Wheels SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owners Manual

9
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CONTINUED –
„Driving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and
distract your attention from driving. In a collision or
sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be
thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or your
passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt under
these situations. It is also for their own safety that pets
should be properly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain
a pet with a special traveling harness which can be se-
cured to the rear seat with a seatbelt or use a pet car-
rier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a
seatbelt through the carrier’s handle. Never restrain
pets or pet carriers in the front passenger’s seat. For
further information, consult your veterinarian, local an-
imal protection society or pet shop. „ Tire pressures
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire
pressures can cause the tires to deform severe-
ly and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase
in temperature could cause tread separation,
and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss
of vehicle control could lead to an accident. Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each
tire (including the spare) at least once a month and be-
fore any long journey.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold.
Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to
the values shown on the tire placard.
Refer to the “Tires and wheels” section in chapter 11
for detailed information. „
California proposition 65 warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm. In addition, certain fluids in vehi-
cles and certain components of product wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

1-80
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
y
Under the center console
y Inside each front fender
y Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
y Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s
side and nearby areas y Each front seat and nearby area (only for ve-
hicles with SRS side airbags)
y Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, re-
placement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are re-
placed, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags
must be inspected by a SUBARU dealer ten years af-
ter the date of manufacture, which is shown on the cer-
tification label attached to the driver’s door.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU deal-
er as soon as possible.y The front part of the vehicle was involved in an
accident in which the SRS frontal airbags did not
deploy.y The pad section of the steering wheel or front passenger’s frontal airbag cover is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS
side airbags, contact your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible in the following cases.y
Either center pillar or a nearby area of the vehi-
cle was involved in an accident in which the SRS
side airbag did not deploy.y The fabric or leather of either front seatback is
cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged. „ Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
yTo avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any components or wiring of
the SRS airbag system.
This includes following modifications: yInstallation of custom steering wheels
y Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard y Installation of custom seats (only for vehi-

7-8
Starting and operating
obligation under federal law to implement stricter vehi-
cle emission standards to reduce air pollution from
cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing
device that allows your car’s wheels to turn while the
car remains in one place. Depending on the severity of
a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt
either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission in-
spection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission
test consists of an emission inspector inserting an an-
alyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle
for a short period of time. States with more severe air
pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced
vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driv-
ing conditions on a dynamometer and permits more
accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution
than the basic emission test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
states using two-wheel dynamometers in their emis-
sion testing programs have
EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing program
that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel dynamom-
eters in their testing programs. When properly used,
that equipment will not damage an AWD SUBARU ve-
hicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be dis-
connected for state emission testing.
The EPA has issued regulations for inspecting the On-
Board Diagnostic (OBD) system as part of the state
emissions inspection. The OBD system is designed to
detect engine and transmission problems that might
cause vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits.
These inspections apply to all 1996 model year and
newer passenger cars and light trucks. Several states
plus the District of Columbia have opted to start the
OBD system inspection prior to the required EPA reg-
ulation effective date of January 1, 2002. Other states
will add OBD system inspection in 2002. y
The inspection of the OBD system consists of a vi-
sual operational check of the “ CHECK ENGINE” warn-
ing light/malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an ex-
amination of the OBD system with an electronic scan
tool while the engine is running. y A vehicle passes
the OBD system inspection if
proper the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light/MIL illumi-
nation is observed, there is no stored diagnostic trou-
ble codes, and the OBD system readiness monitors
are complete. y A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the “ CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL is not properly operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored

7-17
Starting and operating
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A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic
transmission system to ensure safe starting of the ve-
hicle.
To shift the selector lever from the “P” to the any other
position, you have to depress the brake pedal fully
when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This
prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started.
If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position
with the brake pedal depressed, refer to the “Shift lock
release” section in this chapter. TR (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehicle
completely then move the lever to the “R” position. T N (Neutral)
Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever
in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking
has no effect in this condition and the risk of an
accident is consequently increased.
This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission are not
locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline un-
less the parking brake or foot brake is on.
Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral.
During coasting, the engine braking does not act. T
D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.
When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold
that position. The transmission will automatically
downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release
the pedal, the transmission will return to the original
gear position. V While climbing a grade
When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is
prevented from taking place when the accelerator is
released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent
downshifting to a lower gear when accelerating again.
This prevents repeated upshifting and downshifting re-
sulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle.

7-23
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake
fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the ve-
hicle with only the transmission.
A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic
transmission system to ensure safe starting of the ve-
hicle.
To shift the selector lever from the “P” to any other po-
sition, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then
push the release button on the selector lever when the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents
the vehicle from lurching when it is started.
If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position
with the brake pedal depressed, the release button
pushed in, and the ignition switch in the ON position,
refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter. TR (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehi-
cle completely then move the lever to the “R” position
while pushing the release button. T
N (Neutral)
Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever
in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking
has no effect in this condition and the risk of an
accident is consequently increased.
This position is for restarting a stalled engine.
In this position the wheels and transmission are not
locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline un-
less the parking brake or foot brake is on.
Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral.
During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. T D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.
When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold
that position. The transmission will automatically
downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release

