2010 Subaru Legacy Owners Manual

regulations and re-

8-4 Driving tips

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

Driving tips 8-5

vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibra- tion, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. . 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. . Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive. The recom- mended tire pressure is provided on the tire placard, which is located on the door pillar on the driver’s side. . There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detailed information, refer to “Towing” F9-12.

Driving tips for AWD vehicles

WARNING

. 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 brak- ing or under other similar condi- tions.

. 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.

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 provide added traction during accelera- tion, 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 system, you should keep the following tips in mind: . An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in handling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sudden braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles. . When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, circumference, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes, circumferences or construction may result in severe mechan- ical damage to the drive train of your

8-6 Driving tips

Off road driving

WARNING

. 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 brak- ing or under other similar condi- tions.

. 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.

& Legacy Your AWD vehicle is neither a conven- tional 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 situations in which the driving surface is relatively level, obstruc- tion-free 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 warranty. 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 capabil- ities are more limited than those of the Outback. 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.

& 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 conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common sense precautions such as those in the following list should be taken: . Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seatbelts. . Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or citizens band radio.

. Drive carefully. Do not take unneces- sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. . 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. . 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. . Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe- cially at higher speeds. . 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 fingers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. . 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 undercar- riage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your

Driving tips 8-7

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.

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. . Always check your brakes for effec- tiveness 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. . 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 the engine stops. This could create a fire hazard. . After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, 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 adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. . Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo

it

could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. 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. . If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the select 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. . 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, AT and CVT). For AT and CVT models, refer to “Selec- tion of manual mode” F7-21. . Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual. . Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off- road driving. Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly. . 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 maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty and Mainte- nance Booklet”.

8-8 Driving tips

Winter driving

& Operation during cold

weather

Carry some emergency equipment, such as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.

Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough power 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 squirting them with deicer or glycerin.

locks from freezing by

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

If

Use a windshield washer fluid that con- tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con- tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem- perature varies according to how much it is diluted, as indicated in the following table.

Washer Fluid Con-

centration

Freezing Temperature

30%

50%

100%

10.48F (−128C) −48F (−208C) −498F (−458C)

In order to prevent freezing of washer fluid, check the freezing temperatures in the table above when adjusting the fluid concentration to the outside temperature. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one used previously, purge the old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank and

washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside temperature, it may freeze and block the nozzles.

CAUTION

. Adjust the washer fluid concen- tration appropriately for the out- side temperature. If the concen- tration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank.

. State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a common windshield washer anti- freeze additive. Washer fluids containing non-methanol anti- freeze agents should be used only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades or washer system.

! Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that

could make the pedals slippery and driving dangerous.

2. Use tire stops under prevent the vehicle from moving.

the tires to

While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator 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 periodically. ! 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, you should observe the following tips. 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for MT models, or the select lever in “P” for AT models and CVT models.

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 covered 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 har- ness. ! 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 recommended 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.

Driving tips 8-9

& 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.

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the air flow, which could result in engine shutdown or even breakdown.

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, 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 engine brake effectively to control vehicle speed. (Shift when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha- vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly – CONTINUED –

the foot brake, use the the into a lower gear

8-10 Driving tips

leading to loss of vehicle control.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en- hances your vehicle’s braking perfor- mance on snowy and icy roads. For information about braking on slippery surfaces, refer to “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” F7-25 and “Vehicle Dynamics Control system” F7-28. ! 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, perform the following procedure. . To thaw the windshield wiper blades, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely thawed. Refer to “Climate control” F4-1. . If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, use it. to thaw the windshield wiper blades. Refer to “Defog- ger and deicer” F3-34. . To thaw the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. Refer to “Defogger and deicer” F3-34.

” and the temperature set

is helpful

It

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield

despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow selection in “ ” and the for maximum warmth. temperature set After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Refer to “Windshield washer” F3-33
Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the vehicle at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers. Refer to “Hazard warning flasher” F3-5. We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and freez- ing temperatures. Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle.

