ABS SUBARU OUTBACK 2016 6.G Owners Manual

&Abbreviation list
You may find several abbreviations in this
manual. The meanings of the abbrevia-
tions are shown in the following list.
Abbreviation Meaning
A/C Air conditioner
ALR/ELRAutomatic locking retractor/
Emergency locking retractor
ABS Anti-lock brake system
AKI Anti knock index
ALR Automatic locking retractor
AWD All-wheel drive
BSD Blind Spot Detection
CVTContinuously variable trans-
mission
DRL Daytime running light
EBDElectronic brake force distri-
bution
ELR Emergency locking retractor
FWD Front-wheel drive
GAW Gross axle weight
GAWR Gross axle weight rating
GPS Global positioning system
GVW Gross vehicle weight
GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating
HID High intensity dischargeAbbreviation Meaning
INT Intermittent
LATCHLower anchors and tethers for
children
LCA Lane Change Assist
LED Light emitting diode
LSD Limited slip differential
MIL Malfunction indicator light
MMTMethylcyclopentadienyl man-
ganese tricarbonyl
MT Manual transmission
OBD On-board diagnostics
RON Research octane number
RCTA Rear Cross Traffic Alert
SRFSteering responsive fog lights
system
SRSSupplemental restraint sys-
tem
TIN Tire identification number
TPMSTire pressure monitoring sys-
tem
Vehicle symbols
There are some of the symbols you may
see on your vehicle.
For warning and indicator lights, refer to
“Warning and indicator lights”F23.
Mark Name
WARNING
CAUTION
Read these instructions care-
fully
Wear eye protection
Battery fluid contains sulfuric
acid
Keep children away
Keep flames away
Prevent explosions
3

&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-12
Front passenger’s
seatbelt warning light3-12
SRS airbag system
warning light3-14
CHECK ENGINE warn-
ing light/Malfunction in-
dicator light3-15
Charge warning light 3-15
Oil pressure warning
light3-15
Engine low oil level
warning indicator3-16
AT OIL TEMP warning
light (CVT models)3-16
/ABS warning light 3-18
/Brake system warning
light3-18Mark Name Page
/Electronic parking
brake indicator light3-20
Hill Holder indicator
light3-21
Door open indicator 3-22
Low fuel warning light 3-21
All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (CVT models)3-22
Power steering warning
light3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol OFF indicator light3-24
Access key warning in-
dicator (if equipped)3-24
Security indicator light 3-29
Turn signal indicator
lights3-30Mark Name Page
High beam indicator
light3-30
Automatic headlight
beam leveler warning
light (if equipped)3-30
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)3-31
Cruise control indicator 3-30
Cruise control set indi-
cator3-30
X-mode indicator (if
equipped)3-31
Hill descent control in-
dicator (if equipped)3-31
Headlight indicator light 3-31
Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.
spec. models)3-16
/Front passenger’s fron-
tal airbag ON indicator
light3-14
/Front passenger’s fron-
tal airbag OFF indicator
light3-14
–CONTINUED–
23

