2017 SUBARU OUTBACK maintenance

as vehicle information, warning informa-
tion, etc., they will interrupt the current
screen, and appear on the display accom-
panied by a beep. If such a screen is
displayed, take proper action according to
the message shown on the screen.
The warning screen will return to the
original screen after a few seconds. While
the“
”information reminder is shown on
the display, it may be possible to display
the warning screen again. To recall the
message marked with “
”on the display,
pull the “/SET”switch on the steering
wheel toward you.
& Welcome screen and Good-
bye screen
When the driver ’s door is opened and
closed after unlocking the door, the
welcome screen will appear on the multi
information display for approximately 20
seconds.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK”/ “OFF ”position, the multi informa-
tion display gradually turns off (Good-bye
screen).
NOTE
. The basic screen will be shown
when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON ”position while the welcome screen is displayed.
.
Once the welcome screen appears,
it takes a certain period of time to
display it again.
. If the ignition switch is operated
after unlocking the driver ’s door, the
welcome screen will not appear even
when the driver ’s door is opened and
closed.
. The welcome screen will disappear
when you lock the driver ’s door by
using the remote keyless entry system
(all models) or the keyless access
function (if equipped) while the wel-
come screen is displayed.
. If any of the doors (including the
rear gate) is opened while the welcome
screen is displayed, the door ajar
warning will appear.
. The welcome screen can be set to
on or off. For details, refer to “Welcome
Screen ”F 3-44.
. The Good-bye screen can be set to
on or off. For details, refer to “Good-
bye Screen ”F 3-44.
& Warning screen
Example of warning
If there is a warning message or a
maintenance notification, it will appear for
approximately 5 seconds. Take the appro-
priate actions based on the messages
indicated.
Instruments and controls/Multi information display
–CONTINUED –3-37

Climate control/Air filtration system
allow outside air to circulate into the
heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency.
&Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.
&Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
son
Check the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Have the air con-
ditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
&Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate any problem with the air conditioning
system.
&
Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is designed
to temporarily shut off during air condi-
tioner operation whenever the accelerator
is fully depressed such as during rapid
acceleration or when driving on a steep
upgrade.
&Refrigerant for your climate
control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly
refrigerant HFO-1234yf. Therefore, the
method of adding, changing or checking
the refrigerant is different from the method
for CFC12 (freon) or HFC134a. Consult
your SUBARU dealer for service. Repairs
needed as a result of using the wrong
refrigerant are not covered under war-
ranty.
Air filtration system (if
equipped)
Your vehicle’ s air conditioning system is
equipped with an air filtration system.
Replace the air filter element according
to the replacement schedule shown in the
following table. This schedule should be
followed to maintain the filter ’sdust
collection ability. Under extremely dusty
conditions, the filter should be replaced
more frequently. Have your filter checked
or replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For
replacement, use only a genuine
SUBARU air filter kit. For the replacement
schedule, refer to the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.
CAUTION
Contact your SUBARU dealer if the
following occurs, even if it is not yet
time to change the filter.
.Reduction of the airflow through
the vents.
. Windshield gets easily fogged or
misted.
NOTE
The filter can influence the air condi-
tioning, heating and defroster perfor-
4-10

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 ignition switch) .............. 7-9
General precautions when starting/stopping
engine .............................................................. 7-9
Starting engine ................................................... 7-10
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-11
Steering lock ...................................................... 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system) .............................. 7-12
Safety precautions............................................. 7-12
Operating range for push-button start system ............................................................. 7-12
Starting engine ................................................... 7-12
Stopping engine ................................................. 7-14
When access key does not operate properly ....... 7-14
Steering lock ...................................................... 7-14
Remote engine start system (dealer
option) .............................................................. 7-15
Models with “keyless access with push-button
start system ”................................................... 7-16
Models without “keyless access with push-button
start system ”................................................... 7-17
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-20
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-20 Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the
vehicle ............................................................ 7-20
Service mode (models without “keyless access
with push-button start system ”) ....................... 7-20
Remote transmitter program (models without “keyless access with push-button start
system ”).......................................................... 7-20
System maintenance .......................................... 7-21
Manual transmission ......................................... 7-23Selecting reverse gear ....................................... 7-23
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-24
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-24
Continuously variable transmission ................. 7-25Select lever....................................................... 7-26
Shift lock function ............................................. 7-28
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-29
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-31
Power steering ................................................... 7-31
Braking ............................................................... 7-32
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-32
Brake system .................................................... 7-32
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-33
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-33
ABS self-check.................................................. 7-34
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-34
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system ............................................................. 7-34
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions .......... 7-34
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-35Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor .......... 7-37
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................ 7-37
Starting and operating
7

