2007 SUBARU OUTBACK service

&Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is designed
to temporarily shut off during air condi-
tioner operation whenever the accelerator
is fully depressed such as during rapid
acceleration or when driving on a steepupgrade. & Refrigerant for your climate
control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly
refrigerant HFC134a. Therefore, the meth-
od of adding, changing or checking the
refrigerant is different from the method for
CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a
result of using the wrong refrigerant are
not covered under warranty. Air filtration system (if equipped)
If your vehicle
’s air conditioning system is
equipped with an air filtration system,
replace the filter element according to
the replacement schedule shown in the
following. This schedule should be fol-
lowed to maintain the filter ’s dust collec-
tion ability. Under extremely dusty
conditions, the filter should be replaced
more frequently. Have your filter checked
or replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For
replacement, we recommend the use of a
genuine SUBARU air filter kit.
Replacement schedule: Every 12 months or 9,300 miles (15,000
km) whichever comes first
CAUTION
Contact your SUBARU dealer if the
following occurs, even if it is not yet
time to change the filter: – Reduction of the air flow through
the vents.
– Windshield gets easily fogged or
misted. NOTE
The filter can influence the air condi-
tioning, heating and defroster perfor-
mance if not properly maintained.
Climate control
4-13

5-2Audio
Antenna system &Printed antenna
CAUTION
Do not use sharp instruments or
window cleaner containing abra-
sives to clean the inner surface of
the window on which the antenna is
printed. Doing so may damage the
antenna printed on the window.
Sedan
Station wagon
The antenna is printed on the inner
surface of the rear window glass. & FM reception
Although FM is normally static free,
reception can be affected by the surround-
ing area, atmospheric conditions, station
strength and transmitter distance. Build-
ings or other obstructions may cause
momentary static, flutter or station inter-
ference. If reception continues to be
unsatisfactory, switch to a stronger station. XM
TMSatellite radio recep-
tion (if equipped) XM
TMis a continental U.S. based satellite
radio service that offers more than 160
coast to coast channels, including music,
news, sports, talk and children ’s program-
ming. XM
TMprovides digital quality audio
and text information, including song title
and artist name. A service fee is required
to receive the XM
TMservice. For more
information, contact XMTMatwww.xmradio.com or call 1-800-XM-
RADIO (1-800-967-2346).
The XM
TMsatellite radio receiver that is
fitted to your vehicle receives the neces-
sary signals from two specially designated
satellites that are in a geostationary orbit
over the equator. One satellite covers the
east coast and the other covers the west
coast. Both of them direct their signals
north. These signals are then relayed
throughout the USA by a network of
ground repeater stations. The satellite
radio signals are transmitted as “line of
sight ”signals. Line of sight signals can be
blocked by objects such as buildings, but
the network of repeater stations allows
signal coverage within urban areas such
as cities.
You may experience problems in receiving

5-12Audio
radio, it may cause the radio to emit
noise when it receives calls. This noise
does not indicate a radio fault. !Selecting preset stations
Presetting a station with a preset button
allows you to select that station in a single
operation. Up to six AM, FM1 and FM2
stations each may be preset. Satellite radio operation (if equipped)
To receive satellite radio, it is necessary to
install the Subaru genuine satellite recei-
ver (dealer option) and to enter into a
contract. For details, please contact your
SUBARU dealer. &
XM
TMsatellite radio
XMTMis a continental U.S. based satellite
radio service that offers more than 160
coast to coast channels, including music,
news, sports, talk and children ’s program-
ming. XM
TMprovides digital quality audio
and text information, including song title
and artist name. A service fee is required
to receive the XM
TMservice. For more
information, contact XMTMatwww.xmradio.com or call 1-800-XM-
RADIO (1-800-967-2346). & Satellite radio reception
Satellite radio signals are best received in
areas with a clear view of the open sky. In
areas where there are tall buildings, trees,
tunnels or other structures that may
obstruct the signal of the satellites, there
may be signal interruptions. Other circum-
stances that may result in signal loss
include driving near a wall, steep cliff, hill or driving on the lower level of a multi-
tiered road or inside of a parking garage.
To help reduce this condition, satellite
radio providers have installed ground-
based repeaters in heavily populated
areas. However, you may still experience
reception problems in some areas. &
Band selection
Push the “SAT ”button when the radio is
off to turn on the radio.
Push the “SAT ”button when the radio is
on to select XM1, XM2 or XM3 reception.

