
7-14Starting and operating
is started.
If the select lever does not move from the“P”position with the brake pedal de-pressed, the select lever button pushedin, and the ignition switch in the ONposition, refer to“Shift lock function”F7-14.
!R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the“N”to“R”position, stopthe vehicle completely then move thelever to the“R”position while pushingthe select leverbutton.
!N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalledengine.
In this position the wheels and transmis-sion are not locked. In this position, thetransmission is neutral; the vehicle will rollfreely, even on the slightest incline unlessthe parking brake or foot brake is applied.
Avoid coasting with the transmissionneutral.
During coasting, there is no engine brak-ing effect.
NOTE
When the ignition switch has beenturned to the“LOCK”position, move-ment of the select lever from the“N”
position to the“R”position is possiblefor a limited time period by depressingthe brake pedal and then becomesimpossible. If the select lever becomesimpossible to be moved after a limitedtime period, turn the ignition switch tothe“ON”position. You will then be ableto move the select lever to the“P”position.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with theselect lever in the“N”(Neutral)position. Engine braking has noeffect in this condition and the riskof an accident is consequently in-creased.
!D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts intoa suitable gear from 1st to 5th according tothe vehicle speed and the accelerationyou require.
When more acceleration is required in thisposition, depress the accelerator pedalfully to the floor and hold that position. Thetransmission will automatically downshiftto 4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When yourelease the pedal, the transmission will
return to the original gear position.
To use the SPORT mode, move the leverfrom this position into the manual gate.
To use the manual mode, move the leverfrom this position into the manual gatethen move it toward the“+”end or“!”end.
!While climbing a grade
When drivingup a hill, undesired upshift to4th or 5th gear is prevented from takingplace when the accelerator is released.This minimizes the chance of subsequentdownshifting to a lower gear when accel-erating again. This prevents repeatedupshifting and downshifting resulting in asmoother operation of the vehicle.
NOTE
The transmission may downshift to 2ndor 1st gear, depending on the way theaccelerator pedal is depressed to ac-celerate the vehicle again.
&Shift lock function
The shift lock function helps prevent theimproper operationof the select lever.
.The select lever cannot be operatedunless the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”position and the brake pedal isdepressed.
.The select lever cannot be moved from

Gearshifts can be performed using theselect lever.
Shift to the next-higher gear by brieflypushing the select lever toward the“+”end of the manual gate.
Shift to the next-lower gear by brieflypulling the select lever toward the“!”end of the manual gate.
NOTE
Pleaseread the following points care-fully and bear them in mind when usingthe manual mode.
.When the temperature of the engineoil is higher than normal, warningbeeps are emitted and the shift positionindicator shows“!”. If these warningsare issued, deselect the manual modeto protect the engine from damage.
.The transmission does not automa-tically shift up in the manual mode.Perform gearshifts in accordance withroad conditions so that the tachometerneedle does not enter the red zone. Ifthe engine speed reaches a predeter-mined level, a fuel-cut function willoperate. Shift up if this happens. Also,the transmission may automaticallyshift up to protect the engine..If you attempt to shift down whenthe engine speed is too high, i.e., whena downshift would push the tachometerneedle beyond the red zone, beeps willbe emitted to warn you that the down-shift is not possible..If you attempt to shift up when thevehicle speed is too low, the transmis-sion will not respond..You can perform a skip-shift (forexample, from 4th to 2nd) by operatingthe select lever twice in rapid succes-sion..The transmission automatically se-lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving..If the temperature of the automatictransmission fluid becomes too high,the“AT OIL TEMP”warning light willilluminate and upshifts to 5th gear willnot be possible. Immediately stop thevehicle in a safe place and let theengineidle until the warning light turns
off.
&Driving tips
.On a road surface where there is a riskof wheelspin (for example, a snow- orgravel-covered road), you can pull awayfrom a standstill safely and easily by firstselecting the 2nd gear of the manualmode.
.Always apply the foot or parking brakewhen thevehicle is stopped in the“D”or“R”position.
.Always set the parking brake whenparking your vehicle. Do not hold thevehicle withonly the transmission.
.Do not keep the vehicle in a stationaryposition on an uphill grade by using the“D”position. Usethe 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 aproblem.
.A slight reduction in output torque mayoccur before the engine warms up.
Starting and operating7-17
–CONTINUED–

