check oil SUBARU OUTBACK 2002 3.G User Guide

11-12
12. Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.
13. Pour the specified amount of engine oil through the filler neck.Oil capacity: 2.5 liter models: 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)3.0 liter models: 6.1 US qt (5.8 liters, 5.1 Imp qt)
14. Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter ’s rubber seal.
15. Run the engine until it reaches the normal operating 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. Recommended grade and viscosity CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: API classification SL or SJ with the words “ENERGY
CONSERVING II ” (if you cannot obtain the oil with SL
or SJ grade, you may use SH grade oil.) or the new API certification mark (Starburst mark) dis-
played on the container.
New API Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)API Service label
1
2
3
1 Indicates the oil quality by API designations
2 Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade
3 Indicates that the oil has fuel saving capabilities

11-14
Cooling systemWARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has
been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolantis under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray ofboiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
CAUTION
The cooling system has been filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting, year-around coolant which providesprotection against freezing down to –33°F ( –36 °C). For adding,
use genuine SUBARU coolant or an equivalent: a mixture of 50%
soft water and 50% ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improp-er coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling system. It is im-portant to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion,even if freezing temperatures are not expected. Never mix differ-ent kinds of coolant. Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alco-
hol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint sur-face.
Hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is thermostatically
controlled to operate when the engine coolant reaches a specific tem-
perature.If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when the engine
coolant temperature gauge exceeds the normal operating range, the
cooling fan circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and replace it if
necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may be a leak in the
engine cooling system. It is recommended that the cooling systemand connections be checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.

Maintenance and service11-23
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CONTINUED –
schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If a belt is loose, cracked, or worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Manual transmission oil Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
OM-H0210
Upper level Lower level
HBB004DB
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below
the lower level, add oil through the dipstick hole to bring the level upto the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

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Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)Checking the oil level
Check the differential oil level monthly.
HBA010BB
Lower level Upper levelHBB004EB
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is belowthe lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level.
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

Maintenance and service11-27
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CONTINUED –
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0212
Rear differential gear oil
Checking the gear oil level CAUTION
If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be an oil leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehicle checked at your
SUBARU dealer.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear differential protector. The
differential protector provides protection to the rear differential assem-
bly during off-road use. Removal of the rear differential protector is not
required when checking the oil level.

11-28
HBB066BB
HBB065BB
HB0078
HB0077
Filler plug
Drain plug Filler hole
Drain hole
Oil level
Others
Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil level. The oil level should be kept even with the bottom of the filler hole. If the oil
level is below the bottom edge of the hole, add oil through the filler
hole to raise the level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

Maintenance and service11-29
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CONTINUED –
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
When power steering fluid is being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank.
The power steering fluid expands greatly as its temperature rises; the
fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore, the reser-
voir tank has two different checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run: Check that the oillevel is between “HOT MIN ” and “HOT MAX ” on the surface of the
reservoir tank.

11-30
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 res-
ervoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the applicable “MIN” line, add the
recommended fluid as necessary to bring the level between the
“MIN” and “MAX” line.
HBB031BB
HBB030BB
Specified range SpecifiedrangeReservoir tank
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate possible leakage. Con- sult your SUBARU dealer for inspection. Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission 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, whenperforming this work, wearing eye protection is advisable. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed mois-
ture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance.

Maintenance and service11-47
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CONTINUED –
tighten it to the specified torque.
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged easily. Handle them
carefully to maintain their appearance, performance, and safety. When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to
change a flat, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving
approximatly 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the
specified torque. Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface
of the wheel. Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or curbs.
Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely around the tire,
otherwise the chains may scratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center cap is replaced, be
sure to replace them with genuine SUBARU parts designed for aluminumwheels.
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid because it could cause paint damage.
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop. If the level is low, fill
the fluid up to the neck of the reservoir.Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid is unavailable use
clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-freeze type windshield
washer fluid. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl
alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temperature varies
according to how much it is diluted, as indicated below.