2002 Subaru Forester Owners Manual

If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.

As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your vehicle as ex- plained below. D Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that specified in this manual. D Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with un- leaded gasoline. Methanol can be used in your vehicle ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by sufficient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors required to prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel con- taining methanol EXCEPT under these conditions. D If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you sus- pect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gasoline before seeking service at your SUBARU dealer. D Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the use of improper fuel are not covered under the SUBARU Limited War- ranty.

J Fuel filler lid and cap

B Refueling

WARNING

D Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. Before refueling, always first stop the engine and make sure that there are no lighted ciga- rettes, open flames or electrical sparks in the adjacent area. D When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. Fuel may be under pressure and spray out of the fuel filler neck espe- cially in hot weather, which may cause injury.

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Starting and operating

CAUTION

D Never add any cleaning agents to the fuel tank. The addition of a cleaning agent may cause damage to the fuel system. D Make sure that the cap is tightened until it clicks to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an accident. D Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels may cause paint damage, which is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty. D Always use a genuine SUBARU fuel filler cap. If you use the wrong cap, it may not fit or have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emission control system might be damaged.

Sedan

HB3000BB

HBF013DA

HB3001BD

HB3007BA

1. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid release lever up.

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HB3008BB

2. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it slowly counterclockwise. 3. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler pump automatically clicks off. Do not add any more fuel. 4. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain not to catch the tether under the cap while tighten- ing. 5. Close the fuel filler lid completely. If you spill any fuel on the painted surface, rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the painted surface could be damaged.

NOTE

HG3016AA

D You will see the “FUEL DOOR p” sign in the combination meter. This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is located on the right side of the vehicle.

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Starting and operating

D If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether is caught under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning light may come on. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section lo- cated in chapter 3.

State emission testing (U.S. only)

WARNING

Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer. Attempting to do so will result in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an acci- dent or injuries to persons nearby.

CAUTION

Resultant vehicle damage due to improper testing is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of the state inspection program or its contractors or licensees.

At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service station in advance not to place your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two- wheel dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission damage will result.

Some states have started using dynamometers in their state inspection programs in order to meet their obligation under federal law to implement stricter vehicle emission standards to reduce air pollution from cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your car’s wheels to turn while the car remains in one place. Depending on the severity of a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission inspection test. Nor- mally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emission inspector inserting an analyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle for a short period of time. States with more severe air pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driving conditions on a dynamometer and permits

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more accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution than the basic emission test. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states using two- wheel dynamometers testing programs have EXEMPTED Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing pro- gram that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.

their emission

in

There are some states that use four-wheel dynamometers in their testing programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD Subaru vehicle.

Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be disconnected for state emission testing.

Preparing to drive

You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day be- fore you start driving.

1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unob- structed. 2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for proper inflation. 3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. 4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully closed. 5. Check the adjustment of the seat. 6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors. 7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts. 8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the igni- tion switch is turned to the “ON” position. 9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the en- gine.

NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

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Starting the engine

Starting and operating

CAUTION

Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for five to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before trying again.

J Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories. 3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter motor will only operate when the clutch pedal is pressed fully to the floor. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and check the operation of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator light” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has started.

If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START” position again while depressing the ac- celerator pedal half way down. 6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up.

J Starting the engine for an automatic transmission ve-

hicle

CAUTION

If you restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift the se- lector lever into the “N” position. Do not attempt to place the se- lector lever of a moving vehicle into the “P” position.

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1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories. 3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position (preferably “P” posi- tion). The starter will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and check the operation of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has started. If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START” position again while depressing the ac- celerator pedal half way down. 6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up.

While the engine is warming up, make sure that the selector lever is at the “P” or “N” position and that the parking brake is applied.

J Starting the engine during cold weather below –4°F

(–20°C)

If the engine is difficult to start using the normal method (without de- pressing the accelerator pedal), turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while slightly depressing the accelerator pedal.

J Starting a flooded engine If the engine does not start, it may be flooded (excessive fuel in the en- gine). In case of a flooded engine, turn the starter motor for five seconds with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. Repeat this two or three times until the engine starts. Release the ignition switch and accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts.

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Stopping the engine

Starting and operating

WARNING

Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster, making steering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the “LOCK” position on the ignition switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.

