2009 SUBARU OUTBACK engine

!Air conditioner button
The air conditioner operates only when
the engine is running.
Push the air conditioner button while the
fan is in operation to turn on the air
conditioner. The indicator light will illumi-nate.
Push it again to turn off the air conditioner. !
Air inlet selection buttonON position (Recirculation): Interior air is
recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the air inlet button to the ON
position. The indicator light will illuminate.
Place this button in the ON position when
you wish to cool the cabin quickly (in a
vehicle with an air conditioner) or are
driving on a dusty road.
OFF position (Outside air): Outside air is
drawn into the passenger compartment.
Push the air inlet button again to the OFF
position. The indicator light will go off.
Place this button in the OFF position when
you reach a road that is not dusty and
when you wish to achieve a comfortable
temperature in the cabin.
WARNING
Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows. Switch
to the OFF position as soon as the
outside dusty condition clears.
& Heater operation
! Defrosting or defogging the wind-shield
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
”
position.
3. Turn the temperature control dial all
the way to the right.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the
highest speed.
NOTE . In a vehicle equipped with an air
conditioner, when the dial is placed in the “
”position or “”position the
air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates to quickly defog the
windshield. However the indicator on
the air conditioner button will not Climate control
4-5
– CONTINUED –

2. Set the air flow control dial to the“”
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the
way left.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the
desired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air
inlet control button to the ON position.
WARNING
Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows. Switch
to the OFF position as soon as the
outside dusty condition clears.
& Air conditioner operation
! Cooling or dehumidifying
For cooling and dehumidification of the
passenger compartment, air flows through
the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
”
position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the “ ON ”position.
4. Set the temperature control dial to the
blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the desired speed. !
Defrosting or defogging
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air outlet control dial to the “
” position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
red side.
3. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed. NOTE
In a vehicle equipped with an air
conditioner, when the dial is placed inthe “
”position or “”position the
air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates to quickly defog the
windshield. However the indicator on
the air conditioner button will not
illuminate. At the same time, the air
inlet selection is automatically set to“ outside air ”mode.
In this state, you cannot select “recir-
culation ”mode by manually pressing
the air inlet selection button.
Also, you cannot stop the air condi-
tioner compressor by pressing the air
conditioner button. Automatic climate control
system (if equipped) NOTE .
Operate the automatic climate con-
trol system when the engine is running. . The blower fan rotates at a low
speed when the engine coolant tem-
perature is low.
For efficient defogging or dehumidify-
ing in cold weather, press the “A/C ”
button.. Even when cooling is not necessary,
setting the temperature much lower
than the current outlet air temperature
turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor automatically and the “A/C ”indi-
cator light on the control panel illumi-nates.
The automatic climate control system
automatically controls outlet air tempera-
ture, fan speed, air flow distribution air-
inlet control, and air conditioner compres-
sor operation. It activates when the“ AUTO ”button is pressed, and is used to
maintain a constant, comfortable climate
within the passenger compartment.
The temperature can be set within a range
of 65 to 85 8F (18 to 32 8C).
Climate control
4-7
– CONTINUED –

4-12Climate control
Operating tips for heater and
air conditioner &Cleaning ventilator grille
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free of snow, leaves, or other obstructions
to ensure efficient heating and defrosting.
Since the condenser is located in front of
the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired
by any accumulation of insects and leaves
on the condenser. &Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to
allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency.
& Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil. & Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-son
Check the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Please have the air
conditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer. & Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning system. &
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.

&Vanity mirror with light
CAUTION
Keep the vanity mirror cover closed
while the car is being driven to avoiddazzle.
To use the vanity mirror, swing down the
sun visor and open the vanity mirror cover.
The light beside the vanity mirror illumi-
nates when the ignition switch is either inthe “Acc ”or “ON ”position and the mirror
cover is opened.
NOTE
Use of the vanity mirror light for a long
period of time while the engine is not
running can cause battery discharge. Storage compartment
CAUTION
. Always keep the storage com-
partment closed while driving to
reduce the risk of injury in the
event of sudden stops or anaccident.
. Do not store spray cans, contain-
ers with flammable or corrosive
liquids or any other dangerous
items in the storage compart-ment. &
Glove box
1) Lock
2) Unlock
To open the glove box, pull the handle. To
close it, push the lid firmly upward.
To lock the glove box, insert the key and
turn it clockwise. Interior equipment
6-5
– CONTINUED –

6-10Interior equipment
When using appliances connected to two
or more outlets simultaneously, the total
power consumed by them must not
exceed 120W.
CAUTION
. Do not attempt to use a cigarette
lighter in the accessory power outlet.
. Do not place any foreign objects,
especially metal ones such as
coins or aluminum foil, into the
accessory power outlet. That
could cause a short circuit. Al-
ways put the cap on the acces-
sory power outlet when it is not
in use.
. Use only electrical appliances
which are designed for 12V DC.
The maximum power rating of an
appliance that can be connected
varies among outlets as shown in
the following list. Do not use an
appliance which exceeds the in-
dicated wattage for each outlet. – Outlet next to the front pocket:
80W or less
– Outlets in the center console
and cargo area: 120W or less
When using appliances con- nected to two or more outlets
simultaneously, the total power
consumed by them must not
exceed 120W. Overloading the
accessory power outlet can
cause a short circuit. Do not use
double adapters or more than
one electrical appliance.
. If the plug on your electric appli-
ance is either too loose or too
tight for the accessory power
outlet, this can result in a poor
contact or cause the plug to get
stuck. Only use plugs that fit
properly.
. Use of an electric appliance in the
accessory power outlet for a long
period of time while the engine is
not running can cause batterydischarge.
. Before driving your vehicle, make
sure that the plug and the cord
on your electrical appliance will
not interfere with your shifting
gears and operating the accel-
erator and brake pedals. If they
do, do not use the electrical
appliance while driving.
NOTE
When the lid of the center console is
closed, a gap remains between the
center console and the lid to allow the
power outlet in the center console to be
used. Pass the electrical appliance ’s
cord through this gap.
& Use with a cigarette lighter
(Canada only —if equipped)
To use the accessory power outlet next to
the front pocket as a cigarette lighter
socket, purchase the cigarette lighter plug,
which is an optional accessory.
A cigarette lighter plug is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
The cigarette lighter operates only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON ”or “Acc ”

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 ............................................... 7-8
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 ............................................... 7-24
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
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-30
SI-DRIVE (turbo and 3.0 L models) .................. 7-31
Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-31
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-32
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-32
SI-DRIVE selector .............................................. 7-32
SI-DRIVE Sport Sharp (S#) switch ...................... 7-33
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-33
Power steering ................................................... 7-34
Braking ............................................................... 7-34
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-34
Brake system .................................................... 7-34
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-35
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 L non-turbo models
The 2.5 L non-turbo engine is designed to
operate using unleadedgasoline with an
octane rating of 87 AKI or higher .
! 2.5 L turbo models
The 2.5 L turbo engine is designed to
operate using premium unleadedgaso-
line with an octane 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
required that you use premium grade
unleaded gasoline. NOTE
Be sure to use premium unleaded
gasoline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5
L turbo engine model. If other gasoline
(lower than 91 AKI) is used, knocking,
reduced output and poor accelerator
response will result. !
3.0 L models
The 3.0 L 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
any other state than California, your Starting and operating
7-3
– CONTINUED –

7-4Starting and operating
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.