2003 Subaru BAJA Owners Manual

To shift the selector lever from the “P” to the any other position, you have to depress the brake pedal fully when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started.

If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal depressed, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this Chap- ter.

B R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle.

To shift from “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to “R” position.

B N (Neutral)

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission are not locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral.

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Starting and operating

During coasting, the engine braking does not act.

B D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require.

When more acceleration is required in this position, press the acceler- ator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position.

n While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator is released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent downshifting to a lower gear when accelerat- ing again. This prevents repeated upshifting and downshifting result- ing in a smoother operation of the vehicle.

NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again.

n While going down a hill When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake pedal will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd gear, thus applying engine brak- ing. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to up- shift normally.

NOTE In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a downhill grade does not result in an automatic downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the automatic transmission fluid temperature is very low, for example, during driving shortly after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time. When the ATF tem- perature has risen to a certain level, automatic downshift normal- ly takes place. In the meantime, downshift manually for engine

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braking as required. Also, downshifting when braking downhill will not occur at speeds above approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).

B 3 (Third) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a grade. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require.

When more acceleration is required in this position, press the acceler- ator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position.

B 2 (Second) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a steep grade. In this position, the transmission holds in the 2nd gear. Use this position when starting off from a standstill on slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will ensure greater traction.

B 1 (First) This position is for driving up or down very steep grades, or driving through mud or sand, or on slippery surfaces. In this position, the transmission holds in the 1st gear.

B Maximum speeds

WARNING

When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travel- ling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this pre- caution can lead to engine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of

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Starting and operating

an accident increased.

The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. The tachometer’s (if so equipped) needle will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded.

When shifting down a gear, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be selected. Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speeds will result in over-revving of the engine. In addition a powerful engine brake will engage and control of the vehicle may be lost.

mph (km/h)

Position

BAJA

31 (50)

62 (100)

102 (164)

NOTE In order to prevent over-revving during deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved.

B Driving tips D Always apply the foot or parking brake when the vehicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position. D Always set the parking brake when parking your vehicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmission. D Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1” position. Use the brake instead.

The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a fault.

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J Shift lock release If the selector lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in the “ON” position, perform the following steps: To override the shift lock: 1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine. 2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the regular screwdriver.

HB7010CA

HB7020BA

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole. 5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N” position. 6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the engine. Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer immediately to have the system repaired.

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Starting and operating

Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped)

CAUTION

D Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. D If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at high speed as this could adversely affect the LSD. D If a different size rear tire is temporarily used (as in an emer- gency), it will adversely affect the LSD. Always replace it with a regular size tire as soon as possible.

The LSD provides optimum distribution of power according to the differ- ence in revolutions between the right and left rear wheels that may be caused by certain driving conditions, thereby improving driving stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.

Power steering

CAUTION

Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than five seconds. This may damage the power steering pump.

The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adjacent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steer- ing system trouble.

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Braking

J Braking tips

WARNING

Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause dangerous overheating of the brakes and needless wear on the brake pads and linings.

B When the brakes get wet When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, brake stopping distance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes.

B Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descending a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working improperly because of brake fluid overheating, caused by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking.

B Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.

J Brake system

B Two separate circuits Your vehicle has two separate circuit brake systems. Each circuit works diagonally across the vehicle. If one circuit of the brake system should fail, the other half of the system still works. If one circuit fails, the brake pedal will go down much closer to the floor than usual and you will need to press it down much harder. And a much longer dis- tance will be needed to stop the vehicle.

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B Brake booster The brake booster uses engine manifold vacuum to assist braking force. Do not turn off the engine while driving because that will turn off the brake booster, resulting in poor braking power. The brakes will continue to work even when the brake booster com- pletely stops functioning. If this happens, however, you will have to push the pedal much harder than normal and the braking distance will increase.

J Disc brake pad wear warning indicators

OM-H0163

The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn. If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, immediately have your vehicle checked by your SUBARU deal- er.

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ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving with an ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

CAUTION

D The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. D When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy road, or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be long- er for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driv- ing under these conditions, therefore, reduce your speed and leave ample distance from other vehicles. D When you feel the ABS system operating, you should maintain constant brake pedal pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing so may defeat the operation of the ABS system.

