warning SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 4.G Owners Manual

2. Set the air flow control dial to the“”
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the
way left.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the
desired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air
inlet control button to the ON position.
WARNING
Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows. Switch
to the OFF position as soon as the
outside dusty condition clears.
& Air conditioner operation
! Cooling or dehumidifying
For cooling and dehumidification of the
passenger compartment, air flows through
the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
”
position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the “ ON ”position. 4. Set the temperature control dial to the
blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the
desired speed. !
Defrosting or defogging
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air outlet control dial to the “
” position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
red side.
3. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed. NOTE
In a vehicle equipped with an air
conditioner, when the dial is placed inthe “
”position or “”position the
air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates to quickly defog the
windshield. However the indicator on
the air conditioner button will not come
on. At the same time, the air inlet
selection is automatically set to “out-
side air ”mode.
In this state, you cannot select “recir-
culation ”mode by manually pressing
the air inlet selection button.
Also, you cannot stop the air condi-
tioner compressor by pressing the air conditioner button.
Climate control
4-7

!Air inlet selection button
Select air flow by pushing the air inlet
selection button “/”.
The selected air inlet setting is shown on
the control panel.
(Recirculation): Interior air recirculates
inside the passenger compartment. Use
this position when quickly cooling down
the passenger compartment or to prevent
outside air from entering the passenger
compartment. When the recirculation
mode is selected, a “
”indicator light
appears on the display.
(Outside air): Outside air is drawn into
the passenger compartment. When the
climate control system is operated in the“ AUTO ”mode, this position is selected
automatically. (There is one exception: When the temperature control dial is
turned fully counterclockwise, the recircu-
lation mode is automatically selected.)
When the outside air mode is selected, a“
”
indicator light appears on the dis-
play.
WARNING
Continued operation in the “
”
position may fog up the windows.
Switch to the “
”position as soon
as the outside dusty condition clears.
NOTE
When driving on a dusty road or behind
a vehicle that emits unpleasant exhaust
gases, set the air inlet selection button
to the “
”position.
From time to time, return the air inlet
selection button to the “
”position
to draw outside air into the passenger compartment. &
Temperature sensors
1) Solar sensor
2) Interior air temperature sensor
The automatic climate control system
employs several sensors. These sensors
are delicate. If they are treated incorrectly
and become damaged, the system may
not be able to control the interior tempera-
ture correctly. To avoid damaging the
sensors, observe the following precau-tions: – Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows:– Solar sensor: beside windshield
defroster grille Climate control
4-11
– CONTINUED –

6-10Interior equipment
NOTE
When the lid of the center console is
closed, a gap remains between the
center console and the lid to allow the
power outlet in the center console to be
used. Pass the electrical appliance ’s
cord through this gap. Coat hook &
Rear passenger area
WARNING
Do not hang coat hangers or other
hard or pointed objects on the coat
hooks. If such items were hanging
on the coat hooks during deploy-
ment of the SRS curtain airbags,
they could cause serious injuries by
coming off the coat hooks and being
thrown through the cabin or by
preventing correct airbag deploy-
ment. Before hanging clothing on
the coat hooks, make sure there are
no pointed objects in the pockets.
Hang clothing directly on the coat
hooks without using hangers.
CAUTION
Never hang anything on the coat
hook that might obstruct the driver ’s
view or that could cause injury in
sudden stops or in a collision. And
do not hang items on the coat hook
that weigh 11 lbs (5 kg) or more.

WARNING
Do not place anything on the ex-
tended cover. Putting excessive
weight on the extended cover can
break it and an object on the cover
could tumble forward in the event of
a sudden stop or collision. This
could cause serious injury.
& To remove the cover housing
1. Rewind the cover.
2. Hold down the button on the right-
hand rear quarter panel and lift up the
right-hand cover housing.
3. Remove the cover housing. &
To remove the rear gate board
1. Remove the top of the rear gate board
from the groove in the rear gate panel.
2. Hold both sides of the bottom edge of the rear gate board, rotate the rear gate
board toward you, and pull it out down-ward. &
Stowage of the cargo area
cover and rear gate board
The cargo area cover and rear gate board
can be stowed in under the cargo floor.
1. To open the lid, pull the handle up. Interior equipment
6-13
– CONTINUED –

Sedan
Station wagon
Hang the hook provided on the underside
of the lid on the rear edge of the roof to
keep the lid open. HomeLink
®Wireless Control
System (if equipped)
1) HomeLink® buttons
2) Indicator light
3) Hand-held transmitter* * Not part of your vehicle ’s keyless entry
system but of a HomeLink®-compatible device.
The HomeLink® Wireless Control System,
located on the driver ’s sun visor, is a
handy way to operate, from inside of your
vehicle, up to three remote-controlled
indoor and outdoor devices, such as
garage door openers, entrance gates,
door locks, home lighting, and security
systems. There are three HomeLink®
buttons on the sun visor, each of which
you can program for operation of one desired device. For details on the device
types which can be operated by this
system, consult the HomeLink website at
www.homelink.com or call 1-800-355-3515.
Note the following about this system:
If your vehicle is equipped with the
HomeLink® Wireless Control System, it
complies with Part 15 of the Federal
Communication Commission Rules in the
U.S. and the RSS-210 of Industry Canada
in Canada. Its operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changes and modifications to this system
by anyone other than an authorized
service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
HomeLink and the HomeLink house are
registered trademarks of Johnson Con-
trols, Inc.
WARNING
. When programming the
HomeLink ®Wireless Control
System, you may be operating a Interior equipment
6-17
– CONTINUED –