–all cargo in the trailer is securedsafely in position.–the side mirrors provide a goodrearward field of view without a sig-nificant blind spot..Sufficient time should be taken to learnthe“feel”of the vehicle/trailer combinationbefore starting out on a trip. In an area freeof traffic, practice turning, stopping andbacking up.
!Driving with a trailer
.You should allow for considerably morestopping distance when towing a trailer.Avoid sudden braking because it mayresult in skidding or jackknifing and loss ofcontrol.
.Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns andrapid lane changes.
.Slow down before turning. Make alonger than normal turning radius becausethe trailer wheels will be closer than thevehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Ina tight turn, the trailer could hit yourvehicle.
.Crosswinds will adversely affect thehandling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-ing sway. Crosswinds can be due toweather conditions or the passing of largetrucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmlygrip the steering wheel and slow downimmediately but gradually.
.When passing other vehicles, consid-erable distance is required because of theadded weight and length caused byattaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn2) Right turn
.Backing up with a trailer is difficult andtakes practice. When backing up with atrailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.When turning back, grip the bottom of thesteering wheel with one hand and turn it tothe left for a left turn, and turn it to the rightfor a right turn.
.If the ABS warning light illuminateswhile the vehicle is in motion, stop towingthe trailer and have repairs performedimmediately by the nearest SUBARUdealer.
!Driving on grades
.Before going down a steep hill, slowdown and shift into lower gear (if neces-sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize theengine braking effect and prevent over-heating of your vehicle’s brakes. Do notmake sudden downshifts.
.When driving uphill in hot weather, theair conditioner may turn off automaticallyto protect the engine from overheating.
.When driving uphill in hot weather, payattention to the water temperature gaugepointer and AT OIL TEMP warning lightbecause the engine and transmission arerelatively prone to overheating underthese conditions. If the water temperaturegauge pointer approaches the OVER-HEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warninglight illuminates, immediately turn off theair conditioner and stop the vehicle in thenearest safe location. For further instruc-tions and additional information, refer tothe following sections.–“If you park your vehicle in anemergency”F9-2–“Engine overheating”F9-14–“Temperature gauge”F3-8–“AT OIL TEMP warning light”F3-13
NOTE
The temperature of engine coolant isless likely to rise to the OVERHEAT
Driving tips8-27
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Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3Before checking or servicing in the enginecompartment.................................................... 11-4When you do checking or servicing in the enginecompartment while the engine is running.......... 11-4
Engine hood....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-6
Engine oil............................................................ 11-7Checking the oil level......................................... 11-7Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-8Recommendedgrade and viscosity.................... 11-9Synthetic oil....................................................... 11-9
Cooling system................................................ 11-10Hose and connections...................................... 11-10Engine coolant................................................. 11-11
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-12Replacing the air cleaner element..................... 11-12
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-13Recommended spark plugs.............................. 11-13
Drive belts........................................................ 11-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-14Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-14Recommended fluid......................................... 11-15
Front differential gear oil................................. 11-15Checking the oil level....................................... 11-15Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-16Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Power steering fluid........................................ 11-16Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-16Recommended fluid......................................... 11-17
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-17Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-17Recommended brake fluid............................... 11-18
Brakebooster.................................................. 11-18
Brake pedal...................................................... 11-19Checking the brake pedal free play.................. 11-19Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-19
Replacement of brake pad and lining............ 11-19Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings....... 11-20
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-20
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-21Types of tires................................................... 11-21Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).......... 11-21Tire inspection................................................. 11-22Tire pressuresand wear.................................. 11-23Wheel balance................................................. 11-25Wear indicators............................................... 11-25Tire rotation direction mark.............................. 11-25Tire rotation..................................................... 11-26Tire replacement.............................................. 11-26Wheel replacement.......................................... 11-27
Aluminum wheels............................................ 11-27
Windshield washer fluid.................................. 11-28
Replacement of wiper blades......................... 11-29Windshield wiper blade assembly..................... 11-30Windshield wiper blade rubber ......................... 11-30Rear window wiper blade assembly.................. 11-31
Maintenance and service
11