6-18Interior equipment
desired device. For details on the device
types which can be operated by this
system, consult the HomeLink website at
www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-3515.
Note the following about this system:
If your vehicle is equipped with the
HomeLink® Wireless Control System, it
complies with Part 15 of the Federal
Communication Commission Rules in the
U.S. and the RSS-210 of Industry Canada
in Canada. Its operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes and modifications to this system
by anyone other than an authorized
service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
HomeLink and the HomeLink house are
registered trademarks of Johnson Con-
trols, Inc.
WARNING
. When programming the
HomeLink ®Wireless Control
System, you may be operating a garage door opener or other
device. Make sure that people
and objects are out of the way
of the garage door opener or
other device to prevent potential
harm or damage.
. Do not use the HomeLink ®Wire-
less Control System with any
garage door opener that lacks
the safety stop and reverse fea-
ture as required by applicable
safety standards. A garage door
opener which cannot detect an
object, signaling the door to stop
and reverse, does not meet these
safety standards. Using a garage
door opener without these fea-
tures increases risk of serious
injury or death. For more infor-
mation, consult the HomeLink
website at www.homelink.com
or call 1-800-355-3515.
CAUTION
When programming the HomeLink ®
Wireless Control System to operate
a garage door opener or an entrance
gate, unplug the device ’s motor
from the outlet during programming
to prevent motor burnout. NOTE .
After programming your HomeLink ®
Wireless Control System for the de-
sired devices, retain the hand-held
transmitters for further programming
or device testing in the event of aproblem.. It is recommended that you insert a
new battery in the hand-held transmit-
ter of a device to ensure correctprogramming. & Garage door opener pro-
gramming in the U.S.A.
NOTE
When programming the HomeLink ®
Wireless Control System for a garage
door opener, it is suggested that you
park the vehicle outside the garage.
1. Unplug the motor of the garage door
opener from the outlet.

Fuel...................................................................... 7-3
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-5
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-9
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-9
Manual transmission vehicle ................................ 7-9
Automatic transmission vehicle .......................... 7-10
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-11
Remote engine start system (dealer option) ................................................. 7-11
Starting your vehicle .......................................... 7-12
Remote start safety features ............................... 7-12
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-12
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-12
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-13
Service mode ..................................................... 7-13
Remote transmitter programming and programmable feature option ............................ 7-13
System maintenance .......................................... 7-14
Manual transmission –5 speeds ...................... 7-15
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-15
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-16
Manual transmission –6 speeds (2.5GT
spec.B) ............................................................. 7-17
Selecting reverse gear ........................................ 7-17
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-17
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-18 Automatic transmission
–4-speed ................... 7-18
Selector lever .................................................... 7-19
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function ............ 7-20
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-21
Maximum speeds ............................................... 7-22
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-23
SPORT mode ..................................................... 7-23
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-23
Automatic transmission –5-speed ................... 7-24
Selector lever .................................................... 7-25
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function ............ 7-26
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-27
Maximum speeds ............................................... 7-29
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-29
SPORT mode (Non-turbo models) ....................... 7-30
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-30
SI-DRIVE (Turbo models) .................................. 7-31
Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-31
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-32
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-32
SI-DRIVE selector .............................................. 7-32
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-33
Power steering ................................................... 7-33
Braking ............................................................... 7-34
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-34
Brake system .................................................... 7-34
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-34
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-35
ABS system self-check ...................................... 7-35
Starting and operating
7

