climate control SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owner's Manual

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Climate control
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T – Fan speed control switch
1) Fan speed control switch
The fan speed control switch has the 5 positions:
AUTO position and 4 different fan speed positions.
With the fan speed control switch in the AUTO posi-
tion, the fan speed changes automatically correspond-
ing to various conditions: air temperature inside and
outside of the passenger compartment, intensity of the
sunlight, etc.
Use this switch to select desired fan speed. Fan speed
increases with each press of the switch and returns to
the AUTO position. T
A/C – Air conditioner switch
NOTE
The air conditioner compressor does not operate
when the outside air temperature is below 32 °F
(0 °C).
If the windshield starts to fog when the air conditioner
is operated in the AUTO mode, push the air condition-
er switch “A/C” to defog and dehumidify.
When this switch is pushed, the air conditioner com-
pressor turns on and the indicator light “A/C” on the
control panel comes on. After eliminating the fogging
from the windshield, set the air conditioner back in the
AUTO mode by pushing the “AUTO” switch. T MODE – Air flow control switch
(Ventilation): Air flows through the instrument pan-
el outlets.
(Bi-level): Air flows through the instrument panel
outlets and the foot outlets.
(Heat): Air flows through the foot outlets and
some through the windshield defroster outlets.
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Climate control
(Heat-def): Air flows through the windshield de-
froster outlets and foot outlet.
NOTE
When the “ ” mode is selected, the air condi-
tioner compressor operates automatically regard-
less of the position of the air conditioner button to
defog the windshield quickly. At the same time,
the air inlet selection is automatically set to “” mode.
Even with this mode selected, you can turn the air
conditioner ON/OFF and select interior air recircu-
lation or outside air introduction as desired. T Air inlet selection switch
Continued operation in the “ ” position
may fog up the windows. Switch to the
“ ” position as soon as the outside
dusty condition clears. A) Outside air is drawn into the passenger’s compart-
ment.
B) Interior air recirculates inside the passenger’s com- partment.
1) Air inlet selection switch
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 passen-
ger compartment from the outside air. The indicator
light “ ” on the control panel comes on when
AB
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this switch is pushed.
: Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment. When the air conditioning system is operat-
ed in the “AUTO” mode, this position is selected auto-
matically. The indicator light “ ” on the control
panel comes on when this switch is pushed. T Temperature control dial
1) Temperature control dial
NOTE
The temperature setting remains even after the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “OFF”. However, if
the battery cables are disconnected, the tempera- ture 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 temper-
ature setting and turn it counterclockwise to lower it.
The temperature can be set in increments of 1 °F with-
in a range of 65 to 85 °F for US models and in incre-
ments of 0.5 °C within a range of 18 to 32 °C for Cana-
dian models.
Even when quick cooling or warming is necessary,
you do not have to change the temperature setting.
The Automatic Climate Control system operates at
maximum performance until the air in the passenger
compartment reaches to the specified temperature.
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„
Temperature sensors
1) Sun-load sensor 1) In vehicle air temperature sensor
This Automatic Climate Control system employs the
several sensors. These are very delicate parts. There-
fore, if these sensors are damaged, it is possible that
the Automatic Climate Control system will not properly
control the air temperature in the passenger compart-
ment. To prevent possible damage to the sensors,
please observe the following:
– 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
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grille)
– In-vehicle temperature sensor (beside the tempera-ture control dial.)
– Ambient sensor (at the under side of the bumper) Operating tips for heater and air con-
ditioner „
Cleaning ventilator grille
1) Ventilator inlet grill
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other 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 ac-
cumulation of insects and leaves on the condenser.
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„
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.

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Climate control
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Air filtration system (if equipped)
If your vehicle’s air conditioning system is equipped
with a optional air filtration system, replace the filter el-
ement according to the replacement schedule shown
below. This schedule should be followed to maintain
the filter’s dust collection ability. Under extremely
dusty conditions, the filter should be replaced more
frequently. Since the filter element is a viscous type, it
is unnecessary to clean or wash the element. Have
your filter checked or replaced by your SUBARU deal- er.
Replacement schedule:
Every 12 months or 9,300 miles (15,000 km) whichev-
er comes first
NOTE
The filter can influence the air conditioning, heat-
ing and defroster performance if not properly
maintained.

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10
Appearance care
Exterior care .................................................. 10-2 Washing ............................................................. 10-2
Waxing and polishing ....................................... 10-3
Cleaning aluminum wheels .............................. 10-4
Cleaning fog light lens (for OUTBACK) .......... 10-4
Corrosion protection .................................... 10-5 Most common causes of corrosion ................ 10-5
To help prevent corrosion ............................... 10-6
Cleaning the interior ..................................... 10-7 Seat fabric ......................................................... 10-7
Leather seat materials ...................................... 10-7
Synthetic leather upholstery ........................... 10-7
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, switches,
combination meter, and other plastic
surface ............................................................ 10-8

10-8
Appearance care
NOTE
Strong cleaning agents such as solvents, paint
thinners, window cleaner or gasoline must never
be used on leather or synthetic interior materials. „
Climate control panel, audio panel, in-
strument panel, console panel, switch-
es, combination meter, and other plas-
tic surface
Gently wipe away contamination using a clean, soft
cloth moistened with cold or lukewarm water.
NOTE
Do not use organic solvents such as paint thin-
ners or gasoline, or strong cleaning agents that
contain those solvents.

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Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
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Uniform tire quality grading stan-
dards
This information indicates the relative perfor-
mance of passenger car tires in the area of
treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.
This is to aid the consumer in making an in-
formed choice in the purchase of tires.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The quality grades apply to new pneumatic tires
for use on passenger cars. However, they do not
apply to deep tread, winter type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires
with nominal rim diameters of 12 inches or less,
or to some limited production tires.
All passenger car tires must confirm to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these grades. „Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1-1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate. „
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction