Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Engine hood

CAUTION

• Exercise extreme caution when closing the engine hood of your Subaru Ascent to avoid trapping fingers or other objects, which may lead to injury.
• Do not apply excessive force when closing the hood. Forcing it down may deform the metal structure and affect proper alignment.
• Be especially careful when opening the engine hood in strong wind conditions. Sudden gusts may cause the hood to slam shut unexpectedly, creating a risk of injury.
• Avoid installing non-genuine accessories on the hood of your Subaru Ascent. Additional weight may prevent the hood support stay from holding it securely in the open position.
• Always ensure that the hood prop rod is properly seated in its designated slot. If not secured correctly, the hood may fall unexpectedly and cause injury.

To open the hood:

1. If the windshield wipers of your Subaru Ascent are lifted away from the glass, return them to their normal resting position before opening the hood.

2. Pull the hood release lever located beneath the instrument panel to unlock the hood latch.

3. Move to the front of the Subaru Ascent and locate the secondary hood latch between the grille and the hood. Slide the lever to the left to fully release the hood.

1. Grip

4. Lift the hood upward, remove the hood prop rod from its retaining clip, and insert its end securely into the designated slot on the underside of the hood. Always hold the grip when positioning the prop rod to maintain control and stability.

Ensuring proper placement of the hood prop is essential for safe inspection or maintenance of your Subaru Ascent engine compartment.

To close the hood:

1. Raise the hood slightly to disengage the prop rod, then return the rod carefully to its retaining clip.

2. Lower the hood of your Subaru Ascent until it is approximately 7.8 to 11.8 inches (20 to 30 cm) above the latch, then allow it to drop naturally so it locks into place.

3. After closing, always confirm that the hood is fully latched and securely locked.

If the hood does not latch properly, repeat the process by releasing it from a slightly higher position to ensure correct closure.

WARNING

Before driving your Subaru Ascent, always verify that the hood is properly secured. An unsecured hood may suddenly open while driving, obstructing visibility and significantly increasing the risk of an accident and serious injury.