2012 SUBARU OUTBACK oil temperature

&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-9
Front passenger ’s
seatbelt warning light 3-9
SRS airbag system
warning light3-11
CHECK ENGINE warn-
ing light/Malfunction in-
dicator light3-12
Coolant temperature
low indicator light/Cool-
ant temperature high
warning light3-13
Charge warning light 3-14
Oil pressure warning light
3-14
Engine oil level warning light3-14
AT OIL TEMP warning
light (AT and CVT mod- els)3-14
/ABS warning light 3-16 Mark Name Page
/Brake system warning light
3-17
Hill Holder indicator light3-19
Door open indicator light
3-19
Low fuel warning light 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (AT and CVT models)3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol OFF indicator light
3-21
Security indicator light 3-21
Turn signal indicator lights
3-22
High beam indicator light3-22
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)3-23Mark Name Page
Cruise control indicator light
3-23
Cruise control set indi-
cator light3-23
Headlight indicator light 3-23
Low tire pressure
warning light
(U.S. spec. models)3-15
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag ON indicator light 3-11
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag OFF indicator light 3-11
Shift-up indicator 3-22
Windshield washer fluid
warning light
3-1919

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-4
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-4
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-5
Meters and gauges. ............................................. 3-5
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-5
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle movement upon turning on the ignition switch ............................................................... 3-5
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-6
Odometer ............................................................ 3-6
Double trip meter ................................................ 3-6
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-7
Fuel gauge .......................................................... 3-7
ECO gauge ......................................................... 3-8
Warning and indicator lights .............................. 3-9
Seatbelt warning light and chime ......................... 3-9
SRS airbag system warning light ........................ 3-11
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ......................................................... 3-11
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ................................................... 3-12
Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light ......................... 3-13
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-14
Oil pressure warning light .................................. 3-14
Engine low oil level warning light ....................... 3-14AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT and CVT
models) ........................................................... 3-14
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S. spec. models) ........................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light .............................................. 3-16
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-17
Hill Holder indicator light ................................... 3-19
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 3-19
Door open indicator light ................................... 3-19
Windshield washer fluid warning light ................ 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT and CVT models) ........................................................... 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light .. ..... 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light ..... 3-21
Security indicator light ....................................... 3-21
Select lever/gear position indicator ..................... 3-22
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-22
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-22
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-23
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-23
Headlight indicator light ..................................... 3-23
Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) ..... ..... 3-23
Clock .................................................................. 3-23
Multi function display ........................................ 3-24
Outside temperature indicator .. .......................... 3-24
Average fuel consumption ................................. 3-25
Current fuel consumption .................................. 3-26
Driving range on remaining fuel ......................... 3-26
Light control switch ........................................... 3-27
Headlights ......................................................... 3-27
Instruments and controls
3

Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then go out
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the“ON ”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the “ON ”position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and turn off after several sec-
onds or after the engine has started:
: Seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens the seatbelt.)
: Front passenger ’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal- function indicator light
: Coolant temperature high warning light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: Engine low oil level warning light
: Windshield washer fluid warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light(AT and CVT models)
/: ABS warning light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indica-
tor light
/: Brake system warning light
: Hill Holder indicator light
: All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT andCVT models)
: Low tire pressure warning light (U.S. spec. models)
: Low fuel warning light
: Door open indicator light
: Cruise control indicator light
: Cruise control set indicator light
: Select lever/gear position indicator
If any lights fail to illuminate, it indicates a
burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the
corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer
for repair. & Seatbelt warning light
and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt
warning device at the driver ’s and front
passenger ’s seat, as required by current
safety standards.
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON ”
position, this device reminds the driver
and front passenger to fasten their seat-
belts by the warning lights in the locations
indicated in the following illustration and achime. Instruments and controls
3-9
– CONTINUED –

3-14Instruments and controls
&Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good
condition but the light remains illuminated,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately. &Oil pressure warning light
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the proper level but the light remains
illuminated, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
& Engine low oil level
warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil
level decreases to the lower limit. The
illuminating conditions and remaining oil
level are shown in the following items.
2.5 L models:.when the ignition switch is in the “ON ”
position but the engine is not running:
approximately 1.9 US qt (1.8 liters, 1.6
Imp qt) . while the engine is running: approxi-
mately 3.2 US qt (3.0 liters, 2.6 Imp qt)
3.6 L models: . when the ignition switch is in the “ON ”
position but the engine is not running:
approximately 4.0 US qt (3.8 liters, 3.3
Imp qt) . while the engine is running: approxi-
mately 5.6 US qt (5.3 liters, 4.7 Imp qt)
If the engine low oil level warning light
illuminates while driving, park the vehicle
at a safe and level location, and then
check the engine oil level. When the
engine oil level is not within the normal
range, refill with engine oil if necessary. Refer to
“Engine oil ”F 11-12.
If the warning light does not turn off after
refilling with engine oil or the warning light
illuminates even though the engine oil
level is within the normal range, have the
system checked by a SUBARU dealer.
NOTE . The engine low oil level warning
light will not turn off immediately even
if you replace or add engine oil. It will
turn off only when the vehicle is idling
and the engine is warmed up comple-
tely.. When the vehicle is considerably
inclined on an uphill or steep slope, the
warning light may illuminate tempora-
rily due to the movement of engine oil
in the engine. & AT OIL TEMP warning
light (AT and CVT mod-els)
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, im-
mediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the engine idle until the warning
light turns off.

