2006 SUBARU OUTBACK brake fluid

Maintenance and service
11 - 7
– CONTINUED –„ 2.5-liter turbo models 12 4635
13 12 11 10 9 8 7 B004161) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
11-27)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-20) or Differential gear
oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-23)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)
5) Automatic transmission fluid level
gauge (page 11-22)
6) Fuse box (page 11-45)
7) Battery (page 11-44)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-39)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
14)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
13) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

11 - 8 Maintenance and service
„ 3.0-liter models
B0050212 3 4 5
12 1011 9 8 76 1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
11-27)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT)
(page 11-23)
3) Automatic transmi ssion fluid level
gauge (page 11-22)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)
5) Fuse box (page 11-45)
6) Battery (page 11-44)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-39)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
14)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
12) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

11 - 2 2 Maintenance and service
Automatic transmission fluid „ Checking the fluid levelThe automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid tempera-
ture. Therefore, there are two different
scales for checking the level of hot fluid
and cold fluid on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked
without warming up the fluid on the
“COLD” range, we recommend checking
the fluid level when the fluid is at operating
temperature.
T Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle se veral miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176 ° F (70 to 80 ° C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each po-
sition. Then shift it in the “P” position, and
run the engine at idling speed. 4-speed automatic transmission
1) Yellow handle
5-speed automatic transmission
1) Yellow handle 1) HOT range
2) COLD range
3) Upper level
4) Lower level
4. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid
level on the gauge. If it is below the lower
level on the “HOT” range, add the recom-
mended automatic transmission fluid up to
the upper level.
T Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked
without time to warm up the automatic
transmission, check to see that the fluid
level is between the lower level and upper
level on the “COLD” range. If it is below
that range, add fluid up to the upper level.
Be careful not to overfill.1
B00428
1
B00429 3
43
4
2 1 B00370

11 - 2 8 Maintenance and service
Brake fluid „ Checking the fluid level
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below “MIN”, add
the recommended brake fluid to “MAX”. Use only brake fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
„ Recommended brake fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu-
id
y Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately
flush them thoroughly with clean
water. For safety, when perform-
ing this work, wearing eye protec-
tion is advisable.
y Brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air. Any absorbed moisture
can cause a dangerous loss of
braking performance.
y If the vehicle requires frequent re-
filling, there may be a leak. If you
suspect a problem, have the vehi-
cle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
y Never use different brands of
brake fluid togeth er. Also, avoid
mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake flu-
ids even if they are of the same
brand. y When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
y Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the brake flu-
id may damage them.
y Be careful not to spill brake fluid
when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the ex-
haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
B00125

Maintenance and service
11 - 2 9
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) „ Checking the fluid level
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the leve l is below “MIN” level
mark, add the recommended clutch fluid
to “MAX” level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. „ Recommended clutch fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu-
id
Never let clutch fluid contact your
eyes because clutch fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately flush
them thoroughly with clean water.
For safety, when performing this
work, wearing eye protection is ad-
visable.
y Clutch fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed mois-
ture can cause improper clutch
operation.
y If the vehicle requires frequent re-
filling, there may be a leak. If you
suspect a problem, have the vehi-
cle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
y Never use different brands of
clutch fluid together.
y When clutch fluid is added, be
careful not to a llow any dirt into
the tank. y Never splash the clutch fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the clutch
fluid may damage them.
y Be careful not to spill clutch fluid
when adding it. If clutch fluid
touches the exhaus t pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the ex-
haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
B00126Avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4
brake fluids even if they are of the
same brand.