The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up.

When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates.

The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

B ABS system self-check You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine compartment just after the vehicle is

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Starting and operating

started. This is caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS sys- tem being carried out and does not indicate any abnormal condition.

B ABS warning light

HB4010GA

The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after about two seconds. This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly.

CAUTION

If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS system may not be working properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; how- ever, the conventional brake system continues to operate normal- ly. D The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. D The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not go out even when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). D The warning light comes on during driving. If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportunity by your SUBARU dealer.

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NOTE If the warning light behavior is as described below, the ABS sys- tem may be considered normal. D The warning light comes on right after the engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. D The warning light remains on after the engine has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches about 8
mph (12 km/h). D The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off.

When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the en- gine is jump started, the ABS warning light may come on. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will go out.

Parking your vehicle

WARNING

D Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadver- tent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the tem- perature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to them. D Do not park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot engine or exhaust system parts. D Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occu- pants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) con- tained in the exhaust gas.

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CAUTION

Never drive while the parking brake is set because this will cause unnecessary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive, always make sure that the parking brake has been fully released.

To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever.

HB4001BA

To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (Chapter 3).

When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a down- grade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) position for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.

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HB7033AA

HB7032AA

When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the front wheels should be turned away from the curb. When facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned into the curb.

Cruise control

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under any of the following condi- tions. This may cause loss of vehicle control: D driving up or down a steep grade D driving on slippery or winding roads D driving in heavy traffic

Cruise control enables you to maintain a constant vehicle speed without holding your foot on the accelerator pedal and it is operative when the vehicle speed is 25 mph (40 km/h) or more. Make sure the main switch is turned “OFF” when the cruise control is not in use to avoid unintentionally by setting the cruise control.

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Starting and operating

B To set cruise control

Cruise control lever

HB7035BB

HG0312

1. Push the “CRUISE” main switch. The indicator light on the switch will come on. 2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle reaches the de- sired speed. 3. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction and release it. Then release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle will maintain the desired speed.

Vehicle speed can be temporarily increased while driving with the cruise control activated. Simply depress the accelerator pedal to ac- celerate the vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is released, the ve- hicle will return to and maintain the previous cruising speed.

B To temporarily cancel the cruise control There are four ways to cancel the cruise control temporarily:

D Depress the brake pedal. D Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction. (if so equipped) D Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission vehicles only). D Shift the selector lever into the “N” position (automatic transmis- sion vehicles only).

To resume the cruise control after it has been temporarily canceled and with vehicle speed of about 20 mph (32 km/h) or more, push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction to return to the original cruising speed automatically.

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B To turn off the cruise control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control:

D Push the main switch again. D Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position (but only when the vehicle is completely stopped).

B To change the cruising speed n To increase the speed (by control lever) Push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle speed at that moment will be memorized and treated as the new set speed.

When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction quickly within a half second.

n To increase the speed (by accelerator pedal) 1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle to the de- sired speed. 2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without depressing the accelerator pedal.

NOTE If the difference between the actual vehicle speed when the con- trol lever is pushed downward and the speed last time you set is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the vehicle speed will be lowered by 1
mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs because the cruise control system unit regards this lever operation as that intended to decrease the vehicle speed.

n To decrease the speed (by control lever) Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle speed at that moment will be memorized and treated as the new set speed.

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Starting and operating

When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be lowered 1
mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction quickly within a half second.

n To decrease the speed (by brake pedal) 1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control temporarily. 2. When the speed decreases to the desired speed, press the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without depressing the accelerator pedal.

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Driving tips

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

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Fuel economy hints Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) Catalytic converter Periodic inspections Driving in foreign countries Driving tips for AWD vehicles Off road driving Winter driving

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Snow tires Tire chains Rocking the vehicle Loading your vehicle

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Weight Rating)

Trailer hitch (if equipped) Trailer towing

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New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

The performance and long life of your vehicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): D Do not race the engine.

B Break-in engine speed limit D Never exceed 4,000 rpm engine speed except for brief accelera- tion in an emergency. D Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. D Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, except in an emer- gency. D Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.