Ignition switch (models without push-
button start system)......................................... 3-3
LOCK.................................................................. 3-3
ACC.................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime............................................ 3-4
Ignition switch light............................................. 3-4
Push-button ignition switch (models with
push-button start system)............................... 3-5
Safety precautions.............................................. 3-5
Operating range for push-button start system...... 3-5
Switching power................................................. 3-6
When access key does not operate properly........ 3-7
Hazard warning flasher....................................... 3-7
Meters and gauges.............................................. 3-7
Combination meter illumination........................... 3-7
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle
movement upon turning on the ignition
switch............................................................... 3-8
Speedometer....................................................... 3-8
Odometer............................................................ 3-8
Double trip meter................................................ 3-9
Tachometer......................................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge......................................................... 3-10
Temperature gauge............................................ 3-11
ECO gauge........................................................ 3-11
Warning and indicator lights............................. 3-12
Seatbelt warning light and chime........................ 3-12
SRS airbag system warning light........................ 3-14Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators........................................................ 3-14
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator light.................................................. 3-15
Charge warning light.......................................... 3-15
Oil pressure warning light.................................. 3-15
Engine low oil level warning indicator................ 3-16
AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT models)........... 3-16
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S. spec.
models)........................................................... 3-16
ABS warning light.............................................. 3-18
Brake system warning light................................ 3-18
Electronic parking brake indicator light.............. 3-20
Hill Holder indicator light................................... 3-21
Low fuel warning light....................................... 3-21
Door open indicator........................................... 3-22
Windshield washer fluid warning indicator.......... 3-22
All-Wheel Drive warning light (CVT models) ........ 3-22
Power steering warning light.............................. 3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle
Dynamics Control operation indicator light ....... 3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light..... 3-24
Warning chimes and warning indicator of the
keyless access with push-button start system (if
equipped)........................................................ 3-24
Security indicator light....................................... 3-29
Select lever/gear position indicator..................... 3-30
Turn signal indicator lights................................. 3-30
High beam indicator light................................... 3-30
Cruise control indicator..................................... 3-30
Cruise control set indicator................................ 3-30
Instruments and controls
3

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then go out
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the“ON”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the“ON”position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and turn off after several sec-
onds or after the engine has started:
: Seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens the
seatbelt.)
: Front passenger’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/: Front passenger’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
/: CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light
(CVT models)
/: ABS warning light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light/Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indica-
tor light
/: Brake system warning light
: Hill Holder indicator light
: All-Wheel Drive warning light (CVT
models)
: Power steering warning light
: Low tire pressure warning light
(U.S. spec. models)
: Low fuel warning light
: Hill descent control indicator (if
equipped)
If any lights fail to illuminate, it indicates a
burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the
corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer
for repair.
&Seatbelt warning light
and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt
warning device at the driver’s and front
passenger’s seat, as required by current
safety standards.
With the ignition switch turned to the“ON”
position, this device reminds the driver
and front passenger to fasten their seat-
belts by the warning lights in the locations
indicated in the following illustration and a
chime.
Driver’s warning light
3-12

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
odically (at least monthly) using a
tire gauge. After any change to tire
pressure(s), the tire pressure mon-
itoring system will not re-check tire
inflation pressures until the vehicle
is first driven more than 20 mph (32
km/h). After adjusting the tire pres-
sures, increase the vehicle speed to
at least 20 mph (32 km/h) to start the
TPMS re-checking of the tire infla-
tion pressures. If the tire pressures
are now above the severe low
pressure threshold, the low tire
pressure warning light should turn
off a few minutes later. Therefore, be
sure to install the specified size for
the front and rear tires.
&ABS warning light
CAUTION
.If any of the following conditions
occur, we recommend that you
have the ABS repaired at the first
available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.
–The warning light does not
illuminate when the ignition
switch is turned to the“ON”
position.–The warning light illuminates
when the ignition switch is
turned to the“ON”position,
but it does not turn off even
after starting the vehicle.
–The warning light illuminates
during driving.
.When the warning light is on (and
brake system warning light is
off), the ABS function shuts
down; however, the conventional
brake system continues to oper-
ate normally.
The ABS warning light illuminates to-
gether with the brake system warning light
if the EBD system malfunctions. For
further details of the EBD system mal-
function warning, refer to“Brake system
warning light”F3-18.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as
described in the following conditions,
the ABS may be considered normal.
.The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns off
immediately, remaining off.
.The warning light remains illumi-
nated after the engine has been started,
but it turns off while driving.
.The warning light illuminates duringdriving, but it turns off immediately and
remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery
voltage such as when the engine is jump
started, the ABS warning light may illumi-
nate. This is due to the low battery voltage
and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged,
the light will turn off.
&Brake system
warning light
WARNING
.Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous.
This indicates your brake system
may not be working properly. If
the light remains illuminated,
have the brakes inspected by a
SUBARU dealer immediately.
.If at all in doubt about whether
the brakes are operating prop-
erly, do not drive the vehicle.
Have your vehicle towed to the
nearest SUBARU dealer for re-
pair.
.If the brake system warning light
illuminates, the electronic park-
ing brake system may be mal-
functioning. Immediately stop
3-18

