Subaru Outback 2018 Owner's Manual

(1,1)

Foreword

SFWAA

Congratulations on choosing a SUBARU vehicle. This Owner’s Manual has all the information necessary to keep your SUBARU in excellent condition and to properly maintain the emission control system for minimizing emission pollutants. We urge you to read this manual carefully so that you may understand your vehicle and its operation. For information not found in this Owner’s Manual, such as details concerning repairs or adjustments, please contact the SUBARU dealer from whom you purchased your SUBARU or the nearest SUBARU dealer.

The information, specifications and illustrations found in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. SUBARU CORPORATION reserves the right to change specifications and designs at any time without prior notice and without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes on vehicles previously sold. This Owner’s Manual applies to all models and covers all equipment, including factory installed options. Some explanations, therefore may be for equipment not installed in your vehicle.

Please leave this manual in the vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need the information found herein.

SUBARU CORPORATION, TOKYO, JAPAN

is a registered trademark of SUBARU CORPORATION.

C

*

(2,1)

This manual describes the following vehicle types.

1) Legacy

2) Outback

(2,1)

(3,1)

Warranties

& Warranties for U.S.A.

SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru of

S00

S00AA

S00AA01

America, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in the United States come with the following warranties:

. SUBARU Limited Warranties . Federal Emission Control Systems

Warranties . California Emissions Control Sys-

tems Warranties

All warranty information, including applicability, details of coverage and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Read these warranties carefully.

& Warranties for Canada

SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru

S00AA05

Canada, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in Canada come with the following warranties:

. SUBARU Limited Warranty . Emission Control System Warranty

All warranty information, including applicability, details of coverage and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Service Booklet”. Read these warranties carefully.

& Warranties except for U.S.A.

and Canada

All warranty information, including details of coverage and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Read these warranties carefully.

S00AA06

How to use this Owner’s Manual

& Using your Owner’s Manual

Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this manual. To protect yourself and extend the service life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this manual. Failure to observe these instructions may result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.

This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents, so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter contains the information you want.

Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

This chapter informs you how to use the seat and seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS airbags.

Chapter 2: Keys and doors

This chapter informs you how to operate the keys, locks and windows.

Chapter 3: Instruments and controls

This chapter informs you about the operation of instrument panel indicators and how to use the instruments and other switches.

S00AB

S00AB01

1

– CONTINUED –

(4,1)

2

Chapter 4: Climate control

This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.

Chapter 5: Audio

This chapter informs you about your audio system.

Chapter 6: Interior equipment

This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment.

Chapter 7: Starting and operating

This chapter informs you how to start and operate your SUBARU.

Chapter 8: Driving tips

This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various conditions and explains some safety tips on driving.

Chapter 9: In case of emergency

This chapter informs you what to do if you have a problem, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.

Chapter 10: Appearance care

This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU looking good.

Chapter 11: Maintenance and service

This chapter informs you when you need to take your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled maintenance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU running properly.

Chapter 12: Specifications

This chapter informs you about the dimensions and capacities of your SUBARU.

Chapter 13: Consumer information and Reporting safety defects

This chapter informs you about Tire information, Uniform tire quality grading standards and Reporting safety defects.

Chapter 14: Index

This is an alphabetical listing of all that’s in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

For models with EyeSight system:

For details about the EyeSight system, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

& Safety warnings

You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs and NOTEs in this manual.

These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards that could result in injury to you or others.

Please read these safety warnings as well as all other portions of this manual carefully in order to gain a better understanding of how to use your SUBARU vehicle safely.

S00AB02

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a situation in which serious injury or death could result if the warning is ignored.

CAUTION

A CAUTION indicates a situation in which injury or damage to your vehicle, or both, could result if the caution is ignored.

NOTE

A NOTE gives information or suggestions how to make better use of your vehicle.

(5,1)

3

& Safety symbol

S00AB03

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

S00AB04

manual. The meanings of the abbreviations are shown in the following list.

Abbreviation Meaning

A/C Air conditioner

ABS Anti-lock brake system

AKI Anti knock index

ALR Automatic locking retractor

ALR/ELR

AWD All-wheel drive

BSD Blind Spot Detection

CVT

DRL Daytime running light

EBD

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

INT Intermittent

Automatic locking retractor/ Emergency locking retractor

Continuously variable transmission

Electronic brake force distribution

Abbreviation Meaning

LATCH

LCA Lane Change Assist

LED Light emitting diode

MIL Malfunction indicator light

MMT

OBD On-board diagnostics

RAB Reverse Automatic Braking

RCTA Rear Cross Traffic Alert

RON Research octane number

SRH

SRS

TIN Tire identification number

TPMS

Lower anchors and tethers for children

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl

Steering Responsive Headlight

Supplemental restraint system

Tire pressure monitoring system

(6,1)

4

Vehicle symbols

S00AC

There are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

For warning and indicator lights, refer to “Warning and indicator lights” F24.

