2006 Subaru BAJA Owners Manual

91 (147)

Never exceed posted speed limits. NOTE (cid:121) In order to prevent over-revving during acceler- ation of the vehicle, the transmission will automat- ically shift to the next highest gear if the Maximum Allowable Speed for the current gear is exceeded. (cid:121) Similarly, in order to prevent over-revving dur- ing deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved.

(cid:132) Driving tips (cid:121) Always apply the foot or parking brake when the ve- hicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position. (cid:121) Always set the parking brake when parking your ve-

Starting and operating

hicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis- sion. (cid:121) Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1” position. Use the brake instead. The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a fault.

(cid:132) Shift lock release If the selector lever does not move from the “P” posi- tion with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in the “ON” position, perform the following steps: To override the shift lock: 1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine. 2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the flat-head screwdriver.

– CONTINUED – 7-19

Starting and operating

HS7009BA

5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selec- tor lever from the “P” to the “N” position. 6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the engine. Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im- mediately to have the system repaired.

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.

HS7011BA

7-20

Automatic transmission (Turbo mod- els)

Do not shift from the “P” or “N” position into the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position while de- pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or backward.

(cid:121) Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is completely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission. (cid:121) Do not race the engine for more than five sec- onds in any position except the “N” or “P” po- sition when the brake is set or when chocks are used in the wheels. This may cause the auto- matic transmission fluid to overheat. (cid:121) Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa un- til the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmis- sion.

Starting and operating

(cid:121) When parking the vehicle, first securely apply the parking brake and then place the selector lever in the “P” position. Avoid parking for a long time with the selector lever in any other position as doing so could result in a dead bat- tery.

The automatic transmission is electronically controlled and provides 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Also, it has a manual mode. NOTE (cid:121) When the engine coolant temperature is still low, your vehicle’s automatic transmission will up-shift at higher engine speeds than when the coolant temperature is sufficiently high in order to shorten the warm-up time and improve driveabili- ty. The gearshift timing will automatically shift to the normal timing after the engine has warmed up. (cid:121) Immediately after ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the automatic 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 – CONTINUED – 7-21

Starting and operating

as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while.

(cid:132) Selector lever

1) Release button

UB7026BB

7-22

UB7025BA

: With the brake pedal depressed, shift while

pressing the button in.

: Shift while pressing the button in. : Shift without pressing the button.

The selector lever has seven positions, “P”, “R”, “N”, “D”, “3”, “2” and “1”, and also has a manual gate for us- ing SPORTSHIFT mode. The release button must be pushed to select the “P”, “R”, or “2” positions. (cid:84) 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 set the parking brake fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the ve- hicle with only the transmission. A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to ensure safe starting of the ve- hicle. To shift the selector lever from the “P” to any other po- sition, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then push the release button on the selector lever when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal depressed, the release button pushed in, and the ignition switch in the ON position, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter. (cid:84) R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehi- cle completely then move the lever to the “R” position while pressing the release button.

Starting and operating

(cid:84) N (Neutral)

Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission are not locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline un- less the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. NOTE If the selector lever is in the “N” position when you stop the engine for parking, you may not subse- quently be able to move it to the “R” and “P” posi- tions. If this happens, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. You will then be able to move the selector lever to the “P” position. (cid:84) D (Drive) This position is for normal driving.

– CONTINUED – 7-23

Starting and operating

The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. To use the SPORTSHIFT mode, move the lever from this position into the manual gate. (cid:86) While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear 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 re- sulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle. NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again. (cid:86) While going down a hill When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake pedal will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd

7-24

gear, thus applying engine braking. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift nor- mally. NOTE In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a downhill grade does not result in an automatic downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the automatic transmission fluid temperature is very low, for example, during driving shortly after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time. When the ATF temperature has risen to a cer- tain level, automatic downshift normally takes place. In the meantime, downshift manually for en- gine braking as required. Also, downshifting when braking downhill will not occur at speeds above approximately 50 mph (80
km/h). (cid:84) 3 (Third) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a grade. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold

that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. (cid:84) 2 (Second) To shift from the “3” to “2” position, push the release button. This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a steep grade. In this position, the transmission holds in the 2nd gear. Use this position when starting off from a standstill on slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will en- sure greater traction. (cid:84) 1 (First) This position is for driving up or down very steep grades, or driving through mud or sand, or on slippery surfaces. In this position, the transmission holds in the 1st gear.

