check oil SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 5.G Owner's Manual

11-24Maintenance and service
!CVT models
There is no oil level gauge. To check the
front differential gear oil level, we recom-
mend that you consult your SUBARU
dealer for inspection. & 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. Rear differential gear oil
There is no oil level gauge. To check the
rear differential gear oil level, we recom-
mend that you consult your SUBARU
dealer for inspection. &
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. 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.
. 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
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-8. Brake fluid &
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
. Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.
. Brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
. When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
. Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts. Maintenance and service
11-25
– CONTINUED –

.Use only radial tires. Do not use
radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires.
Doing so can dangerously re-
duce controllability, resulting in
an accident.
& Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.
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.. 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 windshield washer fluid warning
light illuminates or the supply of washer
fluid runs out, add washer fluid in the tank. Maintenance and service
11-37
– CONTINUED –

12-4Specifications
& Engine oil
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure or other details, refer to “Engine oil ”F 11-12.
NOTE
The procedure for changing the engine oil and oil filter should be performed by a properly-trained expert. It is recommended
that you have this service performed by your SUBARU dealer. ! Approved engine oil
Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil. For further details, please contact your SUBARU dealer.
If the approved engine oil is unavailable, use the alternative engine oil described on the next page. ! Alternative engine oil
If the SUBARU approved oil is unavailable, the following alternative oil can be used. NOTE . Each quantity indicated is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors. . In choosing an oil, you want the proper quality and viscosity, as well as one that will enhance fuel economy. Oils of lower
viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the
engine. The following table lists the recommended viscosities and applicable temperatures.. When adding oil, different brands may be used together as long as they are the same API classification and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by SUBARU.

&Manual transmission, front differential and rear differential gear oil
Oil grade API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity No. and applicable temperature
Oil capacity*1
– Remarks*2
Manual transmission oil 3.9 US qt (3.7 liters, 3.3 Imp qt) “Manual transmission oil ”F 11-21
Front differential gear oil
(AT and CVT models) 1.5 US qt (1.4 liters, 1.2 Imp qt)“
Front differential gear oil (AT and
CVT models) ”F 11-23
Rear differential gear oil 0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt) “
Rear differential gear oil ”F 11-24
*1: The indicated oil quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors. After refilling the gearbox with oil, the oil level should be checked.
*2: For more details about maintenance and service, refer to the indicated section. Specifications
12-7
– CONTINUED –

Pedal.................................................................. 11-28
System ................................................................. 7-23
Brake pedal
Free play ............................................................. 11-28
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-28
Brake system ............................................................ 7-23
Warning light ......................................................... 3-17
Braking ..................................................................... 7-23
Tips...................................................................... 7-23
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-30
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-14
Replacing ............................................................. 11-45
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-15
Light ....................................................................... 6-3
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-17
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-6
Changing
Coolant ................................................................ 11-17
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-14
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-14
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-12
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-28 Brake pedal reserve distance
................................. 11-28
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-29
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-29
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-17
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-21
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-25
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-26
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-24
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-37
Oil level (engine oil) .............................................. 11-12
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-23
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-23
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-29
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-26
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-30
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-33
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-19
Chime Key........................................................................ 3-4Light ..................................................................... 3-27
Seatbelt. ................................................................. 3-9
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ....................................................... 4-8
Climate control system Automatic ............................................................... 4-5
Manual ................................................................... 4-6
Clock ........................................................................ 3-23 Index
14-3

