coolant temperature SUBARU OUTBACK 2016 6.G Owners Manual

&Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature when the ignition
switch is in the“ON”position.
The coolant temperature will vary in
accordance with the outside temperature
and driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderately
until the pointer of the temperature gauge
reaches near the middle of the range.
Engine operation is optimum with the
engine coolant at this temperature range
and high revving operation when the
engine is not warmed up enough should
be avoided.
CAUTION
If the pointer exceeds the normal
operating range, safely stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Refer to“Engine overheating”F9-
13.
&ECO gauge
1) U.S. spec. models
2) Except U.S. spec. models
The ECO gauge shows the difference
between the average rate of fuel con-
sumption since the trip meter was last
reset and the current rate of fuel con-
sumption.
The ECO gauge indicates the current fuelefficiency as shown in the following chart.
Displayed unitNeedle position
“+”side“-”side
MPG Better Poorer
l/100km PoorerBetter
NOTE
.The ECO gauge shows only an
approximate indication.
.After resetting the trip meter, the
average rate of fuel consumption is not
shown until driving 0.6 mile (1 km).
Until that time, the ECO gauge does not
operate.
Instruments and controls/Meters and gauges3-11

Automatic climate control
system (type B)
NOTE
.Operate the automatic climate con-
trol system when the engine is running.
.The blower fan rotates at a low
speed when the engine coolant tem-
perature is low.
.For efficient defogging or dehumidi-
fying in cold weather, press the“A/C”
button.
When the automatic climate control mode
is selected, the following items are auto-
matically controlled.
.Outlet air temperature
.Fan speed
.Airflow distribution
.Air inlet control
.Air conditioner compressor operation
To activate this mode, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
1. Set the preferred temperature using
the temperature control button.
2. Press the“AUTO”button. The FULL
AUTO mode is selected and the“FULL
AUTO”indicator light on the display
illuminates.
NOTE
If you operate any of the buttons on the
control panel other than the“OFF”
button, rear window defogger button
and temperature control buttons during
FULL AUTO mode operation, the
“FULL”indicator light on the control
panel will turn off and the“AUTO”
indicator light will remain illuminated.
You can then manually control the
system as desired. To change the
system back to the FULL AUTO mode,
press the“AUTO”button.
To turn off the climate control system,
press the“OFF”button. The air inlet
selection is then automatically switched
to the outside air mode.&Temperature sensors
1) Solar sensor
2) Interior air temperature sensor
The automatic climate control system
employs several sensors. These sensors
are delicate. If they are treated incorrectly
Climate control/Automatic climate control system (type B)
–CONTINUED–4-5

CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Starting and stopping the
engine (models without
push-button ignition switch)
&Starting engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than 10 sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again.
NOTE
It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically
controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis
function. To overcome it, keep the
ignition switch in the“ON”position
for approximately 10 seconds before
starting the engine.!General precautions when starting
engine
WARNING
.Never start the engine from out-
side the vehicle (except when
using the remote engine start
system). It may result in an
accident.
.Do not leave the engine running
in locations with poor ventilation,
such as a garage and indoors.
The exhaust gas may enter the
vehicle or indoors, and it may
result in carbon monoxide poi-
soning.
.Do not start the engine near dry
foliage, paper, or other flam-
mable substances. The exhaust
pipe and exhaust emissions can
create a fire hazard at high
temperatures.
CAUTION
.If the engine is stopped during
driving, the catalyst may over-
heat and burn.
.When starting the engine, be sure
to sit in the driver’s seat (except
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine (models without push–button ignition switch)
–CONTINUED–7-9

