
11-12 Maintenance and service
Cooling system
Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit may be de-
fective. Check the fuse and replace it if
necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have
the cooling system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant
Checking the coolant level
1)FULL level mark
2) LOW level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the LOW level mark, add coolant up to the
FULL level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down com-
pletely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious
burns from a spray of boiling hot
coolant when the cap is removed.
The cooling system has been
filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting, year-
around coolant which provides
protection against freezing down
to 33 F ( 36 C). For adding, use
genuine SUBARU coolant or an
equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft
water and 50% ethylene-glycol ba-
sis coolant. Use of improper cool-
ants may result in corrosion in the
cooling system. It is important to
maintain protection against freez-
ing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected.
Never mix different kinds of cool-
ant.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
F U L L
L OW1 2
B00468

Maintenance and service 11-13
CONTINUED
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
Changing the coolant
Always add genuine Subaru cooling sys-
tem conditioner whenever the coolant is
replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add gen-
uine Subaru cooling system conditioner
using the following procedures according
to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.
NOTE (Turbo model only)
The cap (without tabs) on top of the ra-
diator does not need to be removed. To add coolant, remove the cap (with tabs)
on the coolant tank on top of the en-
gine.
4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
Be careful not to spill engine cool-
ant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
B00018
B00019
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down com-
pletely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious
burns from a spray of boiling hot
coolant when the cap is removed.
1
2
B00453

Maintenance and service 11-19
5-speed transmission (Turbo model)
6-speed transmission
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine. 2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.
1) Upper level
2) Lower level
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check
the oil level on it. If it is below the lower
level, add oil through the dipstick hole to
bring the level up to the upper level.
Recommended grade and
viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together.
Oil grade:
API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem-
perature
B00469
B00470
Be careful not to spill manual trans-
mission oil when adding it. If oil
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off.
L F
F
L1
2 1
2
B00368
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40-20 0 60 20
80W
75W/90 80 100
40
85W 90
B00032

Maintenance and service 11-21
CONTINUED
Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of automat-
ic transmission fluid.
Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid Type-HP
IDEMITSU ATF HP
Castrol Transmax J
Pennzoil ATF-J*
* Available only in the USA (except
Alaska and Hawaii)
NOTE
Using any non-specified type of auto-
matic transmission fluid could result in
damage inside the transmission. When
replacing the automatic transmission
fluid, be sure to use a fluid of the types
specified above.
Front differential gear oil (AT
vehicles)
Checking the oil level
1) Yellow handle
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.
1) Upper level
2) Lower level
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check
the oil level on it. If it is below the lower
level, add oil to bring the level up to the up-
per level.
1
B00472
Be careful not to spill front differen-
tial gear oil when adding it. If oil
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off.
1 2
B00372

11-24 Maintenance and service
Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
1) Reservoir tank
The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level dif-
fers according to fluid temperature. There-
fore, the reservoir tank has two different
checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and
stop the engine.
1) Specified range
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir
tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level is be-
tween HOT MIN and HOT MAX on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between COLD MIN and COLD MAX on the sur-
face of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the appli-
cable MIN line, add the recommended
fluid as necessary to bring the level be-
tween the MIN and MAX line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indi-
cate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
Recommended fluid
Dexron III Type Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
1
1
B00376
Be careful not to burn yourself be-
cause the fluid may be hot.
When power steering fluid is be-
ing added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any dirt
into the tank. And never use dif-
ferent brands together.
Avoid spilling fluid when adding it
in the tank.
Be careful not to spill power steer-
ing fluid when adding it. If power
steering fluid touches the exhaust
pipe, it may cause a bad smell,
smoke, and/or a fire. If power
steering fluid gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

12-4 Specifications
Capacities
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission
Tires
Fuel tank15.9 US gal (60 liters, 13.2 Imp gal)
Engine oil4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
Transmission oil (MT)5-speed3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)
6-speed4.3 US qt (4.1 liters, 3.6 Imp qt)
AT differential gear oil1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oilWRX-STI1.1 US qt (1.0 liters, 0.9 Imp qt)
Others0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt)
Transmission oil (AT)10.0 US qt (9.5 liters, 8.4 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolantNon-turbo engineMT7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
AT7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
Turbo engineMT8.1 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt)
Item2.5i, OUTBACK SPORTWRXWRX-STI
Tire sizeP205/55R16 89V215/45R17 91W225/45R17 90W
Wheel size16 6 1
/2 JJ17
7 JJ17 8 JJ
PressureFront33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm 2
)33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm 2
)36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm 2
)
Rear30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm 2
)32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm 2
)30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm 2
)
Temporary spare tireSizeT135/70 D16T135/70 D17
Pressure60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm 2
)

