2005 SUBARU LEGACY catalytic converter

7-3
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
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
and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell. SUB-
ARU recommends that you try a different brand of un-
leaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related before returning your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service. The CHECK EN-
GINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp may
also turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
SUBARU dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, re-
pairs may not be covered by your warranty. !MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tri-
carbonyl). If you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and the CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on. If this happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty. !
Gasoline for cleaner air
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of
the vehicle. Fuels containing alcohol may
cause paint damage, which is not covered un-
der the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly, and is a
way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continu-
ously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never need to add any
fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the
air cleaner. Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain
alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.

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 .................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-7
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................ 8-9
Winter driving ............................................... 8-12 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-12
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-15
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-17
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-17
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-18 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-19
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-20
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-21
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................ 8-27 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-27
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-30
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-31 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-31
Maximum load limits ......................................... 8-31
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-37
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-38 Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-40

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
"
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." Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
2.5-liter non-turbo models (other than California-
spec.)HS8002BA

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
2.5-liter turbo models 2.5-liter non-turbo models (California-spec.) and 3.0-
liter models
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: " Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount
of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. " Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. " Avoid racing the engine.
" Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.
UG8501BAUB8029BA

8-6
Driving tips
"
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. " Do 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.

14-3
Index
Bulb
Chart ........................................................... 12-10
Replacing .................................................... 11-73
C
Capacities .......................................................... 12-4
Cargo area Cover ............................................................ 6-23
Light ................................................................ 6-3
Tie-down hooks ............................................ 6-29
Catalytic converter ............................................... 8-4
Center Console .......................................................... 6-8
Ventilators ....................................................... 4-3
Changing
Flat tire ............................................................ 9-5
Oil and oil filter ............................................ 11-13
Charge warning light ......................................... 3-26CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp ................................................ 3-25
Checking
Brake pedal free play .................................. 11-45
Brake pedal reserve distance ..................... 11-45
Clutch function ............................................ 11-46
Clutch pedal free play ................................. 11-46
Engine oil level ........................................... 11-12
Fluid level ................. 11-33, 11-41, 11-42, 11-43 Gear oil level ............................................... 11-37
Child restraint systems ...................................... 1-38
Installation with seatbelt ............................... 1-42
Lower and tether anchorages ....................... 1-49
Child safety ............................................................. 7
Locks ............................................................ 2-30
Chime
Key ................................................................. 3-6
Seatbelt ........................................................ 1-19
Cigarette lighter socket ...................................... 6-16
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ......................................... 10-4
Interior .......................................................... 10-6
Ventilator grille .............................................. 4-17
Climate control system Automatic ...................................................... 4-10
Manual ............................................................ 4-4
Clock ................................................................. 3-36
Clutch Fluid ............................................................ 11-43
Pedal .......................................................... 11-46
Coat hook .......................................................... 6-20
Cooling system ................................................ 11-18
Corrosion protection ................................. 8-14, 10-4
Cruise control .................................................... 7-53
Set indicator light .......................................... 3-35