2003 SUBARU OUTBACK recommended oil

11
Maintenance and service11-9
–
CONTINUED –
Engine oil
Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop.
HBB061BD
HBB004JA
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. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops with the
graphic symbol
on its top appearing as shown in the illustra-
tion.
4. 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.
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
If you check the oil level just after stopping the engine, wait a few min-
utes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level.
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oilabove the upper level when the engine is cold.
In 2.5-liter-engine models, the dipstick has a notch above the upper level.
Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level
reading may be in a range between the upper level and the notch
mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil.

11-1212. Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.
13. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
Oil capacity (Guideline): 2.5 liter models: 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)3.0 liter models: 5.9 US qt (5.6 liters, 4.9 Imp qt)
The oil quantity indicated above is only a guideline. The necessary quantity of oil depends on the quantity of oil that has been drained.
The quantity of drained oil differs slightly depending on the tempera-
ture of the oil and the time the oil is left flowing out. After refilling the
engine with oil, therefore, you must use the dipstick to confirm that the
level is correct.
14. Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter ’s rubber seal and drain plug.
15. Run the engine until it reaches the normal operating temperature.
Then stop the engine and wait a few minutes to allow the oil drain
back. Check the oil level again and if necessary, add more engine oil. Recommended grade and viscosity CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-3, which can be identified with the new API certification mark (Starburst mark)
or API classification SL with the words “ENERGY CON-
SERVING” (if you cannot obtain the oil with SL grade,
you may use SJ grade “ENERGY CONSERVING ” oil).
These recommended oil grades can be identified by looking for either
or both of the following marks displayed on the oil container.

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
Maintenance and service11-23
–
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

11-26Front 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

11-28
HBB066BB
HBB065BB
HB0078
HB0077
Filler plug
Drain plug Filler hole
Drain hole
Oil level
Others
Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil level. The oil level should be kept even with the bottom of the filler hole. If the oil
level is below the bottom edge of the hole, add oil through the filler
hole to raise the 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

11-30When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is run: Check that the oil level is between
“COLD MIN ” and “COLD MAX ” on the surface of the res-
ervoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the applicable “MIN” line, add the
recommended fluid as necessary to bring the level between the
“MIN” and “MAX” line.
HBB031BB
HBB030BB
Specified range SpecifiedrangeReservoir tank
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate possible leakage. Con- sult your SUBARU dealer for inspection. Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake fluid
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Never let brake fluid contact your eyes because brake fluid can
be harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with clean water. For safety, whenperforming this work, wearing eye protection is advisable. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed mois-
ture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance.