2007 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 358

11-22 Maintenance and service & Recommended grade and viscosity Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together. Oil grade: API classification GL-5 Automatic transmission fluid & Checking the fluid level The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid on the dipstick. Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the "COLD" range, we recommend checking the fluid level when the fluid is at operating temperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot Check the fluid level monthly. 1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 1768F (70 to 808C) is normal. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. 3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the "P" position, and run the engine at idling speed. 1) 2) Upper level Lower level 3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil through the dipstick hole to bring the level up to the upper level. CAUTION Be careful not to spill manual transmission oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. SAE viscosity No. and applicable temperature