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.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 states have 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.
Starting and operating/State emission testing (U.S. only)
–CONTINUED –7-7

event that a transmitter is lost, stolen,
damaged or additional transmitters are
desired (the system will accept up to eight
transmitters). New remote engine start
transmitters can be programmed accord-
ing to the following procedure.
1. Open the driver’s door (the driver ’s
door must remain opened throughout the
entire process).
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to “ON”then
“ LOCK”, back to “ON”then “LOCK ”, back
to “ON ”then “LOCK”, then back to “ON”
again and leave the ignition “ON”through-
out the programming process.
4. The system will flash the side marker
lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn three times, indicating that
the system has entered the transmitter
learn mode.
5. Press and release the “
”button on
the transmitter that you want to program.
6. The system will flash the side marker
lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn one time, indicating that the
system has learned the transmitter. Upon
successful programming, the remote start
confirmation transmitter button will flash
one time.
7. Repeat step 5 for any additional
transmitters (the system will accept up to eight transmitters).
8. The system will exit the transmitter
learn mode if the key is turned to the
“LOCK”
position, the door is closed or
after 2 minutes.
& System maintenance
NOTE
For models without “keyless access
with push-button start system ”:
In the event that the vehicle ’s battery is
replaced, discharged or disconnected,
it will be necessary to start the vehicle
a minimum of one time using the key
prior to activating the remote engine
start system. This is required to allow
the vehicle electronic systems to re-
synchronize.
! Changing the batteries
CAUTION
.Do not let dust, oil or water get on
or in the remote engine start
transmitter when replacing the
battery.
. Be careful not to damage the
printed circuit board in the re-
mote engine start transmitter
when replacing the battery. .
Be careful not to allow children to
touch the battery and any re-
moved parts; children could
swallow them.
. There is a danger of explosion if
an incorrect replacement battery
is used. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type of bat-
tery.
. Batteries should not be exposed
to excessive heat such as sun-
shine, fire or the like.
For models with “keyless access with
push-button start system:
Perform the procedure described in “Re-
placing battery of access key ”F 11-50.
For models without “keyless access
with push-button start system ”:
The 3-volt lithium battery (model CR-
2032) supplied in your remote engine start
transmitter should last approximately one
year, depending on usage. When the
battery begins to weaken, you will notice
a decrease in range (distance from the
vehicle that your remote control operates).
Follow the instructions below to change
the remote engine start transmitter battery.
Starting and operating/Remote engine start system (dealer option)
–CONTINUED –7-21

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 ......................................................... 8-12
Rocking the vehicle ............................................ 8-12
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-13
Vehicle capacity weight ...................................... 8-14
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................ 8-14
Roof rack (Outback –if equipped) ...................... 8-15
Roof rails with integrated crossbars (Outback –if
equipped) ........................................................ 8-15
Trailer hitch (Outback —if equipped) .............. 8-19
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-20
If not towing a trailer .......................................... 8-21
Trailer towing (Legacy) ...................................... 8-22
Trailer towing (Outback) .................................... 8-22
Warranties and maintenance .............................. 8-22
Maximum load limits .......................................... 8-22
Trailer Hitches ................................................... 8-26
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-26
Trailer towing tips .............................................. 8-27
Driving tips
8

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 ”F 7-3.
. Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.
8-4

Driving tips/Off road driving
conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling,
however, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an
ample distance from other vehicles.
.Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located on the door
pillar on the driver ’s side.
. There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to “Towing”
F 9-13.Off road driving
WARNING
. Always maintain a safe driving
speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.
. Always use the utmost care in
driving –overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.
& Legacy
Your AWD vehicle is neither a conven-
tional off-road vehicle nor an all terrain
vehicle. It is a passenger car designed
primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road
capabilities in situations in which the
driving surface is relatively level, obstruc-
tion-free and otherwise similar to on-road
driving conditions. Operating it under other
than those conditions could subject the
vehicle to excessive stress which might
result in damage not eligible for repair under warranty. If you do take your
SUBARU off road, you should review the
common sense precautions in the next
section (applicable to the Outback) for
general guidance. But please keep in
mind that your vehicle’
s off-road capabil-
ities are more limited than those of the
Outback.
Never attempt to drive through pools and
puddles, or roads flooded with water.
Water entering the engine air intake or
the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle
and may cause it to stall.
& Outback
CAUTION
Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such
as rough roads or off roads will
necessitate more frequent replace-
ment of the following items than that
specified in the maintenance sche-
dule described in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.
. Engine oil
. Brake fluid
. Manual transmission oil (MT
models)
8-6