2016 SUBARU OUTBACK catalytic converter

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

New vehicle break-in driving–the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km)..................................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints............................................ 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............ 8-2
Catalytic converter.............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections........................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries............................... 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles............................ 8-5
Off road driving................................................... 8-6
Legacy................................................................ 8-6
Outback.............................................................. 8-6
Winter driving...................................................... 8-8Operation during cold weather............................. 8-8
Driving on snowy and icy roads......................... 8-10
Corrosion protection.......................................... 8-11
Snow tires......................................................... 8-11
Tire chains......................................................... 8-12Rocking the vehicle........................................... 8-12
Loading your vehicle......................................... 8-12Vehicle capacity weight...................................... 8-13
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and Gross Axle Weight Rating)........................ 8-14
Roof rails with integrated crossbars
(Outback)........................................................ 8-14
Trailer hitch (Outback—if equipped).............. 8-18Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-19
If not towing a trailer.......................................... 8-20
Trailer towing (Legacy)...................................... 8-21
Trailer towing (Outback).................................... 8-21
Warranties and maintenance.............................. 8-21
Maximum load limits.......................................... 8-21
Trailer Hitches................................................... 8-25
Connecting a trailer........................................... 8-25
Trailer towing tips.............................................. 8-26
Driving tips
8

exhaust fumes are entering the
vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.
.Keep the trunk lid (Legacy) or
rear gate (Outback) closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.
Catalytic converter
WARNING
.Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive
or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-
tures.
.Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.
2.5 L models
3.6 L models
The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust
gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic conver-
ter:
.Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a
small amount of leaded gasoline will
damage the catalytic converter.
.Never start the engine by pushing or
pulling the vehicle.
.Avoid racing the engine.
.Never turn off the ignition switch while
the vehicle is moving.
.Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring, back-
firing or incomplete combustion), have
Driving tips/Catalytic converter
–CONTINUED–8-3

Driving tips/Periodic inspections
your vehicle checked and repaired by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
.Do not apply undercoating or rust
prevention treatment to the heat shield of
catalytic converter and the exhaust sys-
tem.
.Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level.Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”per-
formed at the specified time or mileage
intervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
.Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to“Fuel requirements”F7-3.
.Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.
8-4

Booster seat.............................................................. 1-34
Bottle holder................................................................ 6-9
Brake
Assist................................................................... 7-32
Booster........................................................ 7-32, 11-22
Disc..................................................................... 12-9
Fluid............................................................ 11-19, 12-8
Pad ..................................................................... 11-24
Parking................................................................. 7-42
Pedal.................................................................. 11-22
System................................................................. 7-32
Brake pedal
Free play............................................................. 11-22
Reserve distance.................................................. 11-23
Brake system............................................................ 7-32
Warning light......................................................... 3-18
Braking..................................................................... 7-32
Tips...................................................................... 7-32
Breaking-in of new brake pads................................... 11-24
BSD/RCTA................................................................ 7-53
Approach indicator light/warning buzzer.................... 7-56
OFF indicator........................................ 3-31, 3-38, 7-56
OFF switch........................................................... 7-59
Warning indicator................................... 3-31, 3-38, 7-58
Warning volume..................................................... 3-42
Bulb
Chart.................................................................. 12-14
Replacing............................................................. 11-40C
Cargo area
Cover.................................................................... 6-16
Light............................................................. 6-3, 11-49
Tie-down hooks...................................................... 6-19
Catalytic converter....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console................................................................. 6-6
Changing
Coolant............................................................... 11-15
Flat tire.................................................................. 9-5
Oil and oil filter..................................................... 11-13
Charge warning light................................................... 3-15
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
light....................................................................... 3-15
Checking
Brake pedal free play............................................ 11-22
Brake pedal reserve distance................................. 11-23
Clutch function..................................................... 11-23
Clutch pedal free play........................................... 11-23
Coolant level........................................................ 11-14
Fluid level (brake fluid).......................................... 11-19
Fluid level (clutch fluid).......................................... 11-21
Fluid level (washer fluid)........................................ 11-32
Oil level (engine oil).............................................. 11-11
Child restraint systems................................................ 1-27
Installation of a booster seat.................................... 1-34
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt................................ 1-30
Lower and tether anchorages
................................... 1-35
Top tether anchorages............................................ 1-38
Child safety................................................................... 4
Index14-3