CAUTION

During high-speed driving, non- freezing type wiper blades may not perform as well as standard wiper blades. If this happens, reduce the vehicle speed.

NOTE When the season requiring non-freez- ing type wiper blades is over, replace them with standard wiper blades.

& Corrosion protection Refer to “Corrosion protection” F10-4.

& Snow tires

WARNING

. 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 speed- ometer/odometer calibration and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle con- trol.

. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, circum- ferences, construction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, circumferences or con- structions may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive

train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibra- tion. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle con- trol.

. Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident.

! Except 2.5 L turbo models Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking performance 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 hand- ling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and vehicle

body.

& Tire chains

Driving tips 8-11

the type of

Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of tires on your vehicle. ! 2.5 L turbo models Your vehicle is equipped with “summer tires” as original equipment, which are inadequate for driving on slippery roads such as on snow-covered or icy roads. Compared with winter and all-season tires, summer tires give significantly less grip on snowy and icy road surfaces. Therefore, use of winter tires is strongly recommended when driving with such road conditions. When 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, construc- tion, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous hand- ling 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 tires on your vehicle.

the type of

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on any tires for your Legacy and Outback because of lack of clearance be- tween the tires and vehicle body.

& Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel- erator pedal slightly and move the shift lever/select lever back and forth between “1”/“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 traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (for MT, AT and CVT).

For information on holding the transmis- sion in 2nd position, refer to “Selection of manual mode” F7-21.

CAUTION

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

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

8-12 Driving tips

Loading your vehicle

WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride on a folded rear seatback, in the trunk or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury.

WARNING

. 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.

. When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicle during sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident.

. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the vehi- cle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.

. Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting for- ward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop.

. 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.

. Do not place anything on the rear shelf behind the rear seatback (Legacy) or the extended luggage cover (Outback). Such items could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or a collision. This could cause serious injury.

& Vehicle capacity weight

side door pillar. It includes the total weight of the 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.

& GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by available cargo space. The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is shown on the vehicle placard attached to the driver’s

Certification label

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

Driving tips 8-13

optional equipment and trailer load. Therefore, pending on the situation.

tongue the GVW changes de-

In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed 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. When possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle. 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 limita- tions. Replacement tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

– CONTINUED –

8-14 Driving tips

& Roof rails with integrated

crossbars (Outback)

1)

Integrated crossbars

CAUTION

. For cargo carrying purposes, the bars must be used as crossbars and be used together with the genuine SUBARU carrying at- tachment. The bars must never be used alone to carry cargo. Otherwise, damage to the roof or paint or a dangerous road hazard due to loss of cargo could result. . When using the bars as cross- the total bars, make sure that weight of the carrying attach- ment and cargo does not exceed

the maximum load limit. Over- loading may cause damage to the vehicle and create a safety hazard.

The bars can be used as crossbars. Cargo can be carried after setting the bars as crossbars and installing the genuine SUBARU carrying attachment.

When you carry cargo on the roof using the crossbars and a carrying attachment, never exceed the maximum load limit explained in the following. You should also be careful that your vehicle does not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). For information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle, refer to “Loading your vehicle” F8-12. The maximum load limit of the cargo and carrying attachment must not exceed the allowable load limit described in the Own- er’s Manual of a genuine SUBARU carry- ing attachment. Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo.

! 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 cross- follow the manufacturer’s instruc- bars, tions and make sure that the attachment is securely fixed to the crossbars. Use only genuine SUBARU attachments. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than the allowable load limit described in the Owner’s Manual of a genuine SUBARU carrying attachment. 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 characteristics. Drive carefully, avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abrupt stops. Crosswind effects will be increased. . Restore the bars to the original position when the bars are not used as crossbars.

! How to use as crossbars

CAUTION

. Do not raise the bar higher than necessary. The base of the bar may be damaged.

. Be careful not to contact the bars while sliding them. Otherwise, the bars may be scratched or the latch portions may be da- maged.

. Do not slide the bar more than necessary when sliding the bar. The base of the bar may be damaged.

