engine oil SUBARU OUTBACK 2008 4.G Owner's Guide

11-24Maintenance and service
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill automatic
transmission fluid when adding it.
If automatic transmission fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If automatic transmission fluid
gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to
wipe it off.
& Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of auto-
matic transmission fluid. Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid Type-HP
IDEMITSU ATF HP
Castrol Transmax J
NOTE
For 5-speed automatic transmission:
Using any non-specified type of auto-
matic transmission fluid could result in
damage inside the transmission. When
replacing the automatic transmission
fluid, be sure to use the kind specified.
For 4-speed automatic transmission:
For optimum transmission perfor-
mance, only use the automatic trans- mission fluid that is recommended and
provided by Subaru.
If the recommended automatic trans-
mission fluid is unavailable, Dexron III
may be temporarily used. If the Dexron
III is used continuously there will be a
noticeable increase in the vibration and
noise from the automatic transmission.
Front differential gear oil (AT
models) &
Checking the oil level
1) Yellow handle
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.

11-28Maintenance and service
Power steering fluid &Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself
because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
. When power steering fluid is
being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any
dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together.
. Avoid spilling fluid when adding
it in the tank. .
Be careful not to spill power
steering fluid when adding it. If
power steering fluid touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
power steering fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff.
The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level
differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, the reservoir tank has two
different checking ranges for hot and coldfluids.
Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level isbetween “HOT MIN ”and “HOT MAX ”on
the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between“ COLD MIN ”and “COLD MAX ”on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN ”line, add the recom- mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the
“MIN ”and “MAX ”line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for inspection.
& Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of auto-
matic transmission fluid. Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid Type-HP “Dexron III ”Type Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid

WARNING
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety. .
When any of the wheels is removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to change
a flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque. . Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. . Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel. . When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paintdamage.
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield
but the supply of washer fluid appears to
diminish, check the level of washer fluid in
the tank. Maintenance and service
11-41
– CONTINUED –

12-4Specifications
&Capacities
Fuel tank 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal)
Engine oil 2.5-liter models 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
3.0-liter models 5.8 US qt (5.5 liters, 4.8 Imp qt)
Transmission oil (MT) 5-speeds 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)
6-speeds 4.3 US qt (4.1 liters, 3.6 Imp qt)
Transmission fluid (AT) 2.5-liter non-turbo models 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo and 3.0-liter models 10.4 US qt (9.8 liters, 8.6 Imp qt)
AT differential gear oil 2.5-liter non-turbo models 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo and 3.0-liter models 1.5 US qt (1.4 liters, 1.2 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oil Turbo 6-speeds MT models 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
Other models 0.8 US qt (0.8 liter, 0.7 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolant 2.5-liter non-turbo models MT6.8 US qt (6.4 liters, 5.6 Imp qt)
AT 6.7 US qt (6.3 liters, 5.5 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo models MT 7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt)
AT 7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)
3.0-liter models 7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)

Cargo areaCover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ....................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-16
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-10
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-32
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ...................................................................... 3-31
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-31
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-31
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-32
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-32
Engine oil level ...................................................... 11-9
Fluid level ............................... 11-23, 11-28, 11-29, 11-30
Gear oil level ........................................................ 11-25
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-27
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................................ 1-30
Lower and tether anchorages .................................. 1-35
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks ................................................................... 2-20
Chime
Key ........................................................................ 3-5 Seatbelt ........................................................ 1-15, 3-29 Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-40
Clutch
Fluid ................................................................... 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-32
Coat hook. ................................................................. 6-10
Coolant ................................................................... 11-14
Cooling system ........................................................ 11-14
Corrosion protection ............................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-46
Set indicator light .................................................... 3-40
Cruise control indicator light ......................................... 3-40
Cup holder ................................................................. 6-7
Front passenger ’s.................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-47
Differential gear oil Front ................................................................... 11-24
Rear ................................................................... 11-25
Dimensions ................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the system ................................................. 2-18
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-34
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-58 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-5
Open warning light ................................................. 3-36
Drive belts. ............................................................... 11-21
Driving All-Wheel Drive vehicle ........................................... 3-36
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 7
Drinking ..................................................................... 6
Drugs ........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-5
Pets .......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................................ 8-9
Tips....................................... 7-15, 7-17, 7-22, 7-29, 8-5
Tired or sleepy. ........................................................... 7
E
ECO gauge ................................................................. 3-8
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........................................................... 3-35, 7-36
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-14
Engine Compartment overview ........................................... 11-6
Coolant ................................................................ 11-14
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ............................ 6, 8-3
Hood .................................................................... 11-4
Oil........................................................................ 11-9Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting ................................................................... 7-9
Stopping ............................................................... 7-10
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2 F
Flat tires
..................................................................... 9-4
Floor mat ................................................................... 6-12
Fluid level Automatic transmission ......................................... 11-23
Brake .................................................................. 11-29
Clutch ................................................................. 11-30
Power steering ..................................................... 11-28
Fog light switch .......................................................... 3-48
Front Differential gear oil ................................................ 11-24
Fog light .............................................................. 11-54
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-24
Seats ..................................................................... 1-2
Front seats Fore and aft adjustment ..................................... 1-3, 1-4
Reclining .......................................................... 1-3, 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-3
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-5
Gauge ............................................................ 3-6, 3-26
Requirements ......................................................... 7-3
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-48
Fuses and circuits ...................................................... 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ............................... 8-15
Gear position indicator ................................................ 3-39
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ... ........................ 8-15

