automatic transmission SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 5.G User Guide

7-22Starting and operating
turns off.
Gearshifts can be performed using the
paddle shift switch behind the steeringwheel.
Pull the “+ ” of the paddle shift to upshift
one level. Also pull the “ ” of the paddle
shift to downshift one level.
To deselect the manual mode, return the
select lever to the “D ”position from the “M ”
position.
While driving with the select lever in the “ D ” position, if you change gears by
paddle shifting, the gear position indicator
light illuminates and shows the current
gear condition.
CAUTION
Do not place or hang anything on
the paddle shift levers. Doing so
may result in accidental gear shift-ing.
NOTE
Please read the following points care-
fully and bear them in mind when using
the manual mode. . If you attempt to shift down when
the engine speed is too high, i.e., when
a downshift would push the tachometer
needle beyond the red zone, beeps will
be emitted to warn you that the down-
shift is not possible.. If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.. You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the paddle switch twice in rapid suc-cession.. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving.. If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the “AT
OIL TEMP ”warning light will illuminate.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the
warning light turns off. &
Driving tips
. On a road surface where there is a risk
of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or
gravel-covered road), you can pull away
from a standstill safely and easily by first
selecting the 2nd gear of the manualmode. . Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the “D ”or
“ R ”position.
. Always apply the parking brake when
parking your vehicle. Do not hold the
vehicle with only the transmission. . Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary
position on an uphill grade by using the “ D ”position. Use the brake instead.
. The engine may, on rare occasions,
knock when the vehicle rapidly acceler-
ates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill.
This phenomenon does not indicate amalfunction. . A slight reduction in output torque may
occur in the models with a 2.5 L turbo or
3.6 L engine before the engine warms up.

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 coolant temperature high
warning light (for all models) and AT OIL
TEMP warning light (for AT and CVT
models) because the engine and trans-
mission are relatively prone to overheating
under these conditions. If the coolant
temperature high warning light and/or the
AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates,
immediately turn off the air conditioner and
stop the vehicle in the nearest safe
location. For further instructions and addi-
tional information, refer to the followingsections.
–“If you park your vehicle in an
emergency ”F 9-2
–“ Engine overheating ”F 9-13
–“ Coolant temperature low indicator
light/Coolant temperature high warn-
ing light ”F 3-13 –“
AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT and
CVT models) ”F 3-14
. For AT and CVT models, 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. 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 (MT
models) or “P ” (AT and CVT models) and
shut off the engine. Driving tips
8-27

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment (2.5 L non-turbo models) .. ........... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Maintenance tips ................................................ 11-5
Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-5
Removing air intake duct .................................... 11-7
Pulling off the fender lining ................................ 11-7
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-7
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-9
2.5 L non-turbo models ...................................... 11-9
2.5 L turbo models ........................................... 11-10
3.6 L models .................................................... 11-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 11-12
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-12
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-16
Cooling system ................................................ 11-16
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-17
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-17
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-18
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-18
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-20
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-20
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-21 Manual transmission oil
.................................. 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-21
Automatic transmission fluid .......................... 11-21
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-21
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-22
Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (AT and CVT models) .......................................................... 11-23
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Rear differential gear oil .................................. 11-24
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-25
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-26
Clutch fluid (MT models) ................................. 11-26
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-27
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-28
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-28
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-28
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-29
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-29
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....... 11-30 Maintenance and service
11

&3.6 L models1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (page 11-23)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-21)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
5) Fuse box (page 11-44)
6) Battery (page 11-43)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-37)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-12)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-17)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-17)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-18) Maintenance and service
11-11

Drive belts
It is unnecessary to check the deflection of
the drive belt periodically because your
engine is equipped with an automatic belt
tension adjuster. However, replacement of
the belt should be done according to the
maintenance schedule in the“Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet ”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If the belt is loose, cracked or worn,
contact your SUBARU dealer. Manual transmission oil
It is unnecessary to check the manual
transmission oil level. However, if neces-
sary, consult your SUBARU dealer forinspection. &
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to“ Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil ”F 12-7. Automatic transmission fluid &
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, there are two different scales
for checking the level of hot fluid and cold
fluid on the level gauge.
Though the fluid level can be checked
without warming up the fluid on the“ COLD ”range, we recommend checking
the fluid level when the fluid is at operatingtemperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176 8F (70 to 80 8C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the select lever in each
position. Then shift it in the “P ” position,
and run the engine at idling speed. Maintenance and service
11-21
– CONTINUED –

11-22Maintenance and service
1) Yellow handle
1) HOT range
2) COLD range
3) Upper level
4) Lower level
4. Pull out the level gauge and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the
lower level on the
“HOT ”range, add the
recommended automatic transmission
fluid up to the upper level. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked
without time to warm up the automatic
transmission, check to see that the fluid
level is between the lower level and upper
level on the “COLD ”range. If it is below
that range, add fluid up to the upper level.
Be careful not to overfill.
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
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-8.
NOTE
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 specified type.

