2017 SUBARU OUTBACK Owners Manual

Starting and operating/Reverse Automatic Braking System
When the OFF setting is shown, the
corresponding setting is OFF.
Touch and hold the OFF setting key to turn
the setting ON.
When the Reverse Automatic Braking
system and/or the object detection warn-
ing beeping sounds are turned OFF, the
following indicator(s) will illuminate.
1) RAB OFF indicator: illuminates when theReverse Automatic Braking system is
turned OFF.
2) Sonar audible alarm OFF indicator: illuminates when the object detection
warning beeping sound is turned OFF.
Each indicator will turn off when the
corresponding function is turned ON.
NOTE
.When the settings cannot be chan-
ged, the ON/OFF setting key will be
grayed out.
. The settings cannot be changed for
approximately 14 seconds after turning
the ignition switch to the “ON ”posi-
tion.
. The ON/OFF setting key may be
greyed out if the Reverse Automatic
Braking system malfunctions, etc. In
this case, turn the ignition switch to the
“ LOCK ”/“ OFF ”position and then turn it
to the “ON ”position again. If the
setting cannot be changed even after
turning the ignition switch to the “ON ”
position again, consult your SUBARU
dealer.
. The settings will be restored as
follows when the select lever is shifted
to the “R ” position next time.
– Reverse Automatic Braking sys-
tem settings: default (ON setting)
– Object detection warning beep-
ing sound: the setting selected by
operating the multi function display
Also, the following settings can be chan-
ged by operating the multi information
display.
. Warning volume
. Sonar audible alarm For details, refer to
“RAB”F 3-45.& Handling of the sonar sen-
sors
The 4 sonar sensors are located in the
rear bumper. To ensure the proper opera-
tion of the Reverse Automatic Braking
system, observe the following precau-
tions.
. Do not affix any stickers or other items
on the bumper surface near the sonar
sensors.
. Always keep the rear bumper surface
near the sonar sensors clean.
. Do not modify the rear bumper.
. Do not paint the bumper near the sonar
sensors.
. Do not apply strong impacts to the rear
7-70

bumper near the sonar sensors. If a
sensor becomes misaligned, a system
malfunction may occur, including inability
to detect objects in the reversing direction.
If any strong impact is applied to the rear
bumper, contact a SUBARU dealer to
have the system inspected.
.Do not disassemble the sonar sensors.
NOTE
If the sonar sensors require repair or
replacement, or if the area of the rear
bumper near the sonar sensors re-
quires repair, paintwork or replace-
ment, contact your SUBARU dealer
for assistance.
Starting and operating/Reverse Automatic Braking System7-71

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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/New vehicle break–in driving –the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
New vehicle break-in driving
– the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km)
The performance and long life of your
vehicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
. Do not race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.
. Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.
. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid
acceleration, except in an emergency.
. Avoid hard braking, except in an
emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be
applied to a newly installed or overhauled
engine or when brake pads or brake
linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save
your fuel.
. Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
. Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-
tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to
maintain that speed for as long as
possible.
. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep the engine properly tuned.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire placard, which
is located under the door latch on the
driver ’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption.
. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. Keep the front and rear wheels in
proper alignment.
. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.
. The indication of the ECO gauge
shows a reference for saving fuel. For
details, refer to “ECO gauge”F 3-12.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)
WARNING
. Never inhale engine exhaust gas.
Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless
and odorless gas which is dan-
gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
. Always properly maintain the en-
gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from enter-
ing the vehicle.
. Never run the engine in a closed
space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.
. Avoid remaining in a parked
vehicle for a long time while the
engine is running. If that is
unavoidable, then use the venti-
lation fan to force fresh air into
the vehicle.
. Always keep the front ventilator
inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.
. If at any time you suspect that
8-2

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

Driving tips for AWD vehicles
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.
. When replacing or installing tire
(s), all four tires must be the
same for the following items.
(a) Size
(b) Circumference
(c) Speed symbol
(d) Load index
(e) Construction
(f) Manufacturer
(g) Brand (tread pattern)
(h) Degrees of wear
For items (a) to (d), you must obey the specification that is
printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
driver
’s door pillar.
If all four tires are not the same in
items (a) to (h), it may lead to
serious mechanical damage to
the drive train of your car and
affect the following factors.
— Ride
— Handling
— Braking
— Speedometer/Odometer
calibration
— Clearance between the body
and the tires
It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.
CAUTION
If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and
rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also
provide added traction during accelera-
tion, and added engine braking force
during deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging
the AWD system, you should keep the
following tips in mind:
. An AWD vehicle is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slippery
Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD vehicles
–CONTINUED –8-5