Brake (Outback).................................................... 11-50
Brake (Station wagon) ........................................... 11-50
Brake/Tail (Sedan) ................................................. 11-49
Brake/Tail and rear side marker (Legacy) ................. 11-49
Cargo area .................................................... 6-3, 11-55
Control switch ........................................................ 3-27
Dome ........................................................... 6-2, 11-53
Door step ............................................................. 11-55
Front fog ...................................................... 3-30, 11-48
Front position ....................................................... 11-48
Ignition switch .......................................................... 3-4
License plate ........................................................ 11-52
Map ............................................................. 6-2, 11-54
Rear combination .................................................. 11-49
Rear turn signal (Sedan) ........................................ 11-49
Rear turn signal (Station wagon) ............................. 11-50
Tail and rear side marker (Outback) ......................... 11-50
Tail light (Station wagon) ........................................ 11-50
Tail/Back-up (Outback) ........................................... 11-51
Trunk ................................................................... 11-55
Turn signal ......................................... 3-29, 11-48, 11-49
Vanity mirror .................................................. 6-5, 11-54
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-12
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-19
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-15
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-30
MMaintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3 Seatbelt.
................................................................ 1-20
Tips ...................................................................... 11-5
Tools ...................................................................... 9-3
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) .... 3-12Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-6
Mode .................................................................... 7-21
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-15
Transmission oil ........................................... 11-21, 12-7
Map light ........................................................... 6-2, 11-54
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-20
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-5
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-34
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-35
Moonroof ........................................................... 2-27, 9-20
Multi function display ................................................... 3-24
N
New vehicle break-in driving ......................................... 8-2
OOdometer ................................................................... 3-6
Off road driving ........................................................... 8-6
Oil filter ................................................................... 11-14
Oil level
Engine ................................................................ 11-12
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-23
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-21
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-24
Warning light .......................................................... 3-14 Index
14-7

V
Valet mode................................................................ 2-18
Vanity mirror ...................................................... 6-5, 11-54
Light .................................................................... 11-54
Vehicle Capacity weight ..................................................... 8-13
Identification ........................................................ 12-17
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-21
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-28
Operation indicator light .......................................... 3-20
System ................................................................. 7-26
Warning light ......................................................... 3-20
W
Warning and indicator lights .......................................... 3-9
Warning chimes Seatbelt .................................................................. 3-9
Warning light ABS ..................................................................... 3-16
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-20
AT OIL TEMP ........................................................ 3-14
Brake system ........................................................ 3-17
Charge ................................................................. 3-14
CHECK ENGINE ................................................... 3-12
Coolant temperature high ........................................ 3-13
Engine low oil level ................................................ 3-14
Low fuel ................................................................ 3-19
Low tire pressure ................................................... 3-15
Oil pressure .......................................................... 3-14 Seatbelt.
................................................................. 3-9
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-11
Vehicle Dynamics Control ........................................ 3-20
Windshield washer fluid ........................................... 3-19
Warranties ..................................................................... 1
Warranties and maintenance ........................................ 8-19
Washing .................................................................... 10-2
Waxing and polishing .................................................. 10-3
Wear indicators ........................................................ 11-35
Wheel Aluminum ............................................................ 11-37
Balance ............................................................... 11-34
Nut tightening torque ........................................ 9-6, 12-9
Replacement. ....................................................... 11-37
Windows ................................................................... 2-20
Windshield
Washer fluid. ........................................................ 11-37
Wiper and washer switches ..................................... 3-32
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-39
Wiper deicer .......................................................... 3-34
Winter Driving ................................................................... 8-8
Tires ........................................................... 8-11, 11-30
Wiper and washer ...................................................... 3-30
Wiper deicer .............................................................. 3-34 Index
14-11

GAS STATION REFERENCE
& Fuel:
! Non-turbo models
Use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (90
RON) or higher .
! Turbo models
Use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93
AKI (98 RON) or higher .
If 93 AKI (98 RON) fuel is not readily available in your area,
refer to “Fuel requirements ”F 7-2.
& Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and
Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti
Knock Index (AKI). Refer to “Fuel ”F 7-2.
& Fuel capacity:
18.5 US gal (70 liters, 15.4 Imp gal) &
Engine oil:
Use only the following oils.. API classification SM or SN with the words “ENERGY
CONSERVING ”or “RESOURCE CONSERVING ”
. or ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be identified with the
ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark)
For the complete viscosity requirements, refer to “Engine oil ”
F 12-4.
& Engine oil capacity:
2.5 L non-turbo models: 4.4 US qt (4.2 liters, 3.7 Imp qt)
2.5 L turbo models: 4.5 US qt (4.3 liters, 3.8 Imp qt)
3.6 L models: 6.9 US qt (6.5 liters, 5.7 Imp qt)
The indicated oil quantity is only a guideline and is estimated
based on a case when the engine oil is changed with an oil
filter. After refilling the engine with oil, the oil level should be
checked using an oil level gauge. For more details about
maintenance and service, refer to “Engine oil ”F 11-12.
& Cold tire pressure:
Refer to “Tires ”F 12-9.