. Do not allow the bar to fall on or the roof panel or the contact moonroof when sliding the bar. Otherwise the roof panel may be dented or the glass of the moon- roof may be damaged.

Driving tips 8-15

1. Pull out the integrated crossbars from the roof rail holders by pulling up the covers.

Install the bars into the holders.

3. 4. Make sure that the latches are fitted securely.

! How to restore bars

CAUTION

Do not use the bars as roof rails when the bars are restored.

2. Slide the bars in the direction shown in the illustration.

– CONTINUED –

8-16 Driving tips

1. Pull out the crossbars from the roof rail holders by pulling up the covers.

Install the bars into the holders.

3. 4. Make sure that the latches are fitted securely.

2. Slide the bars in the direction shown in the illustration.

Trailer hitch (Outback — if equipped)

WARNING

. Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal in- juries. Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situa- tion. For possible recommenda- tions and limitations, refer to “Trailer towing” F8-19.

. 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 max- imum gross weight. Towing trai- lers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.

. 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 traffic safety hazard.

loose and create a

. 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. The maximum gross trailer weight and maximum gross tongue weight are indicated in the following table.

Maximum gross trailer weight

Maximum gross tongue weight

3.6 L models

All models other than 3.6
L models

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg)

200 lbs (90 kg)

When you tow a trailer, refer to “Trailer towing” F8-19.

& Connecting a trailer 1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube.

Driving tips 8-17

Insert the safety pin onto the hitch pin

3. securely. 4. Pull does not come off the hitch receiver.

to make sure it

the ball mount

Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the 2. hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount.

1) Hitch ball installation point 2) Hooks for safety chains

– CONTINUED –

& When you do not tow a trailer . Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube. . Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage. . Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin connector using terminal grease.

8-18 Driving tips

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 sufficient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into account; however, be careful not to let them drag on the ground.

WARNING

Do not connect safety chains to part of the vehicle other than the safety chain hooks.

Hitch harness connector

8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four-pin wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness. 9. Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness by individually activating the brake, stop and turn signal lights on the trailer.

NOTE Always disconnect the trailer wire har- ness before launching or retrieving a watercraft.

Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse 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 opera- tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchasing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installation and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment manufacturers. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to follow the proper instructions.

towing equipment, or

& 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 (en- gine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving.

& Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load limits explained in the following. Exceeding the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.

CAUTION

. Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight.

. 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 accepta-

Driving tips 8-19

ble.

! Total trailer weight

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must never exceed the maximum weight. ! Legacy The total trailer weight must not exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg). ! Outback The maximum total dicated in the following tables.

trailer weight

is in-

– CONTINUED –

8-20 Driving tips

3.6 L models

Conditions

Maximum total trailer weight

When towing a trailer without brakes.

When towing a trailer with brakes.

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade continuously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an outside temperature of 1048F (408C) or above.

All models other than 3.6 L models

Model

Conditions

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

3,000 lbs (1,360 kg) 1,500 lbs (680 kg)

Maximum total trailer

weight

MT models

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg)

CVT models

When towing a trailer without brakes.

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

When towing a trailer with brakes.

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade continuously for over 5 miles (8
km) with an outside temperature of 1048F (408C) or above.

2,700 lbs (1,224 kg) 1,350 lbs (612 kg)

! Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Gross Vehicle Weight

(GVW)

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Gross Vehicle Weight 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.

Driving tips 8-21

! Tongue load

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 vehi- cle. The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the certification label.

Certification label ! Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross Axle Weight

Certification label

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.

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 towing vehicle. This may cause the rear wheels to skid, especially during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced dur- ing cornering, 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).

– CONTINUED –

8-22 Driving tips

NOTE For vehicles with trailer brakes, the trailer tongue load exceeds 200 lbs (90
kg) when calculated at 8% of the maximum total trailer weight. Even in this case, the maximum value is 200 lbs (90 kg).

F:

Front

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.

