Answers to commonly asked accessory questions
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Quick Links:

• Bike Attachment
• Ski Attachment
• Kayak Carrier
• Round Cross Bars (accessory)
• Square Cross Bars (accessory)
• Roof Cargo Basket
• Legacy Sedan Roof Rack
• Roof Cargo Box
• Spoilers
• Engine Block Heater
• Battery Warmer
• Air Filtration System
• Keyless Security
• Trailer Hitch
• Trailer Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier
• Differential Protector
• Car Cover
• Splash Guards
• Front End Cover
• Vanity Mirrors
• Audio Systems
• Subwoofer/Amplifier
• Woodgrain
• Gauge Pack
• Floor Mats
• Compartment Separator (Dog Guard)
• Power Outlet
• Carbon Fiber Trim
• Fender Molding vs. Front End Cover
• Power Outlet vs. 2001MY Forester Security System
• Baja Sport Activity Lamps
• Baja Soft Bed Cover
• Baja Bed Extender
• Ashtray – Cupholder Mount
• Remote Engine Starter
• Backup Sensor
• Satellite Radio

Bike Attachment - Frame Mount (Old Style – Up to 2006MY)

• What is the maximum load limit of the bike rack? The bike rack can carry two bikes on top of any Subaru roof rack. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Impreza Sport. The Forester has a load limit of 150 lbs.
• What size (diameter) bike tube can be clamped (secured) by the bike rack clamp? The bike rack can secure 1” - 2 1/8” diameter bike tubes.
• What does the bike rack kit include? The kit includes all parts and instructions that are required to assemble and install the bike rack, except for the roof rack mounting clamps. The mounting clamps are sold separately and vary depending upon the roof rack to which they are mounted.

• What is the maximum load limit of the bike rack? The bike rack can carry two bikes on top of any Subaru roof rack. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Impreza Sport. The Forester and B9 Tribeca have a load limit of 150 lbs.
• What type of Bikes can be used with this rack? The bike rack can secure 1” - 3” diameter bike tubes. The tubes can be non-round as long as they remain under 3” in any direction. The bike rack is intended for bikes with metal frames only (use with composite bike frames is not recommended). The wheel tray is 52” long.
• What does the bike rack kit include? The kit includes all parts and instructions that are required to assemble and install the bike rack, except for the roof rack mounting clamps. The mounting clamps are sold separately and vary depending upon the roof rack to which they are mounted.

Bike Attachment – Fork Mount

• How many sets of skis can be secured by the rack? The ski rack can carry:
  • 4 pairs of skis and poles
  • 6 pairs of skis without poles
  • 2 or 4 snow boards, depending upon the snow boot mounting clamps.
• Does the ski rack kit include mounting clamps? The kit includes all parts and instructions that are required to assemble and install the ski rack, except for the roof rack mounting clamps. The mounting clamps are sold separately and vary depending upon the roof rack to which they are mounted.

• How many kayaks can be secured by the rack? The folding kayak carrier can secure two kayaks to the vehicle’s roof rack. The cradle type will only secure one kayak, though two cradle type kayak carrier kits can usually be installed onto the vehicle’s roof.
• How do I secure a kayak? Always secure the kayaks to the front and rear kayak carrier. Then secure them to the front and rear of the vehicle.
• What is the maximum load limit of the kayak carrier? The kayak carrier can secure two kayaks to the top of any Subaru roof rack. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Baja, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, and Impreza Sport. The Forester and B9 Tribeca have a load limit of 150 lbs.
• What about small boats or canoe? The kayak carrier can secure kayaks to the top of any Subaru roof rack, not boats or canoes. Small boats or canoes can be secured directly to the roof rack, but care should be taken not to damage the painted rack or roof surface.
• Does the kayak carrier include mounting clamps? The folding kit includes all parts and instructions that are required to assemble and install the kayak carrier, except for the roof rack mounting clamps. The mounting clamps are sold separately and vary depending upon the roof rack to which they are mounted. The cradle type kit includes all parts and instructions, and round/square crossbar mounting clamps. Aero style crossbar mounting clamps must be purchased separately.

• What vehicles can use this product? There are two kits available. One for the Outback Wagon (including 05MY) and one for the 98-02 Forester.
• What are the maximum load limits for the Round Cross Bars? The load limit is a function of the vehicle’s roof side-rails. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback Wagons and 125 lbs. for the 98-02 Forester.
• Are there kits available for the Impreza Outback Sport or Impreza Wagons? There are no kits available for these vehicles.
• What is the width of the bars? For the Outback, the round crossbars are approximately 48” long.