Ventilator control................................................. 4-2
Center ventilators ................................................ 4-2
Side ventilators ................................................... 4-2
Climate control panel .......................................... 4-3
Type A ................................................................ 4-3
Type B ................................................................ 4-4
Automatic climate control system (type B) ....... 4-5
Temperature sensors ........................................... 4-5
Manual climate control ....................................... 4-6
Airflow mode selection ........................................ 4-6
Temperature control ............................................ 4-7
Fan speed control ............................................... 4-7
Air conditioner control ........................................ 4-7
Air inlet selection ................................................ 4-7
Defrosting ............................................................ 4-8 Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-8
Cleaning ventilator grille ...................................... 4-8
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight ............................................................. 4-8
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit ................................................................ 4-9
Checking air conditioning system before summer season .............................................................. 4-9
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather condition ..................... 4-9
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded ................................................ 4-9
Refrigerant for your climate control system ... ....... 4-9
Air filtration system ............................................. 4-9
Replacing an air filter ......................................... 4-10Climate control
4

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. Have the air con-
ditioning 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. Air filtration system
Your vehicle
’s air conditioning system is
equipped with an air filtration system.
Replace the air filter element according
to the replacement schedule shown in the
following table. This schedule should be
followed to maintain the filter ’sdust
collection ability. Under extremely dusty
conditions, the filter should be replaced
more frequently. Have your filter checked
or replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For
replacement, use only a genuine
SUBARU air filter kit.
Replacement schedule: Every 15 months or 15,000 miles (24,000
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 airflow through
the vents.
. Windshield gets easily fogged or
misted. Climate control
4-9
– CONTINUED –

7-22Starting and operating
turns off.
Gearshifts can be performed using the
paddle shift switch behind the steeringwheel.
Pull the “+ ” of the paddle shift to upshift
one level. Also pull the “ ” of the paddle
shift to downshift one level.
To deselect the manual mode, return the
select lever to the “D ”position from the “M ”
position.
While driving with the select lever in the “ D ” position, if you change gears by
paddle shifting, the gear position indicator
light illuminates and shows the current
gear condition.
CAUTION
Do not place or hang anything on
the paddle shift levers. Doing so
may result in accidental gear shift-ing.
NOTE
Please read the following points care-
fully and bear them in mind when using
the manual mode. . If you attempt to shift down when
the engine speed is too high, i.e., when
a downshift would push the tachometer
needle beyond the red zone, beeps will
be emitted to warn you that the down-
shift is not possible.. If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.. You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the paddle switch twice in rapid suc-cession.. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving.. If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the “AT
OIL TEMP ”warning light will illuminate.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the
warning light turns off. &
Driving tips
. On a road surface where there is a risk
of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or
gravel-covered road), you can pull away
from a standstill safely and easily by first
selecting the 2nd gear of the manualmode. . Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the “D ”or
“ R ”position.
. Always apply the parking brake when
parking your vehicle. Do not hold the
vehicle with only the transmission. . Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary
position on an uphill grade by using the “ D ”position. Use the brake instead.
. The engine may, on rare occasions,
knock when the vehicle rapidly acceler-
ates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill.
This phenomenon does not indicate amalfunction. . A slight reduction in output torque may
occur in the models with a 2.5 L turbo or
3.6 L engine before the engine warms up.

8-8Driving tips
nance Booklet ”.
Remember that damage done to your
SUBARU while operating it off-road and
not using common sense precautions
such as those listed above is not eligible
for warranty coverage. Winter driving
&
Operation during cold weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand,
flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold
temperatures reduce battery capacity.
The battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winterstarts.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine. Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen,
use hot water to melt the ice, and after-
wards thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of
the vehicle.
SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con-
tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it
is diluted, as indicated in the followingtable.
Washer Fluid Con- centration Freezing Temperature
30% 10.4 8F( 12 8C)
50% 48F( 20 8C)
100%
49 8F( 45 8C)
In order to prevent freezing of washer
fluid, check the freezing temperatures in
the table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with