Page 202 of 491
4-13
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
!Air inlet selection button
ON position (Recirculation): Interior air is recirculat-
ed inside the vehicle. Push the air inlet selection but-
ton to the ON position for fast cooling with the air con-
ditioner or when driving on a dusty road. The indicator
light will come on.
OFF position (Outside Air): Outside air is drawn into
the passenger compartment. Push the air inlet selec-
tion button to the OFF position when the interior has
cooled to a comfortable temperature and the road is
no longer dusty. The indicator light will go off.
Continued operation in the ON position may fog
up the windows. Switch to the OFF position as
soon as the outside dusty condition clears.
! Air conditioner button
The button’s positions and their functions are as fol-
lows:
ON: The air conditioner operates while the fan is run-
ning.
Push the button to select this position. The indicator
light will illuminate.
UG4048BA
UG4517BA
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4-16
Climate control
!
Bi-level heating
It is possible to obtain air of different temperatures
from the instrument panel outlets and foot outlets. Air
from the foot outlets is slightly warmer than air from the
instrument panel outlets. Make the following settings:
1. Fan speed control dial: AUTO position
2. Air flow control dial: position
3. Air temperature control dial: desired position
4. Air inlet selection button: OFF position
5. Air conditioner button: ON position
NOTE
When driving on a dusty road or behind a vehicle
that emits unpleasant exhaust gases, set the air inlet selection button to the ON position. !
Defrosting or defogging the windshield
To direct warm air toward the windshield and front
door windows, make the following settings:
1. Fan speed control dial: desired position
2. Air flow control dial: position
3. Air temperature control dial: in 75 – 85 (25 – 30)
range
When the dial is placed in the “ ” position, the air
conditioner compressor operates automatically to de-
fog the windshield quickly. At the same time, the air in-
let selection is automatically set to “outside air” mode.
UG4049BA
UG4042BA
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4-19
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
Operating tips for heater and air con-
ditioner !Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure efficient
heating and defrosting. Since the condenser is located
in front of the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired by any ac-
cumulation of insects and leaves on the condenser. !
Efficient cooling after parking in direct
sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the windows
open for a few minutes to allow outside air to circulate
into the heated interior. This results in quicker cooling
by the air conditioner. Keep the windows closed during
the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency. ! Lubrication oil circulation in the refrig- erant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en-
gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few min-
utes each month during the off-season to circulate its
oil. ! Checking air conditioning system be-
fore 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.
UG4040BA
Page 215 of 491
5-2
Audio
AudioAntenna system !
Printed antenna
Do not use sharp instruments or window clean-
er containing abrasives to clean the inner sur-
face of the window on which the antenna is
printed. Doing so may damage the antenna
printed on the window.
! Sedan The antenna is printed on the inside of the rear window glass. !
Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT
The antenna is printed on the inside of the rear window glass. ! FM reception
Although FM is normally static free, reception can be
affected by the surrounding area, atmospheric condi-
tions, station strength and transmitter distance. Build-
ings or other obstructions may cause momentary stat-
ic, flutter or station interference. If reception continues
to be unsatisfactory, switch to a stronger station.
UG5032BA
UG5502CA
Page 253 of 491
6-4
Interior equipment
Sun visors
To block out glare, swing down the visors.
To use the sun visor at a side window, swing it down
and move it sideways.
!
Center visor
To block out glare, swing down the visor.
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7-9
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
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 mir-
rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to
start after operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before
trying again.
! Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift
lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
Page 314 of 491

8-3
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
"Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled. " Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle. " Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except 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 ventilation 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." If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. "
Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from
the exhaust system for a short time after the en-
gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.
Page 322 of 491
8-11
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
operating it off-road and not using common sense pre-
cautions such as those listed above is not eligible for
warranty coverage."Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving.
Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt
buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.Winter driving ! Operation during cold weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire
chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a
small shovel, and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures re-
duce battery capacity. The battery must be in good
condition to provide enough power for cold winter starts.
Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for
cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder
UG8030AA