(cid:132) Selector lever reverse inhibiting func-

tion

This function prevents accidental movement of the se- lector lever to the “R” position while the vehicle is mov- ing.

Starting and operating

The function becomes operational when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Once operational, it prevents the selector lever from being moved from the “N” position to the “R” position. When the vehicle speed drops below 6 mph (10 km/h), the function is canceled. The selector lever can then be moved to the “R” and “P” positions. When the ignition switch has been turned to the “OFF” position, movement of the selector lever from the “N” position to the “R” position is possible for a limited time period and then becomes impossible. Also, the selec- tor lever cannot be moved to the “R” position when it has been placed in the “P” position and then placed again in the “N” position. When movement of the se- lector lever from the “N” position to the “R” position has become impossible, turn the ignition switch back to the “ON” position then move the selector lever to the “P” position. Pressing the selector lever release button also makes it possible to move the selector lever to the “P” position at this time.

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Starting and operating

(cid:84) Selector lever release button

(cid:132) Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (man-

ual mode)

UB7027BB

1) Selector lever

1. Select the SPORTSHIFT mode by moving the se- lector lever into the manual gate from the “D” position with the vehicle stationary or moving.

UB7039BA

If you inadvertently have turned the ignition switch to the “OFF” position with the selector lever in the “N” po- sition, proceed as follows. By referring to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter, remove the shift lock release cover. Then, with the screwdriver inserted into the hole, move the selector lever to the “P” posi- tion while pressing the release button. If the selector lever reverse inhibiting function fails, have the vehicle inspected by the nearest SUBARU dealer.

7-26

1

UBS094BB

1) Lamp showing whether upshift is possible 2) Lamp showing whether downshift is possible 3) Indication of currently selected gear

2. Once the SPORTSHIFT mode is selected, the cur- rently selected gear is shown by the shift position indi- cator in the meter cluster. Next to this indication, ar- row-shaped lamps show whether an upshift is possi- ble and whether a downshift is possible. Lamps showing whether upshifting and downshifting are possible: The lamps show whether upshifting and and downshifting are possible. When both lamps are off, SPORTSHIFT operation is not possible. When both lamps are on, upshifting and downshifting are both

Starting and operating

lamp is on, only upshift- lamp is on, only

possible. When only the ing is possible. When only the downshifting is possible. 3. Perform gearshifts using the selector lever. You can shift by one gear at a time in the 1st-to-4th-gear range. Upshifting Shift to the next-higher gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear range) by pushing the selector lever toward the “+” end of the manual gate. Downshifting Shift to the next-lower gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear range) by pushing the selector lever toward the “–” end of the manual gate. 4. To deselect the SPORTSHIFT mode, return the se- lector lever to the “D” position from the manual gate. NOTE Please read the following points carefully and bear them in mind when using the SPORTSHIFT mode. (cid:121) When the temperature of the automatic trans- mission fluid is lower or higher than normal, warn- ing beeps are emitted and the shift position indica- tor shows “–”. If these warnings are issued, dese- lect the SPORTSHIFT mode to protect the auto- – CONTINUED – 7-27

Starting and operating

matic transmission from damage. (cid:121) The transmission does not automatically shift up in the SPORTSHIFT mode. Perform gearshifts in accordance with road conditions so that the ta- chometer needle does not enter the red zone. If the engine speed reaches a predetermined level, a fuel-cut function will operate. Shift up if this hap- pens. (cid:121) 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. (cid:121) If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond. (cid:121) You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd or from 2nd to 4th) by operating the se- lector lever twice in rapid succession. (cid:121) The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving. It will not permit a standing start in 2nd gear. (cid:84) Maximum speeds

When down shifting a gear, ensure that the ve- hicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the

7-28

Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brak- ing caused by downshifting when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased.

The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. When down shifting, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be se- lected.

mph (km/h)

Position

Turbo models

29 (47), 36 (58)*

60 (96), 62 (100)*

102 (164), 102 (164)*

*: SPORTSHIFT mode

Never exceed posted speed limits. NOTE (cid:121) In order to prevent over-revving during acceler- ation of the vehicle, the transmission will automat- ically shift to the next higher gear if the Maximum Allowable Speed for the current gear is reached. (cid:121) Similarly, in order to prevent over-revving dur- ing deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved.

