Planning to tow a 2013 Subaru Crostrek

We use a valet key. It came with the car.

Don't know what valet key your refering to. Both my keys are the electronic that are "chipped" to the ignition. Never got a valet key , and if you have one it's probably just a regular key.
Grumpy

Thanks for the information. Do any of you use a valet key or do you keep the key in the ignition that has the lock/unlock capability?

Sorry guys, but I'll keep turning the key to first position and leave it there. Owners manual has those instructions, and I talked with a Subi factory techie at the Subi plant years ago, and that is the proper way to set a Subi up to tow. Not just the Crosstrek, but any manual tranny Subi.
From page 9-15 in the 2013 Subi Crosstrek Owners Manual, towing with all 4 wheels on the ground----
1. Release emergengy brake. Put the transmission in neutral position.
2. Ignition switch should be in the "acc" position while the vehicle is being towed.
3. Take up slack in the towline slowely to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Warning Notice---Never turn the ignition switch to the "lock" position while the vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked.
Grumpy

If you are using a brake system that uses power from the car you will have to set the key to the next position that turns the cig lighter socket on. On mine it is position 2.

Grumpy374 wrote:
Miller, we also tow a 2013 Subi Crosstrek. Towed it about 5000 miles so far with no problems at all.
The procedure for towing is...


Key in the ignition, turned to the FIRST position. This unlocks the steering but does not power the car up.

Grumpy

Grumpy,

Try this....
Turn key to full on
Then turn key to full off
DO NOT REMOVE KEY

I think you will find that the steering interlock does not engage till the key is removed. Most Asian imports have had this "feature" since 2009.

Miller, we also tow a 2013 Subi Crosstrek. Towed it about 5000 miles so far with no problems at all.
The procedure for towing is...
Trans in neutral.
Emergency brake off.
Key in the ignition, turned to the FIRST position. This unlocks the steering but does not power the car up.
Thats it, your set to go. No fuses to pull and there is no restriction as to speed or distance you can tow.
I keep the main key on the same ring that the motorhome key is on and use the spare Subi key in the ignition when towing.
For info, I'm very fimilar with Subie's--the XV is my 3 rd and wife is on her 3 rd Outback. Great little suv's and wagons. Can't beat em for relibility and long term use.
Grumpy