2004 SUBARU LEGACY catalytic converter

7-2
Starting and operating
Starting and operatingFuel
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an
inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine
damage.
„ Fuel requirements
T 2.5 Liter models
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using un-
leaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or
higher. T 3.0 Liter models
The 3.0 Liter engine is designed to operate using pre-
mium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91
AKI or higher. Regular unleaded gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of 87 AKI may be used if necessary. For
optimum engine performance and driveability, it is rec-
ommended that you use premium grade unleaded
gasoline. T Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Oc- tane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly re-
ferred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause
persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the
engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle some-
times knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service
technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently. T
Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept
only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no cir-
cumstances should leaded gasoline be used because
it will damage the emission control system and may
impair driveability and fuel economy. T California fuel
If your vehicle was certified to California Emission
Standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up la-
bel. It is designed to optimize engine and emission
control system performance with gasoline that meets
the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline speci-
fications. If you live in any other state than California,
your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal
specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is per-
mitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect
the performance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .............................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ...................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .... 8-3
Catalytic converter ....................................... 8-4
Periodic inspections .................................... 8-5
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-6
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-6
Off road driving ............................................ 8-8
Winter driving ............................................... 8-11 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-11
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-12
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-13
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-14
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-15
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-16
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-17 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-18
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-19
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-20
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................ 8-25 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-25
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-27
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-28 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-28
Maximum load limits ......................................... 8-29
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-34
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-35 Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-37

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
y
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures.y Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: yUse only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount
of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. y Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle.y Avoid racing the engine.
y Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.y Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
HS8002BA
UB8029BA

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer.yDo not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times,
always have the recommended maintenance services
listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified
time or mileage intervals.

14-2
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
...............................7-32
Warning light ................................................. 3-13, 7-33
Accessories ......................................................... 5-3, 11-62
Accessory power outlet ............................................. 6-11
Air cleaner element ..................................................... 11-22
Air conditioner operation ..........................................4-10
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-21
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-4
Aluminum wheels ........................................................ 11-51
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ...............................7-32
Arming the system ...................................................... 2-15
Armrest ............................................................................ 1-11
Ashtray ............................................................................. 6-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light ......................3-12
Audio set ......................................................................... 5-4
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...............................3-31
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ....................................................................... 1-20
Automatic transmission ...................................7-15, 7-21
Capacities ................................................................. 12-4
Fluid ............................................................................ 11-28
Selector lever ................................................ 7-16, 7-22
Shift lock release ......................................... 7-20, 7-28
Temperature warning light ................................3-12BBattery
............................................................................... 11-58
Jump starting ........................................................... 9-15
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) .................................................................... 2-10
Brake Booster ....................................................................... 11-39
Fluid ............................................................................. 11-36
Pad and lining .......................................................... 11-41
Pedal ........................................................................... 11-39
Brake system ................................................................. 7-31
Warning light ............................................................ 3-14
Braking .............................................................................. 7-30
Breaking-in of new brake pads and
linings ....................................................................... 11-42
Tips .............................................................................. 7-30
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................................... 11-39
Reserve distance ................................................... 11-40
Bulb
Chart ............................................................................ 12-12
Replacing ................................................................... 11-63
C
Capacities ........................................................................ 12-4
Cargo area light ............................................................ 6-2
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-4