12-2Specifications
Specifications
These specifications are subject to change without notice. &Dimensions
in (mm)
Item Legacy
Outback
2.5 L non-turbo 2.5 L turbo 3.6 L 2.5 L non-turbo
3.6 L
Drive system AWD
Transmission type MT CVT MT AT MT CVT AT
Overall length 186.4 (4,735) 188.2 (4,780)
Overall width 71.7 (1,820) 71.7 (1,820)
Overall height 59.3 (1,505) 66.1 (1,680)
*2
65.7 (1,670)*3
Wheelbase
108.3 (2,750) 107.9 (2,740)
Tread Front 61.6 (1,565) 61.0 (1,550) 61.6 (1,565) 61.0 (1,550)
Rear 61.8 (1,570) 61.2 (1,555) 61.8 (1,570) 61.0 (1,550)
Ground clearance
*15.9 (150) 8.7 (220)
*1: Measured with vehicle empty
*2: Measured when roof rails are used as crossbars
*3: Measured when roof rails are not used as crossbars
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission
CVT: Continuously variable transmission
AWD: All-Wheel Drive

12-8Specifications
&Fluids
Fluid Fluid type*
1Fluid capacity*2Remarks*3
Automatic transmission fluid (5AT models) · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP
10.4 US qt (9.8 liters, 8.6 Imp qt)“
Automatic transmission fluid ”
F 11-21
Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models) Consult your SUBARU dealer. 13.2 US qt (12.5 liters, 11.0 Imp qt) “
Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid ”F 11-23
Power steering fluid · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP ·“Dexron III ”Type Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liters, 0.6 Imp qt)
·
“Power steering ”F 7-23
· “Power steering fluid ”F 11-24
Brake fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid –“
Brake fluid ”F 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models) FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid –“
Clutch fluid (MT models) ”F 11 -
26
*1: Use one of the indicated types of fluid.
*2: The indicated fluid quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other factors.
*3: For more details about maintenance and service, refer to the indicated section. & Engine coolant
Vehicle model Coolant capacity Coolant type
2.5 L non-turbo models MT models 6.9 US qt (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant
CVT models 6.8 US qt (6.4 liters, 5.6 Imp qt)
2.5 L turbo models 6.9 US qt (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp qt)
3.6 L models 6.9 US qt (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp qt)
The indicated coolant quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors. For more details about maintenance and service, refer to “Cooling system ”F 11-16.

12-10Specifications
Fuses and circuits &Fuse panel located in the passenger compartmentFuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
1 15A .Trailer hitch connector
2 20A .Rear power window
(left side)
3 20A .Power window (driver ’s
side)
4 7.5A .Navigation system
. Front wiper deicer
. Moonroof
5 7.5A .Combination meter
6 7.5A .Remote control rear
view mirrors
7 7.5A .Integrated unit
8 15A .Stop light
9 15A .Seat heater relay
10 7.5A .Power supply (battery)
11 7.5A .Turn signal unit
12 15A .Integrated unit
. Automatic transmission
unit

Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
13 15A .Engine control unit
14 15A .Ignition coil
15 15A .Engine control unit
16 15A .Engine control unit
17 15A .Automatic transmission
control unit
18 10A .Illumination
19 10A .Rear combination light
20 15A .Turn and hazard warn-
ing flasher (body control unit)
21 20A .Door lock (body control
unit)
22 15A .Rear wiper
. Rear washer
23 10A .Front washer
24 30A .Front wiper
25 25A .Rear window defogger
. Mirror heater
. Front wiper deicer
26 15A .Blower fan
27 15A .Blower fan Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
28 25A .Audio unit
29 25A .Sub fan
30 25A .Main fan
31 30A .ABS/Vehicle dynamics
control unit
32 10A .Fog light (right side)
33 10A .Fog light (left side)
34 10A .Back-up (body control
unit) Specifications
12-13