oil level SUBARU OUTBACK 2007 4.G Owners Manual

3-26Instruments and controls
turn off immediately. It may take several
driving trips. If the light does not go out,
take your vehicle to your authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately. !If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an
engine misfire condition has been de-
tected which may damage the emission
control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emis-
sion control system, you should do thefollowing. . Reduce vehicle speed.
. Avoid hard acceleration.
. Avoid steep uphill grades.
. Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble.. Stop towing a trailer as soon as
possible.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light/mal-
function indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steadily after several driving
trips. You should have your vehicle
checked by an authorized SUBARU deal-
er 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 dealer immedi-
ately.
& Oil pressure warning light
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine 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 level 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 (AT vehi- cles)
The AT oil temperature warning light
comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON ”position and goes out
after approximately two seconds.
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-gotraffic. ! Automatic transmission control
system warning
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it
may indicate that the automatic transmis-
sion control system is not working prop-
erly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately. & Low tire pressure
warning light (ifequipped)
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will come on for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning

Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 properinflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk (Sedan)
and rear gate (Station wagon) are fullyclosed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
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 ”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine. NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Starting 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 for five to
ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or
more before trying again.
& Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac- cessories.
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 lights ”section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START ”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started. Starting and operating
7-9
– CONTINUED –

9-12In case of emergency
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the
booster battery and run it at moderate
speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle
that has the discharged battery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnect
the cables in exactly the reverse order. Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
is under pressure. Removing the
cap while the engine is still hot
could release a spray of boiling hot
coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, pull off the road
safely and stop the vehicle in a safe place. & If steam is coming from the
engine compartment
Turn off the engine and get everyone
away from the vehicle until it cools down. & If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling speed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compartment.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off the engine and contact your authorized
dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature
has dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the
overheated zone, turn off the engine.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reservetank.
If the coolant level is below the
“MIN ”
mark, add coolant up to the “MAX ”mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve
tank, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Then remove the radiator cap and fill the
radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot
radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the
radiator cap, then turn the cap counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down
until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been
fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it.

9-16In case of emergency
WARNING
Use the rear tie-down hooks only for
downward anchoring. If they are
used to anchor the vehicle in any
other direction, cables may slip off
the hooks, possibly causing a dan-
gerous situation.
& Using a flat-bed truck
This is the best way to transport your
vehicle. Use the following procedures to
ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the selector lever into the “P ”
position for automatic transmission vehi-
cles 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 taken 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 func-
tion when the engine is not running. Because the engine is
turned off, it will take greater
effort to operate the brake pedal
and steering wheel.
CAUTION
. If transmission failure occurs,
transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.
. Do not run the engine while being
towed using this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if
the vehicle is towed with the
engine running.
. For vehicles with automatic
transmission, the traveling speed
must be limited to less than 20
mph (30 km/h) and the traveling
distance to less than 31 miles (50
km). For greater speeds and
distances, transport your vehicle
on a flat-bed truck.
1. Check the transmission and differen-
tial oil levels and add oil to bring it to the
upper level if necessary.
2. Release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral.
3. The ignition switch should be in the “ ACC ”position while the vehicle is being

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-6
2.5-liter non-turbo models ................................... 11-6
2.5-liter turbo models ......................................... 11-7
3.0-liter models .................................................. 11-8
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-9
Checking the oil level ......................................... 11-9
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-12
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .......................................... 11-13
Cooling system ................................................ 11-13
Hose and connections ...................................... 11-14
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-14
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-17
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-17
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-20
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-20
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-20
2.5-liter models ................................................ 11-20
3.0-liter models ................................................ 11-21
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-21
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-22Automatic transmission fluid
.......................... 11-22
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-22
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) .......... 11-24
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-24
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-25
Rear differential gear oil .................................. 11-25
Checking the gear oil level ............................... 11-25
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-27
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-28
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-28
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-28
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-29
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-29
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-29
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................... 11-30
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-30
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-30
Brake booster .................................................. 11-31
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-31
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-31
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ........................................................ 11-31
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) ........................................................ 11-32
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-32
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-32
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-32
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ........................................................... 11-33Maintenance and service
11

11-6Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview &2.5-liter non-turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
28)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-21) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-24)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
6) Fuse box (page 11-47)
7) Battery (page 11-46)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-41)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
13) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

&2.5-liter turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
28)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-21) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-24)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
5) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)
6) Fuse box (page 11-47)
7) Battery (page 11-46)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-41)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
13) Air cleaner element (page 11-17) Maintenance and service
11-7
– CONTINUED –

11-8Maintenance and service
& 3.0-liter models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
28)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-24)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
5) Fuse box (page 11-47)
6) Battery (page 11-46)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-41)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
12) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

Engine oil &Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.
3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly in-
serted until it stops with the graphic
symbol “
”on its top appearing as
shown in the illustration.
2.5-liter models
1) Notch
2) Upper level
3) Lower level3.0-liter models
1) Upper level
2) Lower level
4. Pull out the dipstick again and check
the oil level on it. If it is below the lower
level, add oil to bring the level up to the
upper level.
CAUTION
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity. Maintenance and service
11-9
– CONTINUED –

11-10Maintenance and service
.Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
If you check the oil level just after stopping
the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking
the level.
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not
add any additional oil above the upper
level when the engine is cold.
In 2.5-liter-engine models, the dipstick has
a notch above the upper level.
Just after driving or while the engine is
warm, the engine oil level reading may be
in a range between the upper level and
the notch mark. This is caused by thermal
expansion of the engine oil. & Changing the oil and oil filter
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be
changed more frequently than listed in
the maintenance schedule when driving
on dusty roads, when short trips are
frequently made, or when driving in extremely cold weather.
1. Warm up the engine by letting the
engine idle for approximately 10 minutes
to ease draining the engine oil.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
2.5-liter models
3.0-liter models
4. Drain out the engine oil by removing
the drain plug while the engine is still
warm. The used oil should be drained into
an appropriate container and disposed of
properly.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself with
hot engine oil.
5. Wipe the seating surface of the drain
plug with a clean cloth and tighten it
securely with a new sealing washer after
the oil has completely drained out.