Fuel...................................................................... 7-3
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-5
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-8
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-9
Manual transmission vehicle ................................ 7-9
Automatic transmission vehicle ........................... 7-9
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-10
Remote engine start system (dealer option) ................................................. 7-11
Starting your vehicle .......................................... 7-11
Remote start safety features ............................... 7-11
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-12
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-12
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-12
Service mode ..................................................... 7-12
Remote transmitter programming and programmable feature option ............................ 7-12
System maintenance .......................................... 7-13
Manual transmission –5 speeds ...................... 7-14
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-15
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-15
Manual transmission –6 speeds (2.5GT
spec.B) ............................................................. 7-16
Selecting reverse gear ........................................ 7-16
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-17
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-17 Automatic transmission
–4-speed ................... 7-18
Selector lever .................................................... 7-18
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function ............ 7-20
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-21
Maximum speeds ............................................... 7-22
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-22
SPORT mode ..................................................... 7-23
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-23
Automatic transmission –5-speed ................... 7-24
Selector lever .................................................... 7-25
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function ............ 7-26
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-27
Maximum speeds ............................................... 7-29
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-29
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-29
SI-DRIVE (Except 2.5-liter non-Turbo models) ............................................................ 7-30
Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-31
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-31
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-32
SI-DRIVE selector .............................................. 7-32
SI-DRIVE Sport Sharp (S#) switch ...................... 7-32
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-33
Power steering ................................................... 7-33
Braking ............................................................... 7-34
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-34
Brake system .................................................... 7-34
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-34
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-35
Starting and operating
7

Starting and operatingABS system self-check ....................................... 7-35
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-35
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ............................................................. 7-36
Steps to take if EBD system fails ........................ 7-37
Vehicle Dynamics Control system (if equipped) .................................................... 7-38
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor .......... 7-39
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................. 7-42
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-43 Parking your vehicle
......................................... 7-44
Parking brake .................................................... 7-45
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-45
Cruise control .................................................... 7-46
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-46
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-47
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-48
To change the cruising speed ............................ 7-48
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 7-49
Cruise control set indicator light ... ..................... 7-49

7-4Starting and operating
vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting
Federal specifications. Gasoline sold out-
side California is permitted to have higher
sulfur levels, which may affect the perfor-
mance of your vehicle ’s catalytic converter
and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or
smell. SUBARU recommends that you try
a different brand of unleaded gasoline
having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related before returning
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service. The CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator lamp may also
turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized SUBARU dealer for diagnosis.
If it is determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty. ! MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). If
you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/mal-
function indicator lamp may turn on. If this
happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is
determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not
be covered by your warranty. !
Gasoline for cleaner air
CAUTION
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels con-
taining alcohol may cause paint
damage, which is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
Your use of gasoline with detergent
additives will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system.
This helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working
properly, and is a way of doing your part
for cleaner air. If you continuously use a
high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never
need to add any fuel system cleaning
agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with
materials called oxygenates. Use of these
fuels can also help keep the air cleaner.
Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol
(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in
your vehicle, but should contain no more
than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines,
which are designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. SUBARU approves the use of
reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains,
you should ask your service station
operators if their gasolines contain deter-
gents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emis-sions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels
suited for your vehicle as explained in thefollowing. .
Fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that specified
in this manual. . Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is
sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline.
Methanol can be used in your vehicle
ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel
mixture ANDif it is accompanied by
sufficient quantities of the proper cosol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors required to
prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not
use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT
under these conditions. . If undesirable driveability problems are
experienced and you suspect they may be
fuel related, try a different brand of gaso-
line before seeking service at your
SUBARU dealer.

.Fuel system damage or driveability
problems which result from the use of
improper fuel are not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty. & Fuel filler lid and cap
CAUTION
Always use a genuine SUBARU fuel
filler cap. If you use the wrong cap, it
may not fit or have proper venting,
and your fuel tank and emission
control system might be damaged.
! Refueling
WARNING
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable.
Before refueling, always first stop
the engine and make sure that there
are no lighted cigarettes, open
flames or electrical sparks in the
adjacent area.
CAUTION
. Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system. .
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels
may cause paint damage, which
is not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty.
1. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid
release lever up. The lever is on the floor
at the left of the driver ’s seat.
2. Open the fuel filler lid. Starting and operating
7-5
– CONTINUED –

7-6Starting and operating
1) Open
2) Close
WARNING
When opening the cap, do not
remove the cap quickly. Fuel may
be under pressure and spray out of
the fuel filler neck especially in hot
weather, which may cause injury.
3. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically turns off. Do not add
any more fuel.
CAUTION
Make sure that the cap is tightened
until it clicks to prevent fuel spillage
in the event of an accident.
5. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap whiletightening.
6. Close the fuel filler lid completely. If
you spill any fuel on the painted surface,
rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the
painted surface could be damaged. NOTE
. You will see the “”sign in the fuel gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle..
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/malfunction indicator
lamp may come on. Refer to the“ Warning and indicator lights ”section
located in chapter 3.
CAUTION
Promptly put fuel in the tank when-
ever the low fuel warning light
comes on. Engine misfires as a
result of an empty tank could cause
damage to the engine.