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2004 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 354

2004 Subaru Outback Manual

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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 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 dealer and professional trailer supplier for more information about the trailer's brake system. - CONTINUED - 8-35

Section	Page
1. Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	26
Front seats	27
Fore and aft adjustment	28
Seat cushion angle and height adjustment (Power seat only)	29
Reclining the seatback	30
Head restraint adjustment	32
Lumbar support (if equipped)	33
Seat heater (if equipped)	34
Rear seats	35
Armrest (if equipped)	36
Headrest adjustment ‐ Rear center seating position on Station wagon	38
Folding down the rear seat ‐ Station wagon	39
Seatbelts	43
Seatbelt safety tips	43
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)	44
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)	45
Seatbelt warning light and chime	45
Fastening the seatbelt	45
Seatbelt maintenance	56
Seatbelt extender	57
Front seatbelt pretensioners	59
System monitors	60
System servicing	61
Precautions against vehicle modification	62
Child restraint systems	62
Where to place a child restraint system	64
Choosing a child restraint system	66
Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt	66
Installing a booster seat	71
Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)	73
Top tether anchorages	77
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)	82
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints	82
SRS frontal airbag	87
SRS side airbag (if equipped)	95
SRS airbag system monitors	103
SRS airbag system servicing	104
Precautions against vehicle modification	105
2. Keys and doors	108
Keys	109
Key number	109
Door locks	110
Locking and unlocking from the outside	110
Locking and unlocking from the inside	111
Power door locking switches	112
Remote keyless entry system (if equipped)	114
Locking the doors	115
Unlocking the doors	115
Illuminated entry	116
Vehicle finder function	116
Sounding a panic alarm	116
Selecting audible signal operation	116
Replacing the battery	117
Replacing lost transmitters	118
Security system (if equipped)	122
System operation	122
Arming the system	122
Disarming the system	124
Sounding a panic alarm	125
Valet mode	125
Passive arming	125
Child safety locks	129
Windows	130
Power windows	130
Trunk lid (Sedan)	133
To open and close the trunk lid from outside	134
To open the trunk lid from inside	134
To cancel the trunk lid release	135
Internal trunk lid release handle	135
Rear gate (Station wagon)	138
Moonroof (if equipped)	139
Tilting/sliding moonroof (Sedan)	140
Dual moonroofs (Station wagon)	141
3. Instruments and controls	144
Ignition switch	146
LOCK	146
ACC	147
ON	148
START	148
Key reminder chime	148
Ignition switch light	148
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)	148
Hazard warning flasher	149
Meters and gauges	150
Speedometer	150
Odometer/Trip meter	150
Tachometer	151
Outside temperature indicator (if equipped)	151
Fuel gauge	151
Temperature gauge	152
Warning and indicator lights	153
Seatbelt warning light and chime	153
SRS airbag system warning light	153
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp	154
Charge warning light	155
Oil pressure warning light	155
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles)	155
ABS warning light	156
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) warning light (if equipped)	156
Brake system warning light	157
Door open warning lights	158
Low fuel warning light	158
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles except GT and vehicle with VDC)	158
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) operation indicator light (if equipped)	158
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) OFF indicator light (if equipped)	159
Security system status indicator light (if equipped)	159
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles)	160
Gear position indicator (AT vehicle with SPORTSHIFT)	160
Turn signal indicator lights	160
High beam indicator light	161
Cruise control set indicator light	161
Clock	161
Light control switch	162
Headlights	162
High/low beam change (dimmer)	163
Headlight flasher	163
Daytime running light system	164
Turn signal lever	164
Illumination brightness control	165
Parking light switch	166
Fog light switch (if equipped)	167
Wiper and washer	167
Fog light switch (if equipped)	167
Wiper and washer	167
Windshield wiper and washer switches	169
Rear window wiper and washer switch (if equipped)	170
Rear window defogger switch	171
For vehicles with manual heating and air conditioning systems	172
For vehicles with automatic climate control	172
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped)	173
Mirrors	174
Inside mirror	174
Auto-dimming mirror/compass (if equipped)	174
Outside mirrors	176
Tilt steering wheel	178
Horn	179
4. Climate control	180
