cooling SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G Owners Manual

4-10
HB5015AA
To force outside air through the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the “OFF” position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the way left.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air inlet control lever to the “ON”
position.
Air conditioner operation Cooling or dehumidifying
HB5016BB
For cooling and dehumidification of the passenger compartment, air
flows through the instrument panel outlets:

4-12Automatic climate control system (if equipped) NOTE
Operate the automatic climate control system when the engine is
running. When the engine coolant is cold, for instance in cold weather, the
air flows through the windshield defroster outlets and the blowerruns at the lowest speed to prevent cold air from blowing directly
against the driver and front passenger. In the “AUTO” mode, if the air temperature in the passenger
compartment is cooled down to the specified temperature, the air
conditioner compressor stops automatically. For efficient defogging
or dehumidifying in cold weather, press the “A/C” switch on.
Even when cooling is not necessary, setting the temperature
much lower than the current outlet air temperature turns on the airconditioner compressor automatically and the “A/C” indicator light
on the control panel comes on.
The automatic climate control system automatically controls outlet air
temperature, fan speed, air flow distribution air-inlet control, and air con-
ditioner compressor operation. It activates when the “AUTO” switch is
pressed, and is used in conjunction with the Temperature control dial to
maintain a constant, comfortable climate within the passenger compart-ment.
The temperature can be set within a range of 65 – 85 F (18 – 32 C).
NOTE
The temperature is shown in units of Fahrenheit for US model and in Centigrade for Canadian model.

4-18
HB4032BB
Select the air inlet by pushing the air inlet selection switch.
: Interior air recirculates inside the passenger’s compartment.
Use this position when quickly warming up the passenger
compartment or cooling it down or when preventing outside
air from entering the passenger compartment from the out-
side air. The indicator light “
” on the control panel
comes on when this switch is pushed.
: Outside air is drawn into the passenger compartment. When the air conditioning system is operated in the “AUTO” mode,
this position is selected automatically. The indicator light “
” on the control panel comes on when this switch is
pushed.
n Temperature control dial
HB4033BB

4
Climate control4-19
–
CONTINUED –
NOTE The temperature setting remains even after the ignition switch is turned to the
“OFF”. However, if the battery cables are discon-
nected, the temperature will be set to 77 F (25 C) automatically.
Set desired temperature by turning the temperature control dial; turn
the dial clockwise to raise the temperature setting and turn it counter-clockwise to lower it.
The temperature can be set in increments of 1 F within a range of 65
– 85 F for US models and in increments of 0.5 C within a range of 18
– 32 C for Canadian models.
Even when quick cooling or warming is necessary, you do not have to
change the temperature setting. The Automatic Climate Control sys-
tem operates at maximum performance until the air in the passenger
compartment reaches to the specified temperature. Temperature sensors
This Automatic Climate Control system employs the several sensors.
These are very delicate parts. Therefore, if these sensors are dam-
aged, it is possible that the Automatic Climate Control system will not
properly control the air temperature in the passenger compartment.
To prevent possible damage to the sensors, please observe the fol-lowing: – Do not allow anything to impact the sensors.
– Be careful not to let water contact the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are found at the following locations: –Sun-load sensor (beside the windshield defroster grille)
– In-vehicle temperature sensor (beside the temperature control
dial.)– Ambient sensor (at the under side of the bumper)

4-20
HB4034BB
HB5024BB
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner
Cleaning ventilator grille
HB5019BC
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free of snow, leaves, or oth-
er obstructions to ensure efficient heating and defrosting. Since the
condenser is located in front of the radiator, this area should be kept
clean because cooling performance is impaired by any accumulation
of insects and leaves on the condenser. Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the windows open for a few
minutes to allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This
results in quicker cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the windows

4
Climate control4-21
–
CONTINUED –
closed during the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency.
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low engine speed (at idle
or low driving speeds) a few minutes each month during the off-sea-
son to circulate its oil. Checking air conditioning system before summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks, hose conditions,
and proper operation each spring. This check is best performed by
your SUBARU dealer. Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low tempera- ture weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humidity, low tempera-
tures, etc.) a small amount of water vapor emission from the air outlets
may be noticed. This condition is normal and does not indicate any
problem with the air conditioning system. Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air conditioner com-
pressor is designed to temporarily shut off during air conditioner op-
eration whenever the accelerator is fully depressed such as during
rapid accerelation or when driving on a steep upgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant HFC134a. There-
fore, the method of adding, changing or checking the refrigerant is
different from the method for CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong
refrigerant are not covered under warranty.

