2006 SUBARU OUTBACK engine

Maintenance and service
11 - 11
– CONTINUED –3.0-liter models
6. Open the access cover by removing
the clips and turning the access cover
counterclockwise. The oil filter will be ex-
posed. 2.5-liter models
3.0-liter models
7. Remove the oil filt er with an oil filter
wrench. 8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a
thin coat of engine oil to the seal.
9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of
the bottom of engine an d install the oil fil-
ter by hand turning. Be careful not to twist
or damage the seal.
10.Tighten the oil filter by the amount indi-
cated in the following table after the seal
makes contact with the bottom of engine.
11.Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.
12.Pour engine oil through the filler neck.B00306
B00421
B00307Model Oil filter
color Part num-
ber Amount of
rotation
2.5-liter
models Black 15208AA100
1 rotation
White 15208AA09A
2/3 – 3/4
rotation
3.0-liter
models Black 15208AA031
3/4
rotation
y Never over tighten the oil filter be-
cause that can result in an oil leak.
y Thoroughly wipe off any engine
oil that has spilled over the ex-
haust pipe and/or under-cover. If
left unremoved, the oil could
catch fire.

11 - 1 2 Maintenance and service
Oil capacity (Guideline):
2.5-liter models: 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5
Imp qt)
3.0-liter models: 5.8 US qt (5.5 liters, 4.8
Imp qt)
The oil quantity indicated above is only a
guideline. The necessary quantity of oil
depends on the quantity of oil that has
been drained. The quantity of drained oil
differs slightly depen ding on the tempera-
ture of the oil and the time the oil is left
flowing out. After refilling the engine with
oil, therefore, you must use the dipstick to
confirm that the level is correct.
13.Start the engine and make sure that no
oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber
seal and drain plug.
14.Run the engine until it reaches the nor-
mal operating temperature. Then stop the
engine and wait a few minutes to allow the
oil drain back. Check the oil level again
and if necessary, add more engine oil.
„ Recommended grade and
viscosity Oil grade:
ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified
with the ILSAC certification mark
(Starburst mark)
or API classification SM with the
words “ENERGY CONSERVING”
These recommended oil grades can be
identified by looking for either or both of
the following marks displayed on the oil
container.
ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst
Mark) API Service label
1) Indicates the oil quality by API designa-
tions
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade
3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving ca-
pabilities
In choosing an oil, you want the proper
quality and viscosity, as well as one that
will add to fuel economy. The following ta-
ble lists the recommended viscosities and
applicable temperatures.
When adding oil, different brands may be
used together as long as they are the
same API classifica tion and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by SUBARU.
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity. B00014
A P ISERVICESM
E
N
E
R
G
Y
C
O
N
S
E
R
V
I
N
G SAE
5W-30 1
2
3 B00446

Maintenance and service
11 - 1 3
– CONTINUED –SAE viscosity number and applicable
temperature
*: 5W-30 is preferred.
Engine oil viscosity (t hickness) affects fuel
economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide
better fuel economy. However, in hot
weather, oil of higher viscosity is required
to properly lubricate the engine.
„ Recommended grade and
viscosity under severe driv-
ing conditionsIf the vehicle is used in desert areas, in ar-
eas with very high temperatures, or used
for heavy-duty applications such as tow-
ing a trailer, use of oil with the following
grade and viscosities is recommended. API classification SM (or SL):
SAE viscosity No.:
30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
Cooling systemB00503
5W-30*
10W-30, 10W-40-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 06 020 80 10040
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.
y 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.

11 - 1 4 Maintenance and service
„ Hose and connectionsYour vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator coolin g 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 T Checking the coolant level
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. 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.y Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
FULL
LOW 600151
y 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 co olant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
y Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface. B00018

Maintenance and service
11 - 1 5
– CONTINUED –T 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 in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
1. Remove the under cover.
2.5-liter models
1) Drain plug 3.0-liter models
1) Drain plug
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. 4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models
1) Fill up to here
Turbo models
1) Fill up to here1 B00422
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. B00423
1
1 B00424
1
B00425

11 - 1 6 Maintenance and service
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough
room to add genuine Subaru cooling sys-
tem conditioner in the radiator. Add genu-
ine Subaru cooling system conditioner un-
til the coolant level reaches the filler neck.
Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this
may lead to insufficient air bleeding and
trapped air in the system. Coolant capacity (Guideline):
2.5-liter non-turbo models:
MT. 6.8 US qt (6.4 liters, 5.6 Imp qt)
AT. 6.7 US qt (6.3 liters, 5.5 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo models:
MT. 7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt)
AT. 7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)
3.0-liter models:
7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir
tank’s “FULL” level mark. 7. Put the radiator cap back on and tight-
en firmly. At this time , make sure that the
rubber gasket in the radiator cap is cor-
rectly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than
five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the cool-
ant cools down (122 to 140 ° F [50 to
60 ° C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and to
the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly.y 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 co olant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off. y Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
FULL
LOW 600151 B00018

Maintenance and service
11 - 1 7
– CONTINUED –Air cleaner element
The air cleaner element functions as a fil-
ter screen. When the element is perforat-
ed or removed, engine wear will be exces-
sive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a dry type. It is
unnecessary to clean or wash the ele-
ment.
„ Replacing the air cleaner ele-
mentReplace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under
extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts. T Non-turbo models 0
1) Connector
2) Duct
3) Clamp
1. Unplug the connector that is attached
to the top of the air cleaner case.
2. Remove the hose that is located at the
bottom of the side surface of the air clean-
er case.
3. Undo the screw and pull the air duct
out of the air cleaner case.
4. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover. 5. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
6. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cov-
er and case with a damp cloth and install
a new air cleaner element.Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters in-
take air but also stops flames if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner
element is not installed when the en-
gine backfires, you could be burned. 13
2 B00426 B00114
B00115

11 - 2 0 Maintenance and service
Drive belts The alternator, power steering pump, and
air conditioner compressor depend on
drive belts. Satisfactory performance re-
quires that belt tension be correct.
„ 2.5-liter models
1) Power steering pump pulley
2) Air conditioner compressor pulley
3) Crank pulley in (mm)
To check belt tensi on, place a straight-
edge (ruler) across two adjacent pulleys
and apply a force of 22 lbs (98 N, 10 kg)
midway between the pulleys by using a
spring scale. Belt deflection should be the
amount specified.
„ 3.0-liter models It is unnecessary to check belt tension pe-
riodically because your engine is
equipped with an autom atic belt tension
adjuster. However, replacement of the
belt should be done according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If a belt is loose, cr acked, or worn, contact
your SUBARU dealer. Manual transmission oil „ Checking the oil level
Non-turbo models
1) Yellow handleAB 2
31
B00365 Deflection
New belt Used belt
A 0.28 – 0.35
(7.0 – 9.0) 0.35 – 0.43
(9.0 – 11.0)
B 0.30 – 0.33
(7.5 – 8.5) 0.35 – 0.40
(9.0 – 10.0) 1
B00427