belt SUBARU OUTBACK 2004 4.G Owners Manual

2-4
Keys and doors
Locking without the key
1) Push the power door locking switch forward.
2) Close the door.
To lock the door from the outside using the power door
locking switch, push the switch forward (“LOCK” side)
and then close the door. In this case, all closed doors
and the rear gate (for station wagon) are locked at the same time.
Always make sure that all doors and the rear gate are
locked before leaving your vehicle.
NOTE
Make sure that you do not leave the key inside the vehicle before locking the doors from the outside
without the key. „
Locking and unlocking from the inside
Keep all doors locked when you drive, especial-
ly when small children are in your vehicle.
Along with the proper use of seat belts and
child restraints, locking the doors reduces the
chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in an
accident.
It also helps prevent passengers from falling
out if a door is accidentally opened, and intrud-
ers from unexpectedly opening doors and en-
tering your vehicle.
1
2
UB2024CB

3-1
3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .............................................. 3-3 LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
ACC .................................................................... 3-4
ON ....................................................................... 3-5
START ................................................................ 3-5
Key reminder chime .......................................... 3-5
Ignition switch light .......................................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ........ 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ................................ 3-6
Meters and gauges ....................................... 3-7 Speedometer ..................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-7
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-8
Outside temperature indicator (if equipped) .. 3-8
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-9
Warning and indicator lights ....................... 3-10 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 3-10
SRS airbag system warning light .................... 3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................. 3-11
Charge warning light ........................................ 3-12
Oil pressure warning light ................................ 3-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) ............................................. 3-12
ABS warning light ............................................. 3-13
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) warning light (if equipped) ........................................... 3-13
Brake system warning light ............................. 3-14
Door open warning lights ................................. 3-15
Low fuel warning light ...................................... 3-15 Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT
vehicles except GT and vehicle with VDC) .. 3-15
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) operation indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-15
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) OFF indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-16
Security system status indicator light
(if equipped) .................................................... 3-16
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles) ................................................... 3-17
Gear position indicator (AT vehicle with SPORTSHIFT) ................................................. 3-17
Turn signal indicator lights .............................. 3-17
High beam indicator light ................................. 3-18
Cruise control set indicator light .................... 3-18
Clock .............................................................. 3-18
Light control switch ...................................... 3-19 Headlights ......................................................... 3-19
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-20
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-20
Daytime running light system ......................... 3-21
Turn signal lever ........................................... 3-21
Illumination brightness control ................... 3-22
Parking light switch ...................................... 3-23
Fog light switch (if equipped) ...................... 3-24
Wiper and washer ......................................... 3-24 Windshield wiper and washer switches ......... 3-26
Rear window wiper and washer switch (if equipped) .................................................... 3-27
Rear window defogger switch ..................... 3-28

3-10
Instruments and controls
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles) ABS warning light
VDC warning light (if equipped)
VDC operation indicator light (if equipped)
VDC OFF indicator light (if equipped)
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. „
Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the seatbelt warning light will come on and the remind-
er chime will sound for about six seconds to remind the
driver to fasten the seatbelt.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after six seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off when the
driver’s side seatbelt is buckled or it will turn off auto- matically after six seconds. „ SRS airbag system warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for
about six seconds and go out. This shows the SRS
frontal airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illuminat-
ed even after a period of about 6 seconds from when
the ignition has been turned on, it may indicate that the
SRS frontal airbag system or SRS side airbag system
(if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner system is not
working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer immediately.

3-12
Instruments and controls
and come on steadily after several driving trips. You
should have your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately. „
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the charging system is not working
properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good condition but the
light remains on, contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er immediately. „ Oil pressure warning light
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and the lubricating system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the engine oil level. If the oil lev-
el is low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the
proper level but the light remains on, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer immediately. „
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 tem-
perature 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. T Automatic transmission control system warn- ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system is
not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately.

7-9
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
in vehicle’s computer with the “ CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/MIL illuminated. y A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or
fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readinessmonitors “ Not Ready ” is greater than three. Under this
condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to
drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors
and return for an emission re-inspection. y Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact
their SUBARU Dealer for service.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully
closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po- sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.

8-9
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
next section (applicable to the OUTBACK) for general
guidance. But please keep in mind that your vehicle’s
off-road capabilities are more limited than those of the
OUTBACK.
Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or
roads flooded with water. Water entering the engine
air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may
cause it to stall. TOUTBACK
Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clear-
ance, your SUBARU can be driven on ordinary roads
or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD
SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a conven-
tional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you
do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common
sense precautions such as the following should be taken: y Make certain that you and all of your passengers
are wearing seat belts. y Carry some emergency equipment, such as a tow-
ing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit
and portable phone or citizens band radio. y Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. y Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of
marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and
the like. y
Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive ei-
ther straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle
can much more easily tip over sideways than it can
end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes
that are too steep.y Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher
speeds. y Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure
your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.y If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and
the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and ensure
that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com-
pletely through the stream. The water should be shal-
low enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s under-
carriage. Water entering the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts
may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall.
Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regard-
less of its depth, it can wash away the ground from un-
der your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and
even vehicle rollover.

