warning lights SUBARU OUTBACK 2009 5.G Owner's Manual

Electronic Brake Force Dis-
tribution (EBD) system
The EBD system maximizes the effective-
ness of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of
the braking force. It functions by adjusting
the distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s
loading condition and speed.
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ABS system and uses some of the ABSsystem ’s components to perform its func-
tion of optimizing the distribution of brak-
ing force. If any of the ABS components
used by the EBD function fails, the EBD
system also stops working.
When the EBD system is operating, you
may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction. &
Steps to take if EBD system fails
Vehicle with SI-DRIVE
Vehicle without SI-DRIVE
If a malfunction occurs in the EBD system, the system stops working and the brake
system warning light and ABS warning
light illuminate simultaneously.
The EBD system may be faulty if the
brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are
applied harder than usual and the vehi-cle
’s motion may therefore become some-
what harder to control.
If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe,
flat place.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights go out, the EBD system
may be faulty.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights illuminate again
and stay illuminated after the engine has
been restarted, shut down the engine
again, apply the parking brake, and check
the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the Starting and operating
7-37
– CONTINUED –

&Parking brake
CAUTION
Never drive while the parking brake
is set because this will cause un-
necessary wear on the brake lin-
ings. Before starting to drive, always
make sure that the parking brake
has been fully released.
To set the parking brake, press the brake
pedal firmly and hold it down while fully
pulling up the parking brake lever.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever
up slightly, press the release button, then
lower the lever while keeping the buttonpressed.
When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake
warning light illuminates. After starting
the vehicle, be sure that the warning light
has gone out before the vehicle is driven.
Refer to the
“Warning and indicator lights ”
section in chapter 3.
& Parking tips
When parking your vehicle, always set the
parking brake firmly and put the shift lever
in the “1 ” (1st) for an upgrade or “R ”
(Reverse) for a downgrade for manual
transmission vehicles, or in the “P ”(Park)
position for automatic transmission vehi-
cles. Always set the parking brake firmly
when parking your vehicle. Never rely on
the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, always turn the
steering wheel as described here. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the front
wheels should be turned away from thecurb.
When facing downhill, the front wheels
should be turned into the curb.
Starting and operating
7-45

WARNING
Do not connect safety chains to part
of the vehicle other than the safety
chain hooks.
Hitch harness connector
8. Connect the hitch wire harness ’s black
four-pin wire connector to the towing trailer ’s wire harness.
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, right turn signal, left turn signal,
stop, and parking lights on the trailer. NOTE
Always disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a watercraft.
& When you do not tow a trailer
. Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube. . Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch wire harness to
protect against possible damage. . Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using the terminal grease. Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle
’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the
instructions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any
errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
& Warranties and maintenance
SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused
by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to
tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance
will be required due to the additional load. Driving tips
8-21
– CONTINUED –

!Side mirrors
After hitching a trailer to your vehicle,
check that the standard side mirrors
provide a good rearward field of view
without significant blind spots. If significant
blind spots occur with the vehicle ’s stan-
dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that
conform with Federal, state/province and/
or other applicable regulations. ! Trailer lights
CAUTION
Direct splicing or other improper
connection of trailer lights may
damage your vehicle ’s electrical
system and cause a malfunction of
your vehicle ’s lighting system. Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-cle
’s electrical system requires modifica-
tions to the vehicle ’s lighting circuit to
increase its capacity and accommodate
wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights
are connected properly, please consult
your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper
operation of the turn signals, the brake
lights and parking lights each time you
hitch up. ! Tires
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the tem-
porary spare tire is used. The tem-
porary spare tire is not designed to
sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing
can result in failure of the spare tire
and/or less stability of the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle
are properly inflated.
The recommended cold tire pressure
under trailer towing conditions is shown
in chapter 12, “Specifications ”and in
“ GAS STATION REFERENCE ”at the
end of this manual. Adjust the rear tire
pressure to the recommended pressure
when the tires are cold. Normal pressure
should be maintained in the front tires. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer
’s
specifications.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire
when towing a trailer, ask a commercial
road service to repair the flat tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your
vehicle or trailer as a precaution against
getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare
tire is firmly secured.
& Trailer towing tips
CAUTION
. Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)
when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days.
. When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent from normal operation. Forsafety ’s sake, you should employ
extra caution when towing a
trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the
following tips in mind: Driving tips
8-27
– CONTINUED –

8-28Driving tips
! Before starting out on a trip
. Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer. . Check that the vehicle sits horizontally
with the trailer attached. If the vehicle is
tipped sharply up at the front and down at
the rear, check the total trailer weight,
GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then
confirm that the load and its distribution
are acceptable. . Check that the tire pressures are
correct.. Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that
–the trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball. – the trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer ’s brake
lights illuminate when the vehicle ’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer ’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle ’s turn signal lever is oper-
ated. – the safety chains are connected
properly.– all cargo in the trailer is secured
safety in position.– the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig- nificant blind spot.
. Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel ”of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up. ! Driving with a trailer
. You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may
result in skidding or jackknifing and loss ofcontrol. . Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-
erations. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, always start out in first gear
and release the clutch at moderate enginerevolution. . Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.. Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius because
the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In
a tight turn, the trailer could hit yourvehicle. . Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradually. .
When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn
2) Right turn
. Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right
for a right turn. . If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing
the trailer and have repairs performed
immediately by the nearest SUBARU
dealer.

