2004 SUBARU OUTBACK warning

1-78
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS side airbag is basically not designed to de-
ploy if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision or is
struck from behind. Examples of such accidents are il-
lustrated below.
1) First impact!
2) Second impact!!
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side
more than once, the SRS side airbag deploys only
once.
Example: In the case of a double side impact collision,
first with one vehicle and immediately followed by an-
other from the same direction, once the SRS side air-
bag is activated on the first impact, it will not be acti- vated on the second. „
SRS airbag system monitors
SRS airbag system warning light
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readi-
ness of the SRS airbag system (including front seat-
belt pretensioners) while the vehicle is being driven.
The SRS airbag system warning light “AIRBAG” will
show normal system operation by lighting for about 6
seconds when the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
The following components are monitored by the indi-
1 2
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1-79
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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cator: yFront sub sensor (Right hand side)
y Front sub sensor (Left hand side)
y Airbag control module (including impact sensors)
y Frontal airbag module (Driver’s side)
y Frontal airbag module (Passenger’s side)
y Side airbag sensor (Driver’s side – if equipped)
y Side airbag sensor (Passenger’s side – if equipped)
y Side airbag module (Driver’s side – if equipped)
y Side airbag module (Passenger’s side – if
equipped)y Seatbelt pretensioner (Driver’s side)
y Seatbelt pretensioner (Passenger’s side)
y All related wiring
In the event of a malfunction indicated by any of follow-
ing, the vehicle should be taken promptly to your near-
est SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Un-
less checked and repaired, the SRS airbags will not
function reliably: y Flashing or flickering of the indicator light.
y No illumination of the warning light when the ignition
switch is first turned to the “ON” position.y Continuous illumination of the warning light.
y Illumination of the warning light while driving. „
SRS airbag system servicing
yWhen discarding an airbag module or scrap-
ping the entire car damaged by a collision, con-
sult your SUBARU dealer. y 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 nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with
or disconnecting the system’s wiring could re-
sult in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or
could make the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury. The wiring harnesses of
the SRS airbag system are covered with yellow
insulation and system connectors are yellow
for easy identification.
If you need service or repair in areas listed be-
low, we recommend that you have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in these areas.

2-15
Keys and doors
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Security system (if equipped)
The security system helps to protect your vehicle and
valuables from theft. The horn sounds and the turn
signal lights flash if someone attempts to break into
your vehicle. The starter motor is also interrupted to
prevent starting the vehicle without a key.
The system can be armed and disarmed with the re-
mote transmitter.
The system does not operate when the key is inserted
into the ignition switch. „System operation
The security system will give the following alarm indi-
cations when triggered: y The turn signal lights will flash and the horn will
sound intermittently. In addition, the starter motor will
not operate. y The alarm automatically resets after 30 seconds;
however, the alarm will reactivate if the vehicle is tam-
pered with again. The alarm will continue for six times
if any sensor continues to be activated.
The alarm is triggered by: y Opening a door, the rear gate or trunk lid.
y Application of physical shock to the vehicle (e.g. breaking glass or forced entry). Note that there are two
alarm levels for shock: warning and alarm. In warning
mode, the alarm detects lower level vibrations and
triggers 2 warning chirps on the horn and two flashes
on the lights as a deterrent to would be vandals. In
alarm mode, higher levels of shock are detected and
the system will go into full alarm. y
Ignition switch being turned on while in armed state.
NOTE
With the valet mode selected, the security system
does not operate and the parking lights do not
flash when the remote transmitter is used for lock-
ing and unlocking.
The security system indicator light in the combi-
nation meter flashes twice per second to show
that the valet mode is selected.
For details, refer to “Valet mode” in this section. „ Arming the system
T To arm the system using remote transmitter
1. Close all windows and moonroofs (if so equipped).
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Open the doors and get out of the vehicle.
4. Make sure that the engine hood (and the trunk lid)
are locked.