Jack

1) 2) Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in the following illustration. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to position the towing coupler at the height at which it would be during actual towing, using a jack as shown.

& Trailer hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commer- cial trailer hitch. If you do, danger- ous 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 deterioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

CAUTION

. Do not modify the vehicle ex- haust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment.

. Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.

Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and

trailer. ! Outback The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer. If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoid- able, be sure the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a profes- sional 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. ! Legacy SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer hitches. 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.

Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

& Connecting a trailer ! Trailer brakes

WARNING

. Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight.

. 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.

the trailer

If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), is required to be equipped with its own brake system. Electric brakes or surge brakes are recommended, 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

Driving tips 8-23

dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information about the trailer’s brake system. ! 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 damage or hitch ball damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or become discon- nected, 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 discon- nect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situa- tions into account; however, 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.

– CONTINUED –

8-24 Driving tips

! 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 stan- dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/province and/ or other applicable regulations. ! 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 vehi- cle’s electrical system requires modifica- tions 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 and the brake lights each time you hitch up. ! Tires

WARNING

Never tow a trailer when the tem- porary spare tire is used. The tem- porary 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. Refer to “Tires” F12- 5 and in “GAS STATION REFERENCE” at the end of this manual.

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 precaution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.

& Trailer towing tips

CAUTION

. Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly country on hot days.

. When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and braking performance will be dif- ferent 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 following tips in mind:

! Before starting out on a trip . Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to- hitch mounting are in good condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer. . 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. . Check that correct. . Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm that

the tire pressures are

tongue is connected

– the trailer properly to the hitch ball. – the trailer lights connector is con- nected properly and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehicle’s is pressed, and that the brake pedal trailer’s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal lever is oper- ated. – 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 sig- nificant blind spot.

. 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 traffic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.

! Driving with a trailer . You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of control. . Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel- erations. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate engine revolution. . Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes. . 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 the trailer could hit your vehicle. . Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus- ing 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. . When passing other vehicles, consid- erable distance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.

turn,

Driving tips 8-25

Left turn

1) 2) Right turn . Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. When backing 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. . If illuminates while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the nearest SUBARU dealer. ! Driving on grades . Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if neces- sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the

the ABS warning light

– CONTINUED –

8-26 Driving tips

engine braking effect and prevent over- heating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sudden downshifts. . When driving uphill in hot weather, the air conditioner may turn off automatically to protect the engine from overheating. . When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to the coolant temperature high warning light (for all models) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT and CVT models) because the engine and trans- mission are relatively prone to overheating under the coolant temperature high warning light and/or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates, immediately turn off the air conditioner and stop the vehicle in the nearest safe location. For further instructions and addi- tional information, refer to the following sections.

these conditions.

If

– “If you park your vehicle in an emergency” F9-2
– “Engine overheating” F9-12
– “Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warn- ing light” F3-13

– “AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT and CVT models)” F3-15

. For AT and CVT models, 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. ! 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 (MT models) or “P” (AT and CVT models) and shut off the engine.

reverse gear

into 1st or

If you park your vehicle in an emergency......... Temporary spare tire........................................... Maintenance tools ............................................... Legacy................................................................ Outback .............................................................. Flat tires............................................................... Changing a flat tire.............................................. Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

9-2
9-2
9-3
9-4
9-5
9-6
9-6

(if equipped)......................................................

9-9
Jump starting ..................................................... 9-10
How to jump start............................................... 9-10
Engine overheating ............................................ 9-12

If steam is coming from the engine

compartment.................................................... 9-12

In case of emergency

If no steam is coming from the engine

compartment ................................................... Towing ................................................................ Towing and tie-down hooks................................ Using a flat-bed truck......................................... Towing with all wheels on the ground.................

Electronic parking brake – if the electronic

parking brake cannot be released.................

Trunk lid (Legacy) – if the trunk lid cannot

be opened .......................................................

Rear gate (Outback) – if the rear gate

cannot be unlocked ........................................ Moonroof – if moonroof cannot be closed ......

