automatic transmission fluid SUBARU OUTBACK 2010 5.G Owners Manual

2
Chapter 12: Specifications
This chapter informs you about the dimen-
sions and capacities of your SUBARU.
Chapter 13: Consumer information and
Reporting safety defects
This chapter informs you about Tire
information, Uniform tire quality grading
standards and Reporting safety defects.
Chapter 14: Index
This is an alphabetical listing of all that’sin
this manual. You can use it to quickly find
something you want to read. & Safety warnings
You will find a number of WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs and NOTEs in this manual.
These safety warnings alert you to poten-
tial hazards that could result in injury to
you or others.
Please read these safety warnings as well
as all other portions of this manual care-
fully in order to gain a better understand-
ing of how to use your SUBARU vehicle
safely.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situation in
which serious injury or death could
result if the warning is ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situation in
which injury or damage to your
vehicle, or both, could result if the
caution is ignored.
NOTE
A NOTE gives information or sugges-
tions how to make better use of yourvehicle. & Safety symbol
You will find a circle with a slash through it
in this manual. This symbol means “Do
not ”, “Do not do this ”,or “Do not let this
happen ”, depending upon the context. &
Abbreviation list
You will find several abbreviations in this
manual. The meanings of the abbrevia-
tions are shown in the following list.
Abbreviation Meaning
A/C Air conditioner A/ELR Automatic/Emergency locking retractor
ABS Anti-lock brake system
AKI Anti knock index
ALR Automatic locking retractor
AT Automatic transmission
ATF Automatic transmission fluid
AWD All-wheel drive CVT Continuously variable trans- mission
DRL Daytime running light EBD Electronic brake force distri- bution
ELR Emergency locking retractor
FWD Front-wheel drive
GAW Gross axle weight
GAWR Gross axle weight rating
GPS Global positioning system
GVW Gross vehicle weight
GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating

7-18Starting and operating
Automatic transmission/Con-
tinuously variable transmis-sion
The automatic transmission is electroni-
cally controlled and provides 5 forward
speeds and 1 reverse speed. The con-
tinuously variable transmission is electro-
nically controlled and provides an infinite
number of forward speeds and 1 reversespeed.
Both the automatic transmission and
continuously variable transmission have
a manual mode.
WARNING
Do not shift from the “P ” or “N ”
position into the “D ” or “R ” position
while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to jump forward or backward.
CAUTION
. Shift into the “P ” or “R ” position
only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.
. Do not race the engine for more than 5 seconds in any position
except the
“N ” or “P ” position
when the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.
. Avoid shifting from one of the
forward driving positions into the“ R ” position or vice versa until
the vehicle has completely
stopped. Such shifting may
cause damage to the transmis-sion.
. When parking the vehicle, first
securely apply the parking brake
and then place the select lever inthe “P ” position. Avoid parking
for a long time with the select
lever in any other position as
doing so could result in a dead
battery.
NOTE . For AT models, when the engine
coolant temperature is still low, the
transmission will upshift to higher
engine speeds than when the coolant
temperature is sufficiently high in order
to shorten the warm-up time and
improve driveability. The gearshift tim-
ing will automatically shift to the nor- mal timing after the engine has warmedup..
Immediately after transmission fluid
is replaced, you may feel that the
transmission operation is somewhat
unusual. This results from invalidation
of data which the on-board computer
has collected and stored in memory to
allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the current
condition of your vehicle. Optimized
shifting will be restored as the vehicle
continues to be driven for a while.. When driving a vehicle that is
equipped with CVT under continuous
heavy load conditions such as towing a
camper or climbing a long, steep hill,
the engine speed or the vehicle speed
may automatically be reduced. This is
not a malfunction. This phenomenon
results from the engine control func-
tion maintaining the cooling perfor-
mance of the vehicle. The engine and
vehicle speed will return to a normal
speed when the engine is able to
maintain the optimum cooling perfor-
mance after the heavy load decreases.
Driving under a heavy load must be
performed with extreme care. Do not
try to pass a vehicle in front when
driving on an uphill slope while towing.. The continuously variable transmis-
sion is a chain type system that

