Page 369 of 572

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 start system).................. 7-9
General precautions when starting/stopping
engine.............................................................. 7-9
Starting engine.................................................... 7-9
Stopping the engine........................................... 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system).............................. 7-11
Safety precautions............................................. 7-11
Operating range for push-button start
system............................................................. 7-11
Starting engine................................................... 7-11
Stopping engine................................................. 7-13
When access key does not operate properly....... 7-13
Remote engine start system (dealer
option).............................................................. 7-14
Models with“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-14
Models without“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-15
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote
start................................................................. 7-19
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start
shutdown......................................................... 7-19
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the
vehicle............................................................. 7-19Service mode (models without“keyless access
with push-button start system”) ....................... 7-19
Remote transmitter program (models without
“keyless access with push-button start
system”).......................................................... 7-19
System maintenance.......................................... 7-20
Manual transmission......................................... 7-22
Shifting speeds.................................................. 7-22
Driving tips........................................................ 7-23
Continuously variable transmission................. 7-23Continuously variable transmission features ...... 7-24
Select lever....................................................... 7-24
Selection of manual mode.................................. 7-26
Shift lock function............................................. 7-28
Driving tips........................................................ 7-29
Power steering................................................... 7-29
Power steering warning light.............................. 7-29
Power steering system features......................... 7-30
Braking............................................................... 7-30Braking tips....................................................... 7-30
Brake system.................................................... 7-31
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators............. 7-31
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-32ABS self-check.................................................. 7-32
ABS warning light.............................................. 7-32
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system............................................................. 7-33
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions.......... 7-33
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-34Safety precautions............................................. 7-34
System features................................................. 7-35
Starting and operating
7
Page 370 of 572

Starting and operating
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor.......... 7-36
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch................. 7-36
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(U.S.-spec. models)......................................... 7-37
Parking your vehicle.......................................... 7-39
Parking brake..................................................... 7-39
Parking tips....................................................... 7-39
Hill start assist system...................................... 7-41
To activate/deactivate the Hill start assist
system............................................................. 7-42
Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF
indicator light................................................... 7-44
Cruise control (if equipped)............................... 7-44To set cruise control.......................................... 7-44To temporarily cancel the cruise control............. 7-45
To turn off the cruise control.............................. 7-46
To change the cruising speed............................ 7-46
Cruise control indicator light.............................. 7-48
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 7-48
BSD/RCTA (if equipped).................................... 7-48System features................................................. 7-49
System operation............................................... 7-51
BSD/RCTA approach indicator light/warning
buzzer............................................................. 7-52
BSD/RCTA warning indicator.............................. 7-54
BSD/RCTA OFF switch....................................... 7-55
Certification for the BSD/RCTA........................... 7-55
Handling of radar sensors.................................. 7-56
Page 371 of 572

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. Contact
your SUBARU dealer 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.
!Gasoline for California-certified
LEV
If your vehicle was certified to California’s
low emission vehicle (LEV) standards as
indicated on the underhood tune-up label,
it is designed to optimize engine and
emission 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 theproblem is fuel related before returning
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
!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
Your use of gasoline with detergent
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.
Starting and operating/Fuel
–CONTINUED–7-3
Page 372 of 572

Starting and operating/Fuel
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 description.
.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.
CAUTION
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.
&Fuel filler lid and cap
!Locations of the fuel filler lid and
the lid release lever
Fuel filler lid
Fuel filler lid release lever
7-4
Page 373 of 572

!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 the ignition
switch to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position and
turn off all the other electrical components.
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.
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
3. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
WARNING
.Gasoline vapor is highly flam-
mable. Before refueling, always
turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position first and
then close all vehicle doors and
windows. Make sure that there
are no lighted cigarettes, open
flames or electrical sparks in the
adjacent area. Only handle fuel
outdoors. Quickly wipe up any
spilled fuel.
.When opening the cap, grasp itfirmly and turn it slowly to the
left. 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.
4. 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
Starting and operating/Fuel
–CONTINUED–7-5
Page 374 of 572

Starting and operating/Fuel
fully inserted, its automatic stop-
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.
5. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
6. 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.
7. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
CAUTION
If you spill any fuel on the painted
surface, rinse it off immediately.Otherwise, the painted surface
could 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”F3-16.
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 or have
proper venting and your fuel tank
and emission control 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
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.
7-6
Page 375 of 572

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..A vehicle
fails the OBDII inspection if
the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
.A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors“NOT
READY”is greater than one. If the
vehicle’s battery has been recently re-
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
not ready for the emission test. Under this
condition, the vehicle driver should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to reset the readiness monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
.Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector
not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer.Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.
Starting and operating/State emission testing (U.S. only)
–CONTINUED–7-7
Page 376 of 572

Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate are
fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the“ON”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
10. Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.
NOTE
.Engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
.When towing a trailer, refer to“Trai-
ler hitch (dealer option)”F8-15.
7-8