2006 SUBARU OUTBACK check engine

Maintenance and service
11 - 2 3
– 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 the kind 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.Be careful not to spill automatic
transmission fluid when adding it. If
automatic transmission fluid touch-
es the exhaust pipe, it may cause a
bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If au-
tomatic transmissi on fluid gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off. 1
B00430
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

Maintenance and service
11 - 2 7
Power steering fluid „ Checking the fluid level 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.
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 inspection.
„ Recommended fluid “Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
Be careful not to burn yourself be-
cause the fluid may be hot.
y 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.
y Avoid spilling fluid when adding it
in the tank. HOT MAX
COLD MAX
HOT MIN
COLD MIN B00124y 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.

11 - 3 0 Maintenance and service
Brake booster If the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following, have it checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake
pedal several times, applying the same
pedal force each time. The distance the
pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move slight-
ly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for ap-
proximately one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake boost-
er operates properly if the pedal stroke de-
creases with each depression. Brake pedal Check the brake pedal free play and re-
serve distance according to the mainte-
nance schedule in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.
„ Checking the brake pedal free
play
1) 0.02 – 0.08 in (0.5 – 2.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the
brake pedal up with one finger to check
the free play with a force of less than 2 lbs
(10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specifi-
cation, contact your SUBARU dealer. „ Checking the brake pedal re-
serve distance
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approxi-
mately 66 lbs (294 N, 30 kg) and measure
the distance between the upper surface of
the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than
the specification, or when the pedal does
not operate smoothly, contact with your
SUBARU dealer.1 B003231 B00324

Maintenance and service
11 - 3 1
– CONTINUED –Clutch pedal (Manual trans-
mission vehicles) Check the clutch pedal free play and re-
serve distance according to the mainte-
nance schedule in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.
„ Checking the clutch functionCheck the clutch engagement and disen-
gagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there
are no abnormal noises when the clutch
pedal is depressed, and that shifting into
1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal
slowly to check that the engine and trans-
mission smoothly couple without any sign
of slippage. „ Checking the clutch pedal
free play
1) 0.16 – 0.51 in (4.0 – 13.0 mm)
Lightly press the clutch pedal down with
your finger until you feel resistance, and
check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper specifi-
cation, contact your SUBARU dealer. Replacement of brake pad
and lining
The right front disc brake and the right rear
disc brake have audible wear indicators
on the brake pads. If the brake pads wear
close to their service limit, the wear indica-
tor makes a very audible scraping noise
when the brake pedal is applied.
If you hear this scraping noise each time1 B00323
If you continue to drive despite the
scraping noise from the audible
brake pad wear indicator, it will re-
sult in the need for costly brake ro-
tor repair or replacement.
700040

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

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

14-8 Index
Rotation ..................................................................... 11-37
Tires ................................................................................. 12-5
Types ......................................................................... 11-33
Tires and wheels ............................................................ 11-33
Top tether anchorages ..................................................... 1-36
Towing .............................................................................. 9-13
All wheels on the ground ............................................. 9-16
Flat-bed truck ............................................................... 9-16
Tie-down hooks ........................................................... 9-13
Weight ......................................................................... 8-21
Trailer
Hitch ............................................................................ 8-18
Hitches ........................................................................ 8-24
Towing ......................................................................... 8-20
Towing tips .................................................................. 8-26
Trip meter .................................................................. 3-7, 3-11
Trunk lid ........................................................................... 2-21
Release handle ........................................................... 2-22
Trunk light ...................................................................... 11-55
Turn signal
Indicator lights ............................................................. 3-24
Lever ........................................................................... 3-32
U
Under-floor storage compartment .................................... 6-16
V
Valet mode ....................................................................... 2-16
Vanity mirror ....................................................................... 6-4
Vehicle
Capacity weight ........................................................... 8-13 Identification ............................................................... 12-10
Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light ....................................................... 3-22
OFF switch ................................................................... 7-32
Operation indicator light .......... ..................................... 3-22
System ......................................................................... 7-29
Warning light ................................................................ 3-22
Ventilator ............................................................................ 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ............................................. 3-14
Warning lights
ABS ............. ....................................... ............ .............. 3-20
All-Wheel Drive ............................................................ 3-22
Anti-lock Brake System ................................................ 3-20
AT OIL TEMPerature ................................................... 3-18
Brake system ............ ......................... ............ .............. 3-20
Charge ......................................................................... 3-18
CHECK ENGINE ......................................................... 3-17
Door open ................. ......................... ............ .............. 3-22
Low fuel ....................................................... 3-9, 3-13, 3-21
Oil pressure ................................................................. 3-18
Seatbelt ........................................................................ 3-14
SRS airbag system ...... .......................................... ...... 3-16
Vehicle Dynamics Control ................................... 3-22, 7-31
Warranties and maintenance ............................................ 8-20
Washing ............................................................................ 10-2
Waxing and polishing .... ......................... ............ .............. 10-3
Wear indicators ......................... ...................................... 11-37
Wheel
Alignment ..................................................................... 12-5
Balance ...................................................................... 11-37