The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.

Manual transmission

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disengaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed) or with the shift lever in the neutral position. Engine braking has no effect in either of these condi- tions and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

CAUTION

Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has completely stopped. It may cause damage to the transmission to try shifting into reverse when the vehicle is moving.

The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed 5-forward and 1-re- verse speed transmission.

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OM-H2241

The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever knob. When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first return the shift lever to the neutral position then shift into reverse gear.

To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the clutch pedal. If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again.

B Shifting speeds n Recommended shifting speeds The best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle perfor- mance during normal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.

Shift up

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

mph (km/h)

15 (24)

25 (40)

40 (65)

45 (73)

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Starting and operating

n Maximum allowable 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 an accident increased.

The following table shows the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear.

Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear position except for brief acceleration in an emergency. The tachometer’s needle (if so equipped) will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. Fail- ure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy.

Vehicle type

Brighton

30 (48)

50 (81)

30 (49)

51 (82)

mph (km/h)

OUT- BACK

31 (50)

52 (84)

GT

29 (47)

49 (79)

71 (115)

73 (117)

70 (112)

74 (119)

Gear

1st

2nd

3rd

B Driving tips Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade. Either of those actions may cause clutch damage. Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever. This may cause wear on the transmission components.

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When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to slow traffic, turn- ing corners, or driving up steep hills, downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor.

On steep downgrades, downshift the transmission to 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe speed and to extend brake pad life. In this way, the engine provides a braking effect. Remember, if you “ride” (over use) the brakes while descending a hill, they may over- heat and not work properly.

Automatic transmission

WARNING

Do not shift from the “P” or “N” position into the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or backward.

CAUTION

D Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is com- pletely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission. D Do not race the engine for more than five seconds in any posi- tion except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is set or the tires are on blocks. This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat. D Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.

The automatic transmission is electronically controlled with 4-forward speeds and 1-reverse speed.

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Starting and operating

NOTE Immediately after a disconnected battery is reconnected or ATF (au- tomatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the auto- matic transmission operation is somewhat unusual. This results from erasure or invalidation of data the on-board com- puter has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmission to shift at the most appropriate times for the current condition of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle con- tinues to be driven for a while.

J Selector lever for automatic transmission

HB7010AA

HB7021BB

The selector lever has seven positions.

B P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine.

In this position, the transmission is mechanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.

When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis- sion.

A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to ensure safe starting of the vehicle.

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

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

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Starting and operating

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 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.

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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 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.

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Vehicle type type

Brighton L Brighton, L

GT GT

Position

35 (56)

64 (103)

100 (161)

29 (47)

58 (93)

Starting and operating

mph (km/h)

OUTBACK

2.5 liter

31 (50)

3.0 liter

35 (57)

62 (100)

69 (111)

96 (154)

102 (164)

111 (178)

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Power steering

Starting and operating

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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J Disc brake pad wear warning indicators

Starting and operating

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.

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

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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 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.

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Starting and operating

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.

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.

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VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped)

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in driving — overconfidence because you are driving with a VDC system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

CAUTION

D Even if your vehicle is equipped with VDC, winter tires should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having a VDC system does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation. D Activation of the VDC system is an indication that the road being travelled on has a slippery surface; since having VDC is no guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all times and under all conditions, its activation should be seen as a sign that the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. D Whenever suspension components, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle equipped with VDC, have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform an inspection of that system. D The following precautions should be observed in order to ensure that the VDC system is operating properly:

– All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand. Furthermore, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. – Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as shown on the label attached to the vehicle’s door pillar. – Use only the special temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the VDC system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving with vehicle.

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Starting and operating

In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery road surface and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver, the VDC system adjusts the engine’s output and the wheels’ respective braking forces to help maintain traction and directional control.

D Traction Control Function The traction control function is designed to prevent spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional control. Activation of this function is shown by steady illumination of the VDC operation indicator light.

D Skid Suppression Function The skid suppression function is designed to help maintain directional stability by suppressing the wheels’ tendency to slide sideways dur- ing steering operations. Activation of this function is shown by flash- ing of the VDC operation indicator light.