The same break-in procedures should be applied to a newly installed or overhauled engine or when brake pads or brake linings are re- placed with new ones.

Fuel economy hints

The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.

D Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. D Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. D Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. D Avoid unnecessary engine idling. D Keep the engine properly tuned. D Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire plac- ard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pres- sure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. D Use the air conditioner only when necessary. D Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.

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Driving tips

D Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)

WARNING

D Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is danger- ous, or even lethal, if inhaled. D Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to pre- vent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle. D Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, ex- cept for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. D Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventila- tion fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. D Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly. D If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as pos- sible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.

NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the exhaust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

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Catalytic converter

WARNING

D Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), be- cause the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures. D Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the ex- haust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

HB3003BA

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.

To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: D Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. D Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle. D Avoid racing the engine. D Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. D Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (mis- firing, backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. D Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.

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Driving tips

Periodic inspections

To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommended maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving in foreign countries

When planning to use your vehicle in another country: D Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to the “Fuel require- ment” section in Chapter 7.) D Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country.

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Driving tips for AWD vehicles

WARNING

D Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar condi- tions. D Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence be- cause you are driving an all wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

OM-H0154

All wheel drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow- covered roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By shifting power between the front and rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also pro- vide added traction during acceleration, and added engine braking force during deceleration. Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the AWD sys- tem, you should keep the following tips in mind:

D An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little differ- ence in handling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sudden brak-

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Driving tips

ing. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles. D When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, circum- ference, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes, circumferences or construction may re- sult in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle. D Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive. The rec- ommended tire pressure is provided on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. D Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only. D There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see “Towing” section in Chapter 9.

Off road driving

WARNING

D Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar condi- tions. D Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an all wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, your Subaru can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD Subaru is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-ter- rain vehicle. If you do take your Subaru off-road, certain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken:

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D Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seat belts. D Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and portable phone or citizens band radio. D Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. D Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off- road, you will not have the benefit of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. D Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over side- ways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes that are too steep. D Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds. D Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fin- gers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. D If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firm- ness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com- pletely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s undercarriage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash away the ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover. D Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry out the brake discs and brake pads. D Do not drive or park over or near flammable materials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the engine is running and right after engine stops. This could create a fire hazard.

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Driving tips

D After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under- body. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. D Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unse- cured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. D Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. D Cargo should be evenly distributed over the cargo bed. Keep heavier items as low and far forward as possible. Loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle con- trol. D Be sure the cargo is secured properly. Unsecured cargo in the cargo bed can be thrown around when driving on off-road. To prevent loose cargo from entering the passenger compartment, always close the switchback door while driving off-road. D Always close the tailgate while driving off-road. Also remove the bed extender (if so equipped) to avoid damage. D If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth be- tween “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos- sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. D When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). D Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual. D Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified in the main- tenance schedule described in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Remember that damage done to your Subaru while operating it off-road and not using common sense precautions such as those listed above is

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not eligible for warranty coverage.

Winter driving

HB8046AA

B Operation during cold weather Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery ca- pacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough pow- er for cold winter starts. Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting. Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them with deicer or glycerin.

Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards thoroughly wipe the water away.

Use a windshield washer fluid that contains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may dam- age the paint of the vehicle.

n Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes

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Driving tips

because that could make the pedals slippery and dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelera- tor pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly.

Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders peri- odically.

n Parking in cold weather

WARNING

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running.

Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, observe the fol- lowing: 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual transmission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.

When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. When the vehicle has been left parked after use on roads heavily cov- ered with snow, or has been left parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS harness. n Refueling in cold weather To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recom- mended during cold weather.

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Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever the fuel level reaches half empty. If your SUBARU is not going to be used for an extended period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capacity. B Driving on snowy and icy roads

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control.

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt ac- celeration, high-speed driving, and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads. Always maintain ample distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sudden braking. To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake effectively to con- trol the vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehicle’s braking per- formance on snowy and icy roads. Refer to the “ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)” section in Chapter 7 for information on braking on slippery surfaces.

n Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in the “ ” position and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely thawed out. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blades.

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the air-

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Driving tips

flow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for max- imum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effec- tively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the car at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers.

