Subaru Legacy 2006 Service Guide

Maintenance and service

Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3

Maintenance precautions .................................. 11-3

Before checking or servicing in the engine

compartment ........................................................ 11-4

When you do checking or servicing in the engine

compartment while the engine is running ......... 11-4

Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4

Engine compartment overview ......................... 11-6

2.5-liter non-turbo models ..................................... 11-6

2.5-liter turbo models ............................................. 11-7

3.0-liter models ....................................................... 11-8

Engine oil ............................................................ 11-9

Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-9

Changing the oil and oil filter ................................ 11-10

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-12

Recommended grade and viscosity under severe

driving conditions ................................................ 11-13

Cooling system .................................................. 11-13

Hose and connections ........................................... 11-14

Engine coolant ........................................................ 11-14

Air cleaner element ............................................ 11-17

Replacing the air cleaner element ......................... 11-17

Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-19

Recommended spark plugs ................................... 11-19

Drive belts ........................................................... 11-20

2.5-liter models ....................................................... 11-20

3.0-liter models ....................................................... 11-20

Manual transmission oil .................................... 11-20

Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-20

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-21

Automatic transmission fluid ............................ 11-22

Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-22

Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-23

Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ............ 11-23

Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-23

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-24

Rear differential gear oil .................................... 11-24

Checking the gear oil level .................................... 11-24

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-26

Power steering fluid ........................................... 11-27

Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-27

Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-27

Brake fluid ........................................................... 11-28

Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-28

Recommended brake fluid ..................................... 11-28

Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) .................................. 11-29

Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-29

Recommended clutch fluid .................................... 11-29

Brake booster ..................................................... 11-30

Brake pedal ......................................................... 11-30

Checking the brake pedal free play ...................... 11-30

Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-30

Clutch pedal (Manual transmission

vehicles) ........................................................... 11-31

Checking the clutch function ................................ 11-31

Checking the clutch pedal free play ..................... 11-31

Maintenance and service

Replacement of brake pad and lining ............... 11-31

Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ......... 11-32

Parking brake stroke .......................................... 11-32

Tires and wheels ................................................ 11-33

Types of tires .......................................................... 11-33

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

(if equipped) .......................................................... 11-33

Tire inspection ........................................................ 11-34

Tire pressures and wear ........................................ 11-35

Wheel balance ........................................................ 11-37

Wear indicators ....................................................... 11-37

Tire rotation ............................................................. 11-37

Tire replacement ..................................................... 11-38

Wheel replacement ................................................. 11-38

Aluminum wheels ............................................... 11-39

Windshield washer fluid .................................... 11-39

Replacement of wiper blades ............................ 11-41

Windshield wiper blade assembly ........................ 11-41

Windshield wiper blade rubber ............................. 11-42

Rear window wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-42

Rear window wiper blade rubber .......................... 11-43

Battery ................................................................. 11-44

Fuses ................................................................... 11-45

Main fuse ............................................................. 11-47

Installation of accessories ................................ 11-47

Replacing bulbs .................................................. 11-48

Headlight ................................................................. 11-49

Parking light ............................................................ 11-50

Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-50

Front fog light (if equipped) ................................... 11-50

Rear combination lights ......................................... 11-51

Backup light (Station wagon) ................................ 11-52

License plate light .................................................. 11-53

Dome light ............................................................... 11-53

Map light .................................................................. 11-54

Door step light ........................................................ 11-54

Cargo area light (Station wagon) .......................... 11-55

Trunk light (Sedan) ................................................. 11-55

High mount stop light (Sedan) .............................. 11-56

Maintenance and service 11-3

Maintenance schedule

Maintenance and service

The scheduled maintenance items required to be serviced at regular intervals are shown in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

Maintenance precautions

When maintenance and service are required, it is recommended that all work be done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.

If you perform maintenance and service by yourself, you should familiarize yourself with the information provided in this section on general maintenance and service for your SUBARU.

Incorrect or incomplete service could cause improper or unsafe vehicle operation. Any problems caused by improper maintenance and service performed by you are not eligible for warranty coverage.

y Testing of an All-Wheel Drive ve-

hicle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer or similar apparatus. Attempting to do so will result in transmission damage and in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an accident or injuries to persons nearby.

y Always select a safe area when

performing maintenance on your vehicle.

y Always be very careful to avoid in-

jury when working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the materials in the vehicle may be hazardous if improperly used or handled, for example, battery acid.

y Your vehicle should only be ser-

viced by persons fully competent to do so. Serious personal injury may result to persons not experienced in servicing vehicles.

y Always use the proper tools and

make certain that they are well maintained.

y Never get under the vehicle sup-

ported only by a jack. Always use a safety stands to support the vehicle.

y Never keep the engine running in

a poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or other closed areas.

y Do not smoke or allow open

flames around the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire.

y Because the fuel system is under

pressure, replacement of the fuel filter should be performed only by your SUBARU dealer.