NOTE D Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt when the VDC-sys- tem operates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel shaking may also be noticed in this situation. These are normal characteris- tics of VDC operation and are no cause for alarm. D When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short- lived operation noise may be noticed coming from the engine compartment. This noise is generated as a result of a check being performed on the VDC system and is normal. D Depending on the timing of activation of the brakes, certain situa- tions may occur just after driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the VDC operational check and is normal. D Activation of the VDC system will cause operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly different compared to that for normal condi- tions. D Even if the vehicle is equipped with a VDC system, it is important that winter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size and brand).

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D It is always important to reduce speed when approaching a cor- ner, even if the vehicle is equipped with VDC. D All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand; furthermore, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. If these precautions are not observed and non-match- ing tires are used, it is quite possible that the VDC system will be unable to operate correctly as intended. D Always turn off the engine before replacing a tire as failure to do so may render the VDC system unable to operate correctly.

B VDC system monitor

HB4010FB

n VDC OFF indicator light D The VDC OFF indicator light turns on initially when the ignition key is turned to the ON position; it subsequently turns off 6 seconds after the engine is started. D This light turns on to indicate that the VDC system is in non-opera- tion mode. This does not constitute failure of the VDC system.

NOTE D The VDC OFF indicator light may stay on for a while after the engine has been started, especially in cold weather. This occurs because the engine has not yet warmed up and is completely nor- mal. The light will turn off when the engine has reached a suitable operating temperature. D When an engine problem occurs and the CHECK ENGINE

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Starting and operating

warning light turns on, the VDC OFF indicator light will also turn on.

The following two situations could indicate malfunction of the VDC system; if either should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of that system at the first available opportunity. D The VDC OFF indicator light does not turn on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. D The VDC OFF indicator light fails to turn off after the engine is started, even when several minutes have passed to allow the engine to heat up sufficiently.

n VDC operation indicator light The VDC operation indicator light turns on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position; it turns off approximately two seconds later. This indicator light flashes during activation of the skid suppression function and is illuminated steadily during activation of the traction control function.

The following two situations could indicate a malfunction of the VDC system; if either should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of that system at the first available opportunity. D The VDC operation indicator light does not turn on when the igni- tion key is turned to the ON position. D The VDC operation indicator light does not turn off approximately two seconds after the ignition key has been turned to the ON position.

n VDC warning light The VDC warning light turns on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and off when the engine is started. This lighting pattern indicates that the VDC system is operating normally.

The following situations could indicate a malfunction of the VDC sys- tem; if any should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of the system at the first available opportunity. D The VDC warning light does not turn on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. D The VDC warning light does not turn off either when the engine is

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started or when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). D The VDC warning light turns on while the vehicle is being driven. D When a malfunction has occurred in the VDC electrical system, only the VDC warning light will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will still be operating normally. D The VDC warning light will also turn on when a problem occurs with the ABS or VDC electronic control systems. Because the VDC system controls each brake through the ABS, whenever the ABS stops operating due to a malfunction in that electri- cal system, the VDC will also become unable to control all four brakes. Thus VDC system operation halts and the VDC warning light turns on. Although both the VDC system and the ABS will be inoper- able in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehicle using normal braking. The VDC system and the ABS do not adversely affect operation of the vehicle in any way when they are inoperable; how- ever should such a situation occur, drive with care and have an autho- rized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of those systems at the first available opportunity.

NOTE When the VDC warning light turns on and off in the following way, it indicates that the VDC system is operating normally. D Although turning on after the engine has been started, the warning light quickly turns off and stays off. D The warning light turns on after the engine is started and does not turn off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 8 mph (12 km/h). D The warning light turns on when the vehicle is being driven; it then turns off and stays off.

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J VDC OFF switch

Starting and operating

HB7022AA

Note: Even when the lighting switch is turned to the “p” or “a” posi- tion, the “OFF” portion of the symbol stamped on the switch will not illu- minate in the dark. Only “VDC” portion will illuminate.

