Driving tips/Winter driving
select lever back and forth between“1 ”/
“D ”and “R”repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction,
avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
. When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission
in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and CVT). For
CVT models, refer to “Selection of manual
mode ”F 7-29.
! After driving
. Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly
and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat
that process several times to dry out the
brake discs and brake pads.
. After driving through tall grass, mud,
rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,
sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used with
these materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur. .
Wash the vehicle’ s underbody after off-
road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly.Winter driving
& Operation during cold
weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand,
flares, a small shovel and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold
temperatures reduce battery capacity.
The battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen,
use hot water to melt the ice, and after-
wards thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of
the vehicle.
8-8
Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment (2.5 L models) ............................. 11-5
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Maintenance tips................................................ 11-5Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-5
Engine hood....................................................... 11-7
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-9
2.5 L models...................................................... 11-9
3.6 L models .................................................... 11-10
Engine oil.......................................................... 11-11Engine oil consumption .................................... 11-11
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-11
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-13
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-13
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-13
Cooling system ................................................ 11-14
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-14
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-15
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-15Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-16
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-18Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-18
Drive belts........................................................ 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-19
Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-19
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and rear differential gear oil ................................ 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-19
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-20Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-20
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-21
Clutch fluid (MT models)................................. 11-21Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-21
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-22
Brake booster.................................................. 11-22
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-23
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-23
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ....... 11-23
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-23Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-23
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-24
Replacement of brake pad.............................. 11-24Breaking-in of new brake pads . ........................ 11-24
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-25Types of tires................................................... 11-25
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped) ...................................................... 11-25
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-27
Tire pressures and wear .................................. 11-27
Wheel balance ................................................. 11-29
Wear indicators ............................................... 11-29
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-29
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-30
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-30
Maintenance and service
11
Engine oil
CAUTION
.If the level gauge is not pulled out
easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then pull it out. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
& Engine oil consumption
Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance
intervals:
. When the engine is new and within the
break-in period .
When the engine oil is of lower quality
. When the incorrect oil viscosity is used
. When engine brakin g is employed
(repeatedly)
. When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)
. When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of time)
. When towing a trailer (Outback)
. When the engine idles for extended
periods of time
. When the vehicle is operated in stop
and go and/or heavy traffic situations
. When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions
. When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently
Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil
more frequently. Different drivers in the
same car may experience different results.
If your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.
& Checking the oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine. If you check the oil level
just after stopping the engine, wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan before checking the level.
2.5 L models
1) Oil level gauge
2) Oil filler cap
3) Oil filter
Maintenance and service/Engine oil
–CONTINUED –
11-11
CAUTION
.For 2.5 L models, be careful not
to touch the engine oil filter when
removing the oil filler cap. Doing
so may result in a burn, a
pinched finger, or may cause
some other injury.
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.
NOTE
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do
not add any additional oil above the full
level when the engine is cold.
& Changing the oil and oil filter
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
NOTE
.Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a well-trained
expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Fully trained mechanics are on standby
at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the
special tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also,
used oils are properly disposed of.
. If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations and
dispose of waste oil properly.
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil ”F 12-4.
NOTE
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.
&
Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner ’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil ”F 12-4. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Maintenance and service/Engine oil11-13
Manual transmission oil
It is unnecessary to check the manual
transmission oil level. However, if neces-
sary, consult your SUBARU dealer for
inspection.
&Recommended grade and
viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil ”F 12-7.
Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid
There is no fluid level gauge. It is
unnecessary to check the continuously
variable transmission fluid level. However,
if necessary, consult your SUBARU dealer
for inspection.
Front differential gear oil
(CVT models) and rear differ-
ential gear oil
It is not necessary to check the gear oil
level. Check that there are no cracks,
damage or leakage. However, the oil
inspection should be performed according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil ”F 12-7.
CAUTION
Using a differential gear oil other
than the specified oil may cause a
decline in vehicle performance.
Maintenance and service/Manual transmission oil11-19
Specifications/Specifications
&Engine oil
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure or other details, refer to “Engine oil ”F 11-11.
NOTEThe procedure for changing the engine oil and oil filter should be performed by a properly-trained expert. It is recommended
that you have this service performed by your SUBARU dealer.
! Approved engine oil
Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil. For further details, please contact your SUBARU dealer.
If the approved engine oil is unavailable, use the alternative engine oil described on the next page.
! Alternative engine oil
If the SUBARU approved oil is unavailable, the following alternative oil can be used.
NOTE
. Each quantity indicated is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
. In choosing an oil, you want the proper quality and viscosity, as well as one that will enhance fuel economy. Oils of lower
viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the
engine. The following table lists the recommended viscosities and applicable temperatures.
. When adding oil, different brands may be used together as long as they are the same API classification and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by SUBARU.
12-4
!2.5 L models
Oil grade SAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperature Engine oil capacity
API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) classification
SNwith the
words “RESOURCE CONSER-
VING ” orILSAC (International Lubricant
Specification Advisory Commit-
tee)
GF-5 , which can be identi-
fied with the ILSAC certification
mark (Starburst mark) 0W-20 synthetic
oil is the required oil
for optimum engine performance and
protection. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
*: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available,
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may
be used if you need to add oil.
However, you should change to 0W-20
synthetic oil at the next oil change.
– Adding the oil from low level to
full level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
– Changing the oil and oil filter:
5.1 US qt (4.8 liters, 4.2 Imp qt)
Specifications/Specifications
–CONTINUED –
12-5
Specifications/Specifications
!3.6 L models
Oil grade SAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperature Engine oil capacity
API (American Petroleum Insti-
tute) classification
SNwith the
words “RESOURCE CONSER-
VING ” orILSAC (International Lubricant
Specification Advisory Commit-
tee)
GF-5 , which can be identi-
fied with the ILSAC certification
mark (Starburst mark) Your vehicle is designed to use
5W-30
conventional motor oil, however 5W-30
synthetic may be used for optimum
engine performance.
*: If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available,
10W-30 or 10W-40 conventional oil
may be used if you need to add oil.
However, you should change to 5W-30
synthetic or conventional oil at the next
oil change.
– Adding the oil from L to F level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
– Changing the oil and oil filter:
6.9 US qt (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp qt)
12-6