automatic transmission SUBARU OUTBACK 2017 6.G Owners Manual

&Safety symbol
You will find a circle with a slash through it
in this manual. This symbol means “Do
not ”,“Do not do this ”,or“Do not let this
happen ”, depending upon the context.
&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/ELR Automatic 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
CVT Continuously variable trans-
mission
DRL Daytime running light
EBD Electronic brake force distri-
bution
ELR Emergency locking retractor
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 discharge
INT Intermittent Abbreviation
Meaning
LATCH Lower anchors and tethers for
children
LCA Lane Change Assist
LED Light emitting diode
LSD Limited slip differential
MIL Malfunction indicator light
MMT Methylcyclopentadienyl man-
ganese tricarbonyl
MT Manual transmission
OBD On-board diagnostics
RAB Reverse Automatic Braking
RON Research octane number
RCTA Rear Cross Traffic Alert
SRF Steering responsive fog lights
system
SRS Supplemental restraint sys-
tem
TIN Tire identification number
TPMS Tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem
3

Mirrors
Always check that the inside and outside
mirrors are properly adjusted before you
start driving.
&Inside mirror (without auto-
dimming function) (if
equipped)
The mirror has a day and night position.
Pull the tab at the bottom of the mirror
toward you for the night position. Push it
away for the day position. The night
position reduces glare from headlights.
&Auto-dimming mirror/com-
pass with HomeLink
®(U.S.-
spec. models without
EyeSight system - if
equipped)
1) HomeLink®button 1
2) HomeLink®button 2
3) LED
4) HomeLink
®button 3
5) Sensor
6) Automatic dimming on/off button
7) Compass display button
8) Compass display
The auto-dimming mirror has an anti-glare
feature which automatically reduces glare
coming from headlights of vehicles behind
you. It also contains a built-in compass
and HomeLink
®wireless control system. .
By pressing the automatic dimming on/
off button, the automatic dimming function
is toggled on or off. When the automatic
dimming function is on, the LED indicator
will illuminate.
Even with the mirror in the automatic
dimming mode, the mirror surface turns
bright if the transmission is shifted into
reverse. This is to ensure good rearward
visibility during reversing.
. By pressing the compass display but-
ton, the compass display is toggled on or
off. When the compass is on, an illumi-
nated compass reading will appear in the
upper right corner of the mirror.
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper
towel or similar material dampened with
glass cleaner. Do not spray glass cleaner
directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror
housing and damage the mirror.
Instruments and controls/Mirrors
–CONTINUED –3-63

rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This
phenomenon does not indicate a problem.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
. Observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to observe these
precautions could cause damage
to the transmission.
– Shift into the “P ” or “R ” posi-
tion only after the vehicle has
completely stopped.
– Do not shift from the “D ”
position into the “R ” position
or vice versa until the vehicle
has completely stopped.
. 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.
. Never move the vehicle rearward
by inertia with the select lever set
in a forward driving position or
move the vehicle forward by
inertia with the select lever set
in the “R ” position. Doing so may
result in an unexpected accident
or malfunction.
. 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.
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
–CONTINUED –7-25

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
.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 current
condition 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, vehicle speed and air
conditioning system cooling perfor-
mance may automatically be reduced.
This is not a malfunction. This phe-
nomenon results from the engine con-
trol function maintaining the cooling
performance of the vehicle. The engine
and vehicle speed will return to a
normal speed when the engine is able
to maintain the optimum cooling per-
formance after the heavy load de-
creases. 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.
&
Select lever
1) Select lever button
: With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the select lever button
in
: Shift while pressing the select leverbutton in
: Shift without pressing the select leverbutton
The select lever has four positions, “P”,
“R ”,“N ”,“D ”and also has a manual gate
for using the manual mode.
NOTE
For some models, to protect the engine
while the select lever is in the “P ” or
“ N ” position, the engine is controlled
sothattheenginespeedmaynot
become too high even if the accelerator
pedal is depressed hard.
7-26