Mark Name

WARNING

CAUTION

Read these instructions carefully

Wear eye protection

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid

Keep children away

Keep flames away

Prevent explosions

Safety precautions when driving

& Seatbelt and SRS airbag

WARNING

. All persons in the vehicle should

fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

. To obtain maximum protection in

the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers must always wear seatbelts when in the vehicle. The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag does not do away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined protection in case of a serious accident.

Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the vehicle has the SRS airbag.

S00AD

S00AD01

. The SRS airbags deploy with

considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seatbelts” F1-16.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-41.

(7,1)

5

& Child safety

WARNING

. Never hold a child on your lap or

in your arms while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision, because the child will be caught between the passenger and objects inside the vehicle.

. While riding in the vehicle, infants

and small children should always be placed in the REAR seat in an infant or child restraint system which is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the REAR seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat.

. Put children in the REAR seat

properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt. The SRS airbag deploys

S00AD02

with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.

. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD

FACING CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

. Always turn the child safety locks

to the “LOCK” position whenever a child rides in the rear seat. Serious injury could result if a child accidentally opened the door and fell out. Refer to “Child safety locks” F2-34.

. Always lock the passengers’ win-

dows using the lock switch when children are riding in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child operating the power window. Refer to “Windows” F2-35.

. Never leave unattended children,

adults or animals in the vehicle.

They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries.

. Help prevent children, adults or

animals from locking themselves in the trunk. On hot or sunny days, the temperature in the trunk could quickly become high enough to cause death or serious heat-related injuries including brain damage to anyone locked inside, particularly for small children.

. When leaving the vehicle, close

all windows and lock all doors. Also make certain that the trunk is closed.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seatbelts” F1-16.

. For the child restraint system, refer to “Child restraint systems” F1-27.

– CONTINUED –

(8,1)

6

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-41.

& Engine exhaust gas (carbon

monoxide)

WARNING

. Never inhale engine exhaust gas.

Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

. Always properly maintain the en-

gine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

. Never run the engine in a closed

space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.

. Avoid remaining in a parked ve-

hicle for a long time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle.

. Always keep the front ventilator

inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure

S00AD03

that the ventilation system always works properly.

. If at any time you suspect that

exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.

. Keep the trunk lid or rear gate

closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

& Drinking and driving

WARNING

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reaction and impairs your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking – even if you drink just a little – it will increase the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident, injuring or killing yourself, your passengers and others. In addition, if you are injured in the accident, alcohol may increase the severity of that injury.

S00AD04

Please don’t drink and drive.

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differently, you may have consumed too much alcohol to drive safely even if the level of alcohol in your blood is below the legal limit. The safest thing you can do is never drink and drive. However if you have no choice but to drive, stop drinking and sober up completely before getting behind the wheel.

& Drugs and driving

S00AD05

WARNING

There are some drugs (over the counter and prescription) that can delay your reaction time and impair your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after taking them, it may increase your, your passengers’ and other persons’ risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident.

If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist or read the literature that accompanies the medication to determine if the drug you are taking can impair your driving ability. Do not drive

(9,1)

7

after taking any medications that can make you drowsy or otherwise affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have a medical condition that requires you to take drugs, please consult with your doctor.

Never drive if you are under the influence of any illicit mind-altering drugs. For your own health and well-being, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the first place and to seek treatment if you are addicted to those drugs.

& Driving when tired or sleepy

S00AD06

WARNING

When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction will be delayed and your perception, judgment and attentiveness will be impaired. If you drive when tired or sleepy, your, your passengers’ and other persons’ chances of being involved in a serious accident may increase.

Please do not continue to drive but instead find a safe place to rest if you are tired or sleepy. On long trips, you should make periodic rest stops to refresh yourself before continuing on your journey. When possible, you should share the driving with

others.

& Car phone/cell phone and

driving

CAUTION

Do not use a car phone/cell phone while driving; it may distract your attention from driving and can lead to an accident. If you use a car phone/cell phone, pull off the road and park in a safe place before using your phone. In some States/Provinces, only hands-free phones may legally be used while driving.

S00AD08

& Modification of your vehicle

S00AD07

CAUTION

Your vehicle should not be modified other than with genuine SUBARU parts and accessories. Other types of modifications could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under warranties.

& Driving with pets

Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and distract your attention from driving. In a collision or sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt under these situations. It is also for their own safety that pets should be properly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling harness which can be secured to the rear seat with a seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the carrier’s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers in the

– CONTINUED –

S00AD10

(10,1)

8

front passenger’s seat. For further information, consult your veterinarian, local animal protection society or pet shop.