– CONTINUED –

11-4 Maintenance and service

y Wear adequate eye protection to

guard against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If something does get in your eyes, thoroughly wash them out with clean water.

y Do not tamper with the wiring of

the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or attempt to take its connectors apart, as that may activate the system or it can render it inoperative. The wiring and connectors of these systems are yellow for easy identification. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring. If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensioner needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU dealer.

 Before checking or servicing

in the engine compartment

y Always stop the engine and set

the parking brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving.

y Always let the engine cool down.

Engine parts become very hot when the engine is running and remain hot for some time after the engine is stopped.

y Do not spill engine oil, engine

coolant, brake fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components. This may cause a fire.

y Always remove the key from the

ignition switch. When the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the cooling fan may operate suddenly even when the engine is stopped.

 When you do checking or ser-

vicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running

A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away from the cooling fan, belts and any other moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches and ties is advisable.

Engine hood

B00099

To open the hood:

1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the windshield, return them to their original positions.

2. Pull the hood release knob under the instrument panel.

200258

3. Release the secondary hood release located under the front grille by moving the lever toward the left.

Maintenance and service 11-5

hood prop into the slot in the hood.

To close the hood:

1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return the prop to its retainer.

2. Lower the hood until it approaches approximately 12 in (30 cm) from the closed position and let it drop.

3. After closing the hood, be sure the hood is securely locked.

If this does not close the hood, release it from a slightly higher position. Do not push the hood forcibly to close it. It could deform the metal.

Always check that the hood is properly locked before you start driving. If it is not, it might fly open while the vehicle is moving and block your view, which may cause an accident and serious bodily injury.

200259

4. Lift up the hood, release the hood prop from its retainer and put the end of the

11-6 Maintenance and service

Engine compartment overview

 2.5-liter non-turbo models

12 3456

1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-27)

2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-20) or Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-23)

3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)

5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)

6) Fuse box (page 11-45)

7) Battery (page 11-44)

8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-39)

9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)

10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-

14)

11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)

12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)

13) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

7891011

B00414

Maintenance and service 11-7

 2.5-liter turbo models

12 4635

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-27)

2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-20) or Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-23)

3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)

5) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)

6) Fuse box (page 11-45)

7) Battery (page 11-44)

8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-39)

9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)

10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-

14)

11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)

12) Radiator cap (page 11-14)

13) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

B00416

– CONTINUED –

11-8 Maintenance and service

 3.0-liter models

12 345

12 1011 9 8

1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-27)

2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-23)

3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-22)

4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)

5) Fuse box (page 11-45)

6) Battery (page 11-44)

7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-39)

8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)

9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-

14)

10) Radiator cap (page 11-14)

11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)

12) Air cleaner element (page 11-17)

B00502

Engine oil

Maintenance and service 11-9

 Checking the oil level

Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.

B00104

2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.

3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops with the graphic symbol “ ” on its top appearing as shown in the illustration.

2.5-liter models

1) Notch

2) Upper level

3) Lower level

B00418

3.0-liter models

1) Upper level

2) Lower level

B00417

4. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level.

y Use only engine oil with the rec-

ommended grade and viscosity.

y Be careful not to spill engine oil

when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

– CONTINUED –

11-10 Maintenance and service

If you check the oil level just after stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper level when the engine is cold.

In 2.5-liter-engine models, the dipstick has a notch above the upper level. Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level reading may be in a range between the upper level and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil.

 Changing the oil and oil filter

Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. The engine oil and oil filter must be changed more frequently than listed in the maintenance schedule when driving on dusty roads, when short trips are frequently made, or when driving in extremely cold whether.

1. Warm up the engine by letting the engine idle for approximately 10 minutes to ease draining the engine oil.

2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.

3. Remove the oil filler cap.

B00419

2.5-liter models

B00305

3.0-liter models

4. Drain out the engine oil by removing

the drain plug while the engine is still warm. The used oil should be drained into an appropriate container and disposed of properly.

Be careful not to burn yourself with hot engine oil.

5. Wipe the seating surface of the drain

plug with a clean cloth and tighten it securely with a new sealing washer after the oil has completely drained out.

B00420

2.5-liter models

Maintenance and service 11-11

8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a thin coat of engine oil to the seal.

9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of the bottom of engine and install the oil filter by hand turning. Be careful not to twist or damage the seal.

10.Tighten the oil filter by the amount indicated in the following table after the seal makes contact with the bottom of engine.

B00306

3.0-liter models

6. Open the access cover by removing the clips and turning the access cover counterclockwise. The oil filter will be exposed.

B00421

2.5-liter models

B00307

3.0-liter models

7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.

Model Oil filter

2.5-liter models

3.0-liter models

Black

White

Black

color

Part num-

ber

15208AA100

15208AA09A

15208AA031

Amount of

rotation

1 rotation

2/3 – 3/4

rotation

3/4

rotation

y Never over tighten the oil filter be-

cause that can result in an oil leak.

y Thoroughly wipe off any engine

oil that has spilled over the exhaust pipe and/or under-cover. If left unremoved, the oil could catch fire.

