Subaru Legacy 2011 Service Guide
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment (2.5 L non-turbo models) ............. 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running.......... 11-5
Maintenance tips ................................................ 11-5
Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-5
Removing air intake duct.................................... 11-7
Pulling off the fender lining ................................ 11-7
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-7
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-9
2.5 L non-turbo models ...................................... 11-9
2.5 L turbo models ........................................... 11-10
3.6 L models .................................................... 11-11
Engine oil.......................................................... 11-12
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-12
Changing the oil and oil filter............................ 11-14
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-16
Cooling system ................................................ 11-16
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-17
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-17
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-19
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-20
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-22
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-22
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-22
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-23
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-24
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-25
Front differential gear oil (AT and CVT
models).......................................................... 11-26
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-26
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-26
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-27
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-27
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-27
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-27
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-28
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-28
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-28
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-29
Clutch fluid (MT models)................................. 11-29
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-29
Recommended clutch fluid............................... 11-30
Brake booster .................................................. 11-30
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-31
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-31
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-31
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-31
Checking the clutch function............................ 11-31
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................. 11-32
11
Maintenance and service
Replacement of brake pad and lining............. 11-32
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings........ 11-32
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-33
Types of tires ................................................... 11-33
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(if equipped)................................................... 11-33
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-35
Tire pressures and wear ................................... 11-35
Wheel balance.................................................. 11-37
Wear indicators ................................................ 11-37
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-38
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-38
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-39
Wheel replacement ........................................... 11-39
Aluminum wheels............................................. 11-40
Windshield washer fluid .................................. 11-40
Replacement of wiper blades.......................... 11-41
Windshield wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-42
Windshield wiper blade rubber ......................... 11-42
Rear window wiper blade assembly
(Outback) ....................................................... 11-43
Rear window wiper blade rubber (Outback) ....... 11-44
Battery .............................................................. 11-45
Fuses ................................................................ 11-46
Main fuse.......................................................... 11-48
Installation of accessories .............................. 11-48
Replacing bulbs............................................... 11-48
Headlight......................................................... 11-48
Front turn signal light ...................................... 11-51
Front position light .......................................... 11-51
Front fog light (if equipped).............................. 11-51
Rear combination lights ................................... 11-52
Tail/Back-up light (Outback) ............................. 11-54
License plate light ........................................... 11-55
Dome light....................................................... 11-56
Map light ......................................................... 11-57
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 11-57
Door step light................................................. 11-58
Cargo area light (Outback) ............................... 11-58
Trunk light (Legacy) ......................................... 11-58
Other bulbs ..................................................... 11-58
Maintenance and service 11-3
Maintenance schedule
The scheduled maintenance ite ms required to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
For details about 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.
WARNING
. Testing of an All-Wheel Drive
vehicle must NEVER b e 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.
. Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
. Always be very careful to avoid
injury 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.
. 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.
. Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
. Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support the
vehicle.
. Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
. Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
. Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
. Wear adequate eye protection to
– CONTINUED –
11-4 Maintenance and service
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. 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. 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
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and apply
the parking brake to prevent the
vehicle from moving.
. 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.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. Always remove the key from the
ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position,
thecoolingfanmayoperate
suddenly even when the engine
is stopped.
. Before performing any servicing
on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system temporarily place that system in the
service mode to prevent it from
unexpectedly starting the engine.
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
(2.5 L non-turbo models)
CAUTION
Do not contact the belt cover while
checking the components in the
engine compartment. Doing so may
cause your hand to slip off the belt
cover and result in an unexpected
injury.
Maintenance and service 11-5
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
while the engine is running
WARNING
A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, be lts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.
Maintenance tips
Some clips and fender linings must be
removed before replacing the air cleaner
elements or specific bulbs.
& Removing and reinstalling
clips
! Removing clips
There are several types of clips used for
your vehicle.
! Type A clips
1. Turn the clips counterclockwise using
a flat-head screwdriver until the center
portion of the clip is raised.
2. Remove the clips with a flat-head
screwdriver using leverage.
! Type B clips
1. Pull out the center portion of the clip
using a flat-head screwdriver as shown in
the illustration.
2. Pull the protruded center portion to
remove the entire body of the clip.
– CONTINUED –
11-6 Maintenance and service
! Type C clips
1. Turn the clip counterclockwise using a
Phillips screwdriver until the center portion
of the clip is raised.
2. Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.
! Reinstalling clips
Type A clips
Type B clips
Type C clips
Insert the clip without the center portion
first and then push the center portion of
the clip into the hole.
Maintenance and service 11-7
& Removing air intake duct
Use a screwdriver to undo the clips on the
air intake duct, then remove the air intake
duct. Refer to “Type A clips” F11-5.
& Pulling off the fender lining
It is necessary to pull off the fender lining
when replacing some bulbs.
1. Start the engine and turn the steering
wheel fully in the opposite direction of the
bulb to be replaced.
2. Stop the engine.
Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
positions.
