2003 SUBARU OUTBACK engine

11-18
HG0115
Rubber gaskets5. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At this time, make
sure that the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is correctly in place.
6. Start and run the engine for more than five minutes at 2,000 to
3,000 rpm.
7. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools down (122 to140 F [50 to 60 C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add coolant to the
radiator’ s filler neck and to the reserve tank ’s “FULL” level.
8. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner element removed.The air cleaner element not only filters intake air but also stops
flames if the engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is not
installed when the engine backfires, you could be burned.
The air cleaner element functions as a filter screen. When the element is
perforated or removed, engine wear will be excessive and engine life
shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the element.

11-22Drive belts
The alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor de-
pend on drive belts. Satisfactory performance requires that belt tension
be correct.
2.5 liter models
HGA005BB
in (mm)
Deflection
New beltUsed belt
10.28 — 0.35
(7.0 — 9.0)0.35 — 0.43
(9.0 — 11.0)
20.30 — 0.33 (7.5 — 8.5)0.35 — 0.40
(9.0 — 10.0)
To check belt tension, place a straightedge (ruler) across two adja-
cent pulleys and apply a force of 22 lb (98 N, 10 kg) midway betweenthe pulleys by using a spring scale. Belt deflection should be the
amount specified. 3.0 liter models
It is unnecessary to check belt tension periodically because your
engine is equipped with an automatic belt tension adjuster. However,
replacement of the belt should be done according to the maintenance

11
Maintenance and service11-23
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CONTINUED –
schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If a belt is loose, cracked, or worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Manual transmission oil Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
OM-H0210
Upper level Lower level
HBB004DB
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below
the lower level, add oil through the dipstick hole to bring the level upto the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

11-24SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature
rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore,
there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid andcold fluid on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we recommend checking the fluid level when
the fluid is at operating temperature. n Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the
transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 176 F
(70 to 80 C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P”
position, and run the engine at idling speed.

11-26Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)
Checking the oil level
Check the differential oil level monthly.
HBA010BB
Lower level Upper levelHBB004EB
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is belowthe lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level.
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

11
Maintenance and service11-29
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SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
When power steering fluid is being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank.
The power steering fluid expands greatly as its temperature rises; the
fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore, the reser-
voir tank has two different checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run: Check that the oillevel is between “HOT MIN ” and “HOT MAX ” on the surface of the
reservoir tank.

11
Maintenance and service11-33
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Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described below, have it
checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal several times, applying
the same pedal force each time. The distance the pedal travels should
not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine. The pedal should
move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine and keep the pedal
depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to check the brake booster.
Brake booster operates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each
depression.

11-34Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve distance according to the
maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Checking the brake pedal free play
OM-H0224
0.04 —
0.12 in
(1.0 — 3.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal several times.
Lightly press the brake pedal down with one finger to check the free
play with a force of less than 2 lb (10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specification, contact your
SUBARU dealer. Checking the brake pedal reserve distance
OM-H0225
More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lb (294 N, 30 kg)