steering wheel SUBARU OUTBACK 2012 5.G Owner's Manual

8-26Driving tips
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

9-16In case of emergency
Rear tie-down holes:
1) Rear tie-down hole
The rear tie-down holes are located near
each of the jack-up reinforcements.
WARNING
Use the rear tie-down holes only for
downward anchoring. If they are
used to anchor the vehicle in any
other direction, cables may slip out
of the holes, possibly causing a
dangerous situation.
& Using a flat-bed truck
This is the best way to transport your
vehicle. Use the following procedures to
ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the select lever into the “P ”
position for AT and CVT models or the
shift lever into “1st ”for MT models.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each safety
chain should be equally tightened and
care must be taken not to pull the chains
so tightly that the suspension bottoms out. &
Towing with all wheels on the ground
WARNING
. Never turn the ignition switch to
the “LOCK ”position while the
vehicle is being towed because
the steering wheel and the direc-
tion of the wheels will be locked.
. Remember that the brake booster
and power steering do not func-
tion when the engine is not
running. Because the engine is

turned off, it will take greater
effort to operate the brake pedal
and steering wheel.
CAUTION
. If transmission failure occurs,
transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.
. Do not run the engine while being
towed using this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if
the vehicle is towed with the
engine running.
. For AT and CVT models, the
traveling speed must be limited
to less than 20 mph (30 km/h) and
the traveling distance to less
than 31 miles (50 km). For greater
speeds and distances, transport
your vehicle on a flat-bed truck.
1. Release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral.
2. The ignition switch should be in the “ Acc ”position while the vehicle is being
towed.
3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to
prevent damage to the vehicle. Electronic parking brake
–if
the electronic parking brake
cannot be releasedWARNING
. When the electronic parking
brake cannot be released, the
electronic parking brake system
may malfunction. Driving in such
conditions may cause an unex-
pected accident. Contact your
SUBARU dealer for inspection
as soon as possible.
. You can release the electronic
parking brake by using the elec-
tronic parking brake release tool
in case of an emergency. How-
ever, after releasing the electro-
nic parking brake by using the
electronic parking brake release
tool, contact your SUBARU deal-
er for inspection as soon aspossible.
. Release the electronic parking
brakebyusingtheelectronic
parking brake release tool on a
level road. Otherwise, the vehicle
may move, which could cause anaccident. .
When releasing th e electronic
parking brake by using the elec-
tronic parking brake release tool,
always perform the followingitems. – Shift the shift lever in the “1 ”
or “R ” position (MT models).
– Shift the select lever in the “P ”
position (AT and CVT models).
– Use tire stops under the tires.
. When releasing th e electronic
parking brake by using the elec-
tronic parking brake release tool,
make sure that the ignition
switch is in the “LOCK ”position.
Otherwise, the electronic parking
brake system may operate and
the electronic parking brake re-
lease tool may rotate and unex-
pected accident may occur.
CAUTION
. Under certain weather conditions
(rain, snow, sandstorm, etc.), do
not release the electronic parking
brakebyusingtheelectronic
parking brake release tool. If
water or dust enters the device,
the device may malfunction. In case of emergency
9-17
– CONTINUED –

&Removing air intake duct
Use a screwdriver to undo the clips on the
air intake duct, then remove the air intake
duct. Refer to “Type A clips ”F 11-5.
& Pulling off the fender lining
It is necessary to pull off the fender lining
when replacing some bulbs.
1. Start the engine and turn the steering
wheel fully in the opposite direction of the
bulb to be replaced.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the clip from the fender lining.
Refer to “Type B clips ”F 11-5.
4. Pull off the fender lining. Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their originalpositions.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
Maintenance and service
11-7
– CONTINUED –

11-34Maintenance and service
.Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher. .
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire
magnifies the effects of road surface
bumps and dips, possibly resulting in
vehicle damage.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. &
Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance causes
the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle ’s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not
correctly balanced, have them checked
and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer.
Also have them adjusted after tire repairs
and after tire rotation.
CAUTION
Loss of correct wheel alignment
causes the tires to wear on one side
and reduces the vehicle ’s running
stability. Contact your SUBARU
dealer if you notice abnormal tire
wear.
NOTE
The suspension system is designed to
hold each wheel at a certain alignment
(relative to the other wheels and to the
road) for optimum straight-line stability
and cornering performance.

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

14-10Index
SRS Frontal airbag ........................................................ 1-45
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) ... 4, 1-36
SRS airbag system Monitors. ............................................................... 1-62
Servicing ............................................................... 1-63
Warning light ......................................................... 3-11
Starting the engine ....................................................... 7-8
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-6
Steering wheel Power ................................................................... 7-23
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-52
Stopping the engine ................................................... 7-10
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-5
Sun shade ................................................................ 2-29
Sun visors ................................................................... 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-36
Synthetic leather upholstery ........................................ 10-5
T
Tachometer ................................................................. 3-7
Temperature warning light AT OIL TEMP ........................................................ 3-14
Coolant ................................................................. 3-13
Temporary spare tire .................................................... 9-2
Tether (child restraint system) .............................. 1-30, 1-33
Tie-down hooks ......................................................... 9-14
Tire ................................................................. 11-30, 12-9 Chains .................................................................. 8-12
Inspection ............................................................ 11-32
Pressures and wear .............................................. 11-32 Replacement.
....................................................... 11-36
Rotation .............................................................. 11-35
Size and pressure .................................................. 12-9
Types .................................................................. 11-30
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ....... 7-29, 9-9, 11-30
Warning light .......................................................... 3-15
Tires and wheels ...................................................... 11-30
Tools .......................................................................... 9-3
Top tether anchorages ........................................ 1-30, 1-33
Towing ...................................................................... 9-13
All wheels on the ground ......................................... 9-16
Flat-bed truck ......................................................... 9-16
Hooks ................................................................... 9-14
Weight .................................................................. 8-20
Trailer Connecting ............................................................ 8-18
Hitch ............................................................. 8-17, 8-23
Towing .................................................................. 8-19
Towing tips ............................................................ 8-25
Trip meter ................................................................... 3-6
Trunk lid ............................................................ 2-23, 9-19
Release handle ...................................................... 2-24
Trunk light ............................................................... 11-55
Turn signal Indicator lights ........................................................ 3-22
Lever .................................................................... 3-29
U
Under-floor storage compartment .................................. 6-18
USB storage device operations .................................... 5-33