Ventilator	181
Driver’s side ventilators	181
Center ventilators	181
Front passenger’s side ventilators	182
Front passenger’s side ventilators	182
Air flow selection	183
Manual heating and air conditioning system	184
Control panel	184
Heater operation	186
Air conditioner operation	189
Automatic climate control system (if equipped)	190
Temperature sensors	197
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner	198
Cleaning ventilator grille	198
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight	199
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit	199
Checking air conditioning system before summer season	199
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather condition	199
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded	199
Refrigerant for your climate control system	199
Air filtration system (if equipped)	200
5. Audio	202
Antenna system	203
Printed antenna	203
Pillar mounted antenna	204
Installation of accessories	204
Audio set	205
Type A and type B audio set	205
Type C audio set	205
McIntosh audio set	206
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (Optional audio unit ‐ if equipped)	206
Type A and B audio set (if equipped)	207
Radio operation	218
Type C audio set (if equipped)	218
Radio operation	218
Built-in CD changer operation	224
OnStarR system operation (models with OnStarR system)	228
McIntosh audio set (if equipped)	228
Radio operation	229
Built-in CD changer operation	235
OnStarR system operation (models with OnStarR system)	239
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped)	240
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc (CD)	243
6. Interior equipment	246
Interior light	247
Dome light	247
Cargo area light (if equipped)	247
Map light (if equipped)	248
Sun visors	249
Vanity mirror (if equipped)	250
Storage compartment	250
Glove box	251
Center console	251
Coin compartment	252
Overhead console (if equipped)	252
Cup holder	253
Front cup holder	253
Rear passenger’s cup holder (if equipped)	254
Cigarette lighter socket (if equipped)	255
Use with a cigarette lighter	255
Using as an accessory power outlet	256
Ashtray	257
Front ashtray	257
Rear ashtray (if equipped)	258
OnStarR system (if equipped)	258
OnStar services button	259
OnStar emergency button	259
OnStar communication button (White DOT)	259
System status light	259
Volume control	260
OnStar subscription plans*	260
OnStar services	260
OnStar personal calling	262
OnStar virtual advisor	262
OnStar system limitations	263
Accessory power outlet	264
In the luggage compartment (if equipped)	264
Convenience hook	265
Coat hook	265
Shopping bag hook	265
Floor mat (if equipped)	266
Luggage cover (if equipped)	267
Using the cover	268
To remove the cover	268
Convenient tie-down hooks (if equipped)	269
Subfloor storage (if equipped)	270
7. Starting and operating	274
Fuel	275
Fuel requirements	275
Fuel filler lid and cap	277
State emission testing (U.S. only)	280
Preparing to drive	282
Starting the engine	283
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle	283
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle	283
Starting the engine during cold weather below ‐4°F (‐20 °C)	284
Starting a flooded engine	284
Stopping the engine	285
Manual transmission	285
Shifting speeds	286
Driving tips	287
Automatic transmission (L, L-S, OUTBACK)	288
Selector lever	289
Shift lock release	293
Automatic transmission (with SPORTSHIFT mode ‐ 2.5GT, 2.5GTLO)	294
Selector lever	295
Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (manual mode)	298
Shift lock release	301
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped)	302
Power steering	303
Braking	303
Braking tips	303
Brake system	304
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators	304
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)	305
ABS system self-check	305
ABS warning light	306
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped)	307
VDC system monitor	309
VDC OFF switch	311
Parking your vehicle	313
Cruise control (if equipped)	315
To set cruise control	316
To temporarily cancel the cruise control	317
To turn off the cruise control	317
To change the cruising speed	318
8. Driving tips	320
New vehicle break-in driving ‐ the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)	321
Fuel economy hints	321
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)	322
Catalytic converter	323
Periodic inspections	324
Driving in foreign countries	325
Driving tips for AWD vehicles	325
Off road driving	327
Winter driving	330
Operation during cold weather	330
Driving on snowy and icy roads	331
Corrosion protection	332
Snow tires	333
Tire chains	334
Rocking the vehicle	335
Loading your vehicle	336
Vehicle capacity weight	337
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)	338
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)	339
Trailer hitch (if equipped)	344
Connecting a trailer	344
When you do not tow a trailer	346
Trailer towing	347
Warranties and maintenance	347
Maximum load limits	348