• What vehicles can use this product? There are two kits, one kit for the 03-05 Forester and one kit for the 05+ Legacy Wagon. This is a Mont Blanc product.
• What is the width of the crossbars? The Forester square crossbar kit is about 1200 mm wide (47.25 inches)
• Why are the cross bars making a whistling noise? If the black plastic inserts are not installed into the slots on the underside of the crossbars (per step nine of the installation instructions) a whistling noise can result.
• What are the maximum load limits for the Square Cross Bars? The load limit is a function of the vehicle’s roof side-rails. The maximum load limit is 150 lbs. for the 03- 05 Forester and 100lbs for the 05 Legacy Wagon.
• Are there kits available for the Impreza Sport, Impreza Wagon? There are no kits available for these vehicles.
• Which attachments can be secured to the Square Crossbars? The following items can be secured to the Forester Roof Rack:
  • Ski Attachment
  • Bike Rack
  • Kayak Carrier
  • Roof Cargo Basket
  • Heavy Duty Roof Cargo Basket
  • Roof Cargo Box (Square and Extended)

• What is the maximum load limit of the Legacy Sedan Roof Rack? The lockable sedan roof rack attaches to the top of the Legacy Sedan. The load limit is 100 lbs.
• Which attachments can be secured to the Legacy Sedan Roof Rack? The following items can be secured to the Legacy Sedan Roof Rack:
  • Ski Attachment
  • Bike Rack
  • Kayak Carrier
  • Roof Cargo Basket
• Can the Roof Cargo Box be mounted to the Legacy Sedan Roof Rack? No, the roof cargo box cannot be mounted to the Legacy Sedan Roof Rack.

Roof Cargo Basket

• What is the maximum load limit of the Roof Cargo Box? The lockable roof cargo box can be secured on top of the Subaru Outback and Forester roof racks. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback and 150 lbs. for the Forester.
• What is the size and volume of the of the Roof Cargo Box? The roof cargo box’s dimensions are 36” x 54” x 10”. The volume of the box is approximately 11 cubic feet.
• What does the Roof Cargo Box kit include? The kit includes the hard shell box with gas struts (to ease opening and closing of the box), mounting hardware, installation instructions, lock and keys.

• What is the maximum load limit of the Thule Roof Cargo Box? The lockable roof cargo box can be secured on top of the following 2005MY Subaru's: Subaru Outback, Legacy Wagon with square cross bars, Impreza Wagon and Forester roof racks. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback, Impreza Wagon, and Legacy Wagon and 150 lbs. for the Forester and B9 Tribeca.
• What is the size and volume of the of the Thule Roof Cargo Box? The roof cargo box’s dimensions are 55" x 35.2" x 18.2". The volume of this box is approximately 13 cubic feet.
• What does the Thule Roof Cargo Box kit include? The kit includes the hard shell box with struts (to ease opening and closing of the box), mounting hardware, installation instructions, lock and keys.

• What is the maximum load limit of the Extended Roof Cargo Box? The lockable extended roof cargo box can be secured on top of the Subaru Outback and Forester roof racks. The load limit is a function of the vehicle roof rack. The maximum roof rack load limit is 100 lbs. for Outback and 150 lbs. for the Forester and B9 Tribeca. The cargo box weighs approximately 39 lbs.
• What is the size and volume of the of the Extended Roof Cargo Box? The extended roof cargo box’s dimensions are 88” (length) x 22” (width) x 14” (height). The volume of the box is approximately 16 cubic feet.
• What does the Extended Roof Cargo Box kit include? The kit includes the hard shell box with gas struts (to ease opening and closing of the box), mounting hardware, installation instructions, lock and keys

• When should the engine block heater be used? The heater can be used whenever the outside temperature is below freezing. The heater raises the engine’s water temperature by approximately 50 degrees. This keeps the engine warm and eases the starting of the cold engine.
• What are the power requirements for the engine block heater? The heater uses standard 115 volts of power and draws 400 watts.
• Can the engine block heater be installed on the Impreza 2.0 turbo engine or the Legacy H6 engine? YES, the engine block heater can be installed on all Subaru vehicles, but care should always be used when routing the engine block heater wire.
  There is a new part number (A0910AS100) which incorporates mounting clips for easy attachment to the frame rail and engine cross member for all vehicles.

• When should the battery warmer be used? The battery warmer can be used whenever the outside temperature is below freezing. The battery warmer raises the battery’s temperature by approximately 50 degrees. This keeps the battery warm and
  increases its cranking voltage.
• What are the power requirements for the battery warmer? The battery warmer uses standard 115 volts of power and draws 400 watts.
• Can the battery warmer be installed on the Impreza 2.0 turbo engine or the Legacy H6 engine? The battery warmer can be installed on all Subaru vehicles, but care should always be used when routing the battery warmer wire.

