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2008 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 317

2008 Subaru Outback Manual

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8-26 trailer. Driving tips ! OUTBACK wagon The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer. If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight. ! All vehicles except OUTBACK wagon SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer hitches. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight. & Connecting a trailer ! Trailer brakes dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information about the trailer's brake system. ! Trailer safety chains WARNING Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Towing trailer without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage. In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or become disconnected, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard. For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer safety chains. Pass the chains crossing each other under the trailer tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in case the trailer tongue should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into account; however, be careful not to let them drag on the ground. For more information about the safety chain connection, refer to the instructions for your hitch and trailer. WARNING . Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. . Do not directly connect your trailer's hydraulic brake system to the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause the vehicle's brake performance to deteriorate and could lead to an accident. If your trailer's total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is required to be equipped with its own brake system. Electric brakes or surge brakes are recommended, and must be installed properly. Check that your trailer's brakes conform with Federal, state/province and/ or other applicable regulations. Your SUBARU's brake system is not designed to be tapped into the trailer's hydraulic brake system. Please ask your SUBARU

Section	Page
1. Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	26
Front seats	27
Manual seat	28
Power seat	29
Memory function (Driver’s seat, if equipped)	30
Head restraint adjustment	32
Active head restraint	32
Lumbar support	33
Seat heater	33
Rear seats	34
Folding down the rear seatback	34
Head restraint adjustment	35
Armrest	37
Loading long objects (Sedan)	37
Seatbelts	38
Seatbelt safety tips	38
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)	39
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)	39
Seatbelt warning light and chime	40
Fastening the seatbelt	41
Seatbelt maintenance	48
Front seatbelt pretensioners	49
System monitors	50
System servicing	51
Precautions against vehicle modification	52
Child restraint systems	52
Where to place a child restraint system	53
Choosing a child restraint system	55
Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt	55
Installing a booster seat	58
Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)	60
Top tether anchorages	62
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)	65
Vehicle with SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints for driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers	65
Subaru advanced frontal airbag system	70
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag	80
SRS airbag system monitors	86
SRS airbag system servicing	88
Precautions against vehicle modification	89
2. Keys and doors	90
Keys	91
Key number	91
Immobilizer	92
Security ID plate	92
Security indicator light	93
Key replacement	93
Door locks	94
Locking and unlocking from the outside	94
Locking and unlocking from the inside	95
Battery drainage prevention function	95
Power door locking switches	96
Key lock-in prevention function	96
Remote keyless entry system	97
Locking the doors	98
Unlocking the doors	98
Unlocking the trunk lid/rear gate	98
Illuminated entry	98
Vehicle finder function	99
Sounding a panic alarm	99
Selecting audible signal operation	99
Replacing the battery	99
Replacing lost transmitters	101
Alarm system	104
System alarm operation	104
Activating and deactivating the alarm system	104
If you have accidentally triggered the alarm system	105
Arming the system	105
Disarming the system	107
Valet mode	107
Passive arming	107
Tripped sensor identification	108
Shock sensors (dealer option)	108
Child safety locks	109
Windows	109
Power windows	109
Trunk lid (Sedan)	112
To open and close the trunk lid from outside	112
To open the trunk lid from inside	112
To lock and unlock the trunk lid release lever	113
Internal trunk lid release handle	113
Rear gate (Station wagon)	115
Moonroof	116
Tilting/sliding moonroof (Sedan)	116
Moonroof (Station wagon)	117
3. Instruments and controls	120
Ignition switch	122
LOCK	122
Acc	123
ON	123
START	123
Key reminder chime	124
Ignition switch light	124
Hazard warning flasher	124
Meters and gauges (Vehicle with SI-DRIVE)	124
Combination meter illumination	124
Speedometer	125
Tachometer	125
Fuel gauge	125
Temperature gauge	126
ECO gauge	127
Multi-information display (Vehicle with SI-DRIVE)	128
Display	128
Operation switch	128
Odometer and trip meter	129
Current and average fuel consumption	130
Outside temperature and journey time	131
Driving range on remaining fuel	133
Clock (Vehicle with Navigation System)	134
SI-DRIVE display	134
Meter settings	134
Warning messages and driver’s information	139
Meters and gauges (Vehicle without SI-DRIVE)	143
Combination meter illumination	143
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle movement upon turning on the ignition switch	143
Speedometer	143
Odometer	144
Double trip meter	144
Tachometer	145
Fuel gauge	145
Temperature gauge	146
Warning and indicator lights	147
Seatbelt warning light and chime	148
SRS airbag system warning light	149
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators	150
