Bikingdog308

Yes...I was warned by a dealership service manager that anything I did...installing a switch, pulling a fuse, etc. would cancel my warranty for that particular item and anything that it would affect...since I just turned 1200 miles....I was a bit reluctant to do anything but cautiously put gas in it! LOL! My thought is to pull that referenced fuse and get to a large campground...scope it out with hope of seeing another Outback with the tent attached and ask 'em how they resolved the light problems. By the way....forum readers.....lissen up....this "Napier Sportz Dome" tent is great...good quality materials and construction. 8.5' x 8.5' floor, 6.5' height inside, plenty of ventilation...check out their site online.

I wish that Subaru supplied a detailed fuse chart that a novice could figure out.....! Something like: "Fuse "xxx" controls the locking system on the rear hatch door....disabling this fuse will make the computer think that the door is locked." Wishful thinking....right?

Carfreak85...thanks for your help. My Outback has the power lift and close door....does that present a problem with cutting that wire?

Winginit....my thoughts exactly. I called both Subaru and Napier about the situation and since they don't work together it is not either's distinct problem! I think that Subaru is missing the boat on this situation b/c they advertise the Outback and being comfortable in the "outback". How best to enjoy the Outback......open the hatch and have lunch, a snooze OR attach a tent and spent the night...or several days WITH THE HATCH OPEN....! A simple switch would certainly make things easier. Plus...they could easily start making a similar tent and really capture more of the market! There are a lot of things that Subaru could offer to appease us! Slide out eating table with a couple of legs, the tent, a sunshade, etc....all requiring the hatch door to stay open for extended periods of time. Thanks for your reply. Subaru in SC

One suggestion is to pull the fuse in the engine compartment fuse block that is marked, "SBF No. 3 80 AMP"....any thoughts? Anybody already done this?

I finally am in contact with a really good, knowledgeable and sympathetic service manager. He knows exactly my situation and is willing to get answers! I approached him with the Subaru advertising that touts taking the Outback to THE outback for camping!!!!! I am hoping that he will tell me about the same as you have generously offered..... He did say that it might shut down more that just the lights....anything is better than disconnecting the battery! Thanks for your input!

Thank-you for your speedy replies! Rooster: the tailgate-hatch door does not have the push-button switch (I wish it was that simple!) Numbchux: this one has the "power gate". I'll take your suggestions to the dealership and see if I can find a friendly service tech, there! Things used to be simpler and worked fine! I had a 2002 Outback and don't remember all of this "fancy" stuff! The "push button" would have been great! The switch (installed by someone smarter than I am) sounds like a good fix. Manually closing the latch might not be the solution as it looks like...on the bottom of the door next to the lock mechanism...there is a small plastic piece, maybe 5/16 dia....might be a sensor that makes a connection electronically with the mating part on the sill(?)...like the ADT sensors for burglar control at doors and windows....like it completes a circuit(?) I popper the access door to the latch assy....there is a lot going on in there! Eventually, I will run into somebody that has the same situation and has it figgered out. I CAN'T be the only one out there that wants to utilize the tent attached to the vehicle. Thanks for your help. PLEASE....Ask around to some of your Subbie friends. Bikingdog308 (Tom)

2016 Outback. Just ordered a Napier Sportz Dome tent to fit the back. This requires that the hatch door be left open to get full use. My problem is: How do I get the "door ajar" light on the dash to go out? Also, how do I get the entry lights on the outside mirrors to go out? These do NOT go out while the hatch door is open. (The ignition button light goes out after about 20 minutes) Subaru suggests unhooking the battery but that will require me to re-set codes and info when I re-attach the battery. I know that other campers have had this same situation. HELP! Perhaps a fuse? Thanks....from South Carolina