Page 222 of 627

3-51
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
Wiper and washer
In freezing weather, do not use the windshield washer until the windshield is sufficiently
warmed by the defroster.
Otherwise the washer fluid can freeze on the
windshield, blocking your view.
"Do not operate the washer continuously for
more than ten seconds, or when the washer flu-
id tank is empty. This may cause overheating of
the washer motor. Check the washer fluid level
frequently, such as at fuel stops. " Do not operate the wipers when the wind-
shield or rear window is dry. This may scratch
the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause
the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating
the wiper on a dry windshield or rear window,
always use the windshield washer." In freezing weather, be sure that the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear
window before switching on the wipers. At- tempting to operate the wiper with the blades
frozen to the window glass could cause not
only the wiper blades to be damaged but also
the wiper motor to burn out. If the wiper blade
is frozen to the window glass, be sure to oper-ate the defroster, wiper deicer (if equipped) or
rear window defogger before turning on the
wiper."
If the wipers stop during operation because
of ice or some other obstruction on the window,
the wiper motor could burn out even if the wiper
switch is turned off. If this occurs, promptly
stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position and clean the
window glass to allow proper wiper operation. " Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is
unavailable. In areas where water freezes in
winter, use SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid
or the equivalent. (See “Windshield washer flu-
id” section in chapter 11.)
Also, when driving the vehicle when there are
freezing temperatures, use non-freezing type
wiper blades." Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline
or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene.
This will cause deterioration of the wiper
Page 358 of 627

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.
Page 450 of 627

8-37
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
!Trailer hitches
Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.
"Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, or other systems when installing
a hitch or other trailer towing equipment. " Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can
cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bear-
ings, wheels or tires.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. !
OUTBACK wagon
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-
mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure
to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch
mounting bolts and nuts are tight. ! All vehicles except OUTBACK wagon
SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer hitches.
Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you
in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be
sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper.
The bumper is not designed to handle that type of
load.
Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nutsare tight.
Page 588 of 627
12-3
Specifications
– CONTINUED –
!Engine
! Electrical system
Engine modelEJ253
(2.5-liter, SOHC, non-turbo)EJ255
(2.5-liter, DOHC, turbo)EZ30D
(3.0-liter, DOHC, non-turbo)
Engine typeHorizontally opposed, liquid cooled 4 cylinder, 4 stroke gasoline engineHorizontally opposed, liquid cooled
6 cylinder, 4 stroke gasoline engine
Displacement cu-in (cc)150 (2,457)183 (3,000)
Bore × Stroke in (mm)3.92 × 3.11 (99.5 × 79.0)3.51 × 3.15 (89.2 × 80.0)
Compression ratio10.0 : 18.2 : 110.7 : 1
Firing order1 – 3 – 2 – 41 – 6 – 3 – 2 – 5 – 4
Battery type and capacity (5HR)2.5-liter modelsMT55D23L (12V-48AH)
AT75D23L (12V-52AH)
3.0-liter models75D23L (12V-52AH)
Alternator2.5-liter models12V-110A
3.0-liter models12V-100A
Spark plugs2.5-liter non-turbo modelsFR5AP-11 (NGK)
2.5-liter turbo modelsILFR6B (NGK)
3.0-liter modelsILFR6B (NGK)