11.Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.

12.Pour engine oil through the filler neck.

– CONTINUED –

11-12 Maintenance and service

Oil capacity (Guideline):

2.5-liter models: 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)

3.0-liter models: 5.8 US qt (5.5 liters, 4.8 Imp qt)

The oil quantity indicated above is only a guideline. The necessary quantity of oil depends on the quantity of oil that has been drained. The quantity of drained oil differs slightly depending on the temperature of the oil and the time the oil is left flowing out. After refilling the engine with oil, therefore, you must use the dipstick to confirm that the level is correct.

13.Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber seal and drain plug.

14.Run the engine until it reaches the normal operating temperature. Then stop the engine and wait a few minutes to allow the oil drain back. Check the oil level again and if necessary, add more engine oil.

 Recommended grade and

viscosity

Oil grade:

ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark) or API classification SM with the words “ENERGY CONSERVING”

These recommended oil grades can be identified by looking for either or both of the following marks displayed on the oil container.

B00014

ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)

SAE

5W-30

API Service label

1) Indicates the oil quality by API designations

2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade

3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving capabilities

In choosing an oil, you want the proper quality and viscosity, as well as one that will add to fuel economy. 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.

B00446

Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.

Maintenance and service 11-13

-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

06020 80 10040

-20

5W-30*

10W-30, 10W-40

B00503

SAE viscosity number and applicable temperature

*: 5W-30 is preferred.

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects 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.

 Recommended grade and

viscosity under severe driving conditions

If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applications such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the following grade and viscosities is recommended.

API classification SM (or SL):

SAE viscosity No.:

30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50

Cooling system

Never attempt to remove the radiator 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 boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.

y The cooling system has been

filled at the factory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibiting, yeararound coolant which provides protection against freezing down to –33°F (–36°C). For adding, use genuine SUBARU coolant or an equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft water and 50% ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improper coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling system. It is important to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing temperatures are not expected. Never mix different kinds of coolant.

– CONTINUED –

11-14 Maintenance and service

y Do not splash the engine coolant

over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.

 Hose and connections

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 temperature gauge exceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system checked by your SUBARU dealer.

If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is recommended that the cooling system and connections be checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.

 Engine coolant

T Checking the coolant level

FULL LOW

600151

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.

B00018

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.

y Be careful not to spill engine cool-

ant when adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine coolant gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

y Do not splash the engine coolant

over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.

Maintenance and service 11-15

T Changing the coolant

Always add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner whenever the coolant is replaced. Change the engine coolant and add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner using the following procedures according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

1. Remove the under cover.

B00422

2.5-liter models

1) Drain plug

B00423

3.0-liter models

1) Drain plug

2. Place a proper container under the drain plug and loosen the drain plug.

3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the coolant from the radiator. Then drain the coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the drain plug securely.

4. Install the under cover.

B00424

Non-turbo models

1) Fill up to here

B00425

Turbo models

1) Fill up to here

– CONTINUED –

11-16 Maintenance and service

5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to just below the filler neck, allowing enough room to add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner in the radiator. Add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner until the coolant level reaches the filler neck. Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this may lead to insufficient air bleeding and trapped air in the system.

Coolant capacity (Guideline):

2.5-liter non-turbo models: MT. 6.8 US qt (6.4 liters, 5.6 Imp qt) AT. 6.7 US qt (6.3 liters, 5.5 Imp qt)

2.5-liter turbo models: MT. 7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt) AT. 7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)

3.0-liter models:

7.6 US qt (7.2 liters, 6.3 Imp qt)

y Be careful not to spill engine cool-

ant when adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If engine coolant gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

y Do not splash the engine coolant

over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.

FULL LOW

600151

6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s “FULL” level mark.

B00018

7. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At this time, make sure that the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is correctly in place.

8. Start and run the engine for more than five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.

9. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools down (122 to 140°F [50 to 60°C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and to the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.

10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and tighten firmly.

Maintenance and service 11-17

Air cleaner element

Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner element removed. The air cleaner element not only filters intake air but also stops flames if the engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is not installed when the engine backfires, you could be burned.

The air cleaner element functions as a filter screen. When the element is perforated or removed, engine wear will be excessive and engine life shortened.

The air cleaner element is a dry type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the element.

 Replacing the air cleaner ele-

ment

Replace the air cleaner element according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it more frequently. It is recommended that you always use genuine SUBARU parts.

T Non-turbo models

1) Connector

2) Duct

3) Clamp

B00426

1. Unplug the connector that is attached to the top of the air cleaner case.

2. Remove the hose that is located at the bottom of the side surface of the air cleaner case.

3. Undo the screw and pull the air duct out of the air cleaner case.

4. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air cleaner case cover.

B00114

5. Open the air cleaner case cover and remove the air cleaner element.

6. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cover and case with a damp cloth and install a new air cleaner element.

B00115

– CONTINUED –

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