your vehicle in a safe location,
use tire stops under the tires to
prevent the vehicle from moving
and contact your SUBARU deal-
er. For details, refer to“Electro-
nic parking brake”F7-42.
NOTE
.Even if the brake system warning
light illuminates, if the warning light
behavior is as described in the follow-
ing examples, the electronic parking
brake system is not malfunctioning.
–The warning light turns off when
the electronic parking brake is ap-
plied or released.
–The warning light turns off when
the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”position again.
.The brake system warning light may
illuminate immediately after the engine
is started. However, it is not malfunc-
tioning if the warning light turns off
after the electronic parking brake is
released.
.The brake system warning light may
illuminate after the electronic parking
brake is frequently applied and re-
leased. However, the electronic parking
brake system is not malfunctioning if
the light turns off after a short period oftime.
.When the engine is started while the
electronic parking brake is applied/
released, the system may judge an
abnormal situation and the warning
light may illuminate. If the warning light
illuminates, turn the ignition switch
once to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position
and then restart the engine. Then,
apply/release the electronic parking
brake. If the warning light turns off,
the system will be restored.
This light has the following functions.
!Brake fluid level warning
This light illuminates when the brake fluid
level has dropped to near the“MIN”level
of the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition
switch in the“ON”position and with the
parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should
illuminate while driving (with the parking
brake fully released and with the ignition
switch positioned in“ON”), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn
brake pads. If this occurs, immediately
stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place
and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid
level is below the“MIN”mark in the
reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. Have
the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU
dealer for repair.!Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning
The brake system warning light also
illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the
EBD system. In that event, it illuminates
together with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be malfunctioning 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, apply the
parking brake and then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights turn off, the EBD system
may be malfunctioning. Drive carefully to
the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
4. If both warning lights illuminate again
and remain illuminated after the engine
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED–3-19

assist limitation to occur too fre-
quently, that may result in a malfunc-
tion of the power steering control
system.
&Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light/
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operation indicator
light
!Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light
CAUTION
The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem provides its ABS control
through the electrical circuit of the
ABS. Accordingly, if the ABS is
inoperative, the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system becomes unable to
provide ABS control. As a result, the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system
becomes inoperative, causing the
warning light to illuminate. Although
both the Vehicle Dynamics Control
and ABS are inoperative in this
case, the ordinary functions of the
brake system are still available. You
will be safe while driving in thiscondition, but drive carefully and
have your vehicle checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
NOTE
.If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system itself mal-
functions, the warning light only illumi-
nates. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System) remains fully opera-
tional.
.The warning light illuminates when
the electronic control system of the
ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
malfunctions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably inoperative under any of the
following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
.The warning light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”position.
.The warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is running.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as
described in the following examples,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control systemmay be considered normal.
.The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns off
immediately and remains off.
.The warning light illuminates after
the engine has started and turns off
while the vehicle is subsequently being
driven.
.The warning light illuminates during
driving, but turns off immediately and
remains off.
!Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
The indicator light flashes during activa-
tion of the skid suppression function and
during activation of the traction control
function.
NOTE
.The light may remain illuminated for
a short period of time after the engine
has been started, especially in cold
weather. This does not indicate the
existence of a problem. The light
should turn off as soon as the engine
has warmed up.
.The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED–3-23

