
Appearance care/Exterior care
Exterior care
&Washing
CAUTION
. When washing the vehicle, the
brakes may get wet. As a result,
the brake stopping distance will
be longer. To dry the brakes,
drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes.
. Do not wash the engine compart-
ment and areas adjacent to it. If
water enters the engine air intake
or electrical parts, it will cause
engine trouble or a malfunction
of the power steering.
. When washing inner fenders,
underbody, bumpers and pro-
truding objects such as exhaust
pipes and exhaust finishers, be
careful to prevent injuries from
contacting sharp ends.
. Do not use any organic solvents
when washing the surface of the
bulb assembly cover. However, if
a detergent with organic solvents
is used to wash the cover sur-
face, completely rinse off the
detergent with water. Otherwise, the cover surface may be da-
maged.
. Outback: Since your vehicle is
equipped with a rear wiper, auto-
matic car-wash brushes could
become tangled around it, dama-
ging the wiper arm and other
components. Ask the automatic
car-wash operator not to let the
brushes touch the wiper arm or
to fix the wiper arm on the rear
window glass with adhesive tape
before operating the machine.
NOTE
When having your vehicle washed in
an automatic car wash, make sure
beforehand that the car wash is of
suitable type.
The best way to preserve your vehicle’ s
beauty is frequent washing. Wash the
vehicle at least once a month to avoid
contamination by road grime.
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash
the vehicle with hot water and in direct
sunlight.
Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree
sap, and bird droppings should be washed
off by using a light detergent, as required. If you use a light detergent, make certain
that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use
strong soap or chemical detergents. All
cleaning agents should be promptly
flushed from the surface and not allowed
to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly
with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the
remaining water off with a chamois or soft
cloth. Wear rubber gloves and use a hand
brush when washing down underbody,
inner fenders and suspension to effec-
tively remove mud and dirt off.
!
Washing the underbody
Chemicals, salts and gravel used for
deicing road surfaces are extremely cor-
rosive, accelerating the corrosion of un-
derbody components, such as the exhaust
system, fuel and brake lines, brake
cables, floor pan and fenders, and sus-
pension.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and in-
side of the fenders with lukewarm or cold
water at frequent intervals to reduce the
harmful effects of such agents.
Mud and sand adhering to the underbody
components may accelerate their corro-
sion.
After driving off-road or on muddy or
sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off
the underbody.
Carefully flush the suspension and axle
10-2

Appearance care/Corrosion protection
washing device.
.Clean the vehicle (including the alumi-
num wheels) with water as soon as
possible when it has been splashed with
sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or
driven on roads treated with salt or other
agents.Corrosion protection
Your SUBARU has been designed and
built to resist corrosion. Special materials
and protective finishes have been used on
most parts of the vehicle to help maintain
fine appearance, strength, and reliable
operation.
& Most common causes of
corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion
are:
. The accumulation of moisture retaining
dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor accidents.
Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle
when:
. It is exposed to road salt or dust control
chemicals, or used in coastal areas where
there is more salt in the air, or in areas
where there is considerable industrial
pollution.
. It is driven in areas of high humidity,
especially when temperatures range just
above freezing.
. Dampness in certain parts of the vehicle remains for a long time, even
though other parts of the vehicle may be
dry.
.
High temperatures will cause corrosion
to parts of the vehicle which cannot dry
quickly due to lack of proper ventilation.
& To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent
corrosion of the body and suspension
components. Also, wash the vehicle
promptly after driving on any of the
following surfaces.
. roads that have been salted to prevent
them from freezing in winter
. mud, sand, or gravel
. coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recom-
mended that the underbody be given a
very thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check the
condition of underbody components, such
as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, suspension, steering
system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of
them are found to be rusted, they should
be given an appropriate rust prevention
treatment or should be replaced. Contact
your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind
of maintenance and treatment if you need
10-4

Maintenance and service/Tires and wheels
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally.
.Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is
responsive. Rolling resistance is low, so
fuel consumption is also lower. .
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher. .
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire
magnifies the effects of road surface
bumps and dips, possibly resulting in
vehicle damage.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
11-28

&Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance causes
the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle’ s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not
correctly balanced, have them checked
and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer.
Also have them adjusted after tire repairs
and after tire rotation.
CAUTION
Loss of correct wheel alignment
causes the tires to wear on one side
and reduces the vehicle ’s running
stability. Contact your SUBARU
dealer if you notice abnormal tire
wear.
NOTE
The suspension system is designed to
hold each wheel at a certain alignment
(relative to the other wheels and to the
road) for optimum straight-line stability
and cornering performance.
& Wear indicators
1) New tread
2) Worn tread
3) Tread wear indicator
Each tire incorporates a tread wear
indicator, which becomes visible when
the depth of the tread grooves decreases
to 0.063 in (1.6 mm). A tire must be
replaced when the tread wear indicator
appears as a solid band across the tread.
WARNING
When a tire ’s tread wear indicator
becomes visible, the tire is worn
beyond the acceptable limit and
must be replaced immediately. With
a tire in this condition, driving at
high speeds in wet weather can cause the vehicle to hydroplane.
The resulting loss of vehicle control
can lead to an accident.
NOTE
For safety, inspect the tire tread reg-
ularly and replace the tires before their
tread wear indicators become visible.
&
Tire rotation direction mark
Example of tire rotation direction mark
1) Front
If the tire has a rotation direction specifica-
tion, the tire rotation direction mark is
placed on its sidewall.
When you install a tire that has the tire
rotation direction mark, install the tire with
Maintenance and service/Tires and wheels
–CONTINUED –11-29

