stop start SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G Owner's Manual

7
Starting and operating7-33
–
CONTINUED –

Disc brake pad wear warning indicators
OM-H0163
The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the disc brakes give a
warning noise when the brake pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes whilebraking, immediately have your vehicle checked by your SUBARU deal-
er. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because
you are driving with an ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.
CAUTION
The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance.
You should always maintain a safe following distance from othervehicles. When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy road,
or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be long-er for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driv-ing under these conditions, therefore, reduce your speed and

7-40The following situations could indicate a malfunction of the VDC sys-
tem; if any should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry
out an inspection of the system at the first available opportunity.
The VDC warning light does not turn on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position. The VDC warning light does not turn off either when the engine is
started or when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 8 mph(12 km/h). The VDC warning light turns on while the vehicle is being driven.
When a malfunction has occurred in the VDC electrical system,
only the VDC warning light will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will
still be operating normally. The VDC warning light will also turn on when a problem occurs
with the ABS or VDC electronic control systems.
Because the VDC system controls each brake through the ABS,
whenever the ABS stops operating due to a malfunction in that electri-
cal system, the VDC will also become unable to control all four
brakes. Thus VDC system operation halts and the VDC warning light
turns on. Although both the VDC system and the ABS will be inoper-able in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehicle using
normal braking. The VDC system and the ABS do not adversely affect
operation of the vehicle in any way when they are inoperable; how-
ever should such a situation occur, drive with care and have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of those systems at the
first available opportunity. NOTE
When the VDC warning light turns on and off in the following way,
it indicates that the VDC system is operating normally. Although turning on after the engine has been started, the
warning light quickly turns off and stays off. The warning light turns on after the engine is started and does
not turn off until the vehicle reaches a speed of 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light turns on when the vehicle is being driven; it
then turns off and stays off.

7-42the VDC system except under above-mentioned situations. NOTE
When the VDC switch has been pressed to deactivate the VDC
system, the VDC system automatically reactivates itself the next time the ignition key is turned to the OFF position and the engine isrestarted. If the VDC OFF switch is held down for 10 seconds or longer, the
VDC OFF indicator light goes off, the VDC system is activated, and
the system ignores any further pressing of the VDC OFF switch. Tomake the VDC OFF switch usable again, turn the ignition key to theOFF position and restart the engine.
Parking your vehicle
WARNING
Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They
could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadver- tent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the tem-perature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enoughto cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to them. Do not park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they comenear hot engine or exhaust system parts. Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If
engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occu-pants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) con-tained in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Never drive while the parking brake is set because this will cause
unnecessary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive,always make sure that the parking brake has been fully released.

8
Driving tips8-13
–
CONTINUED –
n
Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not
frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen
to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow
control button/dial in the “
” position and the temperature control
dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely
thawed out. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful
to thaw the windshield wiper blades. To thaw out the rear wiper blade,
use the rear window defogger.
When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of
the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the air-
flow control button/dial in “
” and the temperature control dial set
for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to
melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer.
Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effec-
tively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe
place, then remove it. If you stop the car at road side, use the hazard
warning flasher to alert other drivers.
We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades)
during the seasons you could have snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Blades of this type give superior wiping performance in snowy condi-
tions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehicle. Corrosion protection
Refer to the “Corrosion protection ” section (chapter 10).