9-12
9-12
9-13
9-15
9-15

9-16

9-19

9-19
9-20

9-2 In case of emergency

If you park your vehicle in an emergency

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

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 problem occurs.

The hazard warning flasher can be acti- vated regardless of the ignition switch position. Turn on the hazard warning by pressing the hazard warning flasher switch. Turn it off by pressing the switch again.

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.

. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/trans- mitter being transferred, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate steadily after blinking for approximately one minute. This indicates the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is un- able to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/ or system resetting.

CAUTION

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

than a conventional

The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter tire and is designed for emergency use only. Re- move the temporary spare tire and re- install tire as soon as possible because the spare tire is de- signed only for temporary use.

the conventional

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

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

Tread wear indicator bar Indicator location mark

1) 2) . When the wear indicator appears on the tread, replace the tire. . The temporary spare tire must be used only on a rear wheel. If a front wheel tire gets punctured, replace the wheel with a rear wheel and install the temporary spare tire in place of the removed rear wheel.

In case of emergency 9-3

Maintenance tools

Your vehicle is equipped with the following maintenance tools. . Jack . Jack handle . Screwdriver . Towing hook (eye bolt) . Wheel nut wrench . Electronic parking brake release tool

– CONTINUED –

9-4 In case of emergency

& Legacy

5)

Tool bucket

the floor cover of the trunk. The electronic parking brake release tool is stored under the floor of the trunk. The other tools are stored in the tool bucket that is located in the recess of the spare tire wheel. For the method to use the jack, refer to “Flat tires” F9-6. the method to use the electronic For parking brake release tool, refer to “Elec- tronic parking brake – if the electronic parking brake cannot be released” F9-16.

1) Under-floor storage compartment (Refer

to “Under-floor storage compartment” F6-18.)

2) Electronic parking brake release tool 3) 4) Spare tire

Jack handle

1) Wheel nut wrench 2) Screwdriver 3) 4)

Jack Towing hook (eye bolt)

The jack handle is stored on the back of

& Outback

5)

Tool bucket

In case of emergency 9-5

area. The electronic parking brake release tool is stored under the floor of the cargo area. The other tools are stored in the tool bucket that is located in the recess of the spare tire wheel. For the method to use the jack, refer to “Flat tires” F9-6. the method to use the electronic For parking brake release tool, refer to “Elec- tronic parking brake – if the electronic parking brake cannot be released” F9-16.

1) Under-floor storage compartment (Refer

to “Under-floor storage compartment” F6-18.)

2) Electronic parking brake release tool 3) 4) Spare tire

Jack handle

1) Wheel nut wrench 2) Screwdriver 3) 4)

Jack Towing hook (eye bolt)

The jack handle is stored under the cargo

9-6 In case of emergency

Flat tires

If you have 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.

& Changing a flat tire

WARNING

. Do not jack up the vehicle on an incline or a loose road surface. The jack can come out of the jacking point or sink into the ground and this can result in a serious accident.

. Use only the jack provided with your vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is designed only for changing a tire. Never get under the vehicle while support- ing the vehicle with this jack.

the jack,

jack handle and

5. Take out wheel nut wrench. The tools and the spare tire are stored under the floor of the trunk (Legacy) or the cargo area (Outback). Refer to “Mainte- nance tools” F9-3. NOTE Make sure that the jack is well lubri- cated before using it.

. Always turn off the engine before raising the flat tire off the ground using the jack. Never swing or push the vehicle supported with the jack. The jack can come out of the jacking point due to a jolt and this can result in a serious accident.

1. Park on a hard, level surface, when- ever possible, then stop the engine. 2. Apply the parking brake securely and shift the shift lever in reverse (MT models) or the select lever in the “P” (Park) position (AT and CVT models). 3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher and have everyone get out of the vehicle.

Legacy

4. Put wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire.

In case of emergency 9-7

7. Loosen the wheel nuts using the wheel nut wrench but do not remove the nuts.

Turn the jackscrew by hand until the jack head engages firmly into the jack-up point.