!P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine. In this position, the
transmission is mechanically locked to
prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first apply the
parking brake, then shift into the “P ”
position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the mechanical friction of the transmis-
sion.
To shift the select lever from the “P”to any
other position, you should depress the
brake pedal fully then move the select
lever. This prevents the vehicle from
lurching when it is started.
! R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle. To
shift from the “N”to “R”position, stop the
vehicle completely then move the lever to
the “R”position while pressing the select
lever button in.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the “LOCK”/ “OFF ”position, movement
of the select lever from the “N”to “R”
position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal,
and then it becomes impossible. For
details, refer to “Shift lock function ”F 7-28. !
N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled
engine. In this position, the transmission is
neutral, meaning that the wheels and
transmission are not locked. Therefore,
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline unless the parking brake
or foot brake is applied.
Avoid coasting with the transmission in
neutral. Engine braking has no effect in
this condition.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the “N ” (neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in-
creased.
NOTE
If the select lever is in the “N ” position
when you stop the engine for parking,
you may not subsequently be able to
move it to the “R ” and “P ” positions. If
this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the “ON ”position. You will then be able
to move the select lever to the “P ”
position. !
D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically and con-
tinuously into a suitable gear according to
the vehicle speed and the acceleration
you require. Also, while driving up and
down a hill, the transmission assists and
controls the driving performance and
engine braking while corresponding to
the road grade.
When more acceleration is required in “D”
position, depress the accelerator pedal
fully to the floor and hold that position. The
transmission will automatically downshift.
In this case, the transmission will operate
like a conventional automatic transmis-
sion. When you release the pedal, the
transmission will return to the original gear
position.
To use the manual mode, move the lever
from this position into the manual gate.
!While climbing a grade
When driving up a hill, undesired upshift is
prevented from taking place when the
accelerator is released. This minimizes
the chance of subsequent downshifting to
a lower gear when accelerating again.
This prevents repeated upshifting and
downshifting resulting in a smoother op-
eration of the vehicle.
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
–CONTINUED –7-27

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Gear position indicator
When the manual mode is selected, the
gear position indicator and upshift indica-
tor and/or downshift indicator on the
combination meter illuminate. The gear
position indicator shows the currently
selected gear in the 1st-to-6th gear range.
The upshift and downshift indicators show
when a gearshift is possible. When the
upshift indicator“
”is on, upshifting is
possible. When the downshift indicator
“
” is on, downshifting is possible. When
both indicators are on, upshifting and
downshifting are both possible. When the
vehicle stops (for example, at traffic
signals), the downshift indicator turns off.
Gearshifts can be performed using the shift paddle behind the steering wheel.
To upshift to the next higher gear position,
pull the shift paddle that has
“+”indicated
on it. To downshift to the next lower gear
position, pull the shift paddle that has “–”
indicated on it.
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
operating the shift paddle, the gear posi-
tion indicator light illuminates and shows
the current gear condition.
CAUTION
Do not place or hang anything on
the shift paddles. Doing so may result in accidental gear shifting.
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 shift paddle twice in rapid succes-
sion.
. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stops
moving.
. 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.
7-30

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 your 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 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,
because the engine and transmission are
relatively prone to overheating, pay atten-
tion to the following items.
–Temperature gauge
– AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT
models)
. If any of the following conditions occur,
immediately turn off the air conditioner and
stop the vehicle in the nearest safe
location. Refer to “If you park your vehicle
in an emergency ”F9-2 and “Engine
overheating ”F 9-13.
– Temperature gauge needle ap-
proaches the OVERHEAT zone. Refer
to “Temperature gauge ”F 3-12.
– AT OIL TEMP warning light illumi-
nates (CVT models). Refer to “AT OIL
TEMP warning light (CVT models) ”
F 3-17.
. For CVT models, do not use 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. 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”(CVT models) and shut
off the engine.
Driving tips/Trailer towing (Outback)8-29

