SUBARU OUTBACK 2006 Owners Manual

13-12 Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Uniform tire quality grading
standards This information indicates the relative
performance of passenger car tires in
the area of treadwear, traction, and
temperature resistance. This is to aid
the consumer in making an informed
choice in the purchase of tires.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall be-
tween tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tem-
perature A
The quality grades apply to new pneu-
matic tires for use on passenger cars.
However, they do not apply to deep
tread, winter type snow tires, space-
saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 12
inches or less, or to some limited pro-
duction tires.
All passenger car tires must confirm
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades. „ Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1-1/2) times
as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative perfor-
mance of tires depends upon the ac-
tual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving hab-
its, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.
„ Traction AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent th e tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of as-
phalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance. „ Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high tempera-
ture can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corre-
sponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of per-
formance on the la boratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law. The traction grade assigned to
this tire is b ased on straight-
ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include accelera-
tion, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-13
Reporting safety defects
(USA) If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a
crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately in-
form the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Subaru of
America, Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, and if it finds that a safety de-
fect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA can-
not become involved in individual
problems between you, your deal-
er, or Subaru of America, Inc. To
contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-
free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-
0123 in the Washington D.C. area)
or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washing-
ton, D.C. 20590. You can also ob- tain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

Index
14

14-2 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ....... ...................... ............. 7-26
Warning light ....................................................... 3-20, 7-27
Accessories .................................................................... 11-47
Accessory power outlet .............. ........................................ 6-8
Active head restraint .. ..................................................... .... 1-6
Air cleaner element ........................................................ 11-17
Air conditioner .............. .................................................. .... 4-7
Air filtration system ........................................................... 4-13
Air flow selection ..................... ........................................... 4-2
Alarm system .................................................................... 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) ..................... 3-22
Aluminum wheels ......... .................................... .............. 11-39
Antenna system ................................................................. 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .... ......................... ............. 7-26
Arming the system ........ ....................................... ............. 2-15
Armrest ............................................................................. 1-10
Ashtray ............................................................................... 6-9
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light .................................. 3-18
Audio control button ......................................................... 5-39
Audio set ............................................................................ 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...... ................................... 3-40
Automatic climate control system .. ................................. .... 4-7
Automatic transmission
4-speed ....................................................................... 7-11
5-speed ....................................................................... 7-17
Capacities .................................................................... 12-4
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-22
Manual mode .............. ............................ ............ 7-14, 7-20
Selector lever ...................................................... 7-12, 7-18
Shift lock release ................................................ 7-16, 7-23
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ................. 3-18 Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ............ 1-13
B
Battery ............................................................................ 11-44
Jump starting ............................................................... 9-10
Replacement (Remote keyless en try system) .... ........... 2-7
Brake
Booster ...................................................................... 11-30
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-28
Pad and lining ............................................................ 11-32
Pedal .......................................................................... 11-30
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................................... 11-30
Reserve distance ....................................................... 11-30
Brake system ......... ........................................................ ... 7-25
Warning light ................................................................ 3-20
Braking ............................................................................. 7-25
Tips .............................................................................. 7-25
Breaking
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................ 11-32
Bulb
Chart ............................................................................ 12-9
Replacing ................................................................... 11-48
C
Capacities ........... ........................................................ ...... 12-4
Cargo area
Cover ........................................................................... 6-12
Light ............................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ........................................................... 6-15
Catalytic converter .................... .......................................... 8-3

Index
14-3Center
Console ......................................................................... 6-5
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-3
Changing
Flat tire ........................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ........................................................... 11-10
Charge warning light ........................................................ 3-18
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
lamp .............................................................................. 3-17
Checking
Brake pedal free play ................................................. 11-30
Brake pedal reserve distance . ................................... 11-30
Clutch function ........................................................... 11-31
Clutch pedal free play ................................................ 11-31
Engine oil level ..................... ....................................... 11-9
Fluid level ............................... .. 11-22, 11-27, 11-28, 11-29
Gear oil level .............................................................. 11-24
Child restraint systems ....................................... .............. 1-25
Installation with seatbelt .............................................. 1-28
Lower and tether anchorages ...................................... 1-32
Child safety ............................................................................ 5
Locks .......... ............................ ............ ........... .............. 2-18
Chime
Key ................................................................................ 3-5
Seatbelt ....................................................................... 1-13
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................... ..................................... 10-3
Interior ......................................................................... 10-5
Ventilator grille ............................................................. 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ....................................................................... 4-7
Manual ........................................................................... 4-3 Clock ................................................................................. 3-25
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................................... 11-29
Pedal .......................................................................... 11-31
Coat hook ......................................................................... 6-10
Cooling system .......... ....................................... .............. 11-13
Corrosion protection ................................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control .................................................................... 7-36
Set indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Cup holder
Front passengers ........................................................... 6-7
Rear passengers ............................................................ 6-7
D
Daytime running li ght system ........ ............ ........... ............. 3-32
Differential gear oil
Front ........................................................................... 11-23
Rear ........................................................................... 11-24
Dimensions ....................................................................... 12-2
Disarming the system ....................................................... 2-16
Disc brake pad wear warning indica tors ........................... 7-26
Dome light ................................................................ 6-2, 11-53
Door locks ........................................................................... 2-4
Door open warning light .................................................... 3-22
Drive belts ....................................................................... 11-20
Driving
All-Wheel Drive vehicle ................................................ 3-22
Car phone/cell phone ........................................................ 7
Drinking ............................................................................. 6
Drugs ................................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................... ...................................... 8-4
Pets ................................................................................... 7