We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and sub-zero temperatures. Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy condi- tions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle.

B Corrosion protection Refer to the “Corrosion protection” section (Chapter 10).

J Snow tires

WARNING

D When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size and construction as recom- mended. Using other sizes or construction may affect speedome- ter/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle con- trol. D You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, cir- cumferences, construction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, circumferences or constructions may result in severe me- chanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibration. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident.

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Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking perfor- mance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance performance through use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, construction, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and vehicle body.

Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle.

Your vehicle comes with P225/60R16 “all season tires” as original equipment. You should be aware that some winter tires with that same size designation may actually be too large for the vehicle and may cause rubbing on sharp turns. Listed below is the winter tire size that we recommend.

Recommended winter (snow) tire size

P215/60R16 Studless

J Tire chains

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed below because of lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. D P225/60R16 tires D P215/60R16 winter (snow) tires

Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may require the use of tire chains, in which case put the chains on the front wheels only. Use only SAE class S type chains that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to damage the vehicle body or suspension.

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Driving tips

When driving with tire chains, drive at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). When a temporary spare tire is on a front wheel, replace the temporary spare tire with the rear tire on the same side of the vehicle, and then fit chains on the front tires. Always use the utmost care when driving with tire chains – overconfi- dence because you are driving with tire chains could easily lead to a se- rious accident.

J Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth be- tween “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle.

When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better trac- tion by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT).

Refer to the “Automatic transmission” section in Chapter 7 for information on holding the transmission in 2nd position.

Loading your vehicle

WARNING

D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback or in the cargo bed. Doing so may result in serious injury. D Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep luggage or cargo low, as close to the floor as possible. D When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it when- ever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicle during sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident. D Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.

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D Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop. D Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. D Cargo should be evenly distributed over the cargo bed. Keep heavier items as low and far forward as possible. Loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and con- tribute to loss of vehicle control. D Be sure the cargo is secured properly. Unsecured cargo in the cargo bed can be thrown around during sudden braking, in a sharp turn or during rapid acceleration, which could create a dan- gerous road hazard.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers with flammable or corrosive liquids or any other dangerous items inside the passenger compartment.

NOTE For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo.

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J Vehicle capacity weight

Driving tips

HB8031BA

HB8042BA

The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by avail- able cargo space. The total weight you can carry in your vehicle is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label at- tached to the driver’s side door jamb. It includes the total weight of driver and all passengers and their belongings, any optional equipment such as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

The tire information label also shows tire pressures for the vehicle when fully loaded and for the vehicle when towing a trailer. Adjust the tire pres- sures to the values that match current loading conditions.

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J GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and

Gross Axle Weight Rating)

HB8043BA

The certification label attached to the driver’s side door shows GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any optional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never ex- ceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage inside the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage. If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station. Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

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Driving tips

Trailer hitch (if equipped)

WARNING

D Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal injuries. Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation. Refer to the next section “Trailer towing” for possible recommendations and limitations. D Trailer brakes are required when the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs. (453 kg). Be sure your trailer has safety chains and that each chain will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight. Towing trailers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage. D Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin for positive lock- ing placement before towing a trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch receiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard. D Use only the ball mount supplied with this hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying hitch. Do not use with any type of weight distributing hitch.

The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated load. A maximum of 2,400 lbs. (1,087 kg) gross trailer weight and a maximum of 200 lbs. (90
kg) gross tongue weight are permissible for the trailer hitch. When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the next section “Trailer towing”.

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B Connecting a trailer

HB8047BA

CAUTION

The license plate bracket will hit the hitch ball and may be dam- aged if the tailgate is opened and the license plate bracket is at the lowered/open position. Close the tailgate and return the license plate bracket to its normal position flush against the tail- gate itself whenever you tow a trailer or whenever a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

1. Before connecting the ball mount to the hitch receiver, close the tailgate and return the license plate bracket to its normal retracted position up against the tailgate. Refer to “License plate bracket” under the heading “Tailgate” in Chapter 2 for more information on the function of the license plate bracket. 2. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then in- sert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube. 3. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount.