Maintenance and service
11 - 3 9
– CONTINUED –Aluminum wheels Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety.
y When any of the wheels is removed and
replaced for tire rotation or to change a
flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tight-
en it to the specified torque.
y Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel.
y Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.
y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel.
y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to re-
place them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield
but the supply of washer fluid appears to
diminish, check the level of washer fluid in
the tank.Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could in-
terfere with brake caliper operation
and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent. Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
B00199

14-2 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ....... ...................... ............. 7-26
Warning light ....................................................... 3-20, 7-27
Accessories .................................................................... 11-47
Accessory power outlet .............. ........................................ 6-8
Active head restraint .. ..................................................... .... 1-6
Air cleaner element ........................................................ 11-17
Air conditioner .............. .................................................. .... 4-7
Air filtration system ........................................................... 4-13
Air flow selection ..................... ........................................... 4-2
Alarm system .................................................................... 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) ..................... 3-22
Aluminum wheels ......... .................................... .............. 11-39
Antenna system ................................................................. 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .... ......................... ............. 7-26
Arming the system ........ ....................................... ............. 2-15
Armrest ............................................................................. 1-10
Ashtray ............................................................................... 6-9
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light .................................. 3-18
Audio control button ......................................................... 5-39
Audio set ............................................................................ 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...... ................................... 3-40
Automatic climate control system .. ................................. .... 4-7
Automatic transmission
4-speed ....................................................................... 7-11
5-speed ....................................................................... 7-17
Capacities .................................................................... 12-4
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-22
Manual mode .............. ............................ ............ 7-14, 7-20
Selector lever ...................................................... 7-12, 7-18
Shift lock release ................................................ 7-16, 7-23
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ................. 3-18 Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ............ 1-13
B
Battery ............................................................................ 11-44
Jump starting ............................................................... 9-10
Replacement (Remote keyless en try system) .... ........... 2-7
Brake
Booster ...................................................................... 11-30
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-28
Pad and lining ............................................................ 11-32
Pedal .......................................................................... 11-30
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................................... 11-30
Reserve distance ....................................................... 11-30
Brake system ......... ........................................................ ... 7-25
Warning light ................................................................ 3-20
Braking ............................................................................. 7-25
Tips .............................................................................. 7-25
Breaking
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................ 11-32
Bulb
Chart ............................................................................ 12-9
Replacing ................................................................... 11-48
C
Capacities ........... ........................................................ ...... 12-4
Cargo area
Cover ........................................................................... 6-12
Light ............................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ........................................................... 6-15
Catalytic converter .................... .......................................... 8-3

Index
14-3Center
Console ......................................................................... 6-5
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-3
Changing
Flat tire ........................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ........................................................... 11-10
Charge warning light ........................................................ 3-18
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
lamp .............................................................................. 3-17
Checking
Brake pedal free play ................................................. 11-30
Brake pedal reserve distance . ................................... 11-30
Clutch function ........................................................... 11-31
Clutch pedal free play ................................................ 11-31
Engine oil level ..................... ....................................... 11-9
Fluid level ............................... .. 11-22, 11-27, 11-28, 11-29
Gear oil level .............................................................. 11-24
Child restraint systems ....................................... .............. 1-25
Installation with seatbelt .............................................. 1-28
Lower and tether anchorages ...................................... 1-32
Child safety ............................................................................ 5
Locks .......... ............................ ............ ........... .............. 2-18
Chime
Key ................................................................................ 3-5
Seatbelt ....................................................................... 1-13
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................... ..................................... 10-3
Interior ......................................................................... 10-5
Ventilator grille ............................................................. 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ....................................................................... 4-7
Manual ........................................................................... 4-3 Clock ................................................................................. 3-25
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-29
Pedal .......................................................................... 11-31
Coat hook ......................................................................... 6-10
Cooling system .......... ....................................... .............. 11-13
Corrosion protection ................................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control .................................................................... 7-36
Set indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Cup holder
Front passengers ........................................................... 6-7
Rear passengers ............................................................ 6-7
D
Daytime running li ght system ........ ............ ........... ............. 3-32
Differential gear oil
Front ........................................................................... 11-23
Rear ........................................................................... 11-24
Dimensions ....................................................................... 12-2
Disarming the system ....................................................... 2-16
Disc brake pad wear warning indica tors ........................... 7-26
Dome light ................................................................ 6-2, 11-53
Door locks ........................................................................... 2-4
Door open warning light .................................................... 3-22
Drive belts ....................................................................... 11-20
Driving
All-Wheel Drive vehicle ................................................ 3-22
Car phone/cell phone ........................................................ 7
Drinking ............................................................................. 6
Drugs ................................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................... ...................................... 8-4
Pets ................................................................................... 7