That's a tricky one.

Here is one way that works:

1. turn ignition OFF.
2. get out of the car, leave the driver's door open (you can stay in the driver's seat, passengers get out and close their doors, just open your door.)
3. lock the doors with the power lock button on the driver's door (driver door stays open)
4. start the car.
5. get out of the car, close the door

Now - when the car is running, the proximity fob part will not unlock the car. The remote part of the fob will not unlock the car. You have to use the little physical key inside the fob, so MAKE SURE that works to unlock the door before doing any of this.

Doors should be locked before you start the car, hitting the lock button after the car is started will unlock all the doors again (safety thing).

when testing all of it out, roll down the driver's side window just in case.

 

Now - when the car is running, the proximity fob part will not unlock the car. The remote part of the fob will not unlock the car. You have to use the little physical key inside the fob, so MAKE SURE that works to unlock the door before doing any of this.

As an alternative to the physical key:

I locked my car while it was running for a quick nature call. I freaked out when I couldn't get back in...WTF?

Fortunately, I had programmed the unlock PIN code and had it in my wallet. It worked the first time.

 

They don't make it easy do they.

 

Imagine the whining on this forum if they did make it easy: "Subaru allowed me to lock myself out of my Outback with the engine running! It's a dangerous safety issue! It's a stupid design flaw!"

 

Nope.

Another way would be to have everyone get out, you stay in the drivers seat (car running). Lock the doors with the power lock button, open your drivers door, it should move the lock mechanically, you can also manually flip the lock on the drivers door, but not the power lock button). Once you’re out, manually flip the lock there by the inside door handle and close the door.

Basically, lock the doors with you on the inside, manually un,ock drivers door, then manually lock it again.

The car electronics programming won’t activate the lockout prevention stuff that way.

As before, the fob/remote do not work if the car is running and it’s locked. Have to use that little key.

 

Basically, lock the doors with you on the inside, manually un,ock drivers door, then manually lock it again.

This is the most intuitive way.

 

Can't you achieve this just by manually locking (flip the manual lock button on the door handle) and shutting the door?
I can.

EDIT - do make sure your manual key will open your door each time before you do this. Might even be wise to leave a window down 1" just in case.

 

Can't you achieve this just by manually locking (flip the manual lock button on the door handle) and shutting the door?
I can.

Yes. But you can’t use the power locks if the door is open and the engine is on, so if other have gotten out of the car, to lock all the doors the drivers door has to be closed if the engine is running.

Then you manually unlock/lock the drivers door once that is done.

 

You could also just get out of the car and lock it and use the MySubaru App to remote start and set the climate control.

 

It’s the STARLINK app that gives you access to telematics, not MY SUBARU. There’s also the remote starter that can be installed.

 

Gotcha.

 

Pin code access won’t work with the car running. That’s shut off too along with the proximity and remote access.

 

Want to bet?

Well, it worked with my car. Perhaps they changed it for some reason. I still can't fathom why they won'tt let you unlock a running car...they let you lock it!

 

Please, please, please, as others have suggested, make sure the little mechanical key unlocks your door BEFORE attempting this.

There have been reports on this forum, by more than one member, about the mechanical key not working. When taken to the dealer it was found that the key mechanism in the door was not connected to the lock mechanism!

Seagrass

 

Start car.

Roll down drivers window.

Get out. Hit lock button on door.

Roll up window (watch your hands!)

Unlock with physical key.

Make sure it works first of course.

 

Climb out the sunroof, Bo and Luke style

Sorry, I contributed absolutely NOTHING to this conversation. Was just the first thing that came to mind.

 

Well, it would work though.

 

You just need a dog big enough so the doors don't need to be locked.

 

It seems like everybody has at least one friend whose car got stolen doing something like this. Be careful.

 

The 2017 owners manual says dealers can program the ability to leave the vehicle running and locked as a feature if requested.

Your mileage may vary on other models. Just mentioning it as it may be something someone specifically requested to be done.

 

This is crazy. Figure out a way to leave the dog at home.

Think of all the wasted fuel with the engine running. I'd never even consider this.

 

This is crazy. Figure out a way to leave the dog at home.

You could also trade in your Subaru for a Tesla 3. It has a "save pet" mode. Keeps the pet cool when the car is parked and the dashboard (a 12" screen) puts on a notice that the animal is safe.

 

You are committing a CRIME!!! NEVER leave any pet unattended in a vehicle, PERIOD!!! If I see your car I will call the cops who WILL smash the window!!!

 

No they won't, at least not in most cases. Not unless the dog appears to be in danger, and with the car running and AC on I doubt they would be breaking any windows. They might stick around and suggest it isn't the best idea, but that is about it. Might get a ticket for leaving a vehicle idling in some states with such nutjob laws, but most laws regarding pet safety are only broken if the animal is in immediate danger.

 

I would just shut the engine off. Get out. Lock the doors. Then Remote Start the car. Seems like the easiest way. Am I missing something?

 

Would have to get the remote start accessory installed. And it runs 15 minutes.

 

Well, I do not know if the “code lock” on the hatchback will work if the motor is running. I do know I can lock the keys in the car (Gen 6 Outback) then use my 5 digit code to unlock on my return. I might suggest you look inside your manual to see if that is an option.

 

What I do with my dogs in the southeast :
Windows are open and a battery fan; Just got alluminet car cover for all day events.

Mesh shades: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Wi...5hbWU9c3BfYXRmX25leHQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1
Fans: Dewalt/Ryobi in case you might already have batteries for other tools

One thing for sure: Don't leave that dog in the running car without an alert in case, for some reason, the car quits and car heats with you thinking all's OK

I appreciate all the very good responses from the manual. Believe me, I love the details.
But, I go beyond counting on 100% running the car with the AC versus on to simply,
dog in the car on a hot day.

Open windows and fans seem way safer than risking the numerous AC engine running tips.

 

There may be limited circumstances where it's necessary to keep a pet in the car while you do something, but if someone does this routinely then it seems to me that if they're putting their pets at risk for "companionship" while running errands, it's irresponsible.

Today people might break open your window if they see an unaccompanied pet in the vehicle, even if the window is cracked open.

Here's a video put out by a dealership:

 

Lock the driver’s door

 

Leave the car running and use the key out of your fob to lock the driver’s door. ( there should be a small release button on your fob to let you pull the key out) Don’t just use the app to restart the car as it only runs 15 min!

 

You're responding to very old posts and the key technique was already covered on the first page of this thread.