Continuously variable trans-
mission
The continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. It also has a manual mode.
WARNING
Do not shift from the“P”or“N”
position into the“D”or“R”position
while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to lurch forward or backward.
CAUTION
.Shift into the“P”or“R”position
only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.
.Do not race the engine for more
than 5 seconds in any position
except the“N”or“P”position
when the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.
.Do not shift from the“D”positioninto the“R”position or vice
versa until the vehicle has com-
pletely stopped. Such shifting
may cause damage to the trans-
mission.
.When parking the vehicle, first
securely apply the parking brake
and then place the select lever in
the“P”position. Do not park for
a long time with the select lever
in any other position as doing so
could result in a dead battery.
NOTE
.When the engine coolant tempera-
ture is still low, the transmission will
upshift to higher engine speeds than
when the coolant temperature is suffi-
ciently high in order to shorten the
warm-up time and improve driveability.
The gearshift timing will automatically
shift to the normal timing after the
engine has warmed up.
.Immediately after transmission fluid
is replaced, you may feel that the
transmission operation is somewhat
unusual. This results from invalidation
of data which the on-board computer
has collected and stored in memory to
allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the currentcondition of your vehicle. Optimized
shifting will be restored as the vehicle
continues to be driven for a while.
.When driving under continuous hea-
vy load conditions such as towing a
camper or climbing a long, steep hill,
the engine speed or the vehicle speed
may automatically be reduced. This is
not a malfunction. This phenomenon
results from the engine control func-
tion maintaining the cooling perfor-
mance of the vehicle. The engine and
vehicle speed will return to a normal
speed when the engine is able to
maintain the optimum cooling perfor-
mance after the heavy load decreases.
Driving under a heavy load must be
performed with extreme care. Do not
try to pass a vehicle in front when
driving on an uphill slope while towing.
.The continuously variable transmis-
sion is a chain type system that
provides superior transmission effi-
ciency for maximum fuel economy. At
times, depending on varying driving
conditions, a chain operating noise
may be heard that is characteristic of
this type of system.
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
–CONTINUED–7-25

.Hill descent control function:
Using the hill descent control function, you
can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed
driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is
likely to increase, the brake control system
will be activated to adjust the vehicle
speed.
.Driving ability control:
This mode increases the hill-climbing
ability and driving ability as well as
enabling smooth application of torque for
easier control of the steering wheel.
&To activate/deactivate the X-
mode
X-mode switch
X-mode indicator
To activate:
Press the X-mode switch. While the X-
mode is activated, the X-mode indicator
appears.
To deactivate:
Press the X-mode switch again. The X-
mode indicator will disappear when the X-
mode is deactivated.
NOTE
.Even if you try to activate the X-
mode by pressing the X-mode switch
when the vehicle speed is 12 mph (20
km/h) or more, the X-mode will not be
activated. At this time, a buzzer will
sound twice.
.If the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph(40 km/h) or more while the X-mode is
activated, a buzzer will sound once and
the X-mode will be deactivated.
.While the engine is running, if either
of the following conditions is met, the
X-mode will be deactivated. In this
case, it is not possible to activate the
X-mode.
–The CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator light illu-
minates.
–The AT OIL TEMP warning light
flashes.
–The ABS warning light illumi-
nates.
–The Vehicle Dynamics Control
warning light illuminates.
.If there is a possibility that the
engine could overheat because of a
temperature increase of the engine
coolant, it is not possible to activate
the X-mode. Even while the X-mode is
activated, the X-mode will be deacti-
vated when the engine coolant tem-
perature increases.
&Hill descent control function
The hill descent control function will be in
standby mode when the X-mode is acti-
vated and the vehicle speed is less than
approximately 12 mph (20 km/h).
Starting and operating/X–mode (Outback CVT models)
–CONTINUED–7-39

Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
is under pressure. Removing the
cap while the engine is still hot
could release a spray of boiling hot
coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, pull off the road
safely and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
&If steam is coming from the
engine compartment
Turn off the engine and get everyone
away from the vehicle until it cools down.
&If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment
NOTE
For details about how to check the
coolant level or how to add coolant,
refer to“Engine coolant”F11-14.
1. Keep the engine running at idling
speed.2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine
compartment. Refer to“Engine hood”
F11-7.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off
the engine and contact your authorized
dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature
has dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays in the
overheated zone, turn off the engine.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reserve
tank.
If the coolant level is below the“LOW”
mark, add coolant up to the“FULL”mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve
tank, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Then remove the radiator cap and fill the
radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot
radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the
radiator cap, then turn the cap counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down
until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been
fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it.
Towing
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles with the
front wheels raised off the ground
while the rear wheels are on the
ground, or with the rear wheels
raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will
cause the vehicle to spin away due
to the operation or deterioration of
the center differential.
If towing is necessary, SUBARU recom-
mends it be done by your SUBARU dealer
or a commercial towing service.
In case of emergency/Engine overheating
–CONTINUED–9-13

