2012 SUBARU TRIBECA ABS

.Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that
–the trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball. – the trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer ’s brake
lights illuminate when the vehicle ’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer ’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle ’s turn signal lever is oper-
ated. – the safety chains are connected
properly.– all cargo in the trailer is secured
safely in position.– the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig-
nificant blind spot.
. Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel ”of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up. ! Driving with a trailer
. You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may
result in skidding or jackknifing and loss ofcontrol. . Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes. .
Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius because
the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In
a tight turn, the trailer could hit yourvehicle. . Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and slow down
immediately but gradually. . When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn .
Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right
for a right turn. . If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing
the trailer and have repairs performed
immediately by the nearest SUBARU
dealer. ! Driving on grades
. Before going down a steep hill, slow
down and shift into lower gear (if neces-
sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the
engine braking effect and prevent over-
heating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshifts. . When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automatically
to protect the engine from overheating. . When driving uphill in hot weather, pay
attention to the water temperature gauge
pointer and AT OIL TEMP warning light
because the engine and transmission are
relatively prone to overheating under
these conditions. If the water temperature
gauge pointer approaches the OVER-
HEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning
light illuminates, immediately turn off the Driving tips
8-27
– CONTINUED –

8-28Driving tips
air conditioner and stop the vehicle in the
nearest safe location. For further instruc-
tions and additional information, refer to
the following sections. –“If you park your vehicle in an
emergency ”F 9-2
–“ Engine overheating ”F 9-14
–“ Temperature gauge ”F 3-8
–“ AT OIL TEMP warning light ”F 3-13
NOTE
The temperature of engine coolant is
less likely to rise to the OVERHEAT
zone in the “D ” position than in the
manual mode position. . Avoid using the accelerator pedal to
stay stationary on an uphill slope instead
of using the parking brake or foot brake.
That may cause the transmission fluid tooverheat. ! Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both
vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply
the parking brake firmly. You should not
park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a
hill or slope cannot be avoided, you
should take the following steps.
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release the regular brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then
apply the parking brake; slowly release
the regular brakes.
5. Shift into
“P ”and shut off the engine.

power steering fluid touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
power steering fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level
differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, the reservoir tank has two
different checking ranges for hot and coldfluids.
Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level isbetween “HOT MIN ”and “HOT MAX ”on
the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between“ COLD MIN ”and “COLD MAX ”on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN ”line, add the recom-
mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the “MIN ”and “MAX ”line. If the fluid level is extreme low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for inspection.
& Recommended fluid
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-7. 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
. 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. Maintenance and service
11-17
– CONTINUED –

14-2Index
A Abbreviation ................................................................... 3
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-20
Warning light ................................................. 3-15, 7-21
Accessories ....................................................... 5-2, 11-36
Accessory power outlet ............................................... 6-10
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-6
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-12
Air conditioner
Automatic climate control system ............................... 4-5
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-11
Airflow ........................................................................ 4-2
Airflow mode selection .................................................. 4-3
Airflow selection Automatic climate control system ......................... 4-5, 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-16
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-18
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-27
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-20
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-17
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-13
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-13
Audio Antenna system ....................................................... 5-2
Auxiliary input jack ................................................. 5-28
Control button ........................................................ 5-26
Set......................................................................... 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .............................. 3-38, 3-41
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-5 Automatic transmission
............................................... 7-12
Fluid ........................................................... 11-14, 12-7
MANUAL mode ...................................................... 7-16
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-13
Select lever ........................................................... 7-13
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-14
Shift lock release .................................................... 7-14
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-18
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-18
Auxiliary input jack ...................................................... 5-28
BBattery .................................................................... 11-33
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-6
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-11
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-11
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-36
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-9
Brake Assist .................................................................... 7-19
Booster ....................................................... 7-19, 11-18
Fluid ........................................................... 11-17, 12-7
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-20
Parking ....................................................... 7-28, 11-20
Pedal .................................................................. 11-19
System .................................................................. 7-19
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-19
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-19
Brake system ............................................................. 7-19
Warning light .......................................................... 3-16

14-10Index
Size and pressure .................................................. 12-8
Types .................................................................. 11-21
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). .... 7-27, 9-10, 11-21
Warning light ......................................................... 3-14
Tires and wheels. ...................................................... 11-21
Tools ........................................................................ 9-19
Top tether anchorages ........................................ 1-37, 1-40
Towing ...................................................................... 9-14
All wheels on the ground ........................................ 9-17
Flat-bed truck ........................................................ 9-17
Hooks ................................................................... 9-15
Weight.................................................................. 8-21
Traction Control system
OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-19
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-25
Trailer
Connecting ............................................................ 8-19
Hitch ............................................................ 8-18, 8-24
Towing .................................................................. 8-21
Towing tips ............................................................ 8-26
Trip meter ................................................................... 3-7
Turn signal
Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-21
Lever .................................................................... 3-29
U
Under-floor storage compartment ................................. 6-16
V
Valet mode ................................................................ 2-18
Vanity mirror ...................................................... 6-5, 11-43 Vehicle
Capacity weight ...................................................... 8-12
Identification ........................................................ 12-15
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control Operation indicator light ................................... 3-18, 3-19
System .................................................................. 7-23
Warning light .................................................. 3-18, 3-19
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights .......................................... 3-9
Warning chimes
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-10
Warning light ABS.............................................................. 3-15, 7-21
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-18
AT OIL TEMP ......................................................... 3-13
Brake system ......................................................... 3-16
Charge .................................................................. 3-13
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-12
Door open ............................................................. 3-17
Low fuel ................................................................ 3-17
Low tire pressure .................................................... 3-14
Oil pressure ........................................................... 3-13
Rear differential oil temperature ................................ 3-13
Seatbelt. ........................................................ 1-18, 3-10
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-11
Vehicle Dynamics Control ................................ 3-18, 3-19
Windshield washer fluid ........................................... 3-17
Warranties ..................................................................... 1