Index 14-3
Oil and oil filter ................................ ............................. 11-8
Charge warning light .............................. .......................... 3-16
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp .............................................. ................................ 3-16
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................... .................. 11-27
Brake pedal reserve distance ........................... ......... 11-27
Clutch function ..................................... ...................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play .............................. .................. 11-28
Engine oil level ................................... ......................... 11-8
Fluid level ................................. 11-20 , 11-24, 11-25, 11-26
Gear oil level ..................................... ... 11-18, 11-21, 11-22
Child restraint systems ............................... ...................... 1-23
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................... ................ 1-26
Lower and tether anchorages ........................ .............. 1-30
Child safety ........................................ .................................... 5
Locks ................................................ ........................... 2-18
Chime Key ................................................ ................................ 3-5
Seatbelt .......................................... .................... 1-11, 3-14
Cigarette lighter socket ............................ ........................... 6-6
Cleaning Aluminum wheels .................................... .................... 10-3
Interior .......................................... ............................... 10-5
Ventilator grille ................................. ............................ 4-11
Climate control system Automatic ......................................... .............................. 4-7
Manual ............................................ ............................... 4-3
Clock ............................................... ................................. 3-22
Clutch fluid ....................................... ............................... 11-26
Clutch pedal ....................................... ............................ 11-28
Coat hook .......................................... ................................. 6-9Coin tray ..........................................
................................... 6-4
Cooling system ....................................... ........................ 11-12
Corrosion protection ................................ ................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ...................................... .............................. 7-27
Indicator light .................................... ............................ 3-20
Set indicator light ................................ ......................... 3-20
Cup holder ........................................ .................................. 6-5
D
Daytime running light system ......................... ................... 3-23
Differential gear oil Front ............................................. .............................. 11-21
Rear .............................................. ............................. 11-22
Dimensions .......................................... ............................. 12-2
Disarming the system ................................. ...................... 2-15
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ................ ........... 7-22
Dome light ........................................ ........................ 6-2, 11-50
Door locks ......................................... .................................. 2-4
Door open warning light ........................... ......................... 3-19
Drive belts ........................................ ............................... 11-18
Driver s control center differential ....................... .............. 7-12
Drivers control center differential Auto indicator light ............................... ........................ 3-20
Indicator lights .................................... .......................... 3-21
Driving Car phone/cell phone ............................... ......................... 7
Drinking ........................................... .................................. 6
Drugs .............................................. .................................. 7
Foreign countries ................................... ........................ 8-4
Pets ............................................... .................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................... ................... 8-9
Tips ............................................... .............. 7-10, 7-12, 8-5

14-4 Index
Tired or sleepy .................................... ............................... 7
E
EBD (Electronic brake force distribution) system ........ ..... 7-24
Electrical system ..................................... ......................... 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ......... .. 7-24
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .................... ............ 1-11
Engine Compartment overview ................................ ................ 11-6
Coolant ........................................... ........................... 11-12
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ....................... ........ 6, 8-2
Hood .............................................. .............................. 11-4
Oil ............................................... ................................. 11-8
Overheating ........................................ ......................... 9-11
Starting .......................................... ................................ 7-7
Stopping .......................................... .............................. 7-8
Exterior care ....................................... .............................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ......................................... .................................... 9-4
Floor mat ......................................... ................................... 6-9
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ............................... .............. 11-20
Brake .............................................. ........................... 11-25
Clutch ............................................. ........................... 11-26
Power steering ..................................... ...................... 11-24
Folding down the rear seat ......................... ........................ 1-8
Front
Differential gear oil ............................. ........................ 11-21
Fog light ......................................... ............................ 11-48
Fog light button .................................. .......................... 3-26Seatbelt pretensioners ..............................
................... 1-20
Seats .............................................. ................................ 1-2
Turn signal light .................................. ....................... 11-48
Fuel .............................................. ....................................... 7-2
Economy hints ........................................ ....................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ................................. ............................ 7-4
Gauge ............................................. ...................... 3-8, 3-12
Requirements ...................................... .......................... 7-2
Fuses .............................................. ................................ 11-41
Fuses and circuits ..................................... ........................ 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ..................... ............. 8-14
Glove box ........................................... ................................ 6-4
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ................... .......... 8-14
H
Hazard warning flasher ............................. .......................... 3-6
Head restraint adjustment (Front) ................... .................... 1-4
Head restraint adjustment (Wagon) .................. .................. 1-7
Headlight beam leveler ............................ ......................... 3-25
Headlight flasher .................................. ............................. 3-23
Headlight indicator light .......................... .......................... 3-21
Headlights ......................................... ..................... 3-22, 11-45
Heater operation .................................. ............................... 4-5
High beam indicator light .......................... ........................ 3-20
High mount stop light .............................. ........................ 11-51
Horn .............................................. .................................... 3-35
Hose and connections .................................. .................. 11-12