transmission SUBARU OUTBACK 2003 3.G Owners Manual

3-4n
Automatic transmission vehicles
HB2032CA
HB4016BA
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only when the selector
lever is in the “P” position.
n Manual transmission vehicles
OM-H0144
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only when the key is
pushed in while turning it. ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, accessory power socket, etc.) can be used. ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine is started.

3-14
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it may indicate that the
automatic transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary to stop the vehicle,
but avoid driving up steep grades or in stop and go traffic.
Automatic transmission control system warning
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indicate that the auto-
matic transmission control system is not working properly. Contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes out after about two seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly.
CAUTION
If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS system may not
work properly.When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; how-
ever, the conventional brake system continues to operate normal-
ly. The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position.
The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned
to the “ON” position, but it does not go out even when the vehicle
speed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available
opportunity by your SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as shown below, the ABS system may be considered normal.
(U.S.) (Canada)

3-18the ignition switch has been turned to the
“ON” position.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) OFF indicator light (if equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the ignition switch is turned ON
and goes out about 6 seconds after the engine has started. It comes on when the VDC system is deactivated (by operating “VDC
OFF” switch or in the standby state).
NOTE The light may stay on for a while after the engine has been
started, especially in cold weather. This does not indicate the exis- tence of a problem. The light should go out as soon as the enginehas warmed up. The “VDC OFF ” indicator light comes on when the engine has de-
veloped a problem and the CHECK ENGINE warning light is on.
The VDC system is probably faulty under any of the following conditions. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. The VDC OFF indicator light does not come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The light does not go out even after several minutes have passed (the
engine has warmed up) after the engine has been started. Security system status indicator light (if equipped)
This light is found at the bottom center of the combination meter panel. On vehicles equipped with a security system, it blinks to show the driver
the operational status of the security system. For detailed information, re-fer to the “Security system ” in Chapter 2.
Shift position indicator (for AT vehicles)
This indicator shows the position of the shift lever.
If the transmission has a Sport Shift mode, the position of the shift lever is
shown by another indicator during Sport Shift mode operation. For de-
tails, refer to Chapter 7, “Automatic transmission ”.

3-32
Auto-dimming mirror/compass (if equipped)
HB6019BB
The auto-dimming mirror/compass has an anti-glare feature which au-
tomatically reduces glare coming from headlights of vehicles behindyou. It also contains a built-in compass.By pressing and releasing the left button, the automatic dimming
function is toggled on or off. When the automatic dimming function is
on, the auto dimming indicator light (green) located to the right of the
button will illuminate. By pressing and releasing the right button, the compass display is
toggled on or off. When the compass is on, an illuminated compass
reading will appear in the lower part of the mirror.
Even with the mirror in anti-glare mode, the mirror surface turns bright
if the transmission is shifted into reverse. This is to ensure good rear-
ward visibility during reversing.

7
Starting and operating Fuel7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel requirements 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle 7-10 . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle 7-10 . . . . . .
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4F ( –20 C) 7-11 . . .
Starting a flooded engine 7-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission (Brighton, L, Outback) 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission (with SPORTSHIFT mode – 2.5GT, 2.5GTLO) 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (manual mode) 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) 7-30 . . .
Power steering 7-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 7-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 7-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 7-32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped) 7-36 . . . . . .
VDC OFF switch 7-41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking your vehicle 7-42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (if equipped) 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7
Starting and operating7-7
–
CONTINUED –

If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether
is caught under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning light may come on. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights ” section lo-
cated in chapter 3.
State emission testing (U.S. only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must NEVER be performed
on a single two-wheel dynamometer. Attempting to do so willresult in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an acci-
dent or injuries to persons nearby.
CAUTION
Resultant vehicle damage due to improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility ofthe state inspection program or its contractors or licensees.
At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service
station in advance not to place your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two-
wheel dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission damage willresult.
Some states have started using dynamometers in their state inspection
programs in order to meet their obligation under federal law to implement
stricter vehicle 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 inspection test. Nor-
mally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emission
inspector inserting an analyzer 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 driving conditions on a dynamometer and permits

7-8
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 emission testing programs haveEXEMPTED
Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing pro-
gram that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel dynamometers in their testing
programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD Subaru vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the
ground, nor should the driveshaft be disconnected 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 sys-
tem is designed to detect engine and transmission problems that mightcause vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits. These inspectionsapply 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 regulation effective date of
January 1, 2002. Other states will add OBD system inspection in 2002. The inspection of the OBD system consists of a visual operational
check of the “CHECK ENGINE ” warning light/malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) and an examination of the OBD system with an electronic scan tool while the engine is running. A vehicle passes
the OBD system inspection if proper the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL illumination is observed, there is no stored
diagnostic trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness monitors are complete. 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 in vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK ENGINE ”
warning light/MIL illuminated. A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or fail) a vehicle if
the number of OBD system readiness monitors “Not Ready ” is greater

7-10Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than ten
seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter forfive to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before tryingagain.
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift lever into neutral.
Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter
motor will only operate when the clutch pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and check the operation
of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator
light” section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing
the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has
started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START” position again while depressing the ac-
celerator pedal half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone off after the
engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the
idle speed as the engine warms up.
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission ve- hicle
CAUTION
If you restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift the se- lector lever into the “N” position. Do not attempt to place the se-
lector lever of a moving vehicle into the “P” position.

7-12Stopping the engine
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will
cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster,making steering and braking more difficult. It could also result in
accidental activation of the “LOCK” position on the ignition
switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.
The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.
Manual transmission
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disengaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed) or with the shift lever in the neutralposition. Engine braking has no effect in either of these condi-tions and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has completelystopped. It may cause damage to the transmission to try shiftinginto reverse when the vehicle is moving.
The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed 5-forward and 1-re-
verse speed transmission.

7
Starting and operating7-13
–
CONTINUED –
OM-H2241
The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever knob. When shifting from 5th
gear to reverse gear, first return the shift lever to the neutral position then
shift into reverse gear.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission in neutral, release the
clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again.
Shifting speeds
n Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle perfor-
mance during normal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speedslisted in the following table.
Shift up
mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd15 (24)
2nd to 3rd25 (40)
3rd to 4th40 (65)
4th to 5th45 (73)