towing SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G Owner's Manual

9
In case of emergency9-3
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Temporary spare tire
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load.
Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failureof the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle and may leadto an accident.
CAUTION
Never use any temporary spare tire other than the original. Usingother sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drivetrain of your vehicle.
The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter than a conventional tire
and is designed for emergency use only. Remove the temporary spare
tire and re-install the conventional tire as soon as possible because the
spare tire is designed only for temporary use.
Check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare tire periodically to
keep the tire ready for use. The correct pressure is 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2
kg/cm 2
).
When using the temporary spare tire, note the following: Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire. Because of the
smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit properly. Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at the same time.
Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller diameter, so
road clearance is reduced. When the wear indicator appears on the tread, replace the tire.

9-16the radiator. After the pressure has been fully released, remove the
cap by pressing down and turning it.
Towing
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheelsraised off the ground while the rear wheels are on the ground, orwith the rear wheels raised off the ground while the front wheelsare on the ground. This will cause the vehicle to spin away due tothe operation or deterioration of the center differential.
HG9013BA
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU dealer or a com-
mercial towing service. Observe the following procedures for safety.
Towing and tie-down hooks
CAUTION
Use only specified towing hooks and tie-down hooks. Never
use suspension parts or other body parts for towing or tie-downpurposes. Never use the tie-down hook closest to the muffler under the
vehicle for towing purposes. Do not apply excessive lateral load to the towing hooks.

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In case of emergency9-17
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HB8012BB HB9051BB
HB9048BB
Towing and tie-down hook
HB8013BB

9-18
HB9010BB
The towing hooks should be used only in an emergency (e.g., to free
a stuck vehicle from mud, sand or snow).
The front towing hook is located on the inside of the towing hook cov- er below the right-hand headlight. nTowing hook cover removal procedure
For except OUTBACK models:
HB9049BA
To use the towing hook, insert the top end of the flat tip screwdriver in
a slot on the upper part of the cover, and remove the cover while pry-
ing it off.
Remove the towing hook cover by pulling it toward the side of the ve-
hicle and toward you.

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In case of emergency9-19
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For OUTBACK models:
HB9042BA
HB9045BB
1. Squeeze the sides of portion A and pull the towing hook cover to-
ward you.
HB9043BA
HB9021CB
2. Press portion B and simultaneously pull the towing hook cover to-
ward you.

9-20
HB9044AA
3. Turn the towing hook cover clockwise, pivoting it about the side
that is next to the fog lamp. Pull out the towing hook cover to removeit. nTowing hook cover installation procedure
For except OUTBACK models:
HB9052BA
Align the towing hook cover with its original installation position and
press all parts of it into place.

9-22
Using a flat-bed truck
HB8008AA
This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the following proce-
dures to ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the selector lever into the “P” position for automatic transmis-
sion vehicles or “1st” for manual transmission vehicles.
2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains.
Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be tak-en not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out. Towing with all wheels on the ground
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the
vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direc- tion of the wheels will be locked. Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not
function when the engine is not running. Because the engine isturned off, it will take greater effort to operate the brake pedal andsteering wheel.

11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high tempera-
tures, or used for heavy-duty applications such as towing a trailer, use
of oil with the following grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL (or SJ): SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50,
20W-40, 20W-50
Cooling system
WARNING
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 –33F ( –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

11-42
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread worn in center)
HSB013AA
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magnifies the effects of road-sur-
face bumps and dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for the vehicle when fully loaded
and for the vehicle when towing a trailer, adjust the tire pressures to the
values that match current loading conditions.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can
cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. Asharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and
destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle controlcould lead to an accident.
Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when your vehicle was new, but the
wheels will become unbalanced as the tires become worn during use.
Wheel imbalance causes the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at certain
vehicle speeds and detracts from the vehicle ’s straight-line stability. It
can also cause steering and suspension system problems and abnormal
tire wear. If you suspect that the wheels are not correctly balanced, have
them checked and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer. Also have them
adjusted after tire repairs and after tire rotation.

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Specifications12-5
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GT, L 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kg/cm
2
)
Temporary spare 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kg/cm 2
)
Wheel size 15 x 6JJ, 16 x 6 1
/2 JJ
* 1
: GT models
OUTBACK
Type Steel belted radial, Tubeless Size P225/60R16 97H Temporary spare T145/80R16
Pressure Front 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kg/cm 2
)
Trailer towing 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kg/cm 2
)
Rear 29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kg/cm 2
)
Trailer towing 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kg/cm 2
)
Temporary spare 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kg/cm 2
)
Wheel size 16 x 6 1
/2 JJ
Wheel alignment
Legacy sedan
Toe Front 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Rear 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Camber Front –005’ 30 ’
Rear –0 30’ 45 ’
Legacy station wagon
Toe Front 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Rear 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Camber Front –005’ 30 ’
Rear –0 20’ 45 ’
OUTBACK sedan
Toe Front 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Rear 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)
Camber Front 0 20’ 30 ’
Rear –0 10’ 45 ’
OUTBACK station wagon
Toe Front 0 0.12 in (0 3 mm)