• How often should I change the filter? The filter should be replaced once every 7,500 miles or 12 months.
• What does the air filtration system do? The air filtration system removes dust and pollen within the vehicle cabin.
• Can I get the air filtration system on my 1999 Legacy or Outback? No, the present system will not work for the Legacy or Outback.
• Can I get the air filtration system on my 2005 Legacy, Outback, 03-05 Baja, 02-05 Impreza, or 03-05 Forester? Yes, a new air filtration system is available for all Subaru vehicles listed above.
• How small of a particle is caught by the filter? The filter can trap airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns (0.3 micrometers / 0.000012 inch).

• How do I know if I have a new (ALPS Electronics) keyless entry system? The new keyless entry system transmitter is oval shaped and has a large LOCK button and a small UNLOCK button.
• How does the keyless entry system work?
  • The transmitter can lock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter LOCK button for less than 2 seconds.
    • Horn will sound one time.
    • All doors will lock.
  • The transmitter can unlock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter UNLOCK button for less than 2 seconds to unlock the driver’s door.
    • Press the transmitter UNLOCK button a second time to unlock all doors.
    • Horn will sound two times.
  • The panic alarm can be activated by holding down the LOCK/ARM button for more than two seconds. The panic alarm can be deactivated by pressing either transmitter button.
  • The interior dome light will illuminate for 30 seconds when the unlock button is pressed. The light will shut-off once the key is inserted in the ignition, once the lock button is pressed, or after 30 seconds. The interior light must be set to the
    door position function.
  • The remote transmitter has an average operating range of 10 meters (30 feet).
• Is the Alps system used for the 2002MY Impreza? Yes
• Is this Alps system used for Impreza’s built before 2002MY? NO, the CODE ALARM system was used for Impreza’s built prior to 2002MY.
• How does the old (pre-2002MY) Impreza keyless entry system function?
  • The transmitter can lock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter LOCK button for one second.
    • Vehicle lights will flash one time.
    • All doors will lock.
  • The transmitter can unlock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter UNLOCK button for one second to unlock the driver’s door.
    • Press and hold the transmitter UNLOCK button more than one second to unlock all doors.
    • Vehicle lights will flash two times.
  • The interior dome light will illuminate for 30 seconds when the unlock button is pressed. The light will shut-off once the key is inserted in the ignition, once the lock button is pressed, or after 30 seconds. The interior light must be set to the
    door position function.
  • The remote transmitter has an average operating range of 10 meters (30 feet.

• How do I know if I have this type of security system? The security system transmitter is oval shaped and has a large ARM button and a small DISARM button.
• How does the system work?
  • The transmitter can Arm/Lock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter ARM/LOCK button for less than 2 seconds.
    • Horn or buzzer will sound one time.
    • Lights will flash once.
    • The system will arm in 10 seconds and the status indicator will flash 1x per second.
    • The starter interrupt will activate, so the vehicle can not be started.
    • If all of the doors are not closed the horn will sound three times; when all of the doors are closed the horn will sound and the system will arm.
  • The transmitter can Disarm/Unlock the vehicle doors without a key.
    • Press transmitter UNLOCK/DISARM button for less than 2 seconds to unlock the driver’s door. Press the button a second time to unlock all doors.
    • Horn or buzzer will sound two times.
    • Lights will flash twice.
    • The status indicator (dash blank LED for 1999MY or dash board light for all other applications) will stop flashing.
    • The starter interrupt relay is deactivated so the vehicle can be started.
  • The panic alarm can be activated by holding down the LOCK/ARM button for more than two seconds. The panic alarm can be deactivated by pressing either transmitter button.
  • The interior dome light will illuminate for 30 seconds when the Unlock/Disarm button is pressed. The light will shut-off once the key is inserted in the ignition, once the LOCK/ARM button is pressed, or after 30 seconds. The interior light
    must be set to the door position function.
  • How can a customer (deactivate) turn-off the horn or buzzer (audible signal)? The transmitter can deactivate the horn by doing the following steps:
    • Press the transmitter UNLOCK/DISARM button for less than 2 seconds to unlock the vehicle.
    • Press transmitter LOCK/ARM button and the UNLOCK/DISARM button for more than 2 seconds.
    • Horn or buzzer will sound two times.
    • The audible signal will be turned-off.
      
      The horn or buzzer can be reactivated doing the following steps:
      • Press the transmitter UNLOCK/DISARM button for less than 2 seconds to unlock the vehicle.
      • Press transmitter LOCK/ARM button and the UNLOCK/DISARM button for more than 2 seconds.
      • Horn will sound one time; the audible signal will be turned-on.
  • The security system control unit has a built-in shock sensor. Once the system is armed, the shock sensor will trigger an alarm if there is a physical shock to the vehicle (such as broken glass or forced entry). There are two alarm levels for the
    shock sensor; warning and alarm. In warning mode, the alarm detects a lower level of vibration and triggers 2 warning chirps from the horn and two vehicle light flashes. In alarm mode, higher levels of shock are detected and the system will go into full alarm.
  • The remote transmitter has an average operating range of 10 meters (30 feet).