3-1
3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .............................................. 3-3 LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
ACC .................................................................... 3-4
ON ....................................................................... 3-5
START ................................................................ 3-5
Key reminder chime .......................................... 3-5
Ignition switch light .......................................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ........ 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ................................ 3-6
Meters and gauges ....................................... 3-7 Speedometer ..................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-7
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-8
Outside temperature indicator (if equipped) .. 3-8
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-9
Warning and indicator lights ....................... 3-10 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 3-10
SRS airbag system warning light .................... 3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................. 3-11
Charge warning light ........................................ 3-12
Oil pressure warning light ................................ 3-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) ............................................. 3-12
ABS warning light ............................................. 3-13
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) warning light (if equipped) ........................................... 3-13
Brake system warning light ............................. 3-14
Door open warning lights ................................. 3-15
Low fuel warning light ...................................... 3-15 Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT
vehicles except GT and vehicle with VDC) .. 3-15
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) operation indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-15
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) OFF indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-16
Security system status indicator light
(if equipped) .................................................... 3-16
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles) ................................................... 3-17
Gear position indicator (AT vehicle with SPORTSHIFT) ................................................. 3-17
Turn signal indicator lights .............................. 3-17
High beam indicator light ................................. 3-18
Cruise control set indicator light .................... 3-18
Clock .............................................................. 3-18
Light control switch ...................................... 3-19 Headlights ......................................................... 3-19
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-20
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-20
Daytime running light system ......................... 3-21
Turn signal lever ........................................... 3-21
Illumination brightness control ................... 3-22
Parking light switch ...................................... 3-23
Fog light switch (if equipped) ...................... 3-24
Wiper and washer ......................................... 3-24 Windshield wiper and washer switches ......... 3-26
Rear window wiper and washer switch (if equipped) .................................................... 3-27
Rear window defogger switch ..................... 3-28

3-6
Instruments and controls
3. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key inter-
lock release lever.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the key interlock system repaired.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other driv-
ers when you have to park your vehicle under emer-
gency conditions. The hazard warning flasher works with the ignition switch in any position.
To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the haz-
ard warning button on the instrument panel. To turn off
the flasher, push the button again.
NOTE
When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn
signals do not work.
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3-10
Instruments and controls
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles) ABS warning light
VDC warning light (if equipped)
VDC operation indicator light (if equipped)
VDC OFF indicator light (if equipped)
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. „
Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the seatbelt warning light will come on and the remind-
er chime will sound for about six seconds to remind the
driver to fasten the seatbelt.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after six seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off when the
driver’s side seatbelt is buckled or it will turn off auto- matically after six seconds. „ SRS airbag system warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for
about six seconds and go out. This shows the SRS
frontal airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illuminat-
ed even after a period of about 6 seconds from when
the ignition has been turned on, it may indicate that the
SRS frontal airbag system or SRS side airbag system
(if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner system is not
working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer immediately.

3-11
Instruments and controls
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„CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you
are driving, have your vehicle checked/repaired
by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired
as necessary could cause serious damage,
which may not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the engine
is running, it may indicate that there is a problem or po-
tential problem somewhere in the emission control system. T If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does not
go out after the engine starts, an emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.
NOTE
This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is
not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indica-
tor lamp coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill-
er cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it clicks.
Make sure nothing is interfering with the sealing of the
cap. Tightening the cap will not make the CHECK EN-
GINE warning light turn off immediately. It may take
several driving trips. If the light does not go out, take
your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer im-
mediately. T If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire
condition has been detected which may damage the
emission control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emission control
system, you should do the following:y Reduce vehicle speed.
y Avoid hard acceleration.
y Avoid steep uphill grades.
y Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
y Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blinking

3-12
Instruments and controls
and come on steadily after several driving trips. You
should have your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately. „
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the charging system is not working
properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good condition but the
light remains on, contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er immediately. „ Oil pressure warning light
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and the lubricating system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the engine oil level. If the oil lev-
el is low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the
proper level but the light remains on, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer immediately. „
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary to
stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep grades or
in stop and go traffic. T Automatic transmission control system warn- ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system is
not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately.