2003 SUBARU OUTBACK engine

4-12Automatic climate control system (if equipped) NOTE
Operate the automatic climate control system when the engine is
running. When the engine coolant is cold, for instance in cold weather, the
air flows through the windshield defroster outlets and the blowerruns at the lowest speed to prevent cold air from blowing directly
against the driver and front passenger. In the “AUTO” mode, if the air temperature in the passenger
compartment is cooled down to the specified temperature, the air
conditioner compressor stops automatically. For efficient defogging
or dehumidifying in cold weather, press the “A/C” switch on.
Even when cooling is not necessary, setting the temperature
much lower than the current outlet air temperature turns on the airconditioner compressor automatically and the “A/C” indicator light
on the control panel comes on.
The automatic climate control system automatically controls outlet air
temperature, fan speed, air flow distribution air-inlet control, and air con-
ditioner compressor operation. It activates when the “AUTO” switch is
pressed, and is used in conjunction with the Temperature control dial to
maintain a constant, comfortable climate within the passenger compart-ment.
The temperature can be set within a range of 65 – 85 F (18 – 32 C).
NOTE
The temperature is shown in units of Fahrenheit for US model and in Centigrade for Canadian model.

4
Climate control4-15
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n
OUT.TEMP switch
To check the outside air temperature, push the “OUT.TEMP” switch.
The outside air temperature will be displayed for five seconds, and
then the display automatically changes back to the inside air temper-
ature.
The display changes over from the inside air temperature to the out-
side air temperature as its normal indication if you keep the switch
pressed for more than 2 seconds. NOTE The outside air temperature display shows the outside air tem-
perature in a range from –22F to 131 F ( –30 C to 55 C).
You can check the outside air temperature even when the Au-
tomatic Climate Control is off. (The ignition switch should be in the “ON” position.)
In the following cases, the display can indicate a higher tem-
perature than the actual outside air temperature: – In direct sunlight
– When the vehicle is parked for a long period of time with the
engine kept running.– During stop and go driving
n
— Defroster switch
To defrost or dehumidify the windshield and side window, push the
defroster switch “
”. When the “” switch is pushed, re-
gardless whether the air conditioner is operating or not, outside air is
drawn into the passenger compartment, the air conditioner compres-
sor turns on, air flow is directed towards the windshield and side win-dows, and the indicator light “
” on the control panel comes on.
Even with the defroster switch pushed, you can turn the air condition-
er ON/OFF and select interior air recirculation or outside air introduc-
tion as desired.
After eliminating the fogging from the windshield, set the air condition-er back in the AUTO mode by pushing the “AUTO” switch or turn off
by pushing the “OFF” switch or “
” switch.

4
Climate control4-21
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closed during the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency.
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low engine speed (at idle
or low driving speeds) a few minutes each month during the off-sea-
son to circulate its oil. Checking air conditioning system before summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks, hose conditions,
and proper operation each spring. This check is best performed by
your SUBARU dealer. Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low tempera- ture weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humidity, low tempera-
tures, etc.) a small amount of water vapor emission from the air outlets
may be noticed. This condition is normal and does not indicate any
problem with the air conditioning system. Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air conditioner com-
pressor is designed to temporarily shut off during air conditioner op-
eration whenever the accelerator is fully depressed such as during
rapid accerelation or when driving on a steep upgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant HFC134a. There-
fore, the method of adding, changing or checking the refrigerant is
different from the method for CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong
refrigerant are not covered under warranty.

6
Interior equipment6-11
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HB6011DA
The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” and “ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the knob and wait a few moments.
It will automatically spring up when ready for use. Using as an accessory power outlet
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery is on tap at the socket when the ignition switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
If you use the socket as an accessory power outlet, take the following
precautions.
When the socket is not in use, always put the cap on the socket to
prevent any foreign object from entering it.
CAUTION
Use only in-car use electrical appliances which are designed
for 12V DC and which consume less than 120W. Overloading the
socket can cause a short circuit. Do not use double adapters ormore than one electrical appliance. If the plug on your electric appliance is either too loose or too
tight for the socket, this can result in a poor contact or cause the
plug to get stuck. Only use plugs that fit properly. Use of an electric appliance in the socket for a long period of
time while the engine is not running can cause battery discharge. Before driving your vehicle, make sure that the plug and the
cord on your electrical appliance will not interfere with your shift-

6
Interior equipment6-15
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cludes valuable services such as Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment, Remote Door Unlock** and Online Concierge services,to name just a few!
The OnStar directions & connections plan
This plan features all of the Safe & Sound services, plus Route Sup-
port, RideAssist and Information and Convenience services. The OnStar luxury & leisure plan
This plan features all of the Directions & Connections features, plus
fee-free OnStar MED-NET and the luxury of Personal Concierge ser-vices.
* One of these plans is normally included for a specific duration with each ve-
hicle at time of purchase. Check with your dealership or with your OnStar advi-
sor to determine which plan is included with your vehicle. Services within plans
are subject to change. Please check our website at www.onstar.com
for ser-
vices included in each plan.
** Remote door unlock capabilities vary by vehicle
OnStar services
The following services are available within OnStar service plans. Your ve-
hicle comes with a specific one-year service plan that allows use ofsome or all of the following services.
Automatic notification of air bag deployment
Should your air bag deploy, a priority signal will be sent to the OnStarCenter with your vehicle ’s location (as long as cellular service and the
vehicle’ s electrical system are operable). An advisor will attempt to
contact you to assess the nature of your emergency, and then notify
the necessary emergency services provider. Emergency services
Should you require emergency assistance, press the OnStar Emer-
gency button and we will contact a nearby emergency services pro-
vider with your exact location and your request for help. Roadside assistance***
There’ s nothing worse than being stranded on the road with car
trouble. No matter what the problem is (flat tire, out of gas, or engine

6-20
Use of an electric appliance in the accessory power outlet for a
long period of time while the engine is not running can cause bat- tery discharge.
HB7008EA
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery is on tap at the socket when the ignition switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
You can use an in-car use electrical appliance by connecting it to thesocket.
NOTE
The trim cover has a notch through which the connected electri- cal appliance ’s cord can be passed.
Convenience hook Coat hook CAUTION
Never hang anything on the coat hook that might obstruct the
driver’ s view or that could cause injury in sudden stops or in a
collision. And do not hang items on the coat hook that weigh 2.2lb (1 kg) or more.

7
Starting and operating Fuel7-2
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Fuel requirements 7-2
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Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4
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State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-9
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Starting the engine 7-10
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Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle 7-10 . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle 7-10 . . . . . .
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4F ( –20 C) 7-11 . . .
Starting a flooded engine 7-11
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Stopping the engine 7-12
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Manual transmission 7-12
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Automatic transmission (Brighton, L, Outback) 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-16
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Shift lock release 7-20
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Automatic transmission (with SPORTSHIFT mode – 2.5GT, 2.5GTLO) 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-22
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Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (manual mode) 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-29
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Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) 7-30 . . .
Power steering 7-31
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Braking 7-31
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Braking tips 7-31
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Brake system 7-32
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Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped) 7-36 . . . . . .
VDC OFF switch 7-41
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Parking your vehicle 7-42
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Cruise control (if equipped) 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-2
Fuel
CAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine damage.
Fuel requirements 2.5 Liter models
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. 3.0 Liter models
The 3.0 Liter engine is designed to operate using premium unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher. Regular unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI may be used if necessary.
For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is recommended
that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor
Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index(AKI).Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned
if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or
when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service techni-
cian if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle
knocks heavily or persistently. Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded
gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gaso-
line be used because it will damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.