• The 2005MY Legacy / Outback and 2006MY vehicles come standard with a security system. As an upgrade, a perimeter alarm is offered. The perimeter should be installed by a trained technician at a Subaru Dealership. If the customer decides to install this product, it must be activated by a trained technician at a Subaru dealership.
• What does the Perimeter Alarm do? The perimeter alarm is an impact sensor that is activated 30 seconds after the vehicle alarm is armed. It has two levels, a warning and an alarm. A light impact to the vehicle will trigger the warning mode, in which the vehicle will give off two horn chirps and two light flashes. A heavy impact will trigger the vehicle alarm. The alarm system will then sound the horn and flash the lights for 60 seconds. It will then re-arm. The alarm system will re-arm 10 times and then discontinue re-arming itself to prevent battery discharge due to false alarms. The system will only re-arm if the doors and hatch are closed. Note that some after-market alarms include perimeter alarms that detect motion near or inside the vehicle. This system does not include that functionality.
• Can I turn off the perimeter alarm? You cannot turn off the perimeter alarm independently of the alarm. Both the security system and shock sensor are disarmable without a transmitter using the following method: The door should be unlocked by the key and opened. The key should then be inserted into the ignition switch and cycled form the Lock to On position three time within five seconds.
• Can the sensitivity be adjusted? Yes, but it must be adjusted by the dealer.

• What is the maximum towing capacity of the Baja, Legacy Outback Wagon, Forester and 2002 Impreza Wagon trailer hitch? The towing capacity of these Class I trailer hitches is 2000 pounds (w/ 200 pound tongue weight). The only exceptions are that the 03 Forester (M/T), 03 LL Bean and VDC Outback Wagons and Baja towing capacity is 2400 lbs. The tongue weight is easily described as the maximum weight that can be directly placed onto the hitch ball (i.e. Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier).
• What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2003 Forester trailer hitch? The towing capacity is 2000 pounds (w/ 200 pound tongue weight) for models equipped with Automatic transmissions and 2400 pounds (w/200 pound tongue weight). The tongue
  weight is easily described as the maximum weight that can be directly placed onto the hitch ball (i.e. Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier).
• What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2005 Outback trailer hitch? The towing capacity is 3000 pounds (w/ 200 pound tongue weight) for 6 cylinder models and 2700 pounds (w/200 pound tongue weight) for all models other than 3.0 liter models. The tongue weight is easily described as the maximum weight that can be directly placed onto the hitch ball (i.e. Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier).
• What size is the receiver tube? The receiver tube is 1.25” square.
• Is there a trailer hitch for the Sport Utility Sedan (SUS)? NO, the only trailer hitches that are available are the Legacy Outback Wagon and Forester.
• Is there a trailer hitch for the Impreza WRX Wagon? YES, the trailer hitches that are available are the Baja, Legacy Outback Wagon, Forester and 2002 onward Impreza Outback Sport and TS Wagon and 2003 onward Impreza Outback Sport ,TS Wagon and WRX Wagon..

• What is the power rating of the 2000-2004 Legacy upgraded speaker? It is rated at 30 Watts maximum.
• Are there any upgraded speakers available for the 05 Legacy vehicles? NO, all the vehicles come standard with upgraded speakers.
• Can a set of speakers be put in the rear doors of a 1998 Brighton wagon? Yes and it is prewired.
• What are the size of my speakers? All dimensions are approximate.
  
  N/A-not applicable
  B.C.-Bolt Circle
  in-inches
  dia-diameter
  *-information not available
  All speakers are of a 4-ohm variety.

• The CD adapter keeps being ejected out of the cassette player, it does not happen on other cars. Do you know what may be causing this?- The audio system in the car is not designed to be used with all available adapters on the market. In order to achieve good CD audio the customer should buy a Subaru CD player or Changer* (*-model dependent).
• CD Player models P511/P512- When the CD is ejected when the power is off the radio will not operate when powered up again unless the user re-inserts a CD into the player.- This characteristic is dealt with in Service Bulletin 15-101-96. The outcome is
  that the Compact Disc should only be ejected while the radio is in the “on” position.
• Why are there two CD players for the 2000-2003 Legacy? One unit is for Legacy L vehicles (no controls in the radio for the CD Player) the other unit is for the other vehicles, which incorporates all the CD player functions in the radio.