& Tire pressures

S00AD11

WARNING

Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.

Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey.

Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the values shown on the tire placard. For detailed information, refer to “Tires and wheels” F11-22.

& Attaching accessories

WARNING

. Do not attach any accessories,

labels or stickers (other than properly placed inspection stickers) to the windshield. Such items may obstruct your view.

. If it is necessary to attach an

accessory (such as an electronic toll collection (ETC) device or security pass) to the windshield, consult your SUBARU dealer for details on the proper location.

S00AD15

General information

& California proposition 65

warning

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids in vehicles and certain components of product wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

& California Perchlorate Advi-

sory

Certain vehicle components such as airbag modules, seatbelt pretensioners and keyless entry transmitter batteries may contain perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/ hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

S00AK

S00AK02

S00AK03

(11,1)

9

& Noise from under the vehicle

S00AK01

NOTE

You may hear a noise from under the vehicle approximately 5 to 10 hours after the engine is turned off. However, this does not indicate a malfunction. This noise is caused by the operation of the fuel evaporation leakage checking system and the operation is normal. The noise will stop after approximately 15 minutes.

& Event data recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

. How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

. Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;

. How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or brake

S00AK04

pedal; and, . How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

(2,1)

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

(1,1)

A SUBARU dealer can change the settings of the functions shown in the following table to meet your personal requirements. Contact the nearest SUBARU dealer for details. Furthermore, some useful function settings are available using the multi information display. For details, refer to “Menu screens” F3-44.

Item Function Possible settings Default setting Page

Alarm system Alarm system Operation/Non-operation Operation 2-30

Monitoring start delay time (after closing doors)

Impact sensor operation (only models with shock sensors (dealer option))

Map light/Dome light/Cargo

Keyless access with pushbutton start system

*1

area light illumination

Audible signal

Audible signal volume

*2

*3

Hazard warning flasher ON/OFF ON 2-19, 3-48

Door unlock selection (driver’s door unlock)

Door unlock selection (rear gate unlock)

Trunk open without key (Legacy)

Remote keyless entry system Audible signal

Audible signal volume

*2

*3

Hazard warning flasher ON/OFF ON 2-26, 2-27, 3-48

Key lock-in prevention Key lock-in prevention Operation/Non-operation Operation 2-9

0 seconds/30 seconds 30 seconds 2-30

Operation/Non-operation Non-operation 2-34

ON/OFF OFF 2-29

ON/OFF ON 2-19, 2-47, 3-48

Level 1 to 7 Level 5 2-19, 3-25, 3-48

Driver’s door only/All doors Driver’s door only 2-18, 3-48

Rear gate only, All doors Rear gate only

ON/OFF ON 2-17

ON/OFF ON 2-26, 2-27,

2-47, 3-48

Level 1 to 7 Level 5 2-26, 2-27, 3-48

(29,1)

Item Function Possible settings Default setting Page

Defogger and deicer system Rear window defogger, out-

Map light/Dome light/Cargo area light

Battery drainage prevention function

Auto on/off headlights Sensitivity of the operation of

Windshield wiper Automatic headlight turn on

Auto dimmer cancel Sensitivity of the operation of

Welcome lighting function Welcome lighting function

High beam assist function

Reverse gear interlocked rear wiper

One-touch lane changer Operation of the one-touch

side mirror defogger and windshield wiper deicer

Operation of map light/dome light/cargo area light OFF delay timer

Battery drainage prevention function

the auto on/off headlights

function that is linked with wiper operation

the auto dimmer cancel

(when approaching)

Welcome lighting function (when exiting)

*1

High beam assist function Operation/Non-operation Operation 3-52

Reverse gear interlocked rear wiper operation

lane changer

Operation for 15 minutes/ Continuous operation

OFF/10 seconds/20 seconds/ 30 seconds

Operation/Non-operation Operation 2-8

Min/Low/Mid/Max Mid 3-50, 3-49

Operation/Non-operation Operation 3-50, 3-49

OFF/Min/Low/Mid/Hi/Max Mid 3-60

OFF/30 seconds/60 seconds/ 90 seconds

Operation/Non-operation U.S.-spec. models: Non-operation

Operation/Non-operation Operation 3-60

Operation for 15 minutes 3-65, 3-48

30 seconds 6-4, 3-48

30 seconds 3-49, 3-51

30 seconds

Other models: Operation

3-64

27

– CONTINUED –

Subaru Outback 2018 Owner's Manual

Foreword

How to use this Owner’s Manual

Safety precautions when driving

General information

Table of contents