Outback

6. Take out the tool bucket and turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take the spare tire out. NOTE If the spare tire provided in your vehicle is a temporary spare tire, carefully read “Temporary spare tire” F9-2 and strictly follow the instructions.

8. Place the jack under the side sill at the front or rear jack-up point closest to the flat tire.

9. Insert the jack handle into the jack- screw, and turn the handle until the tire clears the ground. Do not raise the vehicle higher than necessary.

– CONTINUED –

9-8 In case of emergency

10. Remove the wheel nuts and the flat tire.

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.

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

lbs (50 kg) at the top of the wheel nut wrench. Never use your foot on the wheel nut wrench or a pipe extension on the wrench because you may exceed the specified torque. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility.

11. Before putting the spare tire on, clean the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth. 12. Put on the spare tire. Replace the

14. 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 89
lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m). This torque is equivalent to applying approximately 110

tire in the spare tire

15. Store the flat compartment. Put the spacer and tighten the attaching bolt firmly. Also store the jack and jack handle in their storage locations.

In case of emergency 9-9

being transferred, the low tire pres- sure warning light will illuminate steadily after blinking for approxi- mately one minute. This indicates the TPMS is unable to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/ or system resetting. Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors. If the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one min- ute, promptly contact a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected.

WARNING

Never place a tire or tire changing tools in the passenger compartment after changing wheels. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike occupants and cause injury. Store the tire and all tools in the proper place.

& Tire pressure monitoring

system (TPMS) (if equipped)

The tire pressure monitoring system pro- vides the driver with the warning message indicated by sending a signal from a sensor is installed in each wheel when tire pressure is severely low. The tire pressure monitoring system will

that

activate only when the vehicle is driven. Also, this system may not react immedi- ately to a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example, a blow-out caused running over a sharp object).

WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light illuminates while driving, never brake suddenly and keep driving straight ahead while gradually redu- cing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. Otherwise an accident involving serious vehicle damage and serious personal injury could occur. Check the pressure for all four tires and adjust the pressure to the COLD tire pressure shown on the vehicle placard on the door pillar on the driver’s side. If this light still illumi- nates while driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may have significant damage and a fast leak that causes the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter

& How to jump start 1. Make sure the booster battery is 12
volts and the negative terminal is grounded. 2. the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not let the two vehicles touch. 3. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories. 4. Connect the jumper cables exactly in the sequence illustrated.

If

9-10 In case of emergency

Jump starting

WARNING

. Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID. Do not let it come in contact with the eyes, skin, clothing or the vehicle. If battery fluid gets on you, thoroughly flush the exposed area with water immediately. Get medical help if the fluid has entered your eyes. If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a large amount of milk or water, and obtain immediate medical help. Keep everyone including chil- dren away from the battery.

. The gas generated by a battery explodes if a flame or spark is brought near it. Do not smoke or light a match while jump starting. . Never attempt jump starting if the discharged battery is frozen. It could cause the battery to burst or explode.

. Whenever working on or around a battery, always wear suitable

eye protectors, and remove metal objects such as rings, bands or other metal jewelry.

. Be sure the jumper cables and clamps on them do not have loose or missing insulation.

. Do not jump start unless cables in suitable condition are avail- able.

. A running engine can be danger- ous. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away from the cooling fan, belts and any other moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches and ties is advisable.

. Jump starting is dangerous if it is done incorrectly. If you are un- sure about the proper procedure for jump starting, consult a com- petent mechanic.

When your vehicle does not start due to a run down (discharged) battery, the vehicle may be jump started by connecting your battery to another battery (called the booster battery) with jumper cables.

In case of emergency 9-11

1) Connect one jumper cable to the positive

(+) terminal on the discharged battery.

2) Connect

the other end of

the jumper

cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.

3) Connect one end of the other cable to the

negative (−) terminal of the booster battery.

4) Connect the other end of the cable to the

strut mounting nut.

Make sure that the cables are not near any moving parts and that the cable clamps are not in contact with any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster battery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle