2010 SUBARU OUTBACK steering

1-50Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
The SRS airbag can function only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON ”position.
The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
system is designed to determine the
activation or deactivation condition of the
front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag
depending on the total load on the frontpassenger ’s seat monitored by the front
passenger ’s occupant detection system
weight sensor. For this reason, only thedriver ’s SRS frontal airbag may deploy in
the event of a collision, but this does not
mean failure of the system.
If the front sub sensors inside both front
fenders and the impact sensors in the
airbag control module detect a predeter-
mined amount of force during a frontal
collision, the control module sends signals
to the airbag module(s) (only driver ’s
module or both driver ’s and front passen-
ger ’s modules) instructing the module(s)
to inflate the SRS frontal airbag(s). Thedriver ’s and front passenger ’s SRS frontal
airbags use dual stage inflators. The two
inflators of each airbag are triggered either
sequentially or simultaneously, depending
on the severity of impact in the case of thedriver ’s SRS frontal airbag and depending
on the severity of impact and the total load
on the seat in the case of the frontpassenger ’s SRS frontal airbag. After deployment, the SRS airbag imme-
diately starts to deflate so that the driver
’s
vision is not obstructed. The time required
from detecting impact to the deflation of
the SRS airbag after deployment is short-
er than the blink of an eye.
Both when only the driver ’s SRS frontal
airbag deploys and the driver ’s and front
passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags deploy,
the driver ’s and front passenger ’s seatbelt
pretensioners operate at the same time.
Although it is highly unlikely that the SRS
airbag would activate in a non-accident
situation, should it occur, the SRS airbag
will deflate quickly, not obscuring vision
and will not interfere with the driver ’s
ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden,
fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and
some smoke will be released. These
occurrences are a normal result of the
deployment. This smoke does not indicate
a fire in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system
components around the steering
wheel and dashboard with bare
hands right after deployment. Doing
so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a
result of deployment.
The driver ’s SRS frontal airbag and front
passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag are de-
signed to deploy in the event of an
accident involving a moderate to severe
frontal collision. It is basically not designed
to deploy in lesser frontal impacts be-
cause the necessary protection can be
achieved by the seatbelt alone. Also, they
are basically not designed to deploy in
side or rear impacts or in roll-over acci-
dents because deployment of only thedriver ’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver ’s
and front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags
would not help the occupant in those
situations. The driver ’s and front passen-
ger ’s SRS frontal airbags are designed to
function on a one-time-only basis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the
level of force experienced in the passen-
ger compartment during a collision. That
level differs from one type of collision to
another, and it may have no bearing on
the visible damage done to the vehicleitself.

1-56Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
near the SRS side airbags. In the
event of the SRS side airbag
deployment, they could be pro-
pelled dangerously toward thevehicle’s occupants and cause
injuries.
. Do not attach a hands-free micro-
phone or any other accessory to
a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear
pillar, the windshield, a side win-
dow, an assist grip, or any other
cabin surface that would be near
a deploying SRS curtain airbag.
A hands-free microphone or
other accessory in such a loca-
tion could be propelled through
the cabin with great force by the
curtain airbag, or it could prevent
correct deployment of the curtain
airbag. In either case, the result
could be serious injuries.
. Do not hang coat hangers or
other hard or pointed objects on
the coat hooks. If such items
were hanging on the coat hooks
during deployment of the SRS
curtain airbags, they could cause
serious injuries by coming off the
coat hooks and being thrown
through the cabin or by prevent-
ing deployment of the curtainairbags. Before hanging clothing on the
coat hooks, make sure there are
no sharp objects in the pockets.
Hang clothing directly on the
coat hooks without using hang-ers.
WARNING
Do not put any kind of cover or
clothes or other objects over either
front seatback and do not attach
labels or stickers to the front seat
surface on or near the SRS side
airbag. They could prevent proper
deployment of the SRS side airbag,
reducing protection available to the
front seat ’s occupant. !
Operation
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag can function only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON ”position.
The driver ’s and front passenger ’s SRS
side airbags and SRS curtain airbags
deploy independently of each other since
each has its own impact sensor. There-
fore, they may not both deploy in the same
accident. Also, the SRS side airbag and
SRS curtain airbag deploys independently
of the driver ’s and front passenger ’s SRS
frontal airbags in the steering wheel and
instrument panel.
An impact sensor, which senses impact
force, is located in each of the left and
right center pillars and rear wheel houses.
Another impact sensor, which also senses

