2004 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 133

Keys and doors of your hand being caught and injured. Do not jam a plastic bag in or place cellophane tape on the rear gate stays or scratch the stays while loading or unloading cargo. That could cause leakage of gas from the stays, which may result in their inability to hold the rear gate open. UG2512BA To close the rear gate, lower it slowly and push down firmly until the latch engages. The rear gate can be lowered easily if you pull down on the recessed grip. NOTE " To prevent dangerous exhaust gas from entering the vehicle, always keep the rear gate closed while driving. " Do not attempt to shut the rear gate while holding the recessed grip. Also avoid closing the rear gate by pulling on the recessed grip from inside the cargo space. There is a danger 2-30 If the rear gate cannot be unlocked due to a discharged battery, a fault in the door locking/unlocking system or other causes, you can unlock it by manually operating the rear gate lock release lever. For the procedure, refer to "Rear gate - if the rear gate cannot be unlocked" in chapter 9 "In case of emergency" .