11-6Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview1) Air cleaner element (page 11-12)2) Power steering fluid reservoir(page 11-16)3) Differential gear oil level gauge(page 11-15)4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge(page 11-14)5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-17)6) Fuse box (page 11-34)7) Battery (page 11-33)8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-28)9) Radiator cap (page 11-11)10) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-7)11) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-11)12) Engineoil level gauge (page 11-7)

11-14Maintenance and service
Automatic transmission fluid
&Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expandslargely as its temperature rises; the fluidlevel differs according to fluid temperature.Therefore, there are two different scalesfor checking the level of hot fluid and coldfluid on the level gauge.
Though the fluid level can be checkedwithout warming up the fluid on the“COLD”range, we recommend checkingthe fluid level when the fluid is at operatingtemperature.
!Checking the fluid level when thefluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raisethe temperature of the transmission fluidup to normal operating temperature; 158to 1768F (70 to 808C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface andset the parking brake.
3. First shift the select lever in eachposition. Then shift it in the“P”position,and run the engine at idling speed.
1) Yellow handle
1) HOT range2) COLD range3) Upper level4) Lower level
4. Pull out the level gauge and check the
fluid level on the gauge. If it is below thelower level on the“HOT”range, add therecommended automatic transmissionfluid up to the upper level.
!Checking the fluid level when thefluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checkedwithout time to warm up the automatictransmission,check to see that the fluidlevel is between the lower level and upperlevel on the“COLD”range. If it is belowthat range, add fluid up to the upper level.Be careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill automatictransmission fluid when adding it.If automatic transmission fluidtouches the exhaust pipe, it maycause a bad smell, smoke, and/or afire. If automatic transmission fluidgets on the exhaust pipe, be sure towipe it off.

&Recommended fluid
Refer to“Fluids”F12-7.
NOTE
Using any non-specified type of auto-matic transmission fluid could result indamage inside the transmission. Whenreplacingthe automatic transmissionfluid, be sure to use the specified type.
Front differential gear oil
&Checking the oil level
1) Yellow handle
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andstop the engine.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,and insert it again.
1) Upper level2) Lower level
3. Pull out the level gauge again andcheck theoil level on it. If it is below thelower level, add oil to bring the level up tothe upper level.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill front differ-ential gear oil when adding it. If oiltouches the exhaust pipe, it maycause a bad smell, smoke, and/or afire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,be sure to wipe it off.
Maintenance and service11-15
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&Fluids
FluidFluid type*1Fluid capacity*2Remarks*3
Automatic transmission fluid· SUBARU ATF· IDEMITSU ATF HP10.4 US qt (9.8 liters, 8.6 Imp qt)“Automatic transmission fluid”F11 -14
Power steering fluid
· SUBARU ATF· IDEMITSU ATF HP·“Dexron III”Type AutomaticTransmission Fluid
0.95 US qt (0.9 liters, 0.79 Imp qt)·“Power steering”F7-18·“Power steering fluid”F11-16
Brake fluidFMVSSNo. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4brake fluid–“Brake fluid”F11-17
*1: Use one of the indicated types of fluid.*2: The indicated fluid quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and otherfactors.*3: For moredetails about maintenance and service,referto the indicated section.
&Engine coolant
Coolant type Coolant capacity
SUBARU Super Coolant8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt)
The indicated coolant quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and otherfactors. For more details about maintenance and service, refer to“Cooling system”F11-10.
&Electrical system
Battery type and capacity (5HR) 75D23L (12V-52AH)
Alternator12V-130A
Spark plugsSILFR6C11 (NGK)
Specifications12-7
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