warn the driver of dangers. When rever-
sing the vehicle, the indicator light flashes
when the system detects a vehicle ap-
proaching from either side.
!BSD/RCTA approach indicator
light dimming function
When the headlights are turned on, the
brightness of the BSD/RCTA approach
indicator light will be reduced.
NOTE
.When affected by direct sunlight,
you may have difficulty recognizing
the BSD/RCTA approach indicator light.
.When affected by the headlight
beams from the vehicles behind, you
may have difficulty recognizing the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light.
.While the illumination brightness
control dial is in the fully upward
position, even if the headlights are
turned on, the brightness of the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light will not
be reduced. For details about the
illumination brightness control dial,
refer to“Illumination brightness con-
trol”F3-48.!BSD/RCTA approach warning buz-
zer (only when reversing)
A warning buzzer sounds along with
flashing of the BSD/RCTA approach in-
dicator light to warn the driver of dangers.
The setting of the warning buzzer volume
can be changed by operating the multi
information display of the combination
meter. For details, refer to“BSD/RCTA”
F3-42.
!Safety tips regarding the BSD/RCTA
approach indicator light/warning
buzzer
.In the following cases, operation of the
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light and
the warning buzzer may be delayed or the
system may fail to issue these warnings.
–Whenavehiclemovestothe
neighboring lane from a lane next to
the neighboring lane
–When driving on a steep incline or
on repeated sharp uphill and downhill
grades
–When going beyond a pass
–When both your vehicle and a
vehicle driving on a neighboring lane
are driving on the far side of each lane.
–When several narrowly-spaced ve-
hicles are approaching in a row
–In low radius bends (tight bends orwhen making turns at an intersection)
–When there is a difference in height
between your lane and the neighbor-
ing lane
–Immediately after the BSD/RCTA is
activated by pressing the BSD/RCTA
OFF switch
–Immediately after the shift lever/
select lever is shifted to the“R”
position
–When extremely heavy cargo is
loaded in the trunk or cargo area
.During reversing, operation of the BSD/
RCTA approach indicator light and the
warning buzzer may be delayed or the
system may fail to issue these warnings
under the following conditions.
–When backing out of an angled
parking space
–When a large-sized vehicle is
parked next to your vehicle (That
vehicle prevents the propagation of
radar waves.)
–When reversing on sloped roads
–When reversing at a high speed
Starting and operating/BSD/RCTA
–CONTINUED–7-57
Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)
!Tongue load
Tongue load
WARNING
If the trailer is loaded with more
weight in the back of trailer’s axle
than in the front, the load is taken off
the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to
skid, especially during braking or
when vehicle speed is reduced dur-
ing cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from
8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight
and does not exceed the maximum value
of 200 lbs (90 kg).
NOTE
For vehicles with trailer brakes, the
trailer tongue load exceeds 200 lbs (90
kg) when calculated at 8% of the
maximum total trailer weight.
Even in this case, the maximum value
is 200 lbs (90 kg).
1) Jack
2) Bathroom scale
The tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the following
illustration. When weighing the tongue
load, be sure to position the towing
coupler at the height at which it would be
during actual towing, using a jack as
shown.
F: Front
The tongue load can be adjusted by
proper distribution of the load in the trailer.
Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front; approximately
60 percent of the trailer load should be in
the front and approximately 40 percent in
the rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly
as possible on both the left and right
sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
8-24
Maintenance and service/Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
positions.
2. Pull the hood lock release knob under
the instrument panel.
3. Release the secondary hood lock by
moving the lever between the front grille
and the hood toward the left.
4. Lift up the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lower the hood to a height of approxi-
mately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then throw it down.
2. After closing the hood, be sure the
hood is securely locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.
WARNING
Always check that the hood is
properly locked before you start
driving. If it is not, it might fly open
while the vehicle is moving and
block your view, which may cause
an accident and serious bodily in-
jury.
11-8
Maintenance and service/Brake booster
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Because this reservoir is used
for both the brake and clutch systems and
has chambers for each system, be sure to
check the fluid level for the clutch system
at theinboard side of the reservoir
(shaded area in the illustration). If the fluid
level is below“MIN”, add the recom-
mended clutch fluid to“MAX”.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed
container.
&Recommended clutch fluid
Refer to“Fluids”F12-8.
CAUTION
Never use different brands of clutch
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following procedure, have
it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake
pedal several times, applying the same
pedal force each time. The distance the
pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move
slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for
approximately 1 minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake
booster operates properly if the pedal
stroke decreases with each depression.
Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the“Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.
&Checking the brake pedal
free play
1) 0.02–0.11 in (0.5–2.7 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the
brake pedal up with one finger to check
the free play with a force of less than 2 lbf
(10 N, 1 kgf).
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.
11-22
Specifications/Specifications
Specifications
These specifications are subject to change without notice.
&Dimensions
in (mm)
ItemLegacy Outback
2.5 L
3.6 L2.5 L
3.6 L
Drive system
AWD
Transmission type
MT CVT CVT MT CVT CVT
Overall length
188.8 (4,796) 189.6 (4,817)
Overall width
72.4 (1,840) 72.4 (1,840)
Overall height
59.0 (1,500) 66.1 (1,680)
Wheelbase
108.3 (2,750) 108.1 (2,745)
Tread Front
62.2 (1,580) 61.8 (1,570)
Rear
62.8 (1,595) 62.2 (1,580)
Ground clearance
*15.9 (150)8.7 (220)
*1: Measured with vehicle empty
MT: Manual transmission
CVT: Continuously variable transmission
AWD: All-Wheel Drive
12-2
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/For U.S.A.
