2003 SUBARU OUTBACK differential

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7-304. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.
5. Push down on the screwdriver, push down the button 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
Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as
the vehicle may move. If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at
high speed as this could adversely affect the LSD. If a different size rear tire is temporarily used (as in an emer-
gency), it will adversely affect the LSD. Always replace it with aregular 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.

8-28Trailer towing
Your car is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your car
’s en-
gine, 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 operation of your ve-
hicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas-
ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installa-
tion and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment
manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that
result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in
the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to fol-
low the proper instructions.
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 (engine, transmis-
sion, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600km) of driving. Maximum load limits
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum load limits explained below. Exceed- ing the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.

9-16the radiator. After the pressure has been fully released, remove the
cap by pressing down and turning it.
Towing
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheelsraised off the ground while the rear wheels are on the ground, orwith the rear wheels raised off the ground while the front wheelsare on the ground. This will cause the vehicle to spin away due tothe operation or deterioration of the center differential.
HG9013BA
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU dealer or a com-
mercial towing service. Observe the following procedures for safety.
Towing and tie-down hooks
CAUTION
Use only specified towing hooks and tie-down hooks. Never
use suspension parts or other body parts for towing or tie-downpurposes. Never use the tie-down hook closest to the muffler under the
vehicle for towing purposes. Do not apply excessive lateral load to the towing hooks.

9
In case of emergency9-23
–
CONTINUED –
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
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule11-3
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Maintenance precautions 11-3
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Engine hood 11-5
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Engine compartment overview 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-9
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Cooling system 11-14
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Engine coolant 11-15
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Air cleaner element 11-18
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Spark plugs 11-21
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Drive belts 11-22
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Manual transmission oil 11-23
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Automatic transmission fluid 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-27
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Power steering fluid 11-29
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Brake fluid 11-30
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Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-33
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Brake pedal 11-34
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Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-37
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Tires and wheels 11-38
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Types of tires 11-38
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Tire inspection 11-39
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Tire pressures and wear 11-39
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Wheel balance 11-42
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Wear indicators 11-43
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Tire rotation 11-44
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Tire replacement 11-44
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Wheel replacement 11-45
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Wheel covers 11-46
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Aluminum wheels (if equipped) 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid 11-47
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Replacement of windshield wiper blades 11-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11
Maintenance and service11-7
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CONTINUED –
Engine compartment overview
2.5 liter models
HBB036BB
1 Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-23) or
Differential gear oil level gauge
(AT) (page 11-26)
2 Air cleaner element (page 11-18)
3 Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-32)
4 Automatic transmission fluidlevel gauge (page 11-24)
5 Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
6 Fuel filter 7
Windshield washer tank (page 11-47)
8 Fuse box (page 11-52)
9 Battery (page 11-51)
Q Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
W Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-15)
E Radiator cap (page 11-15)
R Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
T Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

11-8
3.0 liter models
HBB058BB
1 Air cleaner element (page 11-18)
2 Differential gear oil level gauge
(AT) (page 11-26)
3 Automatic transmission fluidlevel gauge (page 11-24)
4 Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
5 Fuel filter
6 Windshield washer tank (page 11-47) 7
Fuse box (page 11-52)
8 Battery (page 11-51)
9 Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
Q Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-15)
W Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
E Radiator cap (page 11-15)
R Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-29)