SUBARU OUTBACK 2005 4.G Owners Manual

7-56
Starting and operating
cruising speed automatically.
The “ ” indicator light in the combination meter will
automatically come on at this time. !
To turn off the cruise control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: " Push the main switch again.
" Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” po-
sition (but only when the vehicle is completely
stopped). ! To change the cruising speed
! To increase the speed (by control lever) Push the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direc-
tion and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired
speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle
speed at that moment will be memorized and treated
as the new set speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed
and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the
set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each
time by pressing the control lever upward in the “RES/
ACC” direction quickly within 0.25 second. !
To increase the speed (by accelerator pedal)
1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed.
2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET/
COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set
and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without
depressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTE
If the difference between the actual vehicle speed
when the control lever is pushed downward and
the speed last time you set it is less than 4 mph
(6.8 km/h), the vehicle speed will be lowered by 1
mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs because the cruise
control system unit regards this lever operation as
that intended to decrease the vehicle speed.
UB7203CA

7-57
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
!To decrease the speed (by control lever)
Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST”
direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the de-
sired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehi-
cle speed at that moment will be memorized and treat-
ed as the new set speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed
and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the
set speed can be lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time
by pressing the control lever downward in the “SET/
COAST” direction quickly within 0.25 second. !
To decrease the speed (by brake pedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control
temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to the desired speed,
press the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST”
direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the
vehicle will keep running at that speed without de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. ! Cruise control indicator light
The cruise control indicator light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes
out after about three seconds.
UB7203BA
UB7507HA

7-58
Starting and operating
The light comes on when the “CRUISE” main switch is
pressed.
If you move the cruise control lever while turning the
ignition switch “ON”, the cruise control function is de-
activated and the “CRUISE” indicator light flashes. To
reactivate the cruise control function, turn the ignition
switch back to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, and then
turn it again to the “ON” position. !
Cruise control set indicator light
The cruise control set indicator light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and
goes out after about three seconds. The light comes on when vehicle speed has been set.
UB7507IA

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) ................ 8-2
Fuel economy hints ...................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .... 8-3
Catalytic converter ....................................... 8-4
Periodic inspections .................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-7
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................ 8-9
Winter driving ............................................... 8-12 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-12
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-15
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-17
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-17
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-18 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-19
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-20
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-21
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................ 8-27 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-27
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-30
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-31 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-31
Maximum load limits ......................................... 8-31
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-37
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-38 Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-40

8-2
Driving tips
Driving tipsNew vehicle break-in driving – the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are de-
pendent on how you handle and care for your vehicle
while it is new. Follow these instructions during the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km):"
Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency." Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. " Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, ex-
cept in an emergency. " Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to a
newly installed or overhauled engine or when brake
pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. " Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. " Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always
accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed.
Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. " Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. " Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
" Keep the engine properly tuned.
" Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown
on the tire placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption." Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
" Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
" Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

8-3
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
"Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled." Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle." Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except for the brief time needed to
drive the vehicle in or out of it." Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If that
is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to
force fresh air into the vehicle. " Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. " If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open."
Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from
the exhaust system for a short time after the en-
gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
"
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures." Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
2.5-liter non-turbo models (other than California-
spec.)HS8002BA

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
2.5-liter turbo models 2.5-liter non-turbo models (California-spec.) and 3.0-
liter models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: " Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount
of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. " Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. " Avoid racing the engine.
" Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.
UG8501BAUB8029BA

8-6
Driving tips
"
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. " Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times,
always have the recommended maintenance services
listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified
time or mileage intervals.

8-7
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another country: "Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to
the “Fuel requirements” section in chapter 7.) " Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country.Driving tips for AWD vehicles
" Always maintain a safe driving speed accord-
ing to the road and weather conditions in order
to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn,
during sudden braking or under other similar
conditions." Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving an all
wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.