Engine SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owner's Manual

4-6
Climate control
NOTE
When the dial is placed in the “ ” or “ ” po-
sition, the air conditioner compressor operates
automatically regardless of the position of the air
conditioner button to defog the windshield quick-
ly. At the same time, the air inlet selection is auto-
matically set to “Outside air” mode.
In this state, you cannot select “recirculation”
mode by manually pressing the air inlet selectionbutton. T
Air conditioner button
The air conditioner operates only when the engine is
running. Push the air conditioner button while the fan is in op-
eration to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
will come on.
Push it again to turn off the air conditioner. T
Air inlet selection button
Continued operation in the ON position may fog
up the windows. Switch to the OFF position as
soon as the outside dusty condition clears.
UG4507BA
UB4041BA

4-11
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
2. Set the temperature control dial to the red area.
3. Set the fan speed control dial at the highest speed. Automatic climate control system (if
equipped)
NOTE y
Operate the automatic climate control system
when the engine is running. y When the engine coolant is cold, for instance in
cold weather, the air flows through the windshield
defroster outlets and the blower runs at the lowest
speed to prevent cold air from blowing directly
against the driver and front passenger.y In the “AUTO” mode, if the air temperature in the
passenger compartment is cooled down to the
specified temperature, the air conditioner com-
pressor stops automatically. For efficient defog-
ging or dehumidifying in cold weather, press the
“A/C” switch on.y Even when cooling is not necessary, setting the
temperature much lower than the current outlet air
temperature turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor 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 dis-
tribution air-inlet control, and air conditioner compres-
sor operation. It activates when the “AUTO” switch is

4-14
Climate control
T
OUT.TEMP switch
To check the outside air temperature, push the
“OUT.TEMP” switch. The outside air temperature will
be displayed for five seconds, and then the display au-
tomatically changes back to the inside air tempera- ture.
The display changes over from the inside air tempera-
ture to the outside air temperature as its normal indi-
cation if you keep the switch pressed for more than 2seconds.
NOTE y The outside air temperature display shows the
outside air temperature in a range from –22 to
131 °F (–30 to 55 °C).
y You can check the outside air temperature even
when the Automatic Climate Control is off. (The ig-
nition switch should be in the “ON” position.) y In the following cases, the display can indicate a
higher temperature than the actual outside air
temperature: – In direct sunlight
– When the vehicle is parked for a long period of
time with the engine kept running.
– During stop and go driving
T – Defroster switch
To defrost or dehumidify the windshield and side win- dow, push the defroster switch “ ”. When the
“ ” switch is pushed, regardless whether the air
conditioner is operating or not, outside air is drawn into
the passenger compartment, the air conditioner com-
pressor turns on, air flow is directed towards the wind-
shield and side windows, and the indicator light
“ ” on the control panel comes on.
Even with the defroster switch pushed, you can turn
the air conditioner ON/OFF and select interior air recir-
culation or outside air introduction as desired.
After eliminating the fogging from the windshield, set
the air conditioner back in the AUTO mode by pushing
the “AUTO” switch or turn off by pushing the “OFF”
switch or “ ” switch.

4-20
Climate control
„
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 closed during
the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool- ing efficiency. „ Lubrication oil circulation in the refrig-
erant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en-
gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few min-
utes each month during the off-season to circulate its
oil. „ Checking air conditioning system be-
fore 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 hu-
midity and low temperature weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humid-
ity, low temperatures, 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 con-
ditioner compressor is designed to temporarily shut off
during air conditioner operation whenever the acceler-
ator is fully depressed such as during rapid accerela-
tion or when driving on a steep upgrade. „ Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant
HFC134a. Therefore, 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.

6-11
Interior equipment
– CONTINUED –
the heating element.
Do not hold the lighter pushed in, because it
will overheat.
The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” and “ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the knob and wait
a few moments. It will automatically spring up when
ready for use. „
Using as an accessory power outlet
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery is on tap at
the socket when the ignition switch is either in the
“ACC” or “ON” position.
If you use the socket as an accessory power outlet,
take the following precautions.
When the socket is not in use, always put the cap on
the socket to prevent any foreign object from entering it.
y Use only in-car use electrical appliances
which are designed for 12V DC and which con-
sume less than 120W. Overloading the socket
can cause a short circuit. Do not use double
adapters or more than one electrical appliance. y If the plug on your electric appliance is either
too loose or too tight for the socket, this can re-
sult in a poor contact or cause the plug to get
stuck. Only use plugs that fit properly. y Use of an electric appliance in the socket for
a long period of time while the engine is not
running can cause battery discharge. y Before driving your vehicle, make sure that
the plug and the cord on your electrical appli-
ance will not interfere with your shifting gears
UB6011DA

