2008 SUBARU OUTBACK brake fluid

11-8Maintenance and service
& 3.0-liter models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-28)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-24)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-23)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
5) Fuse box (page 11-48)
6) Battery (page 11-47)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-41)
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)

Automatic transmission fluid &Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid temperature.
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 operatingtemperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176 8F (70 to 80 8C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each
position. 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. ! 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. Maintenance and service
11-23
– CONTINUED –

Brake fluid &Checking the fluid level
WARNING
. Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.
. Brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
. Never use different brands of
brake fluid together. Also, avoid
mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake
fluids even if they are of the samebrand. .
When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
. Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.
. 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
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
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
container.
& Recommended brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid Maintenance and service
11-29

11-30Maintenance and service
Clutch fluid (MT models) &Checking the fluid level
WARNING
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 isadvisable.
CAUTION
. Clutch fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause improper clutchoperation.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
. Never use different brands of
clutch fluid together.
. When clutch fluid is added, be
careful not to allow any dirt into
the tank. .
Never splash the clutch fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the clutch
fluid may damage them.
. Be careful not to spill clutch fluid
when adding it. If clutch fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below “MIN ”level
mark, add the recommended clutch fluidto “MAX ”level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed
container. &
Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid
CAUTION
Avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4
brake fluids even if they are of the
same brand.

WARNING
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety. .
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,
tighten it to the specified torque. . Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. . Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel. . When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paintdamage.
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. Maintenance and service
11-41
– CONTINUED –

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-35
Warning light ................................................. 3-34, 7-35
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-50
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-8
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-7
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-17
Air conditioner ............................................................. 4-7
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-13
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-2
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-15
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-36
Aluminum wheel cleaning ............................................ 10-3
Aluminum wheels ...................................................... 11-41
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-35
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-16
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light ............................... 3-32
Audio control button ................................................... 5-26
Audio set .................................................................... 5-5
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...................................... 3-55
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-8
Automatic transmission 4-speed ................................................................ 7-18
5-speed ................................................................ 7-24
Capacities ............................................................. 12-4
Fluid .................................................................... 11-23
Manual mode ................................................ 7-21, 7-27
Selector lever ................................................ 7-18, 7-25
Shift lock release ........................................... 7-23, 7-29 SPORT
................................................................. 7-23
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ................. 3-32
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-14
B Battery .................................................................... 11-47
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-8
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-33
Brake Booster ....................................................... 7-34, 11-31
Fluid ................................................................... 11-29
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-33
Parking ....................................................... 7-45, 11-33
Pedal .................................................................. 11-31
System .................................................................. 7-34
Brake pedal
Free play ............................................................. 11-31
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-31
Brake system ............................................................. 7-34
Warning light .......................................................... 3-35
Braking ..................................................................... 7-34
Tips ...................................................................... 7-34
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-33
Bulb Chart .................................................................... 12-9
Replacing ............................................................ 11-51
C Capacities ................................................................. 12-4

Cargo areaCover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ....................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-16
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-10
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-32
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ...................................................................... 3-31
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-31
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-31
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-32
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-32
Engine oil level ...................................................... 11-9
Fluid level ............................... 11-23, 11-28, 11-29, 11-30
Gear oil level ........................................................ 11-25
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-27
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................................ 1-30
Lower and tether anchorages .................................. 1-35
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks ................................................................... 2-20
Chime
Key ........................................................................ 3-5 Seatbelt ........................................................ 1-15, 3-29 Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-40
Clutch
Fluid ................................................................... 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-32
Coat hook. ................................................................. 6-10
Coolant ................................................................... 11-14
Cooling system ........................................................ 11-14
Corrosion protection ............................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-46
Set indicator light .................................................... 3-40
Cruise control indicator light ......................................... 3-40
Cup holder ................................................................. 6-7
Front passenger ’s.................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-47
Differential gear oil Front ................................................................... 11-24
Rear ................................................................... 11-25
Dimensions ................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the system ................................................. 2-18
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-34
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-58 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-5
Open warning light ................................................. 3-36
Drive belts. ............................................................... 11-21
Driving All-Wheel Drive vehicle ........................................... 3-36
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 7
Drinking ..................................................................... 6
Drugs ........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-5
Pets .......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................................ 8-9
Tips....................................... 7-15, 7-17, 7-22, 7-29, 8-5
Tired or sleepy. ........................................................... 7
E
ECO gauge ................................................................. 3-8
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........................................................... 3-35, 7-36
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-14
Engine Compartment overview ........................................... 11-6
Coolant ................................................................ 11-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ............................ 6, 8-3
Hood .................................................................... 11-4
Oil........................................................................ 11-9Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting ................................................................... 7-9
Stopping ............................................................... 7-10
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2 F
Flat tires
..................................................................... 9-4
Floor mat ................................................................... 6-12
Fluid level Automatic transmission ......................................... 11-23
Brake .................................................................. 11-29
Clutch ................................................................. 11-30
Power steering ..................................................... 11-28
Fog light switch .......................................................... 3-48
Front Differential gear oil ................................................ 11-24
Fog light .............................................................. 11-54
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-24
Seats ..................................................................... 1-2
Front seats Fore and aft adjustment ..................................... 1-3, 1-4
Reclining .......................................................... 1-3, 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-3
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-5
Gauge ............................................................ 3-6, 3-26
Requirements ......................................................... 7-3
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-48
Fuses and circuits ...................................................... 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ............................... 8-15
Gear position indicator ................................................ 3-39
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ... ........................ 8-15