–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
–CONTINUED–
8-28Driving tips
zone in the“D”position than in themanual mode position.
.Avoid using the accelerator pedal tostay stationary on an uphill slope insteadof using the parking brake or foot brake.That may cause the transmission fluid tooverheat.
!Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under bothvehicle and trailer when parking. Applythe parking brake firmly. You should notpark on a hill or slope. But if parking on ahill or slope cannot be avoided, youshould take the following steps.
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedaldown.
2. Have someone place wheel blocksunder both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,release the regular brakes slowly until theblocks absorb theload.
4. Apply the regular brakes and thenapply the parking brake; slowly releasethe regular brakes.
5. Shift into“P”and shut off the engine.
power steering fluid touches theexhaust pipe, it may cause a badsmell, smoke, and/or a fire. Ifpower steering fluid gets on theexhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
The power steering fluid expands greatlyas its temperature rises; the fluid leveldiffers according to fluid temperature.Therefore, the reservoir tank has twodifferent checking ranges for hot and coldfluids.
Check the power steering fluid levelmonthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface,and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoirtank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle hasbeen run: Check that the oil level isbetween“HOT MIN”and“HOT MAX”onthe surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle isrun: Check that the oil level is between“COLD MIN”and“COLD MAX”on thesurface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than theapplicable“MIN”line, add the recom-mended fluid as necessary to bring thelevel between the“MIN”and“MAX”line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it mayindicate possible leakage. Consult yourSUBARU dealer for inspection.
&Recommended fluid
Refer to“Fluids”F12-7.
Brake fluid
&Checking the fluid level
WARNING
.Never let brake fluid contact youreyes because brake fluid can beharmful to your eyes. If brakefluid gets in your eyes, immedi-ately flush them thoroughly withclean water. For safety, whenperforming this work, wearingeye protection is advisable.
.Brake fluid absorbs moisturefrom the air. Any absorbed moist-ure can cause a dangerous lossof braking performance.
.If the vehicle requires frequentrefilling, there may be a leak. Ifyou suspecta problem, have thevehicle checked at your SUBARUdealer.
CAUTION
.When adding brake fluid, be care-ful not to allow any dirt into thereservoir.
.Never splash the brake fluid overpainted surfaces or rubber parts.
Maintenance and service11-17
–CONTINUED–
14-2Index
AAbbreviation................................................................... 3ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................................... 7-20Warning light................................................. 3-15, 7-21Accessories....................................................... 5-2, 11-36Accessory power outlet............................................... 6-10Active head restraint..................................................... 1-6Air cleaner element................................................... 11-12Air conditionerAutomatic climate control system............................... 4-5Air filtration system..................................................... 4-11Airflow........................................................................ 4-2Airflow mode selection.................................................. 4-3Airflow selectionAutomatic climate control system......................... 4-5, 4-8Alarm system............................................................ 2-16All-Wheel Drive warning light....................................... 3-18Aluminum wheel....................................................... 11-27Cleaning............................................................... 10-3Antenna system........................................................... 5-2Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)..................................... 7-20Arming the system..................................................... 2-17Armrest..................................................................... 1-13AT OIL TEMP warning light......................................... 3-13AudioAntenna system....................................................... 5-2Auxiliary input jack................................................. 5-28Control button........................................................ 5-26Set ......................................................................... 5-3Auto-dimming mirror/compass.............................. 3-38, 3-41Automatic climate control system................................... 4-5
Automatic transmission............................................... 7-12Fluid........................................................... 11-14, 12-7MANUAL mode...................................................... 7-16Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP)............. 3-13Select lever........................................................... 7-13Shift lock function................................................... 7-14Shift lock release.................................................... 7-14SPORT mode........................................................ 7-18Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)........... 1-18Auxiliary input jack...................................................... 5-28
BBattery.................................................................... 11-33Drainage prevention function..................................... 2-6Jump starting......................................................... 9-11Replacement (remote keyless entry system).............. 2-11Booster seat.............................................................. 1-36Bottle holder............................................................... 6-9BrakeAssist.................................................................... 7-19Booster....................................................... 7-19, 11-18Fluid........................................................... 11-17, 12-7Pad and lining...................................................... 11-20Parking....................................................... 7-28, 11-20Pedal.................................................................. 11-19System.................................................................. 7-19Brake pedalFree play............................................................. 11-19Reserve distance.................................................. 11-19Brake system............................................................. 7-19Warning light.......................................................... 3-16
14-10Index
Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-21, 12-8Chains.................................................................. 8-11Inspection............................................................ 11-22Pressures and wear.............................................. 11-23Replacement........................................................ 11-26Rotation............................................................... 11-26Size and pressure.................................................. 12-8Types.................................................................. 11-21Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..... 7-27, 9-10, 11-21Warning light......................................................... 3-14Tires and wheels....................................................... 11-21Tools........................................................................ 9-19Top tether anchorages........................................ 1-37, 1-40Towing...................................................................... 9-14All wheels on the ground........................................ 9-17Flat-bed truck........................................................ 9-17Hooks................................................................... 9-15Weight ..................................................................8-21Traction Control systemOFF indicator light.................................................. 3-19OFF switch........................................................... 7-25TrailerConnecting............................................................ 8-19Hitch............................................................ 8-18, 8-24Towing.................................................................. 8-21Towing tips............................................................ 8-26Trip meter................................................................... 3-7Turn signalIndicator lights....................................................... 3-21Lever.................................................................... 3-29
UUnder-floor storage compartment.................................. 6-16
VValet mode................................................................ 2-18Vanity mirror...................................................... 6-5, 11-43VehicleCapacity weight...................................................... 8-12Identification........................................................ 12-15Symbols.................................................................... 3Vehicle Dynamics ControlOperation indicator light................................... 3-18, 3-19System.................................................................. 7-23Warning light.................................................. 3-18, 3-19Ventilator.................................................................... 4-2
WWarning and indicator lights.......................................... 3-9Warning chimesSeatbelt................................................................. 3-10Warning lightABS .............................................................. 3-15, 7-21All-Wheel Drive...................................................... 3-18AT OIL TEMP......................................................... 3-13Brake system......................................................... 3-16Charge.................................................................. 3-13CHECK ENGINE.................................................... 3-12Door open............................................................. 3-17Low fuel................................................................ 3-17Low tire pressure.................................................... 3-14Oil pressure........................................................... 3-13