Fuel...................................................................... 7-3
Fuel requirements............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap........................................... 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only)...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive............................................... 7-8
Starting and stopping the engine (models
without push-button ignition switch).............. 7-9
Starting engine.................................................... 7-9
Stopping the engine........................................... 7-11
Steering lock (models without“keyless access
with push-button start system”)........................ 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system).............................. 7-12
Safety precautions............................................. 7-12
Operating range for push-button start
system............................................................. 7-12
Starting engine................................................... 7-12
Stopping engine................................................. 7-14
When access key does not operate properly....... 7-14
Steering lock (models with“keyless access with
push-button start system”) ............................... 7-15
Remote engine start system (dealer
option).............................................................. 7-15
Models with“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-16
Models without“keyless access with push-button
start system”................................................... 7-17
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote
start................................................................. 7-20
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start
shutdown......................................................... 7-20Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the
vehicle............................................................ 7-20
Service mode (models without“keyless access
with push-button start system”) ....................... 7-20
Remote transmitter program (models without
“keyless access with push-button start
system”).......................................................... 7-20
System maintenance.......................................... 7-21
Manual transmission......................................... 7-23Selecting reverse gear....................................... 7-23
Shifting speeds.................................................. 7-23
Driving tips........................................................ 7-24
Continuously variable transmission................. 7-25Select lever....................................................... 7-26
Shift lock function............................................. 7-27
Selection of manual mode.................................. 7-29
Driving tips........................................................ 7-30
Power steering................................................... 7-31
Braking............................................................... 7-32
Braking tips....................................................... 7-32
Brake system.................................................... 7-32
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators............. 7-33
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-33
ABS self-check.................................................. 7-33
ABS warning light.............................................. 7-33
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system............................................................. 7-34
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions.......... 7-34
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-35Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor.......... 7-36
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch................ 7-37
Starting and operating
7

cate any malfunctions, and the brake
assist system is operating properly.
.You might feel that the brake pedal
is applied by lighter force and gener-
ates a greater braking force.
.You might hear the sound of ABS
operating from the engine compart-
ment.
&Disc brake pad wear warning
indicators
The disc brake pad wear warning indica-
tors on the disc brakes give a warning
noise when the brake pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard
from the disc brakes while braking, im-
mediately have your vehicle inspected by
the nearest SUBARU dealer.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem)
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in
driving–overconfidence because
youaredrivingwithanABS
equipped vehicle could easily lead
to a serious accident.
CAUTION
.The ABS does not always de-
crease stopping distance. You
should always maintain a safe
following distance from other
vehicles.
.When driving on badly surfaced
roads, gravel roads, icy road, or
over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be long-
er for a vehicle with the ABS than
one without. When driving under
these conditions, therefore, re-
duce your speed and leave ample
distance from other vehicles.
.When you feel the ABS operating,
you should maintain constant
brake pedal pressure. Do notpump the brake pedal since
doing so may defeat the opera-
tion of the ABS.
The ABS prevents the lock-up of wheels
which may occur during sudden braking or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This
helps prevent the loss of steering control
and directional stability caused by wheel
lock-up.
When the ABS is operating, you may hear
a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal when
the ABS operates.
The ABS will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10
km/h).
&ABS self-check
You may feel a slight shock in the brake
pedal and hear the operating noise of the
ABS from the engine compartment just
after the vehicle is started. This is caused
by an automatic functional test of the ABS
being carried out and does not indicate
any abnormal condition.
&ABS warning light
Refer to“ABS warning light”F3-18.
Starting and operating/ABS (Anti–lock Brake System)7-33

Starting and operating/Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system
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 and uses some of the ABS compo-
nents to perform its function of optimizing
the distribution of braking 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
malfunctions
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 malfunctioning 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 location.
2. Apply the parking brake and turn off
the engine.
3. Restart the engine.
4. Release the parking brake.
If both warning lights turn off:
The EBD system may be malfunctioning.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
If both warning lights illuminate again
and remain illuminated after restarting
the engine:
1. Turn off the engine again.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Check the brake fluid level. For details
about checking the brake fluid level, refer
to“Checking the fluid level”F11-19.
.If the brake fluid level is not below the
“MIN”mark, the EBD system may be
malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
.If the brake fluid level is below the
“MIN”mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.
Instead, have the vehicle towed to the
7-34