solterra feature allows pre-setting the locking of all doors while the power back door is still open, improving convenience when exiting the vehicle.

When the following steps are performed, all doors except the power back door are locked first, and the back door will automatically lock once it fully closes.

1. Close all doors except the Subaru Solterra back door.

2. While the power back door is in the process of closing, lock the vehicle using the smart key system from the side doors or by using the wireless remote control.

Confirmation signals in the Subaru Solterra will indicate that all doors are successfully closed and locked.

• If the electronic key is left inside the Subaru Solterra after initiating the reserve lock function, it may become locked inside the vehicle.
• If the back door does not fully close due to activation of the jam protection system or other interruption, the reserve lock function will be canceled and all doors will automatically unlock.
• Before leaving the Subaru Solterra, always verify that every door is completely closed and securely locked.

■ Close & lock function

When the Subaru Solterra power back door is open, this function allows the system to close the back door and simultaneously lock all doors in one seamless operation.

If the following procedure is completed and no electronic key is detected inside the Subaru Solterra, all doors will lock once the back door is fully closed.

1. Close all doors except the power back door.

2. While carrying the electronic key, press the switch located on the lower section of the power back door.

A distinct buzzer sound will indicate activation, and the Subaru Solterra back door will begin closing automatically.

Once fully closed, all doors will lock simultaneously, and visual/audible signals will confirm successful locking.

Note that the double locking system of the Subaru Solterra is not activated during this operation.

■ Situations in which the close & lock function may not operate properly

Under certain conditions, the Subaru Solterra close & lock function may not work as expected:

• If the switch is pressed while holding the electronic key in the same hand
• If the switch is pressed while the electronic key is inside a bag placed near the vehicle
• If the switch is pressed when the electronic key is outside the detection range of the Subaru Solterra

■ When reconnecting the 12-volt battery

After reconnecting the 12-volt battery in the Subaru Solterra, manually close the back door once to restore proper operation of the power back door system.

■ If the back door opener is inoperative

If the Subaru Solterra back door cannot be opened normally, it can be released manually from inside the vehicle.

1. Remove the protective cover.

To avoid scratching or damaging components, wrap the tip of the screwdriver with a soft cloth.

2. Loosen the screw and reposition the cover.

3. Operate the release lever to unlock the back door mechanism.

4. Reinstall all components by reversing the above steps once the Subaru Solterra back door is functional again.