2003 SUBARU OUTBACK tow

9
In case of emergency9-19
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CONTINUED –
For OUTBACK models:
HB9042BA
HB9045BB
1. Squeeze the sides of portion A and pull the towing hook cover to-
ward you.
HB9043BA
HB9021CB
2. Press portion B and simultaneously pull the towing hook cover to-
ward you.

9-20
HB9044AA
3. Turn the towing hook cover clockwise, pivoting it about the side
that is next to the fog lamp. Pull out the towing hook cover to removeit. nTowing hook cover installation procedure
For except OUTBACK models:
HB9052BA
Align the towing hook cover with its original installation position and
press all parts of it into place.

9-22
Using a flat-bed truck
HB8008AA
This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following proce-
dures to ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the selector lever into the “P” position for automatic transmis-
sion vehicles or “1st” for manual transmission vehicles.
2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains.
Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be tak-en not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out. Towing with all wheels on the ground
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the
vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direc- tion of the wheels will be locked. Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not
function when the engine is not running. Because the engine isturned off, it will take greater effort to operate the brake pedal andsteering wheel.

9
In case of emergency9-23
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CAUTION
If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck. Do not run the engine while being towed in this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if the vehicle is towed with theengine running. For vehicles with automatic transmission, the traveling speed
must be limited to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling
distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and
distances, transport your vehicle on a flat-bed truck.
HB8010AA
1. Check the transmission and differential oil levels and add oil to
bring it to the upper level if necessary.
2. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral.
3. The ignition switch should be in the “ACC” position while the ve-
hicle is being towed.
4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the ve-hicle.

11-6
HBB003BA
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release knob under the instrument panel.
2. Release the secondary hood release located under the front grille by
moving the lever toward the left. Lift up the hood, release the hood prop
from its retainer and put the end of the hood prop into the slot in thehood.
To close the hood:
1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the hood prop from the slot in the
hood and return the prop to its retainer.
2. Lower the hood until it approaches about 6 in. (15 cm) from the
closed position and let it drop.
3. After closing the hood, be sure the hood is securely locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it from a slightly higher position.
Do not push the hood forcibly to close it. It could deform the metal.

11
Maintenance and service11-11
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CONTINUED –
HBB051BB
HBB055BA
HBB054BA
6. Remove three clips at the front of the cover under the oil filter.
7. Slide the cover toward the vehicle front to remove it.
8. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
9. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a thin coat of engine oil to theseal.
10. Clean the rubber seal seating area of the lower crank case and
install the oil filter by hand turning. Be careful not to twist or damagethe seal.
11. Tighten it approximately two-thirds of a turn after the seal makes
contact with the lower crank case.
CAUTION
Never over tighten the oil filter because that can result in an oilleak.

11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high tempera-
tures, or used for heavy-duty applications such as towing a trailer, use
of oil with the following grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL (or SJ): SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50,
20W-40, 20W-50
Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has
been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolantis under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray ofboiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
CAUTION
The cooling system has been filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting, year-around coolant which providesprotection against freezing down to –33F ( –36 C). For adding,
use genuine SUBARU coolant or an equivalent: a mixture of 50%
soft water and 50% ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improp-er coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling system. It is im-portant to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion,even if freezing temperatures are not expected. Never mix differ-ent kinds of coolant. Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alco-
hol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint sur-face.
Hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is thermostatically

11-42
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread worn in center)
HSB013AA
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magnifies the effects of road-sur-
face bumps and dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for the vehicle when fully loaded
and for the vehicle when towing a trailer, adjust the tire pressures to the
values that match current loading conditions.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can
cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. Asharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and
destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle controlcould lead to an accident.
Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when your vehicle was new, but the
wheels will become unbalanced as the tires become worn during use.
Wheel imbalance causes the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at certain
vehicle speeds and detracts from the vehicle ’s straight-line stability. It
can also cause steering and suspension system problems and abnormal
tire wear. If you suspect that the wheels are not correctly balanced, have
them checked and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer. Also have them
adjusted after tire repairs and after tire rotation.