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Driving tips

4. Insert the safety pin into the hitch pin securely.

HB8018BA

HB8019BA

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5. Pull the ball mount to make sure it does not come off the hitch re- ceiver.

HB8020AA

6. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate for the ball mount and your trailer. The hitch ball must be securely installed on the ball mount. 7. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball. 8. Connect the trailer and the hitch with safety chains that will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight. The chains should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping onto the ground in case it should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow suffi- cient slack in the chains taking tight–turn situations into account; how- ever, be careful not to let them drag on the ground.

HB8020BB

HB8022BB

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9. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four–pin wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness.

Driving tips

HB8021BB

10. Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness by individually activating the brake, right turn signal, left turn signal, stop, and park- ing lights on the trailer.

NOTE Always disconnect the trailer wire harness before launching or retrieving a watercraft.

B When you are not towing a trailer

CAUTION

Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube when the tail- gate is open and the bed extender is used. The rear license plate will not be visible because the license plate bracket can not be used at the lowered/open position when the ball mount is con- nected.

D Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube. D Place the dust cap over the four–pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage. D Occasionally lubricate the terminals of the four–pin connector us- ing terminal grease, and cover with the attached rubber cap.

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Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used primarily to carry pas- sengers and cargo. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an ad- verse effect on fuel economy. If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your ve- hicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas- ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installa- tion and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment manufacturers. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to fol- low the proper instructions.

B Warranties and maintenance SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load. (Refer to “Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.) Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new powertrain component (engine, transmis- sion, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving.

B Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load limits explained below. Exceed- ing the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.

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Driving tips

CAUTION

D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. D Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load. Make sure the load and its distribution in your vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

n Total trailer weight The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must never exceed the maximum weight shown below.

Model

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

MT models When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

AT models When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an outside temperature of 104°F (40°C) or above.

1,200 lbs (543 kg)

Total trailer weight

OM-H2781

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n Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR)

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the combined total of the weight of the vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment installed on your vehicle. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. Determine the GVW each time before going on a trip by putting your vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale. GVWR is shown on the certification label located on the driver’s door of your vehicle.

HB8038BB

HB8043BA

B Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR)

The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating passengers and luggage inside the vehicle. The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the certification label.

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Driving tips

HB8039BB

HB8043BA

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to confirm that the total weight and weight distribution are within safe driving limits, you should have your vehicle and trailer weighed at a commercial weighing station. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

n Tongue load

WARNING

If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load is taken off the rear axle of the tow- ing vehicle. This may cause the rear wheels to skid, especially during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced during corner- ing, resulting in over-steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight and does not exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90
kg). The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in the illustration below. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to posi- tion the towing coupler at the height at which it would be during actual towing, using a jack as shown.

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Tongue load

OM-H2785

HB8040BB

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front; approximately 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and right sides. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

OM-H2787

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Driving tips

B Trailer hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drilling the frame or under-body of your vehicle could cause dete- rioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

CAUTION

D Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment. D Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genu- ine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer. If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

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B Connecting a trailer n Trailer brakes

WARNING

D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. D Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydraulic brake system to the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause the vehicle’s brake performance to deteriorate and could lead to an accident.

If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is required to be equipped with its own brake system. Electric brakes or surge brakes are recom- mended, and must be installed properly. Check that your trailer’s brakes conform with Federal, state/province and/or other applicable regulations. Your SUBARU’s brake system is not designed to be tapped into the trailer’s hydraulic brake system. Please ask your SUBARU dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information about the trailer’s brake system.

n Trailer safety chains

WARNING

Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Towing trailer without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling dam- age or hitch ball damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or become disconnected, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard. For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer safety chains. Pass the chains crossing each other under the trailer tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in case the trailer tongue should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow suffi-

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Driving tips

cient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into account; how- ever, be careful not to let them drag on the ground. For more information about the safety chain connection, refer to the instructions for your hitch and trailer.

n Side mirrors After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without significant blind spots. If significant blind spots occur with the vehicle’s standard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/province and/or other applicable regulations.

HB8041BA

n Trailer lights

CAUTION

Direct splicing or other improper connection of trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your vehicle’s lighting system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical system requires modifications to the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake lights and parking lights each time you hitch up.

