4-6 Climate control
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
most comfortable level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
NOTE
Warm air also comes out from the right
and left air outlets. To stop warm air
flow from these outlets, turn the corre-
sponding knob clockwise.
Bi-level heating
This setting allows you to direct air of dif-
ferent temperatures from the instrument
panel and foot outlets. The air from the foot outlets is slightly warmer than from
the instrument panel outlets.
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired temperature level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
Setting the temperature control dial fully
turned to the red area or blue area de-
creases the temperature difference be-
tween the air from the instrument panel
outlets and the air from the foot outlets.
Ventilation
To force outside air through the instru- ment panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the
way left.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air
inlet control lever to the position.
400371
400372
Continued operation in the
position may fog up the
windows. Switch to the
position as soon as the outside
dusty condition clears.
Climate control 4-7
CONTINUED
Air conditioner operation (if
equipped)
Cooling or dehumidifying
For cooling and dehumidification of the
passenger compartment, performing the
following steps will allow air to flow
through the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the ON position.
4. Set the temperature control dial to the
blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed.
Defrosting or defogging
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
red side.
4. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed.
The air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates when the air flow control
dial set in the or position to
provide better defogging performance.
However, the air conditioner indicator light
does not come on at this time.Automatic climate control
system (if equipped)
Although this climate control system can
be used as a full-automatic climate control
system, it can also, if desired, be used as
a semi-automatic climate control system.
When it is used as a full-automatic climate
control system, the outlet air temperature,
fan speed, air flow distribution, air inlet
control, and air conditioner compressor
operation are all automatically controlled
to maintain a constant, comfortable tem-
perature inside the vehicle.
NOTE
Operate the automatic climate con-
trol system when the engine is run-
ning.
When the engine coolant is cold, the
blower does not run.
In the AUTO mode, when the air
temperature in the passenger compart-
ment is sufficiently cool, the air condi-
tioner compressor does not operate.
For efficient defogging or dehumidify-
ing in cold weather, press the A/C
button to operate the air conditioner
compressor.
Even when cooling is not necessary,
setting the temperature much lower
than the current outlet air temperature
400373
400368
4-8 Climate control
turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor automatically and the A/C indica-
tor light on the control panel comes on.
Control panel
1) Air flow control dial
2) Fan speed control dial
3) Temperature control dial
4) Air conditioner button
5) Air inlet selection button
6) Rear window defogger button (Refer to the Rear window defogger button sec-
tion in chapter 3.)
To use as full-automatic cli-
mate control system
Place the temperature control dial in the
position for your desired temperature, then set the other dials and buttons as de-
scribed in the following. The system
s
functions will then switch to AUTO mode
and be controlled automatically.
Air flow control dial: AUTO position
Fan speed control dial: AUTO position
Air inlet selection button: Press for at
least 1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
Air conditioner button: Press for at least
1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
To use as semi-automatic cli-
mate control system
Each function can be individually set to
AUTO mode independently of the others.
Any function set to AUTO mode is con-
trolled automatically. Any function not set
to AUTO mode can be manually adjusted
as desired.
The temperature can be set within a range
of 65 to 85 F (20 to 30 C).
Fan speed control dial
The fan operates only with the ignition
switch in the ON position. The fan speed
control dial is used to select the AUTO
(automatic control) mode or to select the
desired fan speed. The dial s positions
and their functions are as follows:
OFF: The fan does not operate.
AUTO: The fan speed is adjusted auto-
matically in accordance with the air tem-
perature inside and outside the passenger
compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. SUBARU recommends
using the AUTO position.
Other positions: The fan speed can be
adjusted in 25 steps.
NOTE
With the fan speed control dial in the
400637
65 85 75
1 2 3
6 5 4
400378
4-10 Climate control
when driving on a dusty road. The indica-
tor light will come on.
OFF position (Outside Air): Outside air
is drawn into the passenger compartment.
Push the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position when the interior has cooled
to a comfortable temperature and the road
is no longer dusty. The indicator light will
go off.
AUTO: When the air inlet selection button
is pressed for at least one second, the in-
dicator flashes twice. The air inlet control
is then adjusted automatically in accor-
dance with the air temperature inside and
outside the passenger compartment, the
intensity of sunlight, and other factors.
Pressing the air inlet selection button can-
cels the AUTO mode. SUBARU recom-
mends using the AUTO position.Air conditioner button
The button s positions and their functions
are as follows:
ON: The air conditioner operates while the
fan is running.