7-22Starting and operating
1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Gear position indicator
When the manual mode is selected, the
gear position indicator and upshift indica-
tor and/or downshift indicator on the
combination meter illuminate. The gear
position indicator shows the currently
selected gear in the 1st-to-5th-gear range
(AT models) or 1st-to-6th gear range (CVT
models). The upshift and downshift indi-
cators show when a gearshift is possible.
When the upshift indicator “
”is on,
upshifting is possible. When the downshift indicator “
”is on, downshifting is possi-
ble. When both indicators are on, upshift-
ing and downshifting are both possible.
When the vehicle stops (for example, at
traffic signals), the downshift indicator turns off.
Gearshifts can be performed using the
paddle shift switch behind the steeringwheel.
Pull the
“+ ” of the paddle shift to upshift
one level. Also pull the “ ” of the paddle
shift to downshift one level.
To deselect the manual mode, return the
select lever to the “D ”position from the “M ”
position.
While driving with the select lever in the “ D ” position, if you change gears by
paddle shifting, the gear position indicator
light illuminates and shows the current
gear condition.
CAUTION
Do not place or hang anything on
the paddle shift levers. Doing so
may result in accidental gear shift-ing.
NOTE
Please read the following points care-
fully and bear them in mind when using
the manual mode. . If you attempt to shift down when
the engine speed is too high, i.e., when
a downshift would push the tachometer
needle beyond the red zone, beeps will
be emitted to warn you that the down-
shift is not possible.. If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.. You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the paddle switch twice in rapid suc-cession.. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving.. If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the “AT
OIL TEMP ”warning light will illuminate.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe

8-26Driving tips
engine braking effect and prevent over-
heating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshifts. . When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automatically
to protect the engine from overheating. . When driving uphill in hot weather, pay
attention to the coolant temperature high
warning light (for all models) and AT OIL
TEMP warning light (for AT and CVT
models) because the engine and trans-
mission are relatively prone to overheating
under these conditions. If the coolant
temperature high warning light and/or the
AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates,
immediately turn off the air conditioner and
stop the vehicle in the nearest safe
location. For further instructions and addi-
tional information, refer to the followingsections.
–“If you park your vehicle in an
emergency ”F 9-2
–“ Engine overheating ”F 9-12
–“ Coolant temperature low indicator
light/Coolant temperature high warn-
ing light ”F 3-13 –“
AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT and
CVT models) ”F 3-15
. For AT and CVT models, avoid using
the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on
an uphill slope instead of using the
parking brake or foot brake. That may
cause the transmission fluid to overheat. ! Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both
vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply
the parking brake firmly. You should not
park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a
hill or slope cannot be avoided, you
should take the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release the regular brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then
apply the parking brake; slowly release
the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (MT
models) or “P ” (AT and CVT models) and
shut off the engine.

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment (2.5 L non-turbo models) .. ........... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Maintenance tips ................................................ 11-5
Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-5
Removing air intake duct .................................... 11-7
Pulling off the fender lining ................................ 11-7
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-7
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-9
2.5 L non-turbo models ...................................... 11-9
2.5 L turbo models ........................................... 11-10
3.6 L models .................................................... 11-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 11-12
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-12
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .......................................... 11-17
Cooling system ................................................ 11-17
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-17
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-18
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-20
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-21
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-22
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-22 Drive belts
........................................................ 11-23
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-23
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Automatic transmission fluid .......................... 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-26
Front differential gear oil (AT and CVT models) .......................................................... 11-26
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-26
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-27
Rear differential gear oil .................................. 11-27
Checking the gear oil level ............................... 11-27
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-28
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-29
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-29
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-30
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-30
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-30
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-31
Clutch fluid (MT models) ................................. 11-31
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-31
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-32
Brake booster .................................................. 11-32
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-33
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-33
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-33 Maintenance and service
11