(cid:132) Driving tips (cid:121) Always apply the foot or parking brake when the ve- hicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1”, or “R” position. (cid:121) Always set the parking brake when parking your ve- hicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis- sion. (cid:121) Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2” or “1” position. Use the brake instead. (cid:121) The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a fault.

Starting and operating

(cid:132) Shift lock release Perform the following steps if the selector lever does not move from the “P” position even with the release button pressed, the brake pedal depressed and the ig- nition switch in the “ON” position: To override the shift lock: 1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine. 2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the flat-head screwdriver.

UB7041BA

– CONTINUED – 7-29

Starting and operating

UB7040BA

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole. 5. Push down on the screwdriver, push down the but- ton and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N” position. 6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the engine. Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im- mediately to have the system repaired.

7-30

Limited slip differential (LSD)

(cid:121) Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. (cid:121) If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid con- tinued spinning at high speed as this could ad- versely affect the LSD. (cid:121) If a different size rear tire is temporarily used (as in an emergency), it will adversely affect the LSD. Always replace it with a regular size tire as soon as possible.

The LSD provides optimum distribution of power ac- cording to the difference in revolutions between the right and left rear wheels that may be caused by cer- tain driving conditions, thereby improving driving sta- bility on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.

Power steering

Braking (cid:132) Braking tips

Starting and operating

Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than five seconds. This may damage the power steering pump.

The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adjacent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the en- gine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steering system trouble.

Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause dangerous overheating of the brakes and needless wear on the brake pads and linings.

(cid:84) When the brakes get wet When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, brake stopping dis- tance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehi- cle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. (cid:84) Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descending a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working im- properly because of brake fluid overheating, caused by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking.

– CONTINUED – 7-31

Starting and operating

(cid:84) Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.

(cid:132) Brake system (cid:84) Two separate circuits Your vehicle has a dual circuit brake systems. Each circuit works diagonally across the vehicle. If one cir- cuit of the brake system should fail, the other half of the system still works. If one circuit fails, the brake pedal will go down much closer to the floor than usual and you will need to press it down much harder. And a much longer distance will be needed to stop the vehi- cle. (cid:84) Brake booster The brake booster uses engine manifold vacuum to assist braking force. Do not turn off the engine while driving because that will turn off the brake booster, re- sulting in poor braking power. The brakes will continue to work even when the brake booster completely stops functioning. If this happens, however, you will have to push the pedal much harder

7-32

than normal and the braking distance will increase.

(cid:132) Disc brake pad wear warning indica-

tors

HS7012BA

The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn. If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, immediately have your vehicle inspected by the nearest SUBARU dealer.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Always use the utmost care in driving – over- confidence because you are driving with an ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a se- rious accident.

(cid:121) The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. (cid:121) When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy road, or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driving under these conditions, therefore, re- duce your speed and leave ample distance from other vehicles. (cid:121) When you feel the ABS system operating, you should maintain constant brake pedal pres- sure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing so may defeat the operation of the ABS system.

Starting and operating

The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slip- pery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up. When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates. The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

(cid:132) ABS system self-check You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine com- partment just after the vehicle is started. This is caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS sys- tem being carried out and does not indicate any abnor- mal condition.

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Starting and operating

(cid:132) ABS warning light

UB4010GA

The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after approximately two seconds. This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly.

If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS system may not be working properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; however, the conventional brake system continues to operate normally.

7-34

(cid:121) The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. (cid:121) The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not go out even when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). (cid:121) The warning light comes on during driving. If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportunity by your SUBARU dealer.

NOTE If the warning light behavior is as described in the following, the ABS system may be considered nor- mal. (cid:121) The warning light comes on right after the en- gine is started but goes out immediately, remain- ing off. (cid:121) The warning light remains on after the engine has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). (cid:121) The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off. When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may come on. This is due to the low battery volt-

age and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will go out.

Parking your vehicle

Starting and operating

(cid:121) Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent oper- ation 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 to them. (cid:121) Do not park the vehicle over flammable mate- rials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot en- gine or exhaust system parts. (cid:121) Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occupants in the ve- hicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the exhaust gas.

Never drive while the parking brake is set be- cause this will cause unnecessary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive, always – CONTINUED – 7-35

Starting and operating

make sure that the parking brake has been fully released.