Trailer hitches	353
Connecting a trailer	354
Trailer towing tips	356
9. In case of emergency	360
If you park your vehicle in an emergency	361
Temporary spare tire	362
Flat tires	364
Jump starting	374
How to jump start	375
Engine overheating	378
If steam is coming from the engine compartment	378
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment	378
Towing	379
Towing and tie-down hooks	380
Using a flat-bed truck	386
Towing with all wheels on the ground	387
Moonroof ‐ if the moonroof cannot be closed	388
Maintenance tools	390
Jack and jack handle	391
10. Appearance care	394
Exterior care	395
Washing	395
Waxing and polishing	396
Cleaning aluminum wheels	397
Cleaning fog light lens (for OUTBACK)	397
Corrosion protection	398
Most common causes of corrosion	398
To help prevent corrosion	399
Cleaning the interior	400
Seat fabric	400
Leather seat materials	400
Synthetic leather upholstery	400
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, switches, combination meter, and other plastic surface	401
11. Maintenance and service	402
Maintenance schedule	404
Maintenance precautions	404
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment	405
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running	406
Engine hood	406
Engine compartment overview	409
Engine oil	412
Checking the oil level	412
Changing the oil and oil filter	413
Recommended grade and viscosity	416
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions	417
Cooling system	418
Hose and connections	419
Engine coolant	419
Air cleaner element	423
Replacing the air cleaner element	423
Spark plugs	426
Recommended spark plugs	426
Drive belts	427
Manual transmission oil	428
Checking the oil level	428
Recommended grade and viscosity	428
Automatic transmission fluid	429
Checking the fluid level	429
Recommended fluid	431
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)	431
Checking the oil level	431
Recommended grade and viscosity	432
Rear differential gear oil	433
Checking the gear oil level	433
Recommended grade and viscosity	435
Power steering fluid	436
Checking the fluid level	436
Recommended fluid	437
Brake fluid	437
Checking the fluid level	437
Recommended brake fluid	438
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)	439
Checking the fluid level	439
Recommended clutch fluid	439
Brake booster	440
Brake pedal	440
Checking the brake pedal free play	440
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance	441
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles)	441
Checking the clutch function	441
Checking the clutch pedal free play	442
Replacement of brake pad and lining	442
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings	443
Parking brake stroke	444
Tires and wheels	444
Types of tires	444
Tire inspection	445
Tire pressures and wear	445
Wheel balance	448
Wear indicators	448
Tire rotation	449
Tire replacement	449
Wheel replacement	450
Wheel covers	451
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)	452
Windshield washer fluid	452
Replacement of wiper blades	453
Replacement wiper blade assembly	454
Replacement wiper blade rubber	454
Battery	459
Fuses	460
Main fuse	462
Installation of accessories	463
Replacing bulbs	464
Headlight	466
Front fog light (if equipped)	470
Front turn signal light, parking light and side marker light	470
Rear combination lights	472
License plate light	477
Map light, dome light, luggage compartment light and door step light	477
Trunk light	480
High mount stop light	480
12. Specifications	482
Specifications	483
Dimensions	483
Engine	484
Electrical system	484
Capacities	485
Tires	486
Wheel alignment	486
Fuses and circuits	487
Fuse panel located behind the coin tray	487
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment	490
Bulb chart	493
Vehicle identification	494
13. Consumer information and Reporting safety defects	496
Tire information	497
Tire labeling	497
Recommended tire inflation pressure	500
Glossary of tire terminology	502
Tire care ‐ maintenance and safety practices	503
Vehicle load limit ‐ how to determine	504
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities	508
Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping and on tires	509
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit	509
Uniform tire quality grading standards	510
Treadwear	510
Traction AA, A, B, C	510
Temperature A, B, C	511
Reporting safety defects (USA)	512

Match case Limit results 1 per page

8-35

Driving tips

–

CONTINUED

–

OUTBACK wagon

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-

mended. 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 instruc-

tions 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

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 hydrau-

lic 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 re-

quired to be equipped with its own brake system. Elec-

tric 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

dealer and professional trailer supplier for more infor-

mation about the trailer’s brake system.