2003 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 381

Maintenance and service Engine oil B Checking the oil level Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop. HBB004JA HBB061BD 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. 2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. 3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops with the graphic symbol on its top appearing as shown in the illustration. 4. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level. CAUTION Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity. 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. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper level when the engine is cold. In 2.5-liter-engine models, the dipstick has a notch above the upper level. Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level reading may be in a range between the upper level and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil. - CONTINUED - 11 11-9