2006 SUBARU OUTBACK fuel cap

Driving tips
8-13
– CONTINUED –NOTE For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.
„ Vehicle capacity weight The load capacity of your vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. The maximum load you can carry
in your vehicle is shown on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver’s side door
pillar. It includes the total weight of the
driver and all passengers and their be-
longings, any optional equipment such as
a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.y When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.
y Do not pile heavy loads on the
roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.
y Secure lengthy items properly to
prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.
y Never exceed the maximum load
limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle han-
dles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.
y Do not place anything on the rear
shelf behind the rear seatback (for
Sedan) or the extended luggage
cover (for Station wagon). Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a colli-
sion. This could cause serious in-
jury. Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
800236 B00128

8-20 Driving tips
Hitch harness connector
8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black
four-pin wire connector to the towing trail-
er’s wire harness.
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, right turn signal, left turn signal,
stop, and parking lights on the trailer.
NOTE Always disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a
watercraft. „ When you do not tow a trailer y Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube.
y Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch wire harness to pro-
tect against possible damage.
y Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using the terminal
grease. Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safe-
ty and satisfaction depend upon proper
use of correct equipment and cautious op-
eration of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in pur-
chasing a hitch and other necessary tow-
ing equipment appropriate for your vehi-
cle. In addition, be sure to follow the in-
structions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for in-
juries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any er-
rors or omissions in the instructions ac-
companying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
„ Warranties and maintenance SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehi-
cle damage or malfunction caused by trail-
er towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a
trailer, more frequent maintenance will beDo not connect safety chains to part
of the vehicle other than the safety
chain hooks.
800210

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

12-4 Specifications
„ Capacities Fuel tank 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal)
Engine oil 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)
Transmission oil (MT) 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)
Transmission fluid (AT) 2.5-liter non-turbo models 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo and 3.0-liter models 10.4 US qt (9.8 liters, 8.6 Imp qt)
AT differential gear oil 2.5-liter non-turbo models 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo and 3.0-liter models 1.5 US qt (1.4 liters, 1.2 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oil 0.8 US qt (0.8 liter, 0.7 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolant 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)

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
– CONTINUED –asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounting on a vehicle.y
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather seats
and cross bars to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether installed
or not). y
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. y
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and
production options weight. y
Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants).
y
Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehicle,
2 in front, 1 in rear seat.
y
Production options weight
The combined weight of those in-
stalled regular production options weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in ex-
cess of those standards items which
they replace, not previously consid-
ered in curb weight or accessory
weight. y
Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. y
Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing by two. y
Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is deter-
mined by distributing to each axle its
share of the curb weight, accessory
weight, and normal occupant weight
and dividing by two.
„ Tire care – maintenance and
safety practices y
Check on a daily basis that the tires
are free from serious damage, nails,
and stones. At the same time, check
the tires for abnormal wear.
y
Inspect the tire tread regularly and
replace the tires before their tread wear indicators become visible. When
a tire’s tread wear indicator becomes
visible, the tire is worn beyond the ac-
ceptable limit and must be replaced
immediately. With a tire in this condi-
tion, driving at even low speeds in wet
weather can cause the vehicle to hy-
droplane. Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to an acci-
dent. y
To maximize the life of each tire and
ensure that the tires wear uniformly, it
is best to rotate the tires every 7,500
miles (12,500 km). Rotating the tires
involves switching the front and rear
tires on the right-hand side of the ve-
hicle and similarly switching the front
and rear tires on the left-hand side of
the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept on
its original side of the vehicle.) Re-
place any damaged or unevenly worn
tire at the time of ro tation. After tire ro-
tation, adjust the tire pressures and
make sure the wheel nuts are correct-
ly tightened. A tightening torque spec-
ification and a tightening sequence
specification for the wheel nuts can be
found “Flat tires” section in chapter 9.

14-4 Index
Snowy and icy roads ..................................................... 8-9
Tips ..................................................... 7-11, 7-16, 7-23, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ................................................................... 7
E
Electrical system ....... .......................................... ............. 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distributio n (EBD) system . .......... 7-28
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................................ 1-12
Engine
Compartment overview ............. ................................... 11-6
Coolant ...................................................................... 11-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .. ............. .............. ...... 8-2
Hood ............................................................................ 11-4
Oil ................................................................................ 11-9
Overheating ................................................................. 9-12
Starting .......................................................................... 7-8
Stopping ........................................................................ 7-9
Exterior care ..................................................................... 10-2
F
Flat tires ............................................................................. 9-4
Floor mat .......................................................................... 6-12
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ............................................. 11-22
Brake ......................................................................... 11-28
Clutch ........................................................................ 11-29
Power steering ........................................................... 11-27
Fog light switch ................................................................. 3-34
Front
Differential gear oil ..................................................... 11-23
Fog light ..................................................................... 11-50 Seatbelt pretensioners ................................................. 1-21
Seats .............................................................................. 1-2
Fuel ..................................................................................... 7-2
Economy hints ............................................................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ............................................................. 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-8, 3-12
Requirements ................................................................ 7-2
Fuses .............................................................................. 11-45
Fuses and circuits ............................................................. 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating ) .................................. 8-14
Glove box ........................................................................... 6-4
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Ra ting) ............................. 8-14
H
Hazard warning flasher ....................................................... 3-5
Head restraint adjustment (Front) ... ...................... .............. 1-5
Headlight
Flasher ......................................................................... 3-32
Indicator light ....................... ........................................ 3-25
Headlights ........... .......................................... ......... 3-31, 11-49
Heater operation ......... .......................................... .............. 4-5
High beam indicator light .................................................. 3-25
High mount stop light ...................................................... 11-56
Horn .................................................................................. 3-43
Hose and connections ................. ................................... 11-14
I
Ignition switch ..................................................................... 3-3
Light ............................................................................... 3-5