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n Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated.

The recommended cold tire pressure under trailer towing conditions is indicated on the tire placard located under the door striker on the driver’s side. Adjust the rear tire pressure to the recommended pres- sure shown on the tire placard when the tires are cold. Normal pres- sure should be maintained in the front tires.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s specifications.

In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire.

If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a pre- caution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.

B Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

D Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly country on hot days. D When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and braking performance will be different from normal operation. For safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the fol- lowing tips in mind:

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Driving tips

n Before starting out on a trip D Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mounting are in good condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer. D Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trailer attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front and down at the rear, check the total trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then confirm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. D Check that the tire pressures are correct. D Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm that.

– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the hitch ball. – the trailer lights connector is connected properly and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehicle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal lever is operated. – the safety chains are connected properly. – all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position. – the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a significant blind spot.

D Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of the vehicle/ trailer combination before starting out on a trip. In an area free of traf- fic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.

n Driving with a trailer D You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skid- ding or jackknifing and loss of control. D Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate engine revolution. D Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes. D Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle. D Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and

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trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradually. D When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle. D Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. When back- ing up with a trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning back, grip the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and turn it to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.

Left turn

Right turn

OM-H2791

D If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the nearest SUBARU dealer.

n Driving on grades D Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sud- den downshifts. D When driving uphill in hot weather, the air conditioner may turn off automatically to protect the engine from overheating. D When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to the water tem- perature gauge pointer (for all vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT vehicles) since the engine and transmission are relatively prone to overheating under these conditions. If the water temperature

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Driving tips

gauge pointer approaches the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates, immediately switch off the air conditioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine overheat” section in Chapter 9, and “Warning and indicator lights” section in Chapter 3. D If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to overheat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans- mission, avoid driving with the gear selector lever in “D” when towing a heavy trailer to prevent fluid overheating. A lower gear should be used.

n Parking on a grade Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you should take the following steps: 1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down. 2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load. 4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the parking brake; slowly release the regular brakes. 5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission) or “P” (auto- matic transmission) and shut off the engine.

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In case of emergency

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you park your vehicle in an emergency Jack and tools Spare tire Temporary spare tire

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Using the temporary spare tire

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Flat tires

Changing a flat tire

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Jump starting Engine overheating Towing Moonroof — if the moonroof cannot be closed

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9-3
9-6
9-9
9-9
9-11
9-11
9-18
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If you park your vehicle in an emergency

HB8002BA

The hazard warning flasher should be used in day or night to warn other drivers when you have to park your vehicle under emergency conditions. Avoid stopping on the road. It is best to safely pull off the road if a prob- lem occurs.

The hazard warning flasher can be activated regardless of the ignition switch position. Turn on the hazard warning by pushing the hazard warning flasher switch. Turn it off by pushing the switch again.

NOTE When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn signals do not work.

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In case of emergency

Jack and tools

The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for changing a tire. Before using the jack, see the “Flat tire” section in this chapter for instructions and precautions.

B Location of jack and tools

HBF053BA

HB9057BA

The jack and tool bag are located in the left side rear quarter pocket at the back side of the rear seatback.

HB9073AA

A wheel nut wrench, jack drive tube, tire holding rod, tire holding retainer, screwdriver and moonroof wrench are included in the tool bag.

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B Removing jack and tool bag

HB1109BB

1. Pull the rear seatback locks up and fold down the rear seatback to gain access to the rear quarter pockets at both sides.

HB9074BA

2. Open the left side lid by turning the knob. 3. Take the tool bag out of the pocket.

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In case of emergency

HB9075BA

4. Loosen the jack holding screw by turning counterclockwise and remove the jack from the pocket.

NOTE D Be careful not to lose the jack holding screw after removing it. D Make sure the jack is well lubricated before using it.

B Restoring jack and tools

HB9076BA

HB9075CA

1. Return all tools to the tool bag. 2. Turn the jack screw counterclockwise to the end. 3. Place the jack onto the bracket in the pocket and securely fix the jack with the jack holding screw by turning it clockwise.