14-4Index
Locks................................................................... 2-34
Chime Key ........................................................................\
3-5
Light ..................................................................... 3-46
Seatbelt ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ....................................................... 4-9
Climate control system ................................................. 4-3
Automatic ................................................................ 4-5
Manual ................................................................... 4-6
Clock ........................................................................\
3-34
Clutch Fluid ............................................................ 11-21, 12-8
Pedal .................................................................. 11-23
Coat hook ................................................................. 6-12
Console ...................................................................... 6-6
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) ..................... 7-25
Fluid ............................................................ 11-19, 12-8
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............ 3-17
Coolant ............................................................ 11-15, 12-8
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-14
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Crossbars ................................................................. 8-15
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-50
Indicator. ............................................................... 3-31
Set indicator .......................................................... 3-32
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-8
Front passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s..................................................... 6-9 D
Daytime running light system
....................................... 3-53
Defogger ................................................................... 3-61
Defrosting ................................................................... 4-9
Deicer ....................................................................... 3-61
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 ................................................. 3-23
Step light ............................................................. 11-49
Unlock selection function ................................. 2-18, 3-45
Double trip meter ........................................................ 3-10
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-18
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-23
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, 7-31, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ........................................................... 7

Winter.................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-12
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-9
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system .......... 7-34
Warning ................................................................ 3-20
Electronic parking brake. ............................................. 7-43
Automatic release function by accelerator pedal ......... 7-45
Hill Holder ............................................................. 7-45
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Warning ........................................................ 3-21, 7-47
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-17
Engine Compartment overview ........................................... 11-9
Coolant ........................................................ 11-15, 12-8
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-7
Low oil level warning indicator ................................. 3-17
Oil............................................................... 11-11, 12-4
Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting & stopping ........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder ......................................................... 9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-5
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-15
Fluid level Brake .................................................................. 11-20
Clutch .................................................................. 11-21 Continuously variable transmission
......................... 11-19
Fog light Bulb .......................................................... 11-42, 12-14
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-32
Steering responsive fog lights system ....................... 3-56
Switch ................................................................... 3-56
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-19, 12-7
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-24
Side marker light .................................................. 11-42
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-42
Front seats ................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................ 1-4
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-8
Memory function ...................................................... 1-6
Power seat ............................................................. 1-5
Reclining ................................................................ 1-4
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ........................ 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................\
... 7-3
Consumption indicator ............................................. 3-38
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-11
Requirements ................................................. 7-3, 12-3
Fuses .....................................................................
11-38
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-10
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-14
Glove box ................................................................... 6-6
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-14
Index14-5

14-8Index
Transmission......................................................... 7-23
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-19, 12-7
Map light ........................................................... 6-2, 11-48
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-22
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-8
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-61
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-63
Moonroof .................................................................. 2-48
Multi information display .............................................. 3-36
N
New vehicle break-in driving .......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer .................................................................... 3-9
Off road driving ............................................................ 8-6
Oil filter .................................................................... 11-13
Oil level Engine ................................................................. 11-11
Manual transmission .............................................. 11-19
Warning light ......................................................... 3-17
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-16
Outside Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-61
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-81
Temperature indicator ............................................. 3-35
Overhead console ........................................................ 6-7
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-13
P
Parking ..................................................................... 7-42 Brake
.................................................................... 7-43
Tips ...................................................................... 7-47
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-3
PIN Code Access ....................................................... 2-22
Pocket ....................................................................... 6-7
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-9
Outlets .................................................................. 6-10
Outside mirrors ...................................................... 3-82
Rear gate ...................................................... 2-42, 9-21
Seat ....................................................................... 1-5
Steering ................................................................ 7-31
Steering warning light .............................................. 3-23
Windows ............................................................... 2-34
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-27, 1-70
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-8
Push-button Ignition switch ......................................................... 3-6
Starting and stopping engine .................................... 7-12
R
RAB (Reverse Automatic Braking) OFF indicator ......................................................... 3-33
ON/OFF setting ...................................................... 7-69
Warning indicator .................................................... 3-33
RCTA........................................................................\
7-55
Rear Combination lights ................................................ 11-44
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-19, 12-7
Gate .....................................................................
2-41