14-4 Index
Snowy and icy roads ..................................................... 8-9
Tips ..................................................... 7-11, 7-16, 7-23, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ................................................................... 7
E
Electrical system ....... .......................................... ............. 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distributio n (EBD) system . .......... 7-28
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................................ 1-12
Engine
Compartment overview ............. ................................... 11-6
Coolant ...................................................................... 11-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .. ............. .............. ...... 8-2
Hood ............................................................................ 11-4
Oil ................................................................................ 11-9
Overheating ................................................................. 9-12
Starting .......................................................................... 7-8
Stopping ........................................................................ 7-9
Exterior care ..................................................................... 10-2
F
Flat tires ............................................................................. 9-4
Floor mat .......................................................................... 6-12
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ............................................. 11-22
Brake ......................................................................... 11-28
Clutch ........................................................................ 11-29
Power steering ........................................................... 11-27
Fog light switch ................................................................. 3-34
Front
Differential gear oil ..................................................... 11-23
Fog light ..................................................................... 11-50 Seatbelt pretensioners ................................................. 1-21
Seats .............................................................................. 1-2
Fuel ..................................................................................... 7-2
Economy hints ............................................................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ............................................................. 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-8, 3-12
Requirements ................................................................ 7-2
Fuses .............................................................................. 11-45
Fuses and circuits ............................................................. 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating ) .................................. 8-14
Glove box ........................................................................... 6-4
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Ra ting) ............................. 8-14
H
Hazard warning flasher ....................................................... 3-5
Head restraint adjustment (Front) ... ...................... .............. 1-5
Headlight
Flasher ......................................................................... 3-32
Indicator light ....................... ........................................ 3-25
Headlights ........... .......................................... ......... 3-31, 11-49
Heater operation ......... .......................................... .............. 4-5
High beam indicator light .................................................. 3-25
High mount stop light ...................................................... 11-56
Horn .................................................................................. 3-43
Hose and connections ................. ................................... 11-14
I
Ignition switch ..................................................................... 3-3
Light ............................................................................... 3-5

Index
14-5Illuminated entry ................................................................. 2-9
Illumination brightness control ..... ..................................... 3-33
Immobilizer system ............................................................. 2-3
Indicator light ........................ ....................................... 3-23
Indicator light
Cruise control .............................................................. 3-25
Cruise control set ......................................................... 3-25
Front fog ...................................................................... 3-25
Headlight ..................................................................... 3-25
High beam ................................................................... 3-25
Selector lever position ................................................. 3-24
Turn signal ................................................................... 3-24
Information display ..... ...................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror ..................................................................... 3-40
Interior light ............................. ............................................ 6-2
Internal trunk lid release handle ......................... .............. 2-22
J
Jack .................................................................................. 9-18
Jack handle ...................................................................... 9-18
Jump starting .................................................................... 9-10
K
Key
Keyless entry system ... ......................... ............ ............. 2-7
Number .......................................................................... 2-2
Reminder chime ............................................................ 3-5
Keys ................................................................................... 2-2
L
Leather seat materials ............... ....................................... 10-5 Light
Cargo area ..................................................................... 6-2
Control switch .............................................................. 3-31
Dome ............................................................................. 6-2
Map ................................................................................ 6-2
Light control switch ........................................................... 3-31
Limited slip differentia l (LSD) ............................................ 7-24
Loading your vehicle ......................................................... 8-12
Low fuel warning light ...................................... 3-9, 3-13, 3-21
LSD (Limited slip differential) ... ......................................... 7-24
Lumbar support ............. .................................................. .... 1-6
M
Main fuse ........................................................................ 11-47
Maintenance
Precautions .................................................................. 11-3
Schedule ............ ........................................................ .. 11-3
Seatbelt ........................................................................ 1-21
Tools ............................................................................ 9-18
Manual
Climate control system .. .......................................... ....... 4-3
Mode ............... .......................................... .......... 7-14, 7-20
Seat ................................................................................ 1-3
Transmission .................................................................. 7-9
Transmission oil ......................................................... 11-20
Map light .................................................................. 6-2, 11-54
Maximum load limits .. ....................................................... 8-21
Meters and gauges .................................................... 3-5, 3-10
Mirrors ............................................................................... 3-40
Moonroof ........................................................................... 2-25