6-16
Interior equipment
(flat tire, out of gas, or engine trouble), just call OnStar.
We will contact your vehicle manufacturer’s roadside
service provider for the help you need to get you quick-
ly back on the road.
*3: There will be no charge for Roadside Assistance as long
as the basic limited warranty on your vehicle has not expired. T
Stolen vehicle location
OnStar doesn’t just protect you, it protects your vehi-
cle, too. If your vehicle is ever stolen, just contact On-
Star. We will put you in touch with the authorities and
aid them in locating your vehicle. Ask your insurance
carrier about possible premium discounts. T AccidentAssist
AccidentAssist provides step-by-step guidance about
what to do in case of an accident. Working with leading
insurance companies we have developed a “best
practices” list to assist you through most accident sit-
uations. OnStar AccidentAssist can make the process
of completing a police report and/or insurance claim
less stressful. T Remote door unlock/vehicle alert
If you’ve locked your keys in your vehicle, just call On-
Star at 1-888-466-7827 (888-4ONSTAR) and an Advi-
sor will send a signal to attempt to unlock your door. If
you’re having trouble locating your vehicle, OnStar can flash your lights and sound your horn for you. This
feature is disabled 48 hours after the vehicle is parked
in order to maintain battery charge. T
OnStar MED-NET *4
OnStar MED-NET securely stores your personal med-
ical information (e.g., physician’s name, emergency
contacts, medications, chronic conditions) and in an
emergency, can quickly send it to a medical facility.
This important information can help assist with diagno-
sis and treatment.
*4: Requires activation and additional fee for Safe & Sound
and Directions & Connections subscribers. To enroll or for
more OnStar Med-Net information, call 1-800-320-3991. T Route support
With OnStar Route Support, an Advisor can help you
find your way, no matter how far off course you are.
You can get exact street directions, or guidance to
nearby gas stations, restaurants, hotels or ATMs. T RideAssist
If you need a lift, anytime of the day or night, just call
OnStar. We’ll contact a transportation provider and
send them right to you. T Information and convenience services
Our Advisors have access to over six million service

6-19
Interior equipment
– CONTINUED –
Accessory power outlet „In the luggage compartment (if
equipped)
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery is on tap at
the outlet when the ignition switch is either in the
“ACC” or “ON” position.
You can use an in-car use electrical appliance by con-
necting it to the outlet.
NOTE
The trim cover has a notch through which the con-
nected electrical appliance’s cord can be passed.
y Do not attempt to use a cigarette lighter in the
accessory power outlet. y Do not place any foreign objects, especially
metal ones such as coins or aluminum foil, into
the accessory power outlet. That could cause a
short circuit. Always put the cap on the acces-
sory power outlet when it is not in use.y Use only electrical appliances which are de-
signed for 12V DC and which consume less
than 120W. Overloading the accessory power
outlet can cause a short circuit. Do not use dou-
ble adapters or more than one electrical appli-
ance.y If the plug on your electric appliance is either
too loose or too tight for the accessory power
outlet, this can result in a poor contact or cause
the plug to get stuck. Only use plugs that fit
properly. y Use of an electric appliance in the accessory
power outlet for a long period of time while the
engine is not running can cause battery dis-
charge.
UB7008EA

7-1
7
Starting and operating
Fuel ................................................................ 7-2 Fuel requirements ............................................. 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................ 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only) ............... 7-7
Preparing to drive ......................................... 7-9
Starting the engine ....................................... 7-10 Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle ...................................... 7-10
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle ...................................... 7-10
Starting the engine during cold weather
below –4 °F (–20 °C) ......................................... 7-11
Starting a flooded engine ................................. 7-11
Stopping the engine ..................................... 7-12
Manual transmission .................................... 7-12 Shifting speeds ................................................. 7-13
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-14
Automatic transmission (L, L-S, OUTBACK) .................................... 7-15Selector lever .................................................... 7-16
Shift lock release .............................................. 7-20
Automatic transmission (with SPORTSHIFT mode – 2.5GT, 2.5GTLO) .. 7-21Selector lever .................................................... 7-22
Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (manual mode) ................................................ 7-25
Shift lock release .............................................. 7-28
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .............................................. 7-29 Power steering .............................................. 7-30
Braking ........................................................... 7-30
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-30
Brake system .................................................... 7-31
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........ 7-31
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................... 7-32 ABS system self-check .................................... 7-32
ABS warning light ............................................. 7-33
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped) ............................................... 7-34VDC system monitor ........................................ 7-36
VDC OFF switch ................................................ 7-38
Parking your vehicle ..................................... 7-40
Cruise control (if equipped) ......................... 7-42 To set cruise control ........................................ 7-43
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ....... 7-44
To turn off the cruise control ........................... 7-44
To change the cruising speed ......................... 7-45

7-2
Starting and operating
Starting and operatingFuel
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an
inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine
damage.
„ Fuel requirements
T 2.5 Liter models
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using un-
leaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or
higher. T 3.0 Liter models
The 3.0 Liter engine is designed to operate using pre-
mium 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
optimum engine performance and driveability, it is rec-
ommended that you use premium grade unleaded
gasoline. T Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Oc- tane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly re-
ferred 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 some-
times knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service
technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently. T
Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept
only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no cir-
cumstances should leaded gasoline be used because
it will damage the emission control system and may
impair driveability and fuel economy. T California fuel
If your vehicle was certified to California Emission
Standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up la-
bel. It is designed to optimize engine and emission
control system performance with gasoline that meets
the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline speci-
fications. If you live in any other state than California,
your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal
specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is per-
mitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect
the performance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter

7-3
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell.
SUBARU recommends that you try a different brand of
unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel related before returning your vehi-
cle to an authorized dealer for service. The CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp may
also turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
SUBARU dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that
the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, re-
pairs may not be covered by your warranty. TMMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tri-
carbonyl). If you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and the CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on. If this happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty. T Gasoline for cleaner air
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of
the vehicle. Fuels containing alcohol may cause paint damage, which is not covered un-
der the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly, and is a
way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continu-
ously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never need to add any
fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the
air cleaner. Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain
alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now produc-
ing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to re-
duce 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