octane SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G Owners Manual

7-2
Fuel
CAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine damage.
Fuel requirements 2.5 Liter models
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. 3.0 Liter models
The 3.0 Liter engine is designed to operate using premium unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher. Regular unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI may be used if necessary.
For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is recommended
that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor
Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index(AKI).Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned
if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or
when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service techni-
cian if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle
knocks heavily or persistently. Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded
gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gaso-
line be used because it will damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.

7-4In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated
gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions. SUBARU
approves the use of reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates
and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions. As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your vehicle as ex-
plained below.
Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than
that specified in this manual. Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with un-
leaded gasoline. Methanol can be used in your vehicle ONLY if it
does not exceed 5% of the fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by
sufficient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors
required to prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel con-
taining methanol EXCEPT under these conditions.
If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you sus-
pect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gasoline before
seeking service at your SUBARU dealer. Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the
use of improper fuel are not covered under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty.
Fuel filler lid and cap Refueling
WARNING
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. Before refueling, always
first stop the engine and make sure that there are no lighted ciga- rettes, open flames or electrical sparks in the adjacent area. When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. Fuel
may be under pressure and spray out of the fuel filler neck espe-
cially in hot weather, which may cause injury.

GAS STATION REFERENCE
Fuel:2.5 Liter models: Use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
AKI or higher. 3.0 Liter models:
Use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
91 AKI or higher. Regular unleaded gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of 87 AKI may be used if necessary. For opti-
mum engine performance and driveability, it is recom-
mended that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. Fuel octane rating:
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane
and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred toas the Anti Knock Index (AKI). Refer to “Fuel” section in
this manual.
Fuel capacity: 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal)
Engine oil: Use only API classification SL with the words “ENERGY
CONSERVING”
and the New API certification mark (starburst mark) dis-
played on the container.
Engine oil capacity: 2.5 liter models 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
3.0 liter models 6.1 US qt (5.8 liters, 5.1 Imp qt)
Cold tire pressure: See the label located under the driver ’s door latch.