Instruments and controls/Multi information display
&Basic screens
By operating the“”or“”switch on the
steering wheel, you can change the
screen that is always displayed.
Default screen:
Average fuel consumption screen:
: Fuel consumption: Driving range on remaining fuel
This screen displays the average rate of fuel
consumption since the trip meter was last
reset.Current fuel consumption screen:: Fuel consumption: Driving range on remaining fuel
This screen displays the rate of fuel con-
sumption at the present moment.
3-36
Instruments and controls/Wiper and washer
!Steering responsive fog lights OFF
switch
Steering responsive fog lights OFF switch
Press this switch to deactivate the steer-
ing responsive fog lights system. Press
the switch again to activate the system.!Steering responsive fog lights OFF
indicator
Steering responsive fog lights OFF indica-
tor
This indicator appears when the steering
responsive fog lights system is deacti-
vated. This indicator disappears when the
system is activated.
Wiper and washer
WARNING
In freezing weather, do not use the
windshield washer until the wind-
shield is sufficiently warmed by the
defroster.
Otherwise the washer fluid can
freeze on the windshield, blocking
your view.
CAUTION
.Do not operate the washer con-
tinuously for more than 10 sec-
onds, or when the washer fluid
tank is empty. This may cause
overheating of the washer motor.
Check the washer fluid level
frequently, such as at fuel stops.
.Do not operate the wipers when
the windshield or rear window is
dry. This may scratch the glass,
damage the wiper blades and
might cause the wiper motor to
fail. Before operating the wiper
on a dry windshield or rear
window, always use the wind-
shield washer.
3-50
Fuel...................................................................... 7-3
Fuel requirements............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap........................................... 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only)...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive............................................... 7-8
Starting and stopping the engine (models
without push-button ignition switch).............. 7-9
Starting engine.................................................... 7-9
Stopping the engine........................................... 7-11
Steering lock (models without“keyless access
with push-button start system”)........................ 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system).............................. 7-12
Safety precautions............................................. 7-12
Operating range for push-button start
system............................................................. 7-12
Starting engine................................................... 7-12
Stopping engine................................................. 7-14
When access key does not operate properly....... 7-14
Steering lock (models with“keyless access with
push-button start system”) ............................... 7-15
Remote engine start system (dealer
option).............................................................. 7-15
Models with“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-16
Models without“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-17
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote
start................................................................. 7-20
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start
shutdown......................................................... 7-20Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the
vehicle............................................................ 7-20
Service mode (models without“keyless access
with push-button start system”) ....................... 7-20
Remote transmitter program (models without
“keyless access with push-button start
system”).......................................................... 7-20
System maintenance.......................................... 7-21
Manual transmission......................................... 7-23Selecting reverse gear....................................... 7-23
Shifting speeds.................................................. 7-23
Driving tips........................................................ 7-24
Continuously variable transmission................. 7-25Select lever....................................................... 7-26
Shift lock function............................................. 7-27
Selection of manual mode.................................. 7-29
Driving tips........................................................ 7-30
Power steering................................................... 7-31
Braking............................................................... 7-32
Braking tips....................................................... 7-32
Brake system.................................................... 7-32
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators............. 7-33
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-33
ABS self-check.................................................. 7-33
ABS warning light.............................................. 7-33
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system............................................................. 7-34
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions.......... 7-34
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-35Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor.......... 7-36
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch................ 7-37
Starting and operating
7
Fuel
CAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality
or use of an inappropriate fuel
additive may cause damage to the
engine and/or fuel system.
&Fuel requirements
The engine is designed to operate using
unleaded gasolinewith an octane rating
of87 AKI (90 RON) or higher.
!Fuel octane rating
Using a gasoline with a lower octane
rating can cause persistent and heavy
knocking, which can damage the engine.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle
sometimes knocks lightly when you drive
up a hill or when you accelerate. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician if
you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or
persistently.
!RON
This octane rating is the Research Octane
Number.!AKI
This octane rating is the average of the
Research Octane and Motor Octane
numbers and is commonly referred to as
the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
!Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed
to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler
nozzle. Under no circumstances should
leaded gasoline be used because it will
damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.
!California fuel
If your vehicle was certified to California
Emission Standards as indicated on the
underhood tune-up label, it is designed to
optimize engine and emission control
system performance with gasoline that
meets the clean burning low-sulfur Cali-
fornia gasoline specifications. If you live in
any other state than California, your
vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting
Federal specifications. Gasoline sold out-
side California is permitted to have higher
sulfur levels, which may affect the perfor-
mance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter
and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or
smell. SUBARU recommends that you try
a different brand of unleaded gasoline
having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related before returningyour vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service. The CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator light may also
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized SUBARU dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty.
!MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). If
you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/mal-
function indicator light may turn on. If this
happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is
determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not
be covered by your warranty.
!Gasoline for cleaner air
CAUTION
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels con-
taining alcohol may cause paint
damage, which is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
Your use of gasoline with detergent
Starting and operating/Fuel
–CONTINUED–7-3
Starting and operating/Fuel
additives will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system.
This helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working
properly, and is a way of doing your part
for cleaner air. If you continuously use a
high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never
need to add any fuel system cleaning
agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with
materials called oxygenates. Use of these
fuels can also help keep the air cleaner.
Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol
(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in
your vehicle, but should contain no more
than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
Do not use any gasoline that contains
more than 10% ethanol, including from
any pump labeled E15, E30, E50 or E85
(which are only some examples of fuel
containing more than 10% ethanol).
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are
now producing reformulated gasolines,
which are designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. SUBARU approves the use of
reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains,you should ask your service station
operators if their gasolines contain deter-
gents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emis-
sions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels
suited for your vehicle as explained in the
following.
.Fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that specified
in this manual.
.Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is
sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline.
Methanol can be used in your vehicle
ONLYif it does not exceed 5% of the fuel
mixtureANDif it is accompanied by
sufficient quantities of the proper cosol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors required to
prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not
use fuel containing methanolEXCEPT
under these conditions.
.If undesirable driveability problems are
experienced and you suspect they may be
fuel related, try a different brand of gaso-
line before seeking service at your
SUBARU dealer.
.Fuel system damage or driveability
problems which result from the use of
improper fuel are not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty.&Fuel filler lid and cap
!Refueling
Only one person should be involved in
refueling. Do not allow others to approach
the area of the vehicle near the fuel filler
pipe while refueling is in progress.
Be sure to observe any other precautions
that are posted at the service station.
1. Stop the vehicle and turn off the
engine.
2. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid
release lever up. The lever is on the floor
at the left of the driver’s seat.
7-4
1) Legacy
2) Outback
3. Open the fuel filler lid.
WARNING
Before opening the fuel filler cap,
first touch the vehicle body or a
metal portion of the fuel pump or
similar object to discharge any
static electricity that may be present
on your body. If your body is carry-
ing an electrostatic charge, there is
a possibility that an electric spark
could ignite the fuel, which could
burn you. To avoid acquiring a new
static electric charge, do not get
back into the vehicle while refueling
is in progress.
1) Open
2) Close
4. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
WARNING
.Gasoline vapor is highly flam-
mable. Before refueling, always
first stop the engine and close all
vehicle doors and windows.
Make sure that there are no
lighted cigarettes, open flames
or electrical sparks in the adja-
cent area. Refueling must be
performed outside. Quickly wipe
up any spilled fuel.
.When opening the cap, grasp it
firmly and turn it slowly to theleft. Do not remove the cap
quickly. Fuel may be under pres-
sure and spray out of the fuel
filler neck, especially in hot
weather. If you hear a hissing
sound while you are removing
the cap, wait for the sound to
stop and then slowly open the
cap to prevent fuel from spraying
out and creating a fire hazard.
5. Set the fuel filler cap on the cap holder
inside the fuel filler lid.
WARNING
.When refueling, insert the fuel
nozzle securely into the fuel filler
pipe. If the nozzle is lifted or not
fully inserted, its automatic stop-
Starting and operating/Fuel
–CONTINUED–7-5
Starting and operating/Fuel
ping mechanism may not func-
tion, causing fuel to overflow the
tank and creating a fire hazard.
.Stop refueling when the auto-
matic stop mechanism on the
fuel nozzle activates. If you con-
tinue to add fuel, temperature
changes or other conditions
may cause fuel to overflow from
the tank and create a fire hazard.
6. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
7. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while
tightening.
CAUTION
Make sure that the cap is tightened
until it clicks to prevent fuel spillage
in the event of an accident.
8. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
CAUTION
If you spill any fuel on the painted
surface, rinse it off immediately.
Otherwise, the painted surfacecould be damaged.
NOTE
.You will see the“”sign in the fuel
gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle.
.If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator
light may illuminate. Refer to“CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction in-
dicator light”F3-15.
CAUTION
.Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
.After refueling, turn the cap to the
right until it clicks to ensure that
it is fully tightened. If the cap is
not securely tightened, fuel may
leak out while the vehicle is being
driven or fuel spillage could
occur in the event of an accident,
creating a fire hazard.
.Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be
sure to wipe off any spilled fuel
quickly. Paint damage caused by
spilled fuel is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
.Always use a genuine SUBARU
fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit, and
your fuel tank and emission con-
trol system may be damaged. It
could also lead to fuel spillage
and a fire.
.Immediately put fuel in the tank
whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
7-6
as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the en-
gine. Continuing to operate your
vehicle at an extremely low fuel
level may result in a reduction of
engine performance.State emission testing (U.S.
only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive model
must NEVER be performed on a
single two-wheel dynamometer. At-
tempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.
CAUTION
.At state inspection time, remem-
ber to tell your inspection or
service station in advance not to
place your SUBARU AWD vehicle
on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.
.Resultant vehicle damage due to
improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or
its contractors or licensees.
California and a number of federal stateshave Inspection/Maintenance programs to
inspect your vehicle’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’s registration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have implemented emission inspec-
tion of the OBDII system.
.The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light/mal-
function indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with an
electronic scan tool.
.A vehicle
passes the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is ob-
served, there are no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBDII readiness
monitors are all complete.
Starting and operating/State emission testing (U.S. only)
–CONTINUED–7-7