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp	150
Charge warning light	151
Oil pressure warning light	151
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (AT models)	151
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models)	151
ABS warning light	153
Brake system warning light	154
Low fuel warning light	154
Door open warning light	155
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT models)	155
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light	155
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light	156
Security indicator light	157
SPORT mode indicator light (4-speed AT models)	157
Shift-up indicator light (MT models)	157
S# PREP indicator light	157
Selector lever position indicator (AT models)	158
Gear position indicator (AT models)	158
Selector lever and gear position indicator (AT models)	158
Turn signal indicator lights	158
High beam indicator light	159
Cruise control indicator light	159
Cruise control set indicator light	159
Headlight indicator light	159
Front fog light indicator light	159
Clock (Vehicle without Navigation System)	159
Information display (2.5-liter non-turbo model without Navigation System)	160
Outside temperature indicator	160
Current fuel consumption	162
Average fuel consumption	162
Driving range on remaining fuel	163
Journey time	164
Light control switch	164
Headlights	165
High/low beam change (dimmer)	165
Headlight flasher	165
Daytime running light system	166
Turn signal lever	166
Illumination brightness control	166
Parking light switch	167
Front fog light switch	167
Wiper and washer	168
Windshield wiper and washer switches	169
Rear window wiper and washer switch (Station wagon)	171
Windshield wiper deicer	172
Rear window defogger button	173
Mirrors	174
Inside mirror	174
Auto-dimming mirror/compass	174
Outside mirrors	176
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel	177
Horn	178
4. Climate control	179
Ventilator	180
Air flow selection	180
Center and side ventilators	181
Manual climate control system	181
Control panel	181
Heater operation	183
Air conditioner operation	185
Automatic climate control system	186
Control panel	186
Temperature sensors	189
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner	190
Cleaning ventilator grille	190
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight	190
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit	190
Checking air conditioning system before summer season	190
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather condition	190
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded	191
Refrigerant for your climate control system	191
Air filtration system	191
5. Audio	192
Antenna system	193
Printed antenna	193
FM reception	193
XMTM satellite radio reception	193
Installation of accessories	195
Audio set	196
Type A audio set	196
Type B audio set	197
Power and sound controls	198
Power switch and volume control	198
Tone and balance control	198
Audio effector switching (type B)	200
FM/AM radio operation	201
FM/AM selection	201
Tuning	201
Station preset	202
Satellite radio operation	203
XMTM satellite radio	203
Sirius satellite radio	203
Satellite radio reception	203
Displaying satellite radio ID of tuner	203
Band selection	204
Channel and category selection	204
Channel preset	205
Display selection	206
CD player operation	206
How to insert a CD (type A)	206
How to insert a CD(s) (type B)	206
How to play back a CD	208
To select a track from its beginning	209
Fast-forwarding and fast-reversing	209
Repeating	210
Random playback	211
Scan	212
Display selection	213
Folder selection	214
How to eject a CD from the player (type A)	214
How to eject CDs from the player (type B)	214
When the following messages are displayed	215
AUX unit operation	216
AUX jack	216
AUX inputs selection button	216
Audio control buttons	217
MODE button	217
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc	218
6. Interior equipment	221
Interior light	222
Dome light	222
Cargo area light (Station wagon)	222
Map light	222
Sun visors	223
Sun visor extension plate	223
Vanity mirror with light	224
Storage compartment	224
Glove box	225
Center console box	225
Center panel compartment	226
Overhead console	227
Pocket	227
Cup holder	227
Front passenger’s cup holder	228
Rear passenger’s cup holder	228
Accessory power outlets	228
Coat hook	230
Rear passenger area	230
Shopping bag hook	231
For Sedan models	231
For Station wagon models	231
Floor mat	232
Cargo area cover	232
Using the cover	232
To remove the cover housing	233
To remove the rear gate board	233
Stowage of the cargo area cover and rear gate board	233
To install the cover housing	234
To install the rear gate board	235
Stowage boxes (Station wagon)	235
Convenient tie-down hooks	236
Under-floor storage compartment	236
HomeLink® Wireless Control System	237
Garage door opener programming in the U.S.A.	238
Programming rolling-code-protected garage door openers in the U.S.A.	239
Programming for entrance gates and garage door openers in Canada	240
Programming other devices	241
Operating the HomeLink® Wireless Control System	241
Reprogramming a single HomeLink® button	241
Erasing HomeLink® button memory	241
In case a problem occurs	241
7. Starting and operating	242
Fuel	244
Fuel requirements	244
Fuel filler lid and cap	246
State emission testing (U.S. only)	248
Preparing to drive	249
Starting the engine	250
Manual transmission vehicle	250
Automatic transmission vehicle	250
Stopping the engine	251
Remote engine start system (dealer option)	252
Starting your vehicle	252
Remote start safety features	252
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start	253
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown	253
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle	253
Service mode	253
Remote transmitter programming and programmable feature option	253
System maintenance	254
Manual transmission – 5 speeds	255
