check engine light SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owner's Manual

7-37
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
yThis light turns on to indicate that the VDC system
is in non-operation mode. This does not constitute fail- ure of the VDC system.
NOTE y The VDC OFF indicator light may stay on for a
while after the engine has been started, especially
in cold weather. This occurs because the engine
has not yet warmed up and is completely normal.
The light will turn off when the engine has reached
a suitable operating temperature. y When an engine problem occurs and the CHECK
ENGINE warning light turns on, the VDC OFF indi-
cator light will also turn on.
The following two situations could indicate malfunction
of the VDC system; if either should occur, have an au-
thorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of
that system at the first available opportunity. y The VDC OFF indicator light does not turn on when
the ignition key is turned to the ON position. y The VDC OFF indicator light fails to turn off after the
engine is started, even when several minutes have
passed to allow the engine to heat up sufficiently. T VDC operation indicator light
The VDC operation indicator light turns on when the
ignition key is turned to the ON position; it turns off ap- proximately two seconds later. This indicator light
flashes during activation of the skid suppression func-
tion and is illuminated steadily during activation of the
traction control function.
The following two situations could indicate a malfunc-
tion of the VDC system; if either should occur, have an
authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of
that system at the first available opportunity.y
The VDC operation indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition key is turned to the ON position.y The VDC operation indicator light does not turn off
approximately two seconds after the ignition key has
been turned to the ON position. T V D C w a r n i n g l i g h t
The VDC warning light turns on when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and off when the engine is
started. This lighting pattern indicates that the VDC
system is operating normally.
The following situations could indicate a malfunction of
the VDC system; if any should occur, have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of the
system at the first available opportunity. y The VDC warning light does not turn on when the ig-
nition key is turned to the ON position. y The VDC warning light does not turn off either when
the engine is started or when the vehicle reaches a

8-10
Driving tips
y
Always check your brakes for effectiveness immedi-
ately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by
driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Re-
peat that process several times to dry out the brake
discs and brake pads.y Do not drive or park over or near flammable materi-
als such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may
burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after engine stops. This
could create a fire hazard. y After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under-
body. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical
breakdown or fire could occur.y Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make
certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks.
During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could
be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do
not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the
vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone totip over. y If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or
mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move
the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos-
sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle. y
When the road surface is extremely slippery, you
can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with
the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). y Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those
specified in this manual. y Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving.
Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt
buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.y Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driv-
ing conditions such as rough roads or off roads will ne-
cessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil,
brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified in
the maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.
Remember that damage done to your SUBARU while
operating it off-road and not using common sense pre-
cautions such as those listed above is not eligible for
warranty coverage.

10-4
Appearance care
„
Cleaning aluminum wheels
y Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels clean of any
kind of grime or agent. If dirt is left on too long, it may
be difficult to clean off.y Do not use soap containing grit to clean the wheels.
Be sure to use a neutral cleaning agent, and later rinse
thoroughly with water. Do not clean the wheels with a
stiff brush or expose them to a high-speed washing
device. y Clean the vehicle (including the aluminum wheels)
with water as soon as possible when it has been
splashed with sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or
driven on roads treated with salt or other agents. „
Cleaning fog light lens (for OUTBACK)
1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Stop the engine and turn off the fog lights.
1) Counter-clockwise
2) Light lens horizontal center line
3. Check that the fog lights are not hot. Then, grasp
the protector and turn it approximately 10 ° counter-
clockwise.
4. Pull the protector off the fog light.
5. Wash the lens with water.
6. Apply the protector to the lens at an angle of ap-
proximately 10 ° from the fog light’s horizontal center
line. Then, turn the protector clockwise until it stops.
1
2
UBA017BB

11 - 1 4
2Maintenance and service
7. Slide the cover toward the vehicle front to remove it.
8. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
9. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a thin coat of
engine oil to the seal.
10.Clean the rubber seal seating area of the bottom of
engine and install the oil filter by hand turning. Be
careful not to twist or damage the seal.
11.Tighten it approximately two-thirds of a turn after
the seal makes contact with the bottom of engine.
Never over tighten the oil filter because that can
result in an oil leak.
12.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: 5.6 US qt (5.3 liters, 4.6 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 temperature 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 ap-
pear around the filter’s rubber seal and drain plug.
15.Run the engine until it reaches the normal operat-
ing 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.
UBB055BA

11 -3 9
2Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described be-
low, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sever-
al 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 de-pression.Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. „Checking the brake pedal free play
1) 0.04 – 0.12 in (1.0 – 3.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal
several times. Lightly press the brake pedal down with
one finger to check the free play with a force of less
than 2 lbs (10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
1
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14-3
Index
Center
Console ..................................................................... 6-6
Ventilators ................................................................. 4-2
Changing
Flat tire ....................................................................... 9-5
Oil and oil filter ........................................................ 11-12
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-12
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................3-11
Checking
Brake pedal free play ........................................... 11-39
Brake pedal reserve distance ...........................11-40
Clutch function ........................................................ 11-40
Clutch pedal free play .......................................... 11-41
Engine oil level ....................................................... 11-11
Fluid level ....................... 11-28, 11-35, 11-36, 11-38
Gear oil level ................................ 11-27, 11-30, 11-32
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-37
Installation with seatbelt .....................................1-41
Lower and tether anchorages ..........................1-48
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks .......................................................................... 2-22
Chime
Key .............................................................................. 3-5
Seatbelt ........................................................... 1-20, 3-10
Cigarette lighter socket ............................................. 6-10Cleaning
Aluminum wheels .................................................. 10-4
I n te rior .. ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. .. 10 -7
Ventilator grille ........................................................ 4-19
Climate control system Manual ....................................................................... 4-5
Automatic ................................................................. 4-11
Clock ................................................................................. 3-18
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 11-38
Clutch pedal ................................................................... 11-40
Coat hook ....................................................................... 6-20
Coin compartment ....................................................... 6-7
Convenience hook ...................................................... 6-20
Convenient tie-down hooks .....................................6-24
Cooling system ............................................................. 11-17
Corrosion protection ......................................... 8-13, 10-5
Cruise control ................................................................ 7-42
Set indicator light ................................................... 3-18
Cup holder ...................................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system .................................3-21
Differential gear oil Front ............................................................................ 11-30
Rear ............................................................................ 11-32
Dimensions .................................................................... 12-2
Disarming the system ................................................ 2-17

14-9
Index
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system
..........7-34
Ventilator ......................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ....................................3-10
Warning lights
ABS ............................................................................. 3-13
Anti-lock Brake system .......................................3-13
AT OIL TEMPerature ........................................... 3-12
Brake system .......................................................... 3-14
Charge ....................................................................... 3-12
CHECK ENGINE ................................................... 3-11
Door open ................................................................. 3-15
Front-wheel drive ................................................... 3-15
Oil pressure .............................................................. 3-12
S ea tb elt .. ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... .. ... .. 1-2 0, 3-10
SRS airbag system ............................................... 3-10
Warranties and maintenance .................................8-28
Washing ........................................................................... 10-2
Waxing and polishing ................................................. 10-3
Wear indicators ............................................................ 11-47
Wheel
Alignment .................................................................. 12-5
Balance ...................................................................... 11-47
Covers ........................................................................ 11-50
Replacement ........................................................... 11-49
Windows .......................................................................... 2-23Windshield
Washer fluid ............................................................. 11-51
Wiper and washer switches ..............................3-26
Wiper deicer ............................................................ 3-30
Winter driving ................................................................ 8-11
Wiper and washer ....................................................... 3-24