2006 SUBARU TRIBECA catalytic converter

7-2 Starting and operating
Starting and operatingFuel
„Fuel requirements
The engine is designed to operate using
premium unleaded gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of 91 AKI or higher. If premium
unleaded gasoline is not available, regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87 AKI or higher may be temporarily used.
For optimum engine performance and
driveability, it is recommended that you
use premium grade unleaded gasoline. 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 filler 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 California, 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 recommends 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 used, 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-
function indicator lamp may turn on. If this
happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is deter-
mined that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs may not be cov-
ered by your warranty. T Gasoline for cleaner air
Your use of gasoline with detergent addi-
tives will help prevent deposits from form-
Use of a fuel which is low in quality
or use of an inappropriate fuel addi-
tive may cause engine damage.
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels con-
taining alcohol may cause paint
damage, which is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.

8
Driving tips
New 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 ........................... 8-4
On-pavement and off road driving ................... 8-5
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 ................................................ 8-11
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-11 Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... 8-12
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-13
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ..................... 8-13
Trailer hitch (if equipped) .................................. 8-15 Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-15
When you do not tow a trailer ............................... 8-17
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-17 Warranties and maintenance ................................. 8-17
Maximum load limits .............................................. 8-18 Trailer hitches ......................................................... 8-21
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-22
Trailer towing tips ................................................... 8-23

Driving tips 8-3
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 short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to
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.
y 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.
yKeep the rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle.
yAvoid 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.
yKeep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
800200

14-2 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................................... 7-16 Warning light ....................................................... 3-15, 7-17
Accessories .................................................................... 11-38
Accessory power outlet ...................................................... 6-8
Active head restraint ........................................................... 1-5
Air cleaner element ........................................................ 11-13
Air filtration system ........................................................... 4-11
Air flow ............................................................................... 4-2
Alarm system .................................................................... 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ........................................... 3-17
Aluminum wheels ........................................................... 11-29
Antenna system ................................................................. 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .......................................... 7-16
Arming the system ............................................................ 2-15
Armrest ............................................................................. 1-11
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light .................................. 3-13
Audio control buttons ....................................................... 5-22
Audio set ............................................................................ 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ......................................... 3-34
Automatic climate control system ....................................... 4-5
Automatic transmission ...................................................... 7-8 Capacities .................................................................... 12-3
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-15
Manual mode ............................................................... 7-11
Selector lever ................................................................. 7-9
Shift lock release ......................................................... 7-14
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ................. 3-13
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-16 B
Battery ............................................................................ 11-35 Jump starting ............................................................... 9-11
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) ............. 2-10
Brake
Booster ...................................................................... 11-21
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-20
Pad and lining ............................................................ 11-22
Pedal .......................................................................... 11-21
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................................... 11-21
Reserve distance ....................................................... 11-21
Brake system .................................................................... 7-15
Warning light ................................................................ 3-16
Braking ............................................................................. 7-15 Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................ 11-22
Tips .............................................................................. 7-15
Bulb Chart ............................................................................ 12-8
Replacing ................................................................... 11-39
C
Capacities ......................................................................... 12-3
Cargo area Light ............................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ........................................................... 6-12
Catalytic converter .............................................................. 8-3
Center Console .......................................................................... 6-5
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-4
Changing
Flat tire ........................................................................... 9-7
Oil and oil filter ............................................................. 11-7
Charge warning light ......................................................... 3-13