2004 SUBARU OUTBACK trunk

6-25
Interior equipment
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so that cargo can be secured with a luggage net or
ropes.
When using the tie-down hooks, turn them down out of
the storing recesses. When not in use, put the hooks up into the storing recesses.Subfloor storage (if equipped)
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.
NOTE
When storing a flat tire, put the subfloor storage in
the trunk or cargo area.
yAlways keep the lid of the subfloor storage
closed while driving to reduce the risk of injury
in the event of sudden stop or an accident. y Do not store spray cans, containers with
flammable or corrosive liquids or any other
dangerous items in the subfloor storage.

7-9
Starting and operating
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in vehicle’s computer with the “ CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/MIL illuminated. y A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or
fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readinessmonitors “ Not Ready ” is greater 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. y Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact
their SUBARU Dealer for service.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.

8-3
Driving tips
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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
yNever 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.y Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle.y 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.y 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. y Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. y 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.y
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.

8-17
Driving tips
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Loading your vehicle
Never allow passengers to ride on the folded
rear seatback, in the trunk or in the cargo area.
Doing so may result in serious injury.
yNever stack luggage or other cargo higher
than the top of the seatback because it could
tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep lug-
gage or cargo low, as close to the floor as pos-sible. y
When you carry something inside the vehicle,
secure it whenever you can to prevent it from
being thrown around inside the vehicle during
sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident. y Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These
loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and
make it more prone to tip over. y Secure lengthy items properly to prevent
them from shooting forward and causing seri-
ous injury during a sudden stop. y Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you
do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle. y Do not place anything on the rear shelf be-
hind the rear seatback (for sedan) or the ex-
tended luggage cover (for station wagon). Such
items could tumble forward in the event of a
sudden stop or a collision. This could cause se-rious injury.
HS8005BA

9-7
In case of emergency
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To remove the spare tire, proceed as follows: Sedan: Remove the floor cover from the trunk. Re-
move the storage tray. Turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take
the spare tire out.
UB9003BA
US0252

9-9
In case of emergency
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Sedan Station wagon
The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk or cargo
area.
To take out the jack:
Remove the cover, turn the jackscrew counterclock-
wise to loosen it, then remove the jack.
UB9001BAUB7008CA

9-33
In case of emergency
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Station wagon
1) Jack
2) Jack handle
3) Spare tire The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk or cargo
area.
To take out the jack, turn the jackscrew counterclock-
wise to loosen it, then remove the jack.
The jack handle is stored under the spare tire cover.
For how to use the jack, refer to “Flat tires”.
1
2
3
UB8004BDUB7008CA

10-6
Appearance care
proper ventilation. „
To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent corrosion of the
body and suspension components. Also, wash the ve-
hicle promptly after driving on any of the following sur- faces: y roads that have been salted to prevent them from
freezing in winter y mud, sand, or gravel
y coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recommended that the
underbody be given a very thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check the condition of
underbody components, such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, suspension, steer-
ing system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of them are
found to be rusted, they should be given an appropri-
ate rust prevention treatment or should be replaced.
Contact your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind of
maintenance and treatment if you need assistance.
Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you find them.
Check the interior of the vehicle for water and dirt ac- cumulation under the floor mats because that could
cause corrosion. Occasionally check under the mats
to make sure the area is dry.
Keep your garage dry. Do not park your vehicle in a
damp, poorly ventilated garage. In such a garage, cor-
rosion can be caused by dampness. If you wash the
vehicle in the garage or put the vehicle into the garage
when wet or covered with snow, that can cause damp-ness.
If your vehicle is operated in cold weather and/or in ar-
eas where road salts and other corrosive materials are
used, the door hinges and locks, trunk lid lock, and
hood latch should be inspected and lubricated period-
ically.