Pressing the VDC OFF switch to deactivate the VDC system can facilitate the following operations: D a standing start on a steeply sloping road with a snowy, gravel-cov- ered, or otherwise slippery surface D extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow When the VDC OFF switch is pressed during engine operation, the VDC OFF indicator light illuminates. The VDC system will be deactivated and the vehicle will behave like a model not equipped with the VDC system. When the VDC OFF switch is pressed again to reactivate the VDC sys- tem, the VDC OFF indicator light goes off. If the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 37 mph (60 km/h) after the VDC OFF switch is pressed to deactivate the VDC system, the VDC system automatically reactivates itself and the VDC OFF indicator light goes off. While the vehicle is moving at a speed of approximately 37
mph (60 km/h) or higher, it is not possible to deactivate the VDC system by pressing the VDC OFF switch. With the VDC system deactivated, traction and stability enhancement of- fered by VDC system is unavailable. Therefore you should not deactivate

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the VDC system except under above-mentioned situations.

NOTE D When the VDC switch has been pressed to deactivate the VDC system, the VDC system automatically reactivates itself the next time the ignition key is turned to the OFF position and the engine is restarted. D If the VDC OFF switch is held down for 10 seconds or longer, the VDC OFF indicator light goes off, the VDC system is activated, and the system ignores any further pressing of the VDC OFF switch. To make the VDC OFF switch usable again, turn the ignition key to the OFF position and restart the engine.

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.

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.

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

Starting and operating

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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HB4014AA

HB4015AA

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 (if equipped)

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

HB3002BB

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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Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)

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 Vehicle with tachometer Never exceed 4,000 rpm engine speed except for brief acceleration in an emergency. D Vehicle without tachometer (for manual transmission) Do not exceed the speed limits below for each gear position except for brief acceleration in an emergency.

1st

22 (35)

2nd

37 (60)

3rd

50 (80)

mph (km/h)

4th

65 (105)

D Vehicles without tachometer (for automatic transmission) Try to drive at moderate speeds while accelerating and braking smoothly. Proper gears are selected automatically according to the driving conditions.

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 replaced with new ones.

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Driving tips

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. 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.

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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. D Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

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.

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

HB8029BA

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Driving tips

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.

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.

B All AWD models except OUTBACK Your AWD vehicle is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger car designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities in sit- uations in which driving surfaces a relatively level, obstruction-free

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and otherwise similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive stress which might result in damage not eligible for repair under war- ranty. If you do take your SUBARU off road, you should review the common sense precautions in the next section (applicable to the OUTBACK) for general guidance. But please keep in mind that your vehicle’s off-road capabilities are more limited than those of the OUT- BACK. Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or roads flooded with water. 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.

B OUTBACK 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 a passenger car and is neither a con- ventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your Subaru off-road, certain common sense precautions such as the fol- lowing should be taken:

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 citi- zens band radio. D Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in danger- ous 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 sideways 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

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Driving tips

bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fingers 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 firmness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and completely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s undercarriage. Water en- tering 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 driv- ing 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. 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 underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or ad- hering 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, unsecured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the ve- hicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. 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 between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. D When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better

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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 re- placement of engine oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that spe- cified in the maintenance 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 not eligible for warranty coverage.

Winter driving

HB3010AA

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.

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Driving tips

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 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.

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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. 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)” and “VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system” section in chapter 7 for information on braking on slippery surfaces.

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Driving tips

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 button/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. To thaw out the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger.

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- flow control button/dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for maximum 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).

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J Snow tires

B All models except Outback

WARNING

D When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size, construction and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes and construction may affect speedometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. 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.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking per- formance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to en- hance performance through use of tires designed specifically for win- ter 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 dan- gerous 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.

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Driving tips

B Outback models only

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.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking per- formance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to en- hance performance through use of tires designed specifically for win- ter 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 dan- gerous 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 Outback comes with P225/60R16 “all season tires” as origi- nal equipment. You should be aware that some winter tires with that same size designation may actually be too large for the

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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 P205/55R16 tires for GT models D P225/60R16 tires for OUTBACK models D P215/60R16 winter (snow) tires for OUTBACK models

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. 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).

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

Driving tips

Loading your vehicle

WARNING

D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback, in the trunk or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious in- jury. 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. 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 Do not place anything on the rear shelf behind the rear seat- back (for sedan) or the extended luggage cover (for station wag- on). Such items could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or a collision. This could cause serious injury.

CAUTION

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

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

J Vehicle capacity weight

HB8015BA

HB0382

The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by avail- able cargo space. The maximum load 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.

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J GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and

Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Driving tips

HBF019BB

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. The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equipment, fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capac- ity weight. 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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J Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)

CAUTION

D For cargo carrying purposes, the roof rail must be used to- gether with a roof crossbar kit and the appropriate carrying at- tachment. The roof rail must never be used alone to carry cargo. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road haz- ard due to loss of cargo could result. D When using the roof crossbar kit, make sure that the total weight of the crossbars, carrying attachment and cargo does not exceed the maximum load limit. Overloading may cause damage to the vehicle and create a safety hazard.

HB8016BB

The roof rail is not designed to carry cargo by itself. Cargo can be car- ried after securing the roof crossbar kit to the roof rail and installing the appropriate carrying attachment. When installing the roof crossbar kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Roof slats are not designed to carry or hold cargo, but are designed as the protector to prevent the roof from being damaged by cargo while it is being loaded and unloaded on the roof crossbar or on any carrying attachment.

When you carry cargo on the roof using the roof crossbar kit and a carry- ing attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained below. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross

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Driving tips

Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rat- ing (GAWR). See the “Loading your vehicle” section in this chapter for information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle. The maximum load limit of the cargo, crossbars and carrying attachment must not ex- ceed 100 lb. (45 kg). Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo.

B Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the crossbars, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that the attachment is se- curely fixed to the crossbars. Use only attachments designed specifi- cally for the crossbars. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than 100 lb. (45 kg). Before operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly secured on the attachment.

NOTE Remember that the vehicle’s center of gravity is altered with the weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving charac- teristics. Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased.

B Removal and installation of the crossbars

CAUTION

Do not carry cargo on the roof when the crossbars are removed. Luggage on the roof will be thrown forward or backward in sud- den stops or rapid accelerations, resulting in a dangerous road hazard.

The crossbars can be removed when you do not use the roof to carry cargo.

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n To remove the crossbar 1. Loosen and remove the T–30 torxR head screw from the top of each crossbar end support. 2. Rotate the lower clamp on the bottom of each end support down- ward approximately 90°. 3. Carefully raise the crossbar from roof rails.

n To install the crossbar

Front crossbar: Front crossbar has 100 LBS. Load Label on left-hand side.

HB1011BC

1. Before placing the crossbar on the roof rails, make sure that the T-30 torxR head screw is removed from the top of each crossbar end support. 2. Rotate the lower clamp on the bottom of each end support down- ward approximately 90°. 3. With the front direction arrow label on the top right side of the crossbar pointing toward the front of the vehicle, carefully place the crossbar across the top of the vehicle so that the crossbar end sup- ports rest on the top of the roof rails approximately 6 inches (152 mm) rearward from the seam (joint) between the front roof rail support and the roof rail. 4. Rotate (raise) the lower clamp up to the bottom of the roof rail and loosely tighten the T-30 torxR head screw with the torxR wrench pro- vided, through the top of the end support and into the threaded insert in the lower clamp on each end of the crossbar.

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Driving tips

NOTE It may be necessary to squeeze the lower clamp and the end sup- port together to compress the pads and gain a better alignment of the pieces while trying to start the screw. Use care not to crossthread the screw in the insert.

5. Adjust the alignment of the crossbar on the roof rails, and if avail- able, use a T-30 torxR bit and torque wrench and tighten the T-30
torxR head screws to 30 to 35 inch lbs. (3.4 to 4.0 N-m, 0.35 to 0.41
kg-m) of torque (or tighten securely with the torxR wrench provided).

Rear crossbar:

HB1012BC

Install the rear crossbar in the same manner as the front crossbar.

NOTE The rear crossbar should be positioned 6 inches (152 mm) for- ward of the rear seam (joint) between the rear roof rail support and the roof rail.

NOTE Before each use of the roof crossbar, make sure the four T-30 cross- bar clamp screws have been checked, and retightened if necessary to 35 inch lbs. (4.0 N-m, 0.41 kg-m), as outlined in Step #5 above.

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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 2,000 lbs. (906 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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Driving tips

B Connecting a trailer 1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then in- sert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube. 2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount.

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

HB8018BA

HB8019BA

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

HB8020AA

5. 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. 6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball. 7. 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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8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four–pin wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness

Driving tips

HB8021BB

9. 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 do not tow a trailer 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