8
Driving tips8-21
–
CONTINUED –
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR). See the
“Loading your vehicle ” section in this chapter for
information on loading cargo into or onto your vehicle. The maximum
load limit of the cargo, crossbars and carrying attachment must not ex-
ceed 100 lb. (45 kg). Place the heaviest load at the bottom, nearest the
roof, and evenly distribute the cargo. Always properly secure all cargo.
Installing carrying attachments on the crossbars
When installing any carrying attachment such as a bike carrier, ski
carrier, kayak carrier, cargo basket, etc. on the crossbars, follow the
manufacturer’ s instructions and make sure that the attachment is se-
curely fixed to the crossbars. Use only attachments designed specifi-
cally for the crossbars. A set of the crossbars is designed to carry
loads (cargo and attachment) of not more than 100 lb. (45 kg). Before
operating the vehicle, make sure that the cargo is properly securedon the attachment. NOTE Remember that the vehicle ’s center of gravity is altered with the
weight of the load on the roof, thus affecting the driving charac- teristics.
Drive carefully. Avoid rapid starts, hard cornering and abruptstops. Crosswind effects will be increased. Removal and installation of the crossbars CAUTION
Do not carry cargo on the roof when the crossbars are removed. Luggage on the roof will be thrown forward or backward in sud-den stops or rapid accelerations, resulting in a dangerous roadhazard.
The crossbars can be removed when you do not use the roof to carrycargo.

8
Driving tips8-37
–
CONTINUED –

Trailer towing tips CAUTION
Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days. When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be different from normal operation. For
safety’ s sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a
trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the fol-lowing tips in mind:
n Before starting out on a trip
Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mounting are in good
condition. If any problems are apparent, do not tow the trailer. Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trailer attached. If
the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front and down at the rear,
check the total trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again,
then confirm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. Check that the tire pressures are correct.
Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm
that. –the trailer tongue is connected properly to the hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is connected properly and trailer ’s
brake lights illuminate when the vehicle ’s brake pedal is pressed,
and that the trailer ’s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle ’s turn
signal lever is operated.– the safety chains are connected properly.
– all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a
significant blind spot.
Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of the vehicle/
trailer combination before starting out on a trip. In an area free of traf-
fic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.

8-38n
Driving with a trailer
You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when
towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skid-
ding or jackknifing and loss of control. Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the
clutch at moderate engine revolution. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
Slow down before turning. Make a longer than normal turning
radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle
wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit yourvehicle. Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and
trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or
the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the
steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradually. When passing other vehicles, considerable distance is required
because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the
trailer to your vehicle. Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. When back-
ing up with a trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning
back, grip the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and turn it
to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
Left turn Right turn
OM-H2791
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion,
stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the

11-1212. Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.
13. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
Oil capacity (Guideline): 2.5 liter models: 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)3.0 liter models: 5.9 US qt (5.6 liters, 4.9 Imp qt)
The oil quantity indicated above is only a guideline. The necessary quantity of oil depends on the quantity of oil that has been drained.
The quantity of drained oil differs slightly depending on the tempera-
ture of the oil and the time the oil is left flowing out. After refilling the
engine with oil, therefore, you must use the dipstick to confirm that the
level is correct.
14. Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter ’s rubber seal and drain plug.
15. Run the engine until it reaches the normal operating temperature.
Then stop the engine and wait a few minutes to allow the oil drain
back. Check the oil level again and if necessary, add more engine oil. Recommended grade and viscosity CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-3, which can be identified with the new API certification mark (Starburst mark)
or API classification SL with the words “ENERGY CON-
SERVING” (if you cannot obtain the oil with SL grade,
you may use SJ grade “ENERGY CONSERVING ” oil).
These recommended oil grades can be identified by looking for either
or both of the following marks displayed on the oil container.

11-18
HG0115
Rubber gaskets5. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At this time, make
sure that the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is correctly in place.
6. Start and run the engine for more than five minutes at 2,000 to
3,000 rpm.
7. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools down (122 to140 F [50 to 60 C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add coolant to the
radiator’ s filler neck and to the reserve tank ’s “FULL” level.
8. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner element removed.The air cleaner element not only filters intake air but also stops
flames if the engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is not
installed when the engine backfires, you could be burned.
The air cleaner element functions as a filter screen. When the element is
perforated or removed, engine wear will be excessive and engine life
shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the element.

11
Maintenance and service11-33
–
CONTINUED –

Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described below, have it
checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal several times, applying
the same pedal force each time. The distance the pedal travels should
not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine. The pedal should
move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine and keep the pedal
depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to check the brake booster.
Brake booster operates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each
depression.