2006 SUBARU OUTBACK catalytic converter

7-2 Starting and operating Starting and operating
Fuel
„ Fuel requirementsT 2.5-liter non-turbo models
The 2.5-liter non-turbo engine is designed
to operate using unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher.
T 2.5-liter turbo models and 3.0-liter
models
The 2.5-liter turbo engine and 3.0-liter en-
gine are designed to operate using premi-
um unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing of 91 AKI or higher. If premium unlead-
ed gasoline is not available, regular un-
leaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87 AKI or higher may be temporarily used.
For optimum engine performance and
driveability, it is required (for 2.5-liter turbo
models), and recommended (for 3.0-liter
models) that you use premium grade un-
leaded gasoline.
NOTE
Be sure to use premium unleaded gas- oline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5-liter
turbo engine model. If other gasoline
(lower than 91 AKI) is used, knocking,
reduced output and poor accelerator
response will result.
T Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the
Research Octane and Motor Octane num-
bers and is commonly referred to as the
Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Using a gasoline with a lower octane rat-
ing can cause persistent and heavy
knocking, which can damage the engine.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle some-
times knocks lightly when you drive up a
hill or when you accelerate. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician if
you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or
persistently.
T Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel f iller pipe is designed
to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler
nozzle. Under no circumstances should
leaded gasoline be used because it will
damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.
T California fuel
If your vehicle was certified to California
Emission Standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up label, it is designed to
optimize engine and emission control sys-
tem performance with gasoline that meets
the clean burning low-sulfur California
gasoline specifications. If you live in any
other state than Calif ornia, your vehicle
will operate on gasoline meeting Federal
specifications. Gasoline sold outside Cali-
fornia is permitted to have higher sulfur
levels, which may affect the performance
of your vehicle’s catalytic converter and
may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or
smell. SUBARU recomm ends that you try
a different brand of unleaded gasoline
having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related before returning
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service. The CHECK ENGINE warning
light/Malfunction indicator lamp may also
turn on. If this occurs, return to your autho-
rized SUBARU dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by
the type of fuel us ed, repairs may not be
covered by your warranty.
T MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). If
you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-Use of a fuel which is low in quality
or use of an inappropriate fuel addi-
tive may cause engine damage.

8Driving tipsNew vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000
miles (1,600 km) ............. ................................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ............. .......................... .... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ......... 8-2
Catalytic converter ............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections .......................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries .............................. 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ........................... 8-5
Off road driving .................................................. 8-6
Winter driving ..................................................... 8-7 Operation during cold weather .............................. 8-7
Driving on snowy and icy roads ............................ 8-9
Corrosion protection .............................................. 8-10
Snow tires ............................................................... 8-10
Tire chains ............................................................... 8-11
Rocking the vehicle ................................................ 8-12
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-12 Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... 8-13
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-14
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ..................... 8-14
Trailer hitch (if equipped) .................................. 8-18
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-19
When you do not tow a trailer ............................... 8-20
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-20
Warranties and maintenance ................................. 8-20
Maximum load limits .............................................. 8-21 Trailer hitches ......................................................... 8-24
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-25
Trailer towing tips ................................................... 8-26

Driving tips
8-3
– CONTINUED –NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a sh ort time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal. Catalytic converter
2.5-liter non-turbo models 2.5-liter turbo models
3.0-liter models
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as catalyst toy If at any time you suspect that ex-
haust fumes are entering the vehi-
cle, have the problem checked
and corrected as soon as possi-
ble. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with all win-
dows fully open.
y Keep the trunk lid (Sedan) or rear
gate (Station wagon) closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle. y Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or
park the vehicle anywhere near
flammable materials (e.g. grass,
paper, rags or leaves), because
the catalytic converter operates at
very high temperatures.
y Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
800235 800013
800014

8-4 Driving tips
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gas-
es, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic convert-
er:
y Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a
small amount of leaded gasoline will dam-
age the catalytic converter.
y Never start the engine by pushing or
pulling the vehicle.
y Avoid racing the engine.
y Never turn off the ignition switch while
the vehicle is moving.
y Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring, back-
firing or incomplete combustion), have
your vehicle checked and repaired by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
y Do not apply undercoating or rust pre-
vention treatment to the heat shield of cat-
alytic converter and the exhaust system. Periodic inspections To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recommend-
ed maintenance services listed in the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet” performed at
the specified time or mileage intervals.
Driving in fo reign countries When planning to use your vehicle in an-
other country:
y Confirm the availability of the correct fu-
el. (Refer to the “Fuel requirements” sec-
tion in chapter 7.)
y Comply with all regulations and require-
ments of each country.

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