2003 SUBARU OUTBACK flat tire

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How to use this owner
’s manual
Using your Owner ’s manual
Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this manual. To protect yourself and extend the service life of your vehicle, follow the instructions
in this manual. Failure to observe these instructions may result in serious
injury and damage to your vehicle.
This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents, so you can usually tell at a glance if that
chapter contains the information you want. Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
This chapter informs you how to use the seat and seatbelt and contains
precautions for the SRS airbags.Chapter 2: Keys and doors
This chapter informs you how to operate the keys, locks and windows.Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This chapter informs you about the operation of instrument panel indica-tors and how to use the instruments and other switches.Chapter 4: Climate control
This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.Chapter 5: Audio
This chapter informs you how to operate your audio system.Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment.Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This chapter informs you how to start and operate your SUBARU.Chapter 8: Driving tips
This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various condi-tions and explains some safety tips on driving.Chapter 9: In case of emergency
This chapter informs you what to do if you have a problem while driving,
such as a flat tire or engine overheating.Chapter 10: Appearance care
This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU looking good.

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Illustrated index
Exterior
HBF003BB
1 Hood lock release (page 11-5)
2 Headlight switch (page 3-20)
3 Bulb replacement (page 11-57)
4 Wiper switch (page 3-26)
5 Moonroof (page 2-30)
6 Roof rail (page 8-20) 7
Door locks (page 2-3)
8 Tire pressure (page 11-39)
9 Flat tires (page 9-4)
Q Tire chains (page 8-16)
W Fog light switch (page 3-24)
E Tie-down hooks (page 9-16)
R Towing hook (page 9-16)

1
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags1-63
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Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first
turned to the “ON” position.
Continuous illumination of the warning light.
Illumination of the warning light while driving.
SRS airbag system servicing
WARNING
When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire car
damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer. The SRS airbag has no user-serviceable parts. Do not use
electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS airbag
system. For required servicing of the SRS airbag, see your near-
est SUBARU dealer. Tampering with or disconnecting the sys-
tem’ s wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag
or could make the system inoperative, which may result in seri-
ous injury. The wiring harnesses of the SRS airbag system arecovered with yellow insulation and system connectors are yellowfor easy identification.
CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas listed below, we recommend
that you have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors and airbag modules
are stored in these areas.
Under the center console
Inside each front fender
Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
Top of the dashboard on front passenger ’s side and nearby
areas Each front seat and nearby area (only for vehicles with SRS
side airbags) Inside each center pillar

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

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Interior equipment6-25
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HB6007BB
Sedan
HB6008BA
HB7019AD
The subfloor storage is located under the floor of the trunk or cargo area
and can be used to store small items. To open the lid, pull the tab or
handle up. Station wagon: Hang the hook provided on the underside of the lid on
the rear edge of the roof to keep the lid open. NOTE When storing a flat tire, put the subfloor storage in the trunk or car- go area.

7
Starting and operating7-9
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than three. Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their Subaru
Dealer for service.
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day be-
fore you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unob- structed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened theirseatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the en-gine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid
levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

7-36VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped)
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driving — overconfidence because
you are driving with a VDC system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.
CAUTION
Even if your vehicle is equipped with VDC, winter tires should
be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition,
vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having a
VDC system does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able toavoid accidents in any situation. Activation of the VDC system is an indication that the road
being travelled on has a slippery surface; since having VDC is no
guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all timesand under all conditions, its activation should be seen as a sign
that the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. Whenever suspension components, steering components, or
an axle are removed from a vehicle equipped with VDC, have anauthorized SUBARU dealer perform an inspection of that system. The following precautions should be observed in order to
ensure that the VDC system is operating properly:
–All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size,
type, and brand. Furthermore, the amount of wear should bethe same for all four tires.– Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as shown on the
label attached to the vehicle ’s door pillar.
– Use only the special temporary spare tire to replace a flat
tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the VDC
system is reduced and this should be taken into account whendriving with vehicle.

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Driving tips8-3
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Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions.
Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always accelerate gently
until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine.
Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire plac-
ard, which is located under the door latch on the driver ’s side. Low pres-
sure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is danger-ous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to pre-
vent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle. Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, ex-
cept for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while
the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventila-tion fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow,
leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system
always works properly.