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NOTE Confirm no looseness exists after securing the jack. Looseness may cause a rattle while the vehicle is moving.

CAUTION

After the jack and the tool bag have been restored in the rear quarter pocket, make sure that the rear seatback has been securely locked. When securely locked, the red marks on the locking knobs are no longer visible.

Spare tire

HB9053BA

The spare tire is stored in the spare tire holder located under the rear of the cargo bed. The spare tire holder has a hoist mechanism that can lower and raise the spare tire easily. The spare tire holder is designed to carry only the tem- porary spare tire that comes with your vehicle. Before using the temporary spare tire, see the “Temporary spare tire” section in this Chapter for instructions and precautions.

B Removing the spare tire 1. Take the wheel nut wrench out of the tool bag. Refer to the “Jack and tools” section in this Chapter for its storage location.

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In case of emergency

HB9054BA

2. Open the tailgate and remove the rubber cap from the cargo bed. Pull up the “RELEASE” portion of the cap when removing it. 3. Locate the hex-headed hoist shaft end inside the hole.

HB9055BA

4. Turn the hoist shaft end counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench until the temporary spare tire is on the ground with enough cable slack to allow you to pull it out from under the vehicle.

CAUTION

Do not put your fingers into the center hole of the temporary spare tire while you pulling it out, because they might be pinched in between the wheel and the retainer.

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HB9056AA

5. Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and pull it through the cen- ter of the temporary spare tire. 6. After the temporary spare tire is removed from the cable, the cable must be wound up completely by turning the hoist nut shaft clockwise until you hear a clicking sound. Also visually inspect the cable to make certain that there is no longer any slack present.

WARNING

D When using the spare tire hoist: After the temporary spare tire is removed from the cable, wind the cable up completely until the retainer at end of the cable sits against the underside of the vehicle. Driving with the cable not retracted fully could result in damage to the adjacent under floor parts and lead to a serious accident. D The spare tire holder is designed to carry only the smaller tem- porary spare tire. Never store a full size tire (flat or otherwise) in the spare tire holder. Doing so can result in damage to adjacent under floor parts and can lead to a serious accident.

CAUTION

When using the spare tire hoist: Do not use air tools or power tools to turn the spare tire hoist shaft end. If you do, it could result in severe mechanical damage to the spare tire hoist.

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In case of emergency

B Re-storage of spare tire 1. Turn the spare tire hoist shaft end counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench to loosen the cable sufficiently enough to allow the cable end retainer go through center hole of the temporary spare tire. 2. Insert the retainer through the center hole of the temporary tire (with the outside of the tire facing up). 3. Turn the hoist shaft end clockwise with the wheel nut wrench to wind the cable up completely until you hear a few clicking sounds. Confirm that the temporary spare tire holding cable has been wound up completely by shaking the temporary tire.

CAUTION

If the temporary spare tire is not stored securely, it could damage adjacent areas of the vehicle and make an abnormal noise.

4. Put the rubber cap on the hoist shaft end hole. 5. Place the wheel nut wrench back into the tool bag and store the jack and tool bag in their storage locations.

Temporary spare tire

J Using the temporary spare tire

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle and may lead to an accident.

CAUTION

Never use any temporary spare tire other than the original. Using other sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle.

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The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter than a conventional tire and is designed for emergency use only. Remove the temporary spare tire and re-install the conventional tire as soon as possible because the spare tire is designed only for temporary use.

Check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare tire periodically to keep the tire ready for use. The correct pressure is 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2
kg/cm2).

When using the temporary spare tire, note the following:

D Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). D Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire. Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit properly. D Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at the same time. D Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller diameter, so road clearance is reduced. D When the wear indicator appears on the tread, replace the tire.

Indicator location mark

Tread wear indicator bar

HG0106

HB8003BB

NOTE [Automatic transmission vehicle] Before driving your vehicle with the temporary spare tire, put a spare fuse inside the FWD connector located in the engine compartment and confirm that the Front-wheel drive warning light comes on. The all wheel drive capability of the vehicle has now been deactivated. After re-installing the convention- al tire, remove the spare fuse from the FWD connector in order to reactivate all wheel drive.