7-29
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.
5. Push down on the screwdriver, push down the but-
ton and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N”position.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress
the brake pedal and start the engine.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the system repaired. Rear viscous limited slip differential
(LSD) (if equipped)
y
Never start the engine while a tire on one side
is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. y If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid con-
tinued spinning at high speed as this could ad-
versely affect the LSD. y If a different size rear tire is temporarily used
(as in an emergency), it will adversely affect the
LSD. Always replace it with a regular size tire as
soon as possible.
The LSD provides optimum distribution of power ac-
cording to the difference in revolutions between the
right and left rear wheels that may be caused by cer-
tain driving conditions, thereby improving driving sta-
bility on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.
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7-32
Starting and operating
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving with an
ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a se-
rious accident.
y
The ABS system does not always decrease
stopping distance. You should always maintain
a safe following distance from other vehicles. y When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel
roads, icy road, or over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle
with the ABS system than one without. When
driving under these conditions, therefore, re-
duce your speed and leave ample distance from
other vehicles. y When you feel the ABS system operating,
you should maintain constant brake pedal pres-
sure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing
so may defeat the operation of the ABS system. The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which
may occur during sudden braking or braking on slip-
pery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of
steering control and directional stability caused by
wheel lock-up.
When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a
chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates.
The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). „
ABS system self-check
You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine com-
partment just after the vehicle is started. This is
caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS sys-
tem being carried out and does not indicate any abnor-
mal condition.

7-35
Starting and operating
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yWhenever suspension components, steering
components, or an axle are removed from a ve-
hicle equipped with VDC, have an authorized
SUBARU dealer perform an inspection of that
system.y The following precautions should be ob-
served in order to ensure that the VDC system
is operating properly:
– All four wheels should be fitted with tires of
the same size, type, and brand. Furthermore,
the amount of wear should be the same for allfour tires.
– Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as
shown on the placard attached to the vehi-
cle’s door pillar.
– Use only the special temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire. With a temporary spare tire,
the effectiveness of the VDC system is re-
duced and this should be taken into account
when driving with vehicle.
In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery
road surface and/or during cornering and/or an eva-
sive maneuver, the VDC system adjusts the engine’s
output and the wheels’ respective braking forces to
help maintain traction and directional control. y
Traction Control Function
The traction control function is designed to prevent
spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfac-
es, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional
control. Activation of this function is shown by steady
illumination of the VDC operation indicator light. y Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed to help
maintain directional stability by suppressing the
wheels’ tendency to slide sideways during steering op-
erations. Activation of this function is shown by flash-
ing of the VDC operation indicator light.
NOTE y Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt
when the VDC-system operates; a small degree of
vehicle or steering wheel shaking may also be no-
ticed in this situation. These are normal character-
istics of VDC operation and are no cause for
alarm. y When driving off immediately after starting the
engine, a short-lived operation noise may be no-
ticed coming from the engine compartment. This
noise is generated as a result of a check being per-
formed on the VDC system and is normal.y Depending on the timing of activation of the
brakes, certain situations may occur just after

7-36
Starting and operating
driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit
a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the
VDC operational check and is normal. y
In the circumstances listed below, the vehicle
may be more unstable than it feels to the driver.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may there-
fore operate. Such operation does not indicate a
system fault.
yon gravel-covered or rutted roads
y on unfinished roads
y when the vehicle is towing a trailer
y when the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or
winter tires
y Activation of the VDC system will cause opera-
tion of the steering wheel to feel slightly different
compared to that for normal conditions. y Even if the vehicle is equipped with a VDC sys-
tem, it is important that winter tires be used when
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. (All four
wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size
and brand). y It is always important to reduce speed when ap-
proaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped with VDC. y All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the
same size, type, and brand; furthermore, the
amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. If these precautions are not observed and
non-matching tires are used, it is quite possible
that the VDC system will be unable to operate cor-
rectly as intended. y
Always turn off the engine before replacing a
tire as failure to do so may render the VDC system
unable to operate correctly. „ VDC system monitor
T V D C O F F i n d i c a t o r l i g h t
y The VDC OFF indicator light turns on initially when
the ignition key is turned to the ON position; it subse-
quently turns off 6 seconds after the engine is started.
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7-39
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
With OnStar® System
Note: Even when the lighting switch is turned to the
“ ” or “ ” position, the “OFF” portion of the
symbol stamped on the switch will not illuminate in the
dark. Only “VDC” portion will illuminate.
Pressing the VDC OFF switch to deactivate the VDC
system can facilitate the following operations: y a standing start on a steeply sloping road with a
snowy, gravel-covered, or otherwise slippery surface y extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck
in mud or deep snow
When the VDC OFF switch is pressed during engine operation, the VDC OFF indicator light illuminates.
The VDC system will be deactivated and the vehicle
will behave like a model not equipped with the VDC system.
When the VDC OFF switch is pressed again to reacti-
vate the VDC system, the VDC OFF indicator light
goes off.
If the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 37
mph (60 km/h) after the VDC OFF switch is pressed to
deactivate the VDC system, the VDC system automat-
ically reactivates itself and the VDC OFF indicator light
goes off. While the vehicle is moving at a speed of ap-
proximately 37 mph (60 km/h) or higher, it is not pos-
sible to deactivate the VDC system by pressing theVDC OFF switch.
With the VDC system deactivated, traction and stabil-
ity enhancement offered by VDC system is unavail-
able. Therefore you should not deactivate the VDC
system except under above-mentioned situations.
NOTE y
When the VDC switch has been pressed to deac-
tivate the VDC system, the VDC system automati-
cally reactivates itself the next time the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position and the engine is
restarted. y If the VDC OFF switch is held down for 10 sec-
onds or longer, the VDC OFF indicator light goes
UB7028AA