3. Remove the clip from the fender lining.
Refer to “Type B clips” F11-5.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
4. Pull off the fender lining.
– CONTINUED –
11-8 Maintenance and service
3. Release the secondary hood release
by moving the lever between the front
grille and the hood toward the left.
4. Lift up the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lower the hood to a height of approximately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
2. 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.
WARNING
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.
Maintenance and service
11-9
Engine compartment overview
& 2.5 L non-turbo models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-27)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT)
(page 11-23)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)
5) Fuse box (page 11-46)
6) Battery (page 11-45)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-40)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-12)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-17)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-17)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-19)
– CONTINUED –
11-10 Maintenance and service
& 2.5 L turbo models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-27)
2) Manual transmissi on oil level gauge
(page 11-23)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-29)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)
5) Fuse box (page 11-46)
6) Battery (page 11-45)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-40)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-12)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-17)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-17)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-19)
Maintenance and service
11-11
& 3.6 L models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-27)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge
(page 11-26)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge
(page 11-24)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-28)
5) Fuse box (page 11-46)
6) Battery (page 11-45)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-40)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-12)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-17)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-17)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-19)
11-12 Maintenance and service
Engine oil
NOTE
. When the engine low oil level warning light illuminates, have your vehicle
inspected by your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.
. The engine oil consumption rate is
not stabilized, and therefore cannot be
determined until the vehicle has traveled at least several thousand miles
(kilometers). Even after break-in, when
the vehicle is used under severe driving conditions such as those mentionedintheWarrantyandMaintenance Booklet, engine oil is consumed
or deteriorated more quickly than under normal driving conditions. If you
drive your vehicle under these severe
conditions, you should check the oil
level at least at every second fuel fill-up
time, and change the oil more frequently. Please refer to the Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet for more details.
. If the oil consumption rate seems
abnormally high after th e break-in
period, for example more than 1 quart
per 1,200 miles or 1 liter per 2,000
kilometers, we recommend that you
contact your SUBARU dealer.
& 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. 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.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,
and insert it again.
3. Be sure the level gauge is correctly
inserted until it stops with the graphic
symbol “
shown in the illustration.
” on its top appearing as
2.5 L models
1) Notch
2) Full level
3) Low level
4) Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9
Imp qt) from low level to full level
3.6 L models
1) Full level
2) Low level
3) Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9
Imp qt) from low level to full level
4. Pull out the level gauge again and
check the oil level on it. If it is below the
low level (L), add oil to bring the level up to
the full level (F).
CAUTION
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and viscosity.
Maintenance and service 11-13
. 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.
NOTE
. To prevent overfilling the engine oil,
do not add any additional oil above the
upper level when the engine is cold.
. In 2.5 L engine models, the level
gauge 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.
– CONTINUED –
11-14 Maintenance and service
& 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 weather.
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.
2.5 L non-turbo models
properly.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself with
hot engine oil.
5. Wipe the seating surface and around
the drain plug with a clean cloth and
tighten it securely with a new sealing
washer after the oil has completely
drained out.
2.5 L turbo models
2.5 L non-turbo models
3.6 L 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
Maintenance and service 11-15
2.5 L turbo models
3.6 L models
6. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench.
7. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a
thin coat of engine oil to the seal.
8. 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.
9. Tighten the oil filter by the amount
indicated in the following table after the
seal makes contact with the bottom of
engine.
Model
2.5 L
models
3.6 L
models
Oil filter
color
Black 15208AA100 1 rotation
Blue 15208AA12A
Black 15208AA031
Part
number
Amount of
rotation
7/8
rotation
3/4
rotation
CAUTION
. Never over tighten the oil filter
because that can result in an oil
leak.
. 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.
10. Reinstall the cover under the oil filter.
11. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
For the oil capacity (guideline), refer to
“Lubricants” F12-4. The necessary quan-
tity 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 level
gauge to confirm that the level is correct.
12. Start the engine and make sure that no
oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber
seal and drain plug.
13. Keep the engine idling until the engine
reaches the normal operating temperature
range, as indicated by the temperature
gauge on the combination meter. After
that, check the engine oil level again. For
further details about the check procedure,
refer to “Checking the oil level” F11-12.
– CONTINUED –
11-16 Maintenance and service
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil” F12-4.
NOTE
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.
& Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil” F12-4. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Cooling system
WARNING
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.
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 or
type, the maintenance interval is
Maintenance and service 11-17
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 coolant temperature high
warning light illuminates, the cooling fan
circuit may be defective. Check the fuse
and replace it if necessary. Refer to
“Fuses” F11-46 and “Fuses and circuits”
F12-9. 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
! Checking the coolant level
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.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant 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.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
WARNING
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.
Always add genuine SUBARU cooling
system conditioner whenever the coolant
is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and ad d
– CONTINUED –
11-18 Maintenance and service
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.
2.5 L models
1) Drain plug
3.6 L 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.
1) Fill up to here
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.
Loading...