!Driving on grades
. Before going down a steep hill, slow
down and shift into lower gear (if neces-
sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the
engine braking effect and prevent over-
heating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshifts. . When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automatically
to protect the engine from overheating. . When driving uphill in hot weather, pay
attention to the water temperature gauge
pointer (for all vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP
warning light (for AT models) since the
engine and transmission are relatively
prone to overheating under these condi-
tions. If the water temperature gauge
pointer approaches the OVERHEAT zone
or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illumi-
nates, immediately switch off the air
conditioner and stop the vehicle at the
nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine
overheating ”section in chapter 9, and
“ Warning and indicator lights ”section in
chapter 3. NOTE
With AT models, the temperature of
engine coolant is less likely to rise to
the OVERHEAT zone in the “D ” posi-
tion than in the manual mode position. . If your vehicle has an automatic trans- mission, avoid using the accelerator pedal
to stay stationary on an uphill slope
instead of using the parking brake or foot
brake. That may cause the transmission
fluid to overheat. !
Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both
vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply
the parking brake firmly. You should not
park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a
hill or slope cannot be avoided, you
should take the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release the regular brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then
apply the parking brake; slowly release
the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual
transmission) or “P ” (automatic transmis-
sion) and shut off the engine. Driving tips
8-29

Front turn signal/Parking and front side marker ............. 11-53
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-3
Economy hints ......................................................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-5
Gauge ............................................................ 3-6, 3-26
Requirements .......................................................... 7-3
Fuses ...................................................................... 11-47
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
H
Hazard warning flasher ........................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment Front seat ............................................................... 1-7
Rearseat ............................................................... 1-10
Headlight Flasher ................................................................. 3-47
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-40
Headlights ........................................................ 3-46, 11-51
Heater operation (manual climate control system) ............ 4-5
High beam indicator light ............................................ 3-40
High mount stop light ................................................. 11-59
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-46
Horn ......................................................................... 3-59
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-14 I
Ignition switch
............................................................. 3-3
Light ...................................................................... 3-5
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-48
Immobilizer ................................................................. 2-3
Indicator light (security indicator light) ................. 2-4, 3-38
Indicator light
Cruise control ................................................ 3-40, 7-49
Cruise control set ........................................... 3-40, 7-50
Front fog light ......................................................... 3-40
Headlight ............................................................... 3-40
High beam ............................................................. 3-40
Immobilizer ............................................................. 2-4
S# PREP .............................................................. 3-39
Security .......................................................... 2-4, 3-38
Selector lever position ............................................. 3-39
Selector lever/Gear position ..................................... 3-40
Shift-up ................................................................. 3-38
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-38
Traction control system OFF .................................... 3-37
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-40
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ......................... 3-38, 7-40
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .................. 3-37, 7-40
Information display ...................................................... 3-41
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-56
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
Internal trunk lid release handle .................................... 2-25
JJack. ......................................................................... 9-18
Jack handle ............................................................... 9-19 Index
14-5

N
New vehicle break-in driving.......................................... 8-2
OOdometer .................................................................. 3-25
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................. 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 ...................................... 3-42
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
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-3
Pocket ........................................................................ 6-8
Power
Door locking switch .................................................. 2-7 Seat
....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-34
Steering fluid ........................................................ 11-27
Windows ............................................................... 2-21
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-27, 1-66
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-8
Printed antenna ........................................................... 5-2
RRear Combination lights ................................................ 11-53
Gate ............................................................. 2-27, 9-18
Seats ..................................................................... 1-9
Viscous limited slip differential .................................. 7-33
Rear differential Gear oil ............................................................... 11-25
Rear seat
Folding down .......................................................... 1-9
Rear turn signal ........................................................ 11-53
Rear window
Defogger button ..................................................... 3-54
Wiper and washer switch ......................................... 3-53
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-44
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 11-23
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 Index
14-7

14-10Index
Turn signal Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-40
Lever .................................................................... 3-47
U
Under-floor storage compartment ................................. 6-18
V
Valet mode ................................................................ 2-19
Vanity mirror Light .................................................................... 11-58
Vehicle Capacity weight ..................................................... 8-14
Identification ......................................................... 12-11
Symbols .................................................................... 2
Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light .................................................. 7-40
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-42
Operation indicator light .................................. 3-37, 7-40
System ................................................................. 7-38
Warning light ................................................. 3-37, 7-40
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ........................................ 3-28
Warning light
ABS ............................................................. 3-34, 7-36
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-36
AT OIL TEMP ........................................................ 3-33
Brake system ........................................................ 3-35 Charge
.................................................................. 3-32
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-31
Door open ............................................................. 3-36
Low fuel ................................................. 3-7, 3-27, 3-36
Low tire pressure .................................................... 3-33
Oil pressure ........................................................... 3-32
Seatbelt. ........................................................ 1-15, 3-29
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-30
Vehicle Dynamics Control ....................... 3-37, 7-40, 7-41
Warranties ..................................................................... 1
Warranties and maintenance ........................................ 8-21
Washing .................................................................... 10-2
Waxing and polishing .................................................. 10-3
Wear indicators ........................................................ 11-38
Wheel Alignment .............................................................. 12-5
Aluminum ............................................................ 11-40
Balance ............................................................... 11-38
Replacement. ....................................................... 11-40
Windows ................................................................... 2-21
Windshield
Washer fluid. ........................................................ 11-41
Wiper and washer switches ..................................... 3-51
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-42
Wiper deicer .......................................................... 3-53
Winter Driving ................................................................... 8-8
Tires ........................................................... 8-11, 11-34
Winter tire ........................................................ 8-11, 11-34
Wiper and washer ...................................................... 3-49