For U.S.A.
The following information has been
compiled according to Code of
Federal Regulations“Title 49, Part
575”.
Tire information
&Tire labeling
Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire
Identification Number or TIN) are
placed on the sidewall of a tire by
tire manufacturers. These marking
can provide you with useful infor-
mation on the tire.
!Tire size
Your vehicle comes equipped with
P-Metric tire size. It is important to
understand the sizing system in
selecting the proper tire for your
vehicles. Here is a brief review of
the tire sizing system with a break-
down of its individual elements.
!P Metric
With the P-Metric system, Section
Width is measured in millimeters.
To convert millimeters into inches,
divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio
(Section Height divided by Section
Width) helps provide more dimen-
sional information about the tire
size.
Example:
(1) P = Certain tire type used on
light duty vehicles such as passen-
ger cars
(2) Section Width in millimeters
(3) Aspect Ratio (= section height
7section width).
(4) R = Radial Construction
(5) Rim diameter in inches
!Load and Speed Rating De-
scriptions
The load and speed rating descrip-
tions will appear following the size
designation.
They provide two important facts
about the tire. First, the number
designation is its load index. Sec-
ond, the letter designation indicates
the tire’s speed rating.
13-2
Winter.................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge............................................................... 3-11
Electrical system........................................................ 12-9
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system.......... 7-34
Warning................................................................ 3-19
Electronic parking brake.............................................. 7-42
Automatic release function by accelerator pedal......... 7-44
Hill Holder............................................................. 7-45
Indicator light......................................................... 3-20
Warning........................................................ 3-20, 7-47
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)............................. 1-17
Engine
Compartment overview........................................... 11-9
Coolant........................................................ 11-14, 12-8
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............................. 5, 8-2
Hood.................................................................... 11-7
Low oil level warning indicator................................. 3-16
Oil............................................................... 11-11, 12-4
Overheating.......................................................... 9-13
Starting & stopping........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder......................................................... 8
Exterior care.............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires..................................................................... 9-5
Floor mat.................................................................. 6-15
Fluid level
Brake.................................................................. 11-19
Clutch.................................................................. 11-21Continuously variable transmission......................... 11-19
Fog light
Bulb.......................................................... 11-42, 12-14
Indicator light......................................................... 3-31
Steering responsive fog lights system....................... 3-49
Switch................................................................... 3-49
Front
Differential gear oil........................................ 11-19, 12-7
Seatbelt pretensioners............................................ 1-24
Side marker light.................................................. 11-42
Turn signal light.................................................... 11-42
Front seats................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment............................ 1-4
Head restraint adjustment......................................... 1-8
Memory function...................................................... 1-6
Power seat............................................................. 1-5
Reclining................................................................ 1-4
Seat height adjustment (driver’s seat)........................ 1-4
Fuel........................................................................... 7-3
Consumption indicator............................................. 3-36
Economy hints........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap...................................................... 7-4
Gauge................................................................... 3-10
Requirements................................................. 7-3, 12-3
Fuses
..................................................................... 11-38
Fuses and circuits.................................................... 12-10
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ............................... 8-14
Glove box................................................................... 6-6
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)........................... 8-14
Index14-5
Wiper and washer switch........................................ 3-53
Wiper blades........................................................ 11-35
Recommended
Brake fluid............................................................. 12-8
Clutch fluid............................................................ 12-8
Continuously variable transmission fluid.................... 12-8
Engine oil.............................................................. 12-4
Front differential gear oil......................................... 12-7
Manual transmission oil.......................................... 12-7
Rear differential gear oil.......................................... 12-7
Spark plugs........................................................... 12-9
Refueling.................................................................... 7-4
Remote engine start system........................................ 7-15
Remote keyless entry system...................................... 2-23
Replacement
Brake pad and lining............................................. 11-24
Wiper blades........................................................ 11-33
Replacing
Access key battery................................................ 11-50
Air cleaner element............................................... 11-15
Lost transmitters (remote keyless entry system)......... 2-27
Remote engine start transmitter battery..................... 7-21
Remote keyless entry transmitter battery.................. 11-51
Replacing bulbs.............................................. 11-40, 12-14
Backup light......................................................... 11-45
Cargo area light.................................................... 11-49
Dome light........................................................... 11-48
Door step light...................................................... 11-48
Front fog light....................................................... 11-42
Front side marker light........................................... 11-42
Front turn signal light............................................. 11-42Halogen headlight................................................. 11-40
HID headlight....................................................... 11-40
License plate light................................................. 11-47
Map light............................................................. 11-48
Rear combination light.......................................... 11-43
Rear side marker light........................................... 11-43
Rear turn signal light............................................. 11-43
Trunk light........................................................... 11-49
Rocking the vehicle.................................................... 8-12
Roof rails with integrated cross bars............................. 8-14
Rope hook................................................................. 8-18
S
Safety
Precautions when driving............................................. 4
Symbol...................................................................... 2
Warnings................................................................... 2
Seat
Fabric................................................................... 10-5
Front...................................................................... 1-2
Heater.................................................................... 1-9
Height adjustment.................................................... 1-4
Memory function...................................................... 1-6
Power
.................................................................... 1-5
Rear..................................................................... 1-11
Seatbelt................................................................. 4, 1-16
Fastening.............................................................. 1-17
Maintenance.......................................................... 1-24
Pretensioners......................................................... 1-24
Safety tips............................................................. 1-16
Warning light and chime.......................................... 3-12
Index14-9