9-12Jump starting
WARNING
Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID. Do not let it come in contact
with the eyes, skin, clothing or the vehicle. If battery fluid gets on you, thoroughly flush the exposed area
with water immediately. Get medical help if the fluid has enteredyour eyes. If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a
large amount of milk or water, and obtain immediate medicalhelp.
Keep everyone including children away from the battery. The gas generated by a battery explodes if a flame or spark is
brought near it. Do not smoke or light a match while jump start-ing. Never attempt jump starting if the discharged battery is frozen.
It could cause the battery to burst or explode. Whenever working on or around a battery, always wear suit-
able eye protectors, and remove metal objects such as rings,
bands or other metal jewelry. Be sure the jumper cables and clamps on them do not have
loose or missing insulation.Do not jump start unless cables in suitable condition are avail-able. A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your fingers, hands,
clothing, hair and tools away from the cooling fan, belts and anyother moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches and ties isadvisable.
When your vehicle does not start due to a run down (discharged) bat-
tery, the vehicle may be jump started by connecting your battery to
another battery (called the booster battery) with jumper cables.
Jump starting is dangerous if it done incorrectly. If you are unsure about
the proper procedure for jump starting, consult a competent mechanic.

9
In case of emergency9-15
–
CONTINUED –
Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has fully cooled down. When the engine is hot,the coolant is under pressure. Removing the cap while the engineis still hot could release a spray of boiling hot coolant, which
could burn you very seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle in asafe place. If steam is coming from the engine compartment
Turn the engine off and get everyone away from the vehicle until itcools down. If no steam is coming from the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling speed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compartment.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not turning, im-
mediately turn the engine off and contact your authorized dealer for
repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped, turn off the en-gine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated zone, turn the en-
gine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the coolant level in
the reserve tank.If the coolant level is below the “MIN” mark, add coolant up to the
“MAX” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add coolant to the reserve
tank. Then remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first wrap a thick
cloth around the radiator cap, then turn the cap counterclockwise
slowly without pressing down until it stops. Release the pressure from

11
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule11-3
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Maintenance precautions 11-3
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Engine hood 11-5
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Engine compartment overview 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-9
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Cooling system 11-14
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Engine coolant 11-15
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Air cleaner element 11-18
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Spark plugs 11-21
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Drive belts 11-22
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Manual transmission oil 11-23
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Automatic transmission fluid 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-27
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Power steering fluid 11-29
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Brake fluid 11-30
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Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-33
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Brake pedal 11-34
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Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-37
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Tires and wheels 11-38
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Types of tires 11-38
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Tire inspection 11-39
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Tire pressures and wear 11-39
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Wheel balance 11-42
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Wear indicators 11-43
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Tire rotation 11-44
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Tire replacement 11-44
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Wheel replacement 11-45
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Wheel covers 11-46
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Aluminum wheels (if equipped) 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid 11-47
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Replacement of windshield wiper blades 11-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11-4
Always use the proper tools and make certain that they are
well maintained. Never get under the vehicle supported only by a jack. Always
use a safety stands to support the vehicle. Never keep the engine running in a poorly ventilated area,
such as a garage or other closed areas. Do not smoke or allow open flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire. Because the fuel system is under pressure, replacement of the
fuel filter should be performed only by your SUBARU dealer. Wear adequate eye protection to guard against getting oil or
fluids in your eyes. If something does get in your eyes, thorough-
ly wash them out with clean water. Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS airbag system or
seatbelt pretensioner system, or attempt to take its connectorsapart, as that may activate the system or it can render it inopera-tive. The wiring and connectors of these systems are yellow for
easy identification. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring. If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensioner needs service, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU dealer. Before checking or servicing in the engine compart- ment
Always stop the engine and set the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving. Always let the engine cool down. Engine parts become very
hot when the engine is running and remain hot for some time af-ter the engine is stopped. Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components. This may cause a fire. Always remove the key from the ignition switch. When the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the cooling fan may oper-
ate suddenly even when the engine is stopped.