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In case of emergency

Flat tires

If you get a flat tire while driving, never brake suddenly; keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.

J Changing a flat tire

WARNING

D Do not jack up the vehicle on an incline or a loose road sur- face. The jack can come out of the jacking point or sink into the ground and this can result in a serious accident. D Use only the jack provided with your vehicle. The jack sup- plied with the vehicle is designed only for changing a tire. Never get under the vehicle while supporting the vehicle with this jack. D Always turn the engine off before raising the flat tire off the ground using the jack. Never swing or push the vehicle sup- ported with the jack. The jack can come out of the jacking point due to a jolt and this can result in a serious accident. D Never place a tire or tire changing tools in the passenger compartment after changing wheels. In a sudden stop or colli- sion, loose equipment could strike occupants and cause injury. Store the tire and all tools in the proper place.

1. Park on a hard, level surface, whenever possible, then stop the en- gine. 2. Set the parking brake securely and shift a manual transmission ve- hicle into reverse or an automatic transmission vehicle into the “P” (Park) position. 3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher and have everyone get out of the vehicle.

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HGS038BA

4. Put wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire. 5. Take out the spare tire, jack, and wheel nut wrench.

Refer to the sections “Spare tire” and “Jack and tools” in this chapter for their location, instructions and precautions. After the spare tire is removed from the spare tire holder, the cable must be wound up completely by turning the hoist nut shaft clockwise until you hear a clicking sound. Also visually inspect the cable to make cer- tain that there is no longer any slack present.

B Removing the flat tire and installing the spare tire

HS9008BA

1. Loosen the wheel nuts using the wheel nut wrench but do not re- move the nuts.

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In case of emergency

HB9058BB

2. Place the jack under the side sill at the front or rear jack-up point closest to the flat tire. Jack-up points are indicated by arrow marks on the side of the side sill skirt.

HB9059BA

3. Turn the jackscrew by hand until the groove of the jack head en- gages firmly into the jack-up point.

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HB9060BA

4. Insert the jack drive tube into the jackscrew and attach the wheel nut wrench into the jack drive tube, and turn the handle until the tire clears the ground. Do not raise the vehicle higher than necessary. 5. Remove the wheel nuts and the flat tire.

OM-H0172

HG0104

6. Before putting the spare tire on, clean the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth. 7. Put on the spare tire. Replace the wheel nuts. Tighten them by hand.

WARNING

Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts when the spare tire is installed. This could cause the nuts to become loose and lead to an accident.

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8. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.

In case of emergency

HB9078BB

9. Use the wheel nut wrench to securely tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque, following the tightening order in the illustration. The torque for tightening the nuts is 66 to 81 ft-lb (90 to 110 N-m, 9 to 11 kg-m). This torque is equivalent to applying about 88 to 110 lbs (40 to 50 kg) at the top of the wheel nut wrench provided to your ve- hicle. Never use your foot on the wheel nut wrench or a pipe exten- sion on the wrench because you may exceed the specified torque. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility.

B Storage of the flat tire

CAUTION

D Secure the flat tire in the cargo bed (with the outer side of the wheel facing up) by using the designated tire holding rod and retainer. If the flat tire is not properly secured, it may fall out and create a dangerous road hazard that could lead to a serious acci- dent. D Do not store the flat tire under the floor. Doing so could dam- age the underside of the vehicle.

1. Take the tire holding rod and retainer out of the tool bag.

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HB9077BA

2. Remove the rubber cap from the cargo bed. Store the rubber cap in a safe place. Pay attention not to lose the rubber cap after removal.

HB9062BB

3. Place the flat tire in the cargo bed with the outer side of the wheel facing up. For an aluminum wheel, remove the center cap before placing it in the cargo bed. 4. Place the retainer on the center hole of the wheel as illustrated and put the tire holding rod into the retainer. If the flat tire is separated from its wheel completely, the retailer should be placed upside down on the wheel.

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In case of emergency

HB9063BA

5. Secure the flat tire by tightening the tire holding rod.

The tire holding rod and retainer are designed solely to secure a flat tire in emergency. Do not use them for another purpose such as se- curing cargo.