Push the button to select this position. The
indicator light will illuminate.
OFF: The air conditioner does not operate.
Push the button a second time to select
this position. The indicator light will go off.
AUTO: When the button is pressed for at
least one second, the indicator flashes
twice. The air conditioner compressor op-
eration is then adjusted automatically in
accordance with the air temperature in-
side and outside the passenger compart-
ment, the intensity of sunlight, and other
factors. Pressing the button cancels the
AUTO mode. SUBARU recommends us-
ing the AUTO position.
NOTE
The air conditioner s compressor does
not operate with an outside tempera-
ture of 32 F (0 C) or lower.
Temperature sensors
1) Interior air temperature sensor
2) Solar sensor
The automatic climate control system em-
ploys several sensors. These sensors are
delicate. If they are not treated properly
and become damaged, the system may
not be able to control the interior tempera-
ture correctly. To avoid damaging the sen-
sors, observe the following precautions:
Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows.
Switch to the OFF position as soon
as the outside dusty condition
clears.
400601
2
1
400602
Climate control 4-11
CONTINUED
Do not subject the sensors to impact.
Keep water away from the sensors.
Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows: Solar sensor: beside windshield de-
froster grille Interior air temperature sensor: beside
the fan speed control dial Outside temperature sensor: behind
front grille.
Operating tips for heater and
air conditioner
Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet
grille free of snow, leaves, or other ob-
structions to ensure efficient heating and
defrosting. Since the condenser is located
in front of the radiator, this area should be
kept clean because cooling performance
is impaired by any accumulation of insects
and leaves on the condenser.
Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to al- low outside air to circulate into the heated
interior. This results in quicker cooling by
the air conditioner. Keep the windows
closed during the operation of the air con-
ditioner for maximum cooling efficiency.
Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.
Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
son
Check the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper op-
eration each spring. This check is best
performed by your SUBARU dealer.
Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.)
a small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
400603
5-2 Audio
AudioAntenna system
Printed antenna
Sedan
The antenna is printed on the inner sur-
face of the rear window glass.
Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT
The antenna is printed on the inner sur-
face of the rear window glass.
FM reception
Although FM is normally static free, recep-
tion can be affected by the surrounding ar-
ea, atmospheric conditions, station
strength and transmitter distance. Build-
ings or other obstructions may cause mo-
mentary static, flutter or station interfer-
ence. If reception continues to be unsatis-
factory, switch to a stronger station.
Installation of accessories
Always consult your SUBARU dealer be-
fore installing a citizen band radio or other
transmitting device in your vehicle. Such
devices may cause the electronic control
system to malfunction if they are incorrect-
ly installed or if they are not suited for the
vehicle.
Do not use sharp instruments or
window cleaner containing abra-
sives to clean the inner surface of
the window on which the antenna is
printed. Doing so may damage the
antenna printed on the window.
500244
500245
Interior equipment 6-3
To turn on the map light, push the switch.
To turn it off, push the switch again.
When leaving the vehicle, make sure the
light is turned off to avoid battery dis-
charge.Sun visors
To block out glare, swing down the visors.
To use the sun visor at a side window,
swing it down and move it sideways.
Vanity mirror (if equipped)
To use the vanity mirror, swing down the
sun visor and open the vanity mirror cov-
er.
600218
600219
7-6 Starting and operating
The EPA has issued regulations for in-
specting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
system as part of the state emissions in-
spection. The OBD system is designed to
detect engine and transmission problems
that might cause vehicle emissions to ex-
ceed allowable limits. These inspections
apply to all 1996 model year and newer
passenger cars and light trucks. Over 30
states plus the District of Columbia have
implemented the OBD system inspection.
The inspection of the OBD system con-
sists of a visual operational check of the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (MIL) and an examina-
tion of the OBD system with an electronic
scan tool while the engine is running.
A vehicle passes the OBD system in-
spection if proper the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/MIL illumination is observed,
there is no stored diagnostic trouble
codes, and the OBD system readiness
monitors are complete.
A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the
CHECK ENGINE warning light/MIL is
not properly operating or there is one or
more diagnostic trouble codes stored in
vehicle s computer with the CHECK EN-
GINE warning light/MIL illuminated.
A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBD system readiness monitors Not
Ready is greater than one. 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.
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their Subaru Dealer for
service.
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 infla-
tion.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk (Sedan)
and rear gate (Wagon) are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and
outside mirrors.
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 position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Resultant vehicle damage due to im-
proper testing is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty and
is the responsibility of the state in-
spection program or its contractors
or licensees.