To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever.

“Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a downgrade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) position for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the park- ing brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.

UB4001BA

To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is run- ning, the parking brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the

7-36

When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the front wheels should be turned away from the curb.

UB7033AA

When facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned into the curb.

UB7032AA

Starting and operating

Cruise control

Do not use the cruise control under any of the following conditions. This may cause loss of vehicle control: (cid:121) driving up or down a steep grade (cid:121) driving on slippery or winding roads (cid:121) driving in heavy traffic

Cruise control enables you to maintain a constant ve- hicle speed without holding your foot on the accelera- tor pedal and it is operative when the vehicle speed is 25 mph (40 km/h) or more. Make sure the main switch is turned “OFF” when the cruise control is not in use to avoid unintentionally by setting the cruise control.

– CONTINUED – 7-37

Starting and operating

(cid:132) To set cruise control

7-38

1. Push the “CRUISE” main switch. The indicator light on the switch will come on. 2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. 3. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction and release it. Then release the ac- celerator pedal. The vehicle will maintain the desired speed.

UB7038BA

ACC RES

CANCELSETCOAST

HS7018BA

UB4010KA

” indicator light is illuminated in

At this time, the “ the combination meter. Vehicle speed can be temporarily increased while driving with the cruise control activated. Simply de- press the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will return to and maintain the previous cruising speed.

(cid:132) To temporarily cancel the cruise con-

trol

There are five ways to cancel the cruise control tem- porarily: (cid:121) Depress the brake pedal. (cid:121) Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction. (cid:121) Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission ve- hicles only). (cid:121) Shift the selector lever into the “N” position (auto- matic transmission vehicles only). (cid:121) Shift the shift lever into neutral position (manual transmission vehicles only). The “ goes off when the cruise control is cancelled. To resume the cruise control after it has been tempo- rarily canceled and with vehicle speed of approximate- ly 20 mph (32 km/h) or more, push the control lever up- ward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction to return to the original cruising speed automatically. The “ will automatically come on at this time.

” indicator light in the combination meter

” indicator light in the combination meter

Starting and operating

(cid:132) To turn off the cruise control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: (cid:121) Push the main switch again. (cid:121) Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position (but only when the vehicle is completely stopped).

(cid:132) To change the cruising speed (cid:84) To increase the speed (by control lever) Push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RE- SUME” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle speed at that moment will be memorized and treated as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever upward in the “AC- CEL, RESUME” direction quickly. (cid:84) To increase the speed (by accelerator pedal) 1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the ve- hicle to the desired speed. 2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without

– CONTINUED – 7-39

Starting and operating

depressing the accelerator pedal. NOTE If the difference between the actual vehicle speed when the control lever is pushed downward and the speed last time you set is less than 4 mph (6.8
km/h), the vehicle speed will be lowered by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs because the cruise control system unit regards this lever operation as that in- tended to decrease the vehicle speed. (cid:84) To decrease the speed (by control lever) Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the de- sired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehi- cle speed at that moment will be memorized and treat- ed as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction quickly. (cid:84) To decrease the speed (by brake pedal) 1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control temporarily. 2. When the speed decreases to the desired speed,

7-40

press the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without depressing the accelerator pedal.

(cid:132) Cruise control set indicator light (cid:84) Non-turbo models The light comes on when vehicle speed has been set. (cid:84) Turbo models The Cruise set indicator light comes on when the igni- tion switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after approximately three seconds. The light comes on when vehicle speed has been set. NOTE (cid:121) If you move the cruise control lever while turn- ing the ignition switch “ON”, the cruise control function is deactivated and the cruise control set indicator light flashes. To reactivate the cruise control function, turn the ignition switch back to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, and then turn it again to the “ON” position. (cid:121) If this indicator light and the “ ” indicator light flash simultaneously during driving, have the vehicle checked by your nearest SUBARU dealer.

Driving tips

New vehicle break-in driving – the first

Operation during cold weather ........................ Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... Corrosion protection ........................................ Snow tires .......................................................... Tire chains ......................................................... Rocking the vehicle ..........................................