Shifting speeds	256
Driving tips	256
Manual transmission – 6 speeds (2.5GT spec.B)	257
Selecting reverse gear	257
Shifting speeds	258
Driving tips	258
Automatic transmission – 4-speed	259
Selector lever	259
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function	261
Selection of manual mode	262
Maximum speeds	263
Driving tips	263
SPORT mode	264
Shift lock release	264
Automatic transmission – 5-speed	265
Selector lever	266
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function	267
Selection of manual mode	268
Maximum speeds	270
Driving tips	270
Shift lock release	270
SI-DRIVE (Except 2.5-liter non-Turbo models)	271
Intelligent (I) mode	272
Sport (S) mode	272
Sport Sharp (S#) mode	273
SI-DRIVE selector	273
SI-DRIVE Sport Sharp (S#) switch	273
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD)	274
Power steering	274
Braking	275
Braking tips	275
Brake system	275
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators	275
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)	276
ABS system self-check	276
ABS warning light	276
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system	277
Steps to take if EBD system fails	278
Vehicle Dynamics Control system	279
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor	280
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch	283
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	284
Parking your vehicle	285
Parking brake	286
Parking tips	286
Cruise control	287
To set cruise control	287
To temporarily cancel the cruise control	288
To turn off the cruise control	289
To change the cruising speed	289
Cruise control indicator light	290
Cruise control set indicator light	290
8. Driving tips	292
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)	293
Fuel economy hints	293
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)	294
Catalytic converter	294
Periodic inspections	295
Driving in foreign countries	296
Driving tips for AWD vehicles	296
Off road driving	297
All AWD models except OUTBACK	297
OUTBACK	297
Winter driving	299
Operation during cold weather	299
Driving on snowy and icy roads	300
Corrosion protection	301
Snow tires	302
Tire chains	304
Rocking the vehicle	304
Loading your vehicle	304
Vehicle capacity weight	305
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)	306
Roof rail and crossbar	306
Trailer hitch	310
Connecting a trailer	311
When you do not tow a trailer	312
Trailer towing	312
Warranties and maintenance	312
Maximum load limits	313
Trailer hitches	316
Connecting a trailer	317
Trailer towing tips	318
9. In case of emergency	321
If you park your vehicle in an emergency	322
Temporary spare tire	322
Flat tires	324
Changing a flat tire	324
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	329
Jump starting	330
How to jump start	331
Engine overheating	333
If steam is coming from the engine compartment	333
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment	333
Towing	334
Towing and tie-down hooks	334
Using a flat-bed truck	337
Towing with all wheels on the ground	337
Rear gate (Station wagon) – if the rear gate cannot be unlocked	338
Maintenance tools	339
Jack	339
Jack handle	339
Other maintenance tools	340
10. Appearance care	341
Exterior care	342
Washing	342
Waxing and polishing	343
Cleaning aluminum wheels	343
Corrosion protection	344
Most common causes of corrosion	344
To help prevent corrosion	344
Cleaning the interior	345
Seat fabric	345
Leather seat materials	345
Synthetic leather upholstery	345
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, switches, combination meter, and other plastic surface	345
Navigation monitor (Europe – if equipped)	346
11. Maintenance and service	347
Maintenance schedule	349
Maintenance precautions	349
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment	350
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running	350
Engine hood	350
Engine compartment overview	352
Engine oil	355
Checking the oil level	355
Changing the oil and oil filter	356
Recommended grade and viscosity	358
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions	359
Cooling system	360
Hose and connections	360
Engine coolant	360
Air cleaner element	363
Replacing the air cleaner element	364
Spark plugs	366
Recommended spark plugs	366
Drive belts	367
Manual transmission oil	367
Checking the oil level	367
Recommended grade and viscosity	368
Automatic transmission fluid	369
Checking the fluid level	369
Recommended fluid	370
Front differential gear oil (AT models)	370
Checking the oil level	370
Recommended grade and viscosity	371
Rear differential gear oil	371
Checking the gear oil level	371
Recommended grade and viscosity	373
Power steering fluid	374
Checking the fluid level	374
Recommended fluid	374
Brake fluid	375
Checking the fluid level	375
Recommended brake fluid	375
Clutch fluid (MT models)	376
Checking the fluid level	376
Recommended clutch fluid	376
Brake booster	377
Brake pedal	377
Checking the brake pedal free play	377
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance	377
Clutch pedal (MT models)	378
Checking the clutch function	378
Checking the clutch pedal free play	378
Replacement of brake pad and lining	378
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings	379
Parking brake stroke	379
Tires and wheels	380
Types of tires	380
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	380
Tire inspection	382
Tire pressures and wear	382
Wheel balance	384
Wear indicators	385
Tire rotation direction mark	385
Tire rotation	385
Tire replacement	386
Wheel replacement	386
Aluminum wheels	387
Windshield washer fluid	387
Replacement of wiper blades	389
Windshield wiper blade assembly	389
Windshield wiper blade rubber	390
Rear window wiper blade assembly	391
Rear window wiper blade rubber	391
Battery	393
Fuses	394
Main fuse	395
Installation of accessories	396
Replacing bulbs	397
Headlight	398
Front turn signal light and parking light	400
Front fog light	400
Rear combination lights	401