14-6Index
Light Cargo area .............................................................. 6-2
Control switch ........................................................ 3-45
Dome ..................................................................... 6-2
Map ....................................................................... 6-2
Limited slip differential (LSD) ....................................... 7-33
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-13
Low fuel warning light ................................... 3-7, 3-27, 3-35
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-32
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-35
LSD (Limited slip differential) ....................................... 7-33
Lumbar support ........................................................... 1-8
M
Main fuse ................................................................. 11-49
Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-23
Tools .................................................................... 9-19
Malfunction indicator lamp ........................................... 3-31
Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Mode ............................................................ 7-21, 7-27
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission oil .................................................... 11-21
Transmission-5 speeds ........................................... 7-14
Transmission-6 speeds ........................................... 7-16
Map light ........................................................... 6-2, 11-59
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-22
Meters and gauges .............................................. 3-5, 3-24 Mirrors
...................................................................... 3-55
Moonroof ................................................................... 2-27
Multi-information display ............................................... 3-9
N
New vehicle break-in driving ......................................... 8-2
O Odometer .................................................................. 3-25
Odometer/Tripmeter .................................................... 3-10
Off road driving ........................................................... 8-6
Oil filter ................................................................... 11-10
Oil level
Engine .................................................................. 11-9
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-24
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-21
Rear differential .................................................... 11-25
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-32
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-57
Outside temperature indicator ...................................... 3-41
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-7
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-13
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-45
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-33
Light switch ........................................................... 3-48
Tips ...................................................................... 7-45
Parking your vehicle ................................................... 7-44
Pcket ......................................................................... 6-7

Periodic inspections..................................................... 8-4
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-7
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-33
Steering fluid ........................................................ 11-28
Windows ............................................................... 2-20
Precautions against vehicle modification ............... 1-27, 1-64
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-8
Printed antenna ........................................................... 5-2
R Rear Combination lights ................................................. 11-55
Gate ............................................................. 2-26, 9-18
Seats ..................................................................... 1-9
Viscous limited slip differential ................................. 7-33
Rear differential Gear oil ............................................................... 11-25
Rear seat Folding down ........................................................... 1-9
Rear window Defogger button ..................................................... 3-54
Wiper and washer switch ........................................ 3-52
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-45
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 11-24
Brake fluid. ........................................................... 11-29
Clutch fluid ........................................................... 11-30
OIL grade and viscosity ...................... 11-12, 11-13, 11-22, 11-25, 11-27 Power steering fluid
.............................................. 11-28
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-20
Remote engine start system ........................................ 7-11
Remote keyless entry system ....................................... 2-8
Replacement Brake pad and lining ............................................. 11-32
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-43
Replacing Air cleaner element ............................................... 11-18
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ........................ 2-8
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) .................... 2-12
Replacing bulbs ....................................................... 11-51
Backup light/Tail light ............................................ 11-57
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-60
Dome light ........................................................... 11-58
Door step light ..................................................... 11-59
Front fog light ....................................................... 11-54
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-54
Headlight ............................................................. 11-52
High mount stop light ............................................ 11-60
License plate light ................................................. 11-57
Map light ............................................................. 11-59
Parking light ......................................................... 11-54
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-55
Trunk light ........................................................... 11-60
Vanity mirror light .................................................. 11-59
Rocking the vehicle .................................................... 8-13
Roof rail and crossbar ................................................. 8-15
S
S# PREP indicator light ............................................... 3-38 Index
14-7

14-8Index
Safety Precautions when driving ............................................. 4
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Seat Fabric ................................................................... 10-5
Heater .................................................................... 1-8
Memory function ...................................................... 1-5
Seat height adjustment ................................................. 1-4
Seatbelt ......................................................................... 4
Maintenance .......................................................... 1-23
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-24
Safety tips ............................................................. 1-13
Warning light and chime ................................. 1-15, 3-29
Seatbelts .................................................................. 1-13
Security ID plate .......................................................... 2-3
Selector lever .................................................... 7-18, 7-25
Position indicator ................................................... 3-39
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-23, 7-29
Shift-up indicator light ................................................. 3-38
Shock sensors ........................................................... 2-19
Shopping bag hook .................................................... 6-11
SI-DRIVE mode ......................................................... 7-30
Snow tires ................................................................. 8-11
Snowy and icy roads .................................................... 8-9
Sounding a panic alarm .............................................. 2-10
Spark plugs .............................................................. 11-20
Specifications ............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-6, 3-24
SPORT mode indicator light ........................................ 3-38 SRS
Curtain airbag ........................................................ 1-55
Frontal airbag ......................................................... 1-45
Side airbag ............................................................ 1-55
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)... 4, 1-40
SRS airbag system Monitors ................................................................ 1-61
Servicing ............................................................... 1-63
Warning light .......................................................... 3-30
Starting the engine ...................................................... 7-9
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-7
Steering wheel Power ................................................................... 7-33
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-58
Stopping the engine .................................................... 7-10
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-4
Stowage boxes .......................................................... 6-15
Sun shade ......................................................... 2-28, 2-30
Sun visors .................................................................. 6-3
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-40
Synthetic leather upholstery ......................................... 10-5
T
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-6, 3-26
Temperature gauge ...................................... 3-7, 3-12, 3-27
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ..................... 3-32
Temporary spare tire .................................................... 9-2
Tie-down hooks .......................................................... 9-14
Tire Chains .................................................................. 8-13
Inspection ............................................................ 11-36

Pressures and wear.............................................. 11-36
Replacement ........................................................ 11-40
Rotation ............................................................... 11-39
Types .................................................................. 11-34
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) .......................................... 3-32, 7-43, 9-9, 11-34
Tires ......................................................................... 12-5
Tires and wheels. ...................................................... 11-34
Top tether anchorages ................................................ 1-37
Towing ...................................................................... 9-14
All wheels on the ground ........................................ 9-17
Flat-bed truck ........................................................ 9-17
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 9-14
Weight.................................................................. 8-22
Trailer Connecting ............................................................ 8-20
Hitch .................................................................... 8-19
Hitches ................................................................. 8-25
Towing .................................................................. 8-21
Towing tips ............................................................ 8-27
Trip meter ................................................................. 3-25
Trunk lid ................................................................... 2-23
Release handle ..................................................... 2-24
Trunk light ................................................................ 11-60
Turn signal Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-39
Lever .................................................................... 3-47
U
Under-floor storage compartment ................................. 6-16 V
Valet mode
................................................................ 2-18
Vanity mirror ............................................................... 6-4
Vehicle Capacity weight ...................................................... 8-14
Identification ........................................................ 12-11
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-37
OFF switch ............................................................ 7-42
Operation indicator light ........................................... 3-36
System .................................................................. 7-38
Warning light .................................................. 3-37, 7-40
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ......................................... 3-28
Warning light ABS...................................................................... 3-34
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-36
Anti-lock Brake System ........................................... 3-34
AT OIL TEMPerature ............................................... 3-32
Brake system ......................................................... 3-35
Charge .................................................................. 3-32
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-31
Door open ............................................................. 3-36
Low fuel ................................................. 3-7, 3-27, 3-35
Low tire pressure .................................................... 3-32
Oil pressure ........................................................... 3-32
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-29
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-30 Index
14-9