8-2
1,000 miles (1,600 km) ............................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints ...................................... 8-3
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .... 8-4
Catalytic converter ........................................ 8-6
Periodic inspections ..................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-7
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ...................... Off road driving ............................................. 8-9
Winter driving ................................................ 8-11
8-11
8-13
8-15
8-15
8-16
8-16
Loading your vehicle .................................... 8-17
8-19
8-19
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................. 8-20
8-21
8-24
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-25
8-25
8-25
8-30
8-31
8-33

Warranties and maintenance ........................... Maximum load limits ........................................ Trailer hitches ................................................... Connecting a trailer .......................................... Trailer towing tips .............................................

Vehicle capacity weight ................................... GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........

Connecting a trailer .......................................... When you do not tow a trailer .........................

8-1

Driving tips

Driving tipsNew vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) The performance and long life of your vehicle are de- pendent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): (cid:121) Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency. (cid:121) Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. (cid:121) Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, ex- cept in an emergency. (cid:121) Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency. The same break-in procedures should be applied to a newly installed or overhauled engine or when brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones.

Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. (cid:121) Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. (cid:121) Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. (cid:121) Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. (cid:121) Avoid unnecessary engine idling. (cid:121) Keep the engine properly tuned. (cid:121) Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. (cid:121) Use the air conditioner only when necessary. (cid:121) Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment. (cid:121) Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

8-2

Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox- ide)

(cid:121) Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex- haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color- less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. (cid:121) Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en- tering the vehicle. (cid:121) 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. (cid:121) Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. (cid:121) Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly. (cid:121) 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

Driving tips

only with all windows fully open.

NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the met- als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys- tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the exhaust system for a short time after the en- gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

– CONTINUED – 8-3

Driving tips

Catalytic converter

(cid:121) Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the catalytic converter operates at very high tem- peratures. (cid:121) Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

8-4

Non-turbo models

HS8002BA

Driving tips

running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. (cid:121) Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat- ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.

US8511BA

Turbo models

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys- tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust. To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: (cid:121) Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. (cid:121) Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve- hicle. (cid:121) Avoid racing the engine. (cid:121) Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. (cid:121) Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine

– CONTINUED – 8-5

Driving tips

Periodic inspections To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommended maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving in foreign countries When planning to use your vehicle in another country: (cid:121) Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to the “Fuel requirements” section in chapter 7.) (cid:121) Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country.

8-6

Driving tips for AWD vehicles

(cid:121) Always maintain a safe driving speed accord- ing to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. (cid:121) Always use the utmost care in driving – over- confidence because you are driving an All- Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.

Driving tips

HS8003BA

All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By shifting power between the front and rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction during acceler- ation, and added engine braking force during deceler- ation. Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the AWD system, you should keep the following tips in mind:

– CONTINUED – 8-7

(cid:121) There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see “Towing” section in chapter 9.

Driving tips

(cid:121) An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in han- dling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sud- den braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles. (cid:121) When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, circumference, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire plac- ard. Using other sizes, circumferences or construction may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. (cid:121) If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle. (cid:121) Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive. The recommended tire pressure is provided on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. (cid:121) Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only.

8-8

Off road driving

(cid:121) Always maintain a safe driving speed accord- ing to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. (cid:121) Always use the utmost care in driving – over- confidence because you are driving an All- Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.

Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clear- ance, your SUBARU can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD SUBARU is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your SUBARU off- road, certain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken: (cid:121) Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seatbelts. (cid:121) Carry some emergency equipment, such as a tow- ing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or citizens band radio.

Driving tips

(cid:121) Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. (cid:121) Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. (cid:121) Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive ei- ther straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes that are too steep. (cid:121) Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds. (cid:121) Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. (cid:121) If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com- pletely through the stream. The water should be shal- low enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s under- carriage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regard-

– CONTINUED – 8-9

Driving tips

less of its depth, it can wash away the ground from un- der your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover. (cid:121) Always check your brakes for effectiveness immedi- ately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Re- peat that process several times to dry out the brake discs and brake pads. (cid:121) Do not drive or park over or near flammable materi- als such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the engine is running and right after engine stops. This could create a fire hazard. (cid:121) After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under- body. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. (cid:121) Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. (cid:121) Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over.