Match case Limit results 1 per page

8-26

Driving tips

trailer.

OUTBACK wagon

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer

hitch

recommended.

genuine

SUBARU

hitch

available

from

your

SUBARU dealer.

If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoid-

able, be sure the hitch is suited to your

vehicle and trailer. Consult with a profes-

sional

hitch

supplier

assist

you

choosing an appropriate hitch for your

vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch

manufacturer

’

s instructions for installation

and use.

Never use a hitch that mounts only to the

rear bumper. The bumper is not designed

to handle that type of load.

For all types of hitches, regularly check

that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are

tight.

All vehicles except OUTBACK wa-

gon

SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer

hitches. Consult with a professional hitch

supplier

assist

you

choosing

appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure

to follow all of the hitch manufacturer

’

instructions for installation and use.

Never use a hitch that mounts only to the

rear bumper. The bumper is not designed

to handle that type of load.

Regularly check that the hitch mounting

bolts and nuts are tight.

Connecting a trailer

Trailer brakes

WARNING

Adequate size trailer brakes are

required when the trailer and its

cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

total weight.

not

directly

connect

your

trailer

’

s hydraulic brake system

to the hydraulic brake system in

your vehicle. Direct connection

would cause the vehicle

’

s brake

performance to deteriorate and

could lead to an accident.

If your trailer

’

s total weight (trailer weight

plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs

(453

kg),

the

trailer

required

equipped

with

its

own

brake

system.

Electric

brakes

surge

brakes

are

recommended,

and

must

installed

properly. Check that your trailer

’

s brakes

conform with Federal, state/province and/

other

applicable

regulations.

Your

SUBARU

’

s brake system is not designed

to be tapped into the trailer

’

s hydraulic

brake system. Please ask your SUBARU

dealer and professional trailer supplier for

more information about the trailer

’

s brake

system.

Trailer safety chains

WARNING

Always use safety chains between

your vehicle and the trailer. Towing

trailer without safety chains could

create a traffic safety hazard if the

trailer separates from the hitch due

to coupling damage or hitch

ball

damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch

ball

should

break

become

discon-

nected, the trailer could get loose and

create a traffic safety hazard.

For

safety,

always

connect

the

towing

vehicle

and

trailer

with

trailer

safety

chains. Pass the chains crossing each

other under the trailer tongue to prevent

the trailer from dropping onto the ground

in case the trailer tongue should discon-

nect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient

slack in the chains taking tight-turn situa-

tions into account; however, be careful not

to let them drag on the ground.

For

information

about

the

safety

chain connection, refer to the instructions

for your hitch and trailer.