Maintenance and service/Cooling system
Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
CAUTION
.Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any
other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top off the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
diluted with another brand ortype, the maintenance interval is
shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.
.Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
&Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Refer to“Temperature gauge”
F3-11.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to“Fuses”F11-38 and“Fuses and
circuits”F12-10. If the fuse is not blown,
have the cooling system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections bechecked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
&Engine coolant
!Checking the coolant level
1)“FULL”level mark
2)“LOW”level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW”level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL”level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
11-14

Maintenance and service/Windshield washer fluid
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
Windshield washer fluid warning indicator
When there is only a small amount of
washer fluid remaining, the windshield
washer fluid warning indicator will appear.
When this occurs, refill the washer fluid as
follows.
1)“FULL”mark
Remove the washer tank filler cap, then
add fluid until it reaches the“FULL”mark
on the tank.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield
washer fluid is unavailable use clean
water.
In areas where water freezes in winter,
use an anti-freeze type windshield washer
fluid. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid
contains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it
is diluted, as indicated in the following
table.
Washer Fluid
ConcentrationFreezing
Temperature
30%
10.48F(−128C)
50%−48F(−208C)
100%−498F(−458C)
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
In order to prevent freezing of washer
fluid, check the freezing temperatures in
the table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with
a different concentration from the one
used previously, purge the old fluid from
the piping between the reservoir tank and
washer nozzles by operating the washer
for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if
the concentration of the fluid remaining in
the piping is too low for the outside
temperature, it may freeze and block the
nozzles.
11-32

Specifications/Specifications
&Fluids
Fluid
Fluid type*1Fluid capacity*2Remarks*3
Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models)Consult your SUBARU dealer.2.5 L models: 12.0 US qt (11.4 liters,
10.0 Imp qt)
3.6 L models: 13.4 US qt (12.7
liters, 11.2 Imp qt)“Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid”F11-19
Brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid–“Brake fluid”F11-19
Clutch fluid (MT models)
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid–“Clutch fluid (MT models)”F11 -
21
*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 models
MT models 8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant CVT models 8.2 US qt (7.8 liters, 6.9 Imp qt)
3.6 L models7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 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”F11-14.
12-8

14-4Index
Locks................................................................... 2-33
Chime
Key ........................................................................ 3-4
Light..................................................................... 3-43
Seatbelt................................................................ 3-12
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels................................................... 10-3
Interior.................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille....................................................... 4-9
Climate control system................................................. 4-3
Automatic................................................................ 4-5
Manual................................................................... 4-6
Clock........................................................................ 3-32
Clutch
Fluid............................................................ 11-21, 12-8
Pedal.................................................................. 11-23
Coat hook................................................................. 6-13
Console...................................................................... 6-6
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)..................... 7-25
Fluid............................................................ 11-19, 12-8
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP)............ 3-16
Coolant............................................................ 11-14, 12-8
Cooling system......................................................... 11-14
Corrosion protection................................................... 10-4
Crossbars................................................................. 8-14
Cruise control............................................................ 7-49
Indicator................................................................ 3-30
Set indicator.......................................................... 3-30
Cup holder.................................................................. 6-8
Front passenger’s .................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger’s..................................................... 6-9D
Daytime running light system....................................... 3-46
Defogger................................................................... 3-54
Defrosting................................................................... 4-9
Deicer....................................................................... 3-54
Differential gear oil
Front........................................................... 11-19, 12-7
Rear........................................................... 11-19, 12-7
Dimensions................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the alarm system......................................... 2-32
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators........................ 7-33
Dome light......................................................... 6-2, 11-48
Door
Locks..................................................................... 2-6
Open indicator light................................................. 3-22
Step light............................................................. 11-48
Unlock selection function................................. 2-17, 3-42
Double trip meter......................................................... 3-9
Drive belts............................................................... 11-18
Driving
All-Wheel Drive warning light................................... 3-22
AWD vehicles......................................................... 8-5
Car phone/cell phone
.................................................. 7
Drinking..................................................................... 6
Drugs........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries..................................................... 8-4
Off road.................................................................. 8-6
Pets.......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads.............................................. 8-10
Tips ................................................. 7-24, 7-30, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy........................................................... 6