14-6 Index
N
New vehicle break-in driving the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) ...................................................................... 8-2
O
Odometer .................................................................. 3-7, 3-11
Off road driving ................................................................... 8-6
Oil filter ........................................................................... 11-10
Oil level
Engine ......................................................................... 11-9
Front differential gear (AT vehicles) .......................... 11-23
Manual transmission ... .......................................... ..... 11-20
Rear differential ......................................................... 11-24
Oil pressure warning light ................................................. 3-18
Outside mirrors ................................................................. 3-41
Outside temperature indicator .......................................... 3-27
Overheating engine ........... ........................................... .... 9-12
P
Parking
Brake stroke .............................................................. 11-32
Light switch .................................................................. 3-33
Periodic inspection . ............................................................ 8-4
Power
Door locking switches .................................................... 2-6
Seat ............................................................................... 1-4
Steering fluid ............................................................. 11-27
Windows ...................................................................... 2-19
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-24, 1-61
Preparing to drive ............................................................... 7-7
Printed antenna .................................................................. 5-2 R
Rear
Combination lights ..................................................... 11-51
Differential gear oil ..................................................... 11-24
Gate ............................................................................. 2-24
Seats .............................................................................. 1-7
Rear seat
Folding down (Station wagon) ... .................................... 1-8
Rear window
Defogger button ........................................................... 3-38
Wiper and washer switch ............................................. 3-37
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid ... ................................... 11-23
Brake fluid .................................................................. 11-28
Clutch fluid ................................................................. 11-29
OIL grade and viscosity ...................... 11-12, 11-13, 11-21,
11-24, 11-26
Power steering fluid ................................................... 11-27
Spark plugs ................................................................ 11-19
Remote keyless entry system .............. ............................. .. 2-7
Replacement
Brake pad and lining .................................................. 11-31
Wiper blades ............. ......................... ............ ............ 11-41
Replacing
Air cleaner element ................. ................................... 11-17
Battery (remote keyless entry syst em) ........ .............. ..... 2-7
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) ...................... 2-11
Replacing bulbs .............................................................. 11-48
Cargo area light ......................................................... 11-55
Dome light .................................................................. 11-53
Door step light ............................................................ 11-54
Front fog light ............................................................. 11-50

Index
14-7Front turn signal light ................................................. 11-50
Headlight ................................................................... 11-49
High mount stop light ................................................. 11-56
License plate light ...................................................... 11-53
Map light .................................................................... 11-54
Parking light ............................................................... 11-50
Rear combination light ............................................... 11-51
Trunk light .................................................................. 11-55
Rocking the vehicle .......................................................... 8-12
Roof rail and crossbar ...................................................... 8-14
S
Safety
Precautions when driving .......... ....................................... 4
Symbol .............................................................................. 2
Warnings .......................................................................... 2
Seat
Fabric ........................................................................... 10-5
Heater ............................................................................ 1-7
Seatbelt ................................................................................. 4
Maintenance ............. .............. ............ ........... .............. 1-21
Pretensioners .............................................................. 1-21
Safety tips .................................................................... 1-11
Warning light and chime .............................................. 1-13
Seatbelts .......................................................................... 1-11
Selector lever ............................ .............................. 7-12, 7-18
Position indicator .................... ..................................... 3-24
Shift lock release ..................................................... 7-16, 7-23
Snow tires ......................................................................... 8-10
Sounding a panic alarm .................................................... 2-10
Spark plugs .................................................................... 11-19
Specifications ................................................................... 12-2 Speedometer ............................................................. 3-6, 3-10
SRS
Curtain airbag .......... ....................................... ............. 1-53
Frontal airbag ............................................................... 1-43
Side airbag ............... ....................................... ............. 1-53
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System
airbag) .............. .......................................... ............... 4, 1-38
SRS airbag system warning light .. ............ ........... ............. 3-16
Starting the engine ........ .................................................. .... 7-8
State emission testing (U.S. only) ....................................... 7-6
Steering wheel
Power ........................................................................... 7-25
Tilt ................................................................................ 3-43
Stopping the engine ............................................................ 7-9
Storage compartment ......................................................... 6-4
Sun shades ....................................................................... 2-27
Sun visors ........................................................................... 6-3
Supplemental Restraint System ai rbag (SRS) .................. 1-38
Synthetic leather upholstery ....... ......................... ............. 10-5
T
Tachometer ................................................................ 3-8, 3-12
Temperature gauge ........ .............. ............ ........... ...... 3-9, 3-13
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ...................... 3-18
Temporary spare tire .......................................................... 9-2
Tie-down hooks ................................................................ 9-13
Tilt steering wheel ............................................................. 3-43
Tire
Chains .......................................................................... 8-11
Inspection ................................................................... 11-34
Pressures and wear ................................................... 11-35
Replacement .............................................................. 11-38