&3.6 L models1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-29)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-26)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-24)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
5) Fuse box (page 11-48)
6) Battery (page 11-47)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-42)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-12)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-18)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-18)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-20) Maintenance and service
11-11

11-24Maintenance and service
1) Upper level
2) Lower level
3. Pull out the level gauge again and
check the oil level on it. If it is below the
lower level, add oil through the level
gauge hole to bring the level up to the
upper level.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill manual trans-
mission oil when adding it. If oil
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off. &
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5SAE viscosity No. and applicable tempera- ture Automatic transmission fluid &
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, there are two different scales
for checking the level of hot fluid and cold
fluid on the level gauge.
Though the fluid level can be checked
without warming up the fluid on the“ COLD ”range, we recommend checking
the fluid level when the fluid is at operatingtemperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176 8F (70 to 80 8C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the select lever in each
position. Then shift it in the “P ” position,
and run the engine at idling speed.

1) Yellow handle
1) HOT range
2) COLD range
3) Upper level
4) Lower level
4. Pull out the level gauge and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the
lower level on the
“HOT ”range, add the
recommended automatic transmission
fluid up to the upper level. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked
without time to warm up the automatic
transmission, check to see that the fluid
level is between the lower level and upper
level on the “COLD ”range. If it is below
that range, add fluid up to the upper level.
Be careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill automatic
transmission fluid when adding it.
If automatic transmission fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If automatic transmission fluid
gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to
wipe it off. &
Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of auto-
matic transmission fluid. –SUBARU ATF
– IDEMITSU ATF HP
NOTE
Using any non-specified type of auto-
matic transmission fluid could result in
damage inside the transmission. When
replacing the automatic transmission
fluid, be sure to use the specified typeabove. Maintenance and service
11-25

11-30Maintenance and service
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level isbetween“HOT MIN ”and “HOT MAX ”on
the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between“ COLD MIN ”and “COLD MAX ”on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN ”line, add the recom-
mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the “MIN ”and “MAX ”line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for inspection.
& Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of auto-
matic transmission fluid. –SUBARU ATF
– IDEMITSU ATF HP
–“ Dexron III ”Type Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid Brake fluid &
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
. Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.
. Brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
. Never use different brands of
brake fluid together. Also, avoid
mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake
fluids even if they are of the samebrand. .
When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
. Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.
. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
Check the fluid level monthly.
1) “MAX ”level mark
2) “MIN ”level mark

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-25
Warning light ................................................. 3-16, 7-25
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-50
Accessory power outlet ............................................... 6-10
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-20
Air conditioner Automatic climate control system ............................. 4-12
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-7
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-15
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-2
Automatic climate control system ............................. 4-12
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-5
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-16
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-20
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-42
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-25
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-17
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-12
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-12
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-15
Audio Antenna system ....................................................... 5-2
AUX unit operation ................................................. 5-28
CD player operation ............................................... 5-18
Control button ........................................................ 5-30
FM/AM radio operation ........................................... 5-10
Power and sound controls ......................................... 5-7
Satellite radio operations ......................................... 5-14 Set ........................................................................ 5-4XM
TMsatellite radio reception
................................... 5-2
Auto on/off headlights ................................................. 3-27
Sensor .................................................................. 3-28
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...................................... 3-36
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-8
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-18
Capacities ............................................................. 12-4
Fluid ................................................................... 11-24
Manual mode ......................................................... 7-21
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-15
Select lever ........................................................... 7-19
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-20
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-13
AUX unit operation ..................................................... 5-28
B Battery .................................................................... 11-47
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-6
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-14
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-11
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-31
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-9
Brake Assist .................................................................... 7-24
Booster ....................................................... 7-24, 11-32
Fluid ................................................................... 11-30
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-34
Parking ................................................................. 7-34
Pedal .................................................................. 11-33