1-64Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas
of your vehicle listed in the follow-
ing, have an authorized SUBARU
dealer perform the work. The SRS
airbag control module, impact sen-
sors and airbag modules are stored
in these areas. . Under the center console
. Inside each front fender
. Steering wheel and column and
nearby areas
. Top of the dashboard on front
passenger ’ssideandnearby
areas
. Each front seat and nearby area
. Inside each center pillar
. In each roof side (from the front
pillar to a point over the rear seat)
. Between the rear seat cushion
and rear wheel house on each side
. Under the rear center seat
In the event that the SRS airbag is
deployed, replacement of the system
should be performed only by an author-
ized SUBARU dealer. When the compo-
nents of the SRS airbag system are replaced, use only genuine SUBARUparts.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. . The front part of the vehicle was
involved in an accident in which only
the driver ’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver ’s and front passenger ’sSRS
frontal airbags did not deploy.. The pad of the steering wheel, the
cover over the front passenger ’s SRS
frontal airbag, or either roof side (from
the front pillar to a point over the rear
seat) is scratched, cracked, or other-
wise damaged.. The center pillar, rear wheel house
or rear sub frame, or an area near these
parts, was involved in an accident in
which the SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag did not deploy.. The fabric or leather of either front
seatback is cut, frayed, or otherwisedamaged.. The rear part of the vehicle was
involved in an accident. &
Precautions against vehicle modification
WARNING
To avoid accidental activation of the
system or rendering the system
inoperative, which may result in
serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any components
or wiring of the SRS airbag system.
This includes the following modifi- cations: . Installation of custom steering
wheels
. Attachment of additional trim
materials to the dashboard
. Installation of custom seats
. Replacement of seat fabric or
leather
. Installation of additional fabric or
leather on the front seat
. Attachment of a hands-free mi-
crophone or any other accessory
to a front pillar, a center pillar, a
rear pillar, the windshield, a side
window, an assist grip, or any
other cabin surface that would be
near a deploying SRS curtainairbag.

Instruments and controlsLight control switch ........................................... 3-27
Headlights. ......................................................... 3-27
High/low beam change (dimmer) ......................... 3-28
Headlight flasher ................................................ 3-28
Daytime running light system ............................. 3-29
Turn signal lever ................................................ 3-29
Illumination brightness control ......................... 3-30
Front fog light switch (if equipped) .................. 3-30Wiper and washer
.............................................. 3-31
Windshield wiper and washer switches .............. 3-32
Rear window wiper and washer switch (Outback) ........................................................ 3-34
Defogger and deicer .......................................... 3-34
Mirrors ................................................................ 3-36
Inside mirror ...................................................... 3-36
Auto-dimming mirror/compass (if equipped) ....... 3-36
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-38
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel ........................... 3-38
Horn .................................................................... 3-39

Ignition switch
WARNING
. Never turn the ignition switch to
“ LOCK ”while the vehicle is
being driven or towed because
that will lock the steering wheel,
preventing steering control. And
when the engine is turned off, it
takes a much greater effort than
usual to steer.
. Before leaving the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child
to remain in the vehicle. Failure
to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child or
others. Children could operate
the power windows, the sunroof
or other controls or even make
the vehicle move.
CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or
key case to either key. If it banged
against your knees or hands while
you are driving, it could turn the
ignition switch from the “ON ”posi- tion to the
“Acc ”or “LOCK ”posi-
tion, thereby stopping the engine.
Also, if the key is attached to a
keyholder or to a large bunch of
other keys, centrifugal force may act
on it as the vehicle moves, resulting
in unwanted turning of the ignitionswitch.
The ignition switch has four positions:
LOCK, Acc, ON and START.
NOTE . Keep the ignition switch in the
“ LOCK ”position when the engine is
not running. . Using electrical accessories for a
long time with the ignition switch in the“ ON ”or “Acc ”position can cause the
battery to go dead. .
If the ignition switch will not move
from the “LOCK ”position to the “Acc ”
position, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left and right as you turn
the ignition switch.
& LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed
in this position. The ignition switch will lock
the steering wheel when you remove the
key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right and left
as you turn the key.
The key can be turned from “Acc ”to
“ LOCK ”only when the key is pushed in
while turning it (all models) and the select
lever is in the “P ” position (AT and CVT
models). Instruments and controls
3-3
– CONTINUED –