Fuel
CAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality
or use of an inappropriate fuel
additive may cause engine damage.
& Fuel requirements
! 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. ! 2.5-liter turbo models
The 2.5-liter turbo engine is designed to
operate using premium unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher. If
premium unleaded gasoline is not avail-
able, regular unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 87 AKI or higher may be
temporarily used. For optimum engine
performance and driveability, it is required
that you use premium grade unleadedgasoline. NOTE
Be sure to use premium unleaded
gasoline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5-
liter turbo engine model. If other gaso-
line (lower than 91 AKI) is used, knock-
ing, reduced output and poor
accelerator response will result. !
3.0-liter models
The 3.0-liter engine is designed to operate
using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 91 AKI or higher. Regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87 AKI or higher may be used. However
for optimum engine performance and
driveability, it is recommended that you
use 91 AKI or higher grade unleaded
gasoline. You may experience reduced
output, poor accelerator response, and
reduced fuel economy when using gaso-
line with an octane rating lower than 91
AKI, depending on your driving habits and
conditions. If you experience any of these
conditions while using a lower octane
rated fuel, you may want to return to using
91 AKI octane rated fuel as soon as
possible. Additionally, if your vehicle
knocks heavily or persistently, or if you
are driving with heavy loads such as when
towing a trailer, the use of 91 AKI or higher
grade unleaded gasoline is required. !
Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the
Research Octane and Motor Octane
numbers and is commonly referred to as
the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Using a gasoline with a lower octane
rating can cause persistent and heavy
knocking, which can damage the engine.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle
sometimes 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. ! 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. ! 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
system performance with gasoline that
meets the clean burning low-sulfur Cali-
fornia gasoline specifications. If you live in Starting and operating
7-3
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7-4Starting and operating
any other state than California, your
vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting
Federal specifications. Gasoline sold out-
side California is permitted to have higher
sulfur levels, which may affect the perfor-
mance 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
authorized 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. ! 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
determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not
be covered by your warranty. !
Gasoline for cleaner air
CAUTION
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.
Your use of gasoline with detergent
additives will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system.
This helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working
properly, and is a way of doing your part
for cleaner air. If you continuously use a
high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never
need to add any fuel system cleaning
agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with
materials called oxygenates. Use of these
fuels can also help keep the air cleaner.
Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol
(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in
your vehicle, but should contain no more
than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are
now producing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. SUBARU approves the use of
reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains,
you should ask your service station
operators if their gasolines contain deter-
gents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emis-sions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels
suited for your vehicle as explained in thefollowing. .
Fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that specified
in this manual. . Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is
sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline.
Methanol can be used in your vehicle
ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel
mixture ANDif it is accompanied by
sufficient quantities of the proper cosol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors required to
prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not
use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT
under these conditions. . If undesirable driveability problems are
experienced and you suspect they may be
fuel related, try a different brand of gaso-
line before seeking service at your
SUBARU dealer. . Fuel system damage or driveability

NOTE
.You will see the “”sign in the fuel
gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle.. If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator
lamp may come on. Refer to the“ Warning and indicator lights ”section
located in chapter 3.
(Turbo model only) Promptly put fuel in
the tank whenever the low fuel warning
light comes on. Engine misfires as a
result of an empty tank could cause
damage to the engine.
CAUTION
. Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
. Make sure that the cap is tigh-
tened until it clicks to prevent
fuel spillage in the event of anaccident.
. Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels
may cause paint damage, which
is not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty.
. Always use a genuine SUBARU
fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting, and your fuel
tank and emission control sys-
tem might be damaged. State emission testing (U.S. only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle
must NEVER be performed on a
single two-wheel dynamometer. At-
tempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.
CAUTION
Resultant vehicle damage due to
improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or its
contractors or licensees.
At state inspection time, remember to
tell your inspection or service station in
advance not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.
Some states have started using dynam-
ometers in their state inspection programs Starting and operating
7-7
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