Specifications/Bulb chartWattage Bulb No.
1) High beam headlight 12V-60W HB3
2) Low beam headlight Models with HID headlights 12V-35W D4S
Models without HID headlights 12V-55W H11
3) Front side marker light 12V-5W W5W
4) Map light 12V-8W
5) Dome light 12V-8W
6) Door step light 12V-5W W5W
7) Front turn signal light 12V-21W WY21W
8) Front fog light
Legacy (models without steering responsive fog
lights system) 12V-19W H16
Legacy (models with steering responsive fog lights
system) 12V-55W H11
Outback 12V-55W H11
9) Vanity mirror light 14V-1.4W HTU
10) Cargo area light 12V-13W SAE #912
11) Licence plate light (Outback) 12V-5W W5W
12) Backup light (Outback) 12V-16W W16W
13) Rear turn signal light (Outback) 12V-21W WY21W
14) Rear side marker light (Outback) 12V-5W W5W
15) Trunk light (Legacy) 12V-3.8W SAE #194
16) License plate light (Legacy) 12V-5W W5W
17) Backup light (Legacy) 12V-16W W16W12-16

The vehicle placard shows original
tire size, recommended cold tire
inflation pressure on each tire at
maximum loaded vehicle weight,
seating capacity and loading infor-
mation.
!Adverse safety consequences
of under-inflation
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to flex severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
!Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure.
&
Glossary of tire terminology
.Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not).
.Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.
.Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.
.Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the center-
line of the tread.
.Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and
sidewall rubber which, when in-
flated, bears the load.
.Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the
tread or sidewall.
.Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.
.Cord
The strands forming the plies in the
tire.
.Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
–CONTINUED –13-5

14-2Index
A
Abbreviation................................................................... 3
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-33
Warning light ......................................................... 3-19
Access key ............................................................... 2-10
Warning indicator ................................................... 3-25
Accessories .............................................................. 11-40
Accessory power outlet ............................................... 6-10
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner Automatic climate control system ............................... 4-5
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-6
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-10
Airflow selection ........................................................... 4-6
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-28
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-23
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-32
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna ...................................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-33
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-30
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-15
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-12
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-17
Audio aha
TMby HARMAN ................................................ 5-44
AM/FM radio ......................................................... 5-28
AUX ..................................................................... 5-61
Base display audio set. ............................................. 5-4
Basic operation ...................................................... 5-18
Bluetooth audio ...................................................... 5-58 CD ....................................................................... 5-53
iPod
...................................................................... 5-56
Pandora
®.............................................................. 5-50
SiriusXM Satellite Radio .......................................... 5-37
Steering switches for audio ...................................... 5-63
SUBARU STARLINK ............................................... 5-26
SUBARU STARLINK
TMMultimedia Plus audio set ... .... 5-6
Unit setting ............................................................ 5-19
USB memory ......................................................... 5-55
Auto on/off headlights ................................................. 3-47
Sensor .................................................................. 3-49
Vehicle setting ........................................................ 3-46
Auto-dimming mirror .................................................... 3-69
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-5
Automatic headlight beam leveler Warning light .......................................................... 3-32
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) ................................................ 1-17
B
Battery Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-8
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-11
Replacement (access key) ..................................... 11-50
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-21
Replacement (transmitter) ...................................... 11-51
Vehicle battery ..................................................... 11-37
Bluetooth
®
Audio .................................................................... 5-58
Hands-free phone system ........................................ 5-71
Settings ................................................................. 5-66

Winter.................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-12
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-9
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system .......... 7-34
Warning ................................................................ 3-20
Electronic parking brake. ............................................. 7-43
Automatic release function by accelerator pedal ......... 7-45
Hill Holder ............................................................. 7-45
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Warning ........................................................ 3-21, 7-47
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-17
Engine Compartment overview ........................................... 11-9
Coolant ........................................................ 11-15, 12-8
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-7
Low oil level warning indicator ................................. 3-17
Oil............................................................... 11-11, 12-4
Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting & stopping ........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder ......................................................... 9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-5
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-15
Fluid level Brake .................................................................. 11-20
Clutch .................................................................. 11-21 Continuously variable transmission
......................... 11-19
Fog light Bulb .......................................................... 11-42, 12-14
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-32
Steering responsive fog lights system ....................... 3-56
Switch ................................................................... 3-56
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 ............................................. 3-38
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-11
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