3-38Instruments and controls
&Outside mirrors
! Convex mirror (passenger side)
WARNING
Objects look smaller in a convex
mirror and farther away than when
viewed in a flat mirror. Do not use
the convex mirror to judge the
distance of vehicles behind you
when changing lanes. Use the inside
mirror (or glance backwards) to
determine the actual size and dis-
tance of objects that you view in
convex mirror. !
Remote control mirror switch
The remote control mirrors operate only
when the ignition switch is in the “ON ”or
“ Acc ”position.
1. Turn the knob to the “L ” side to adjust
the left-hand mirror or to the “R ” side to
adjust the right-hand mirror.
2. Move the knob in the direction you
want to move the mirror.
3. Return the knob to the neutral position
to prevent unintentional operation.
The mirrors can also be adjusted manu-
ally. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel tilt/
telescopic position while driving.
This may cause loss of vehicle
control and result in personal injury.
1. Adjust the seat position. Refer to “ Front seats ”F 1-2.
2. Pull the tilt/telescopic lock lever down.
3. Move the steering wheel to the desired level.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering
wheel in place.
5. Make sure that the steering wheel is
securely locked by moving it up and down,

These buttons are located on the spokes
of the steering wheel. They allow the
driver to control audio functions without
taking his/her hands off the steeringwheel. &MODE button
This button is used to select the desired
audio mode. Each time it is pressed, the
mode changes to the next one in the
following sequence.
*1: The frequency last received in the selected
waveband will be displayed.
*2: Only when a CD is in the player. *3: Only when an auxiliary audio product is
connected.
*4: Only when an iPod is connected using the
iPod adapter that is available as a dealeroption.
& “
”and “”switch
! With radio mode selected
Press the switch to the “
”or “”side
briefly to skip to a preset channel. Press
the switch to the “
”or “”side for more
than 0.5 second to seek the next recei-
vable station and stop at it.
That station ’s frequency will be indicated
on the audio display. ! With CD mode selected
Press the switch to the “
”side to skip
forward in the track/file (track) order. Press the switch to the
“
”side to skip back-
ward in the track/file (track) order.
The track/file (track) number will be shown
on the audio display. ! With SAT mode selected
Press the switch to the “
”side to skip
forward in the channel order. Press the
switch to the “
”side to skip backward in
the channel order. When the switch is
briefly pressed, the channel will skip every
1 channel. When the switch is pressed for
more than 0.5 second, the channel will
skip every 10 channels. The channel will
be shown on the audio display.
& Volume control switch
Press the switch to the “+ ”side to increase
the volume. Press the switch to the “ ”
Audio
5-31
– CONTINUED –

Fuel...................................................................... 7-2
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-6
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-7
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-8
MT models .......................................................... 7-8
AT and CVT models ............................................. 7-9
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-10
Remote engine start system (dealer option) ................................................. 7-10
Starting your vehicle .......................................... 7-11
Remote start safety features ............................... 7-11
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-12
Remote start confirmation transmitter feature ............................................................. 7-12
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-13
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-13
Service mode ..................................................... 7-14
Remote transmitter program ............................... 7-14
System maintenance .......................................... 7-14
Manual transmission .......................................... 7-16
Selecting reverse gear ........................................ 7-16
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-17
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-17
Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission ..................................... 7-18
Select lever ........................................................ 7-19 Shift lock function
............................................. 7-20
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-21
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-23
Power steering ................................................... 7-23
Braking ............................................................... 7-23
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-23
Brake system .................................................... 7-24
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-24
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-25
ABS system self-check ...................................... 7-25
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-25
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ............................................................. 7-26
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions ..... ..... 7-27
Vehicle Dynamics Control system .................... 7-28
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor..... ..... 7-29
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................ 7-31
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-32
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-33
Electronic parking brake .................................... 7-34
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-37
Cruise control .................................................... 7-38
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-38
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-39
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-39
To change the cruising speed .. .......................... 7-40
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 7-41
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 7-41
Starting and operating
7