8-14
Driving tips
„
Snow tires
T All models except OUTBACK
yWhen replacing original tires with winter
(snow) tires, make sure you use only the same
size, construction and load range as the origi-
nal tires listed on the tire placard. Using other
sizes and construction may affect speedome-
ter/odometer calibration and clearance be-
tween the body and tires. It also may be danger-
ous and lead to loss of vehicle control. y You must install four winter tires that are of
the same size, circumferences, construction,
brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, cir-
cumferences or constructions may result in se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle and may affect ride, handling,
braking and speedometer/odometer calibra-
tion. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss
of vehicle control. y Do not use a combination of radial, belted
bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead to an acci-
dent. Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which
are designed to provide an adequate measure of trac-
tion, handling and braking performance in year-round
driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance per-
formance through use of tires designed specifically for
winter driving conditions.
If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be
sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must in-
stall four winter tires that are of the same size, con-
struction, brand and load range and you should never
mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may re-
sult in dangerous handling characteristics. When you
choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clear-
ance between the tire and vehicle body.
Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of
the type of tires on your vehicle. T
OUTBACK models only
yWhen replacing original tires with winter
(snow) tires, make sure you use only the same
size and construction as recommended. Using
other sizes or construction may affect speed-
ometer/odometer calibration and clearance be-
tween the body and tires. It also may be danger-

8-15
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
ous and lead to loss of vehicle control. yYou must install four winter tires that are of
the same size, circumferences, construction,
brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, cir-
cumferences or constructions may result in se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle and may affect ride, handling,
braking and speedometer/odometer calibra-
tion. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss
of vehicle control. y Do not use a combination of radial, belted
bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead to an acci-
dent.
Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which
are designed to provide an adequate measure of trac-
tion, handling and braking performance in year-round
driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance per-
formance through use of tires designed specifically for
winter driving conditions.
If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be
sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must in-
stall four winter tires that are of the same size, con-
struction, brand and load range and you should never
mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may re-
sult in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clear-
ance between the tire and vehicle body.
Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of
the type of tires on your vehicle.
Your OUTBACK comes with P225/60R16 “all sea-
son tires” as original equipment. You should be
aware that some winter tires with that same size
designation may actually be too large for the vehi-
cle and may cause rubbing on sharp turns. Listed
below is the winter tire size that we recommend.Recommended winter (snow) tire size
P215/60R16 Studless
„ Tire chains
Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed below
because of lack of clearance between the tires
and vehicle body.yP205/55R16 tires for GT models
y P225/60R16 tires for OUTBACK models
y P215/60R16 winter (snow) tires for OUTBACK

9-16
In case of emergency
Do not jump start unless cables in suitable con-
dition are available.y
A running engine can be dangerous. Keep
your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from the cooling fan, belts and any other
moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches
and ties is advisable.
When your vehicle does not start due to a run down
(discharged) battery, the vehicle may be jump started
by connecting your battery to another battery (called
the booster battery) with jumper cables.
Jump starting is dangerous if it done incorrectly. If you
are unsure about the proper procedure for jump start-
ing, consult a competent mechanic. „ How to jump start
1. Make sure the booster battery is 12 volts and the
negative terminal is grounded.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not let
the two vehicles touch.
3. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
4. Connect the jumper cables exactly in the sequence
illustrated.

11 - 1
11
Maintenance and service
Ma inte nan ce sche du le .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 11-3
Ma in te nan ce precau tio ns ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 11-3
B ef ore checki ng o r servicing in th e e ngi ne
c o m part ment ..... ..................... ..................... ... 11-4
W hen y ou do c h ecking or servic ing in t h e
e ngi ne c omp artme nt while the engi ne is
r u nn ing ............... ..................... ..................... ... 11-5
En gine ho od .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 11-5
Engine compartment overview ................... 11-8 2.5 liter models .................................................. 11-8
2.5 liter CALIFORNIA spec models ................. 11-9
3.0 liter models .................................................. 11-10
Engine oil ...................................................... 11-11 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-11
Changing the oil and oil filter .......................... 11-12
Recommended grade and viscosity ................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .............................. 11-16
Cooling system ............................................. 11-17 Hose and connections ...................................... 11-18
Engine coolant .................................................. 11-18
Air cleaner element ...................................... 11-22 Replacing the air cleaner element ................... 11-22
Spark plugs ................................................... 11-25 Recommended spark plugs ............................. 11-25
Drive belts ..................................................... 11-26 2.5 liter models .................................................. 11-26
3.0 liter models .................................................. 11-26
Manual transmission oil ............................... 11-27 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-27 Recommended grade and viscosity ............... 11-27
Automatic transmission fluid ...................... 11-28 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-28
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-30
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ...... 11-30 Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-30
Recommended grade and viscosity ............... 11-31
Rear differential gear oil ............................... 11-32 Checking the gear oil level .............................. 11-32
Recommended grade and viscosity ............... 11-34
Power steering fluid ...................................... 11-35 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-35
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-36
Brake fluid ..................................................... 11-36 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-36
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-37
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................ 11-38 Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-38
Recommended clutch fluid .............................. 11-38
Brake booster ................................................ 11-39
Brake pedal .................................................... 11-39 Checking the brake pedal free play ................ 11-39
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ... 11-40
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) ............... 11-40Checking the clutch function .......................... 11-40
Checking the clutch pedal free play ............... 11-41
Replacement of brake pad and lining ......... 11-41 Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .... 11-42