8-10

(cid:121) Cargo should be evenly distributed over the cargo bed. Keep heavier items as low and far forward as possible. Loading the vehicle improperly can deterio- rate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehi- cle control. (cid:121) Be sure the cargo is secured properly. Unsecured cargo in the cargo bed can be thrown around when driving on off-road. To prevent loose cargo from enter- ing the passenger compartment, always close the switchback door while driving off-road. (cid:121) Always close the tailgate while driving off-road. Also remove the bed extender (if so equipped) to avoid damage. (cid:121) If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos- sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. (cid:121) When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). (cid:121) Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual. (cid:121) Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving. Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.

(cid:121) Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driv- ing conditions such as rough roads or off roads will ne- cessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified in the maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Remember that damage done to your SUBARU while operating it off-road and not using common sense pre- cautions such as those listed above is not eligible for warranty coverage.

Driving tips

Winter driving

UB8046AA

(cid:132) Operation during cold weather Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures re- duce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough power for cold winter starts. Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder – CONTINUED – 8-11

Driving tips

starting. Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them with deicer or glycerin. Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards thoroughly wipe the water away. Use a windshield washer fluid that contains an anti- freeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temperature varies according to how much it is diluted, as indicated in the following table.

Washer Fluid Concentration

Freezing Temperature

30% 50% 100%

10.4°F (–12°C) –4°F (–20°C) –49°F (–45°C)

In order to prevent freezing of washer fluid, check the freezing temperatures in the table above when adjust- ing the fluid concentration to the outside temperature. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different

8-12

concentration from the one used previously, purge the old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a cer- tain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the out- side temperature, it may freeze and block the nozzles.

Adjust the washer fluid concentration appropri- ately for the outside temperature. If the concen- tration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank.

(cid:84) Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dangerous. While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During

severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders periodically. (cid:84) Parking in cold weather

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running.

Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that po- sition. Instead, observe the following. 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual trans- mission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. When the vehicle has been left parked after use on roads heavily covered with snow, or has been left parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action.

Driving tips

Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS harness. (cid:84) Refueling in cold weather To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel sys- tem and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze ad- ditive in the fuel tank is recommended during cold weather. Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever the fuel level reaches half empty. If your SUBARU is not going to be used for an extend- ed period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capac- ity.

(cid:132) Driving on snowy and icy roads

Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control.

– CONTINUED – 8-13

Driving tips

Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snow- storms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake sys- tem and may hinder the air flow, which could re- sult in engine shutdown or even breakdown.

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden brak- ing, abrupt acceleration, high-speed driving, and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads. Always maintain ample distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sud- den braking. To supplement the foot brake, use the engine brake effectively to control the vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhances your vehi- cle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads. Refer to the “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” section in chapter 7 for information on braking on slippery sur- faces.

8-14

(cid:84) Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in the “ ” position and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are completely thawed out. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blades. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer. Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the vehicle at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers. We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you could have snow and sub-zero temperatures. Blades of this type

give superior wiping performance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades that are suitable for your vehi- cle.

During high-speed driving, non-freezing type wiper blades may not perform as well as stan- dard wiper blades. If this happens, reduce the vehicle speed.

NOTE When the season requiring non-freezing type wip- er blades is over, replace them with standard wip- er blades.

(cid:132) Corrosion protection Refer to the “Corrosion protection” section (chapter 10).

(cid:132) Snow tires

(cid:121) When replacing original tires with winter (snow) tires, make sure you use only the same

Driving tips

size and construction as recommended. Using other sizes and construction may affect speed- ometer/odometer calibration and clearance be- tween the body and tires. It also may be danger- ous and lead to loss of vehicle control. (cid:121) You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, circumferences, construction, brand, and load range. Mixing other sizes, cir- cumferences or constructions may result in se- vere mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking and speedometer/odometer calibra- tion. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. (cid:121) Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an acci- dent.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of trac- tion, handling and braking performance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance per- formance through use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must in- – CONTINUED – 8-15

Driving tips

stall four winter tires that are of the same size, con- struction, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may re- sult in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clear- ance between the tire and vehicle body. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle. Your vehicle comes with P225/60R16 “all season tires” as original equipment. You should be aware that some winter tires with that same size designa- tion may actually be too large for the vehicle and may cause rubbing on sharp turns. Listed in the following is the winter tire size that we recom- mend.

Recommended winter (snow) tire size

P215/60R16 Studless

(cid:132) Tire chains

Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed in the following because of lack of clearance between

8-16

the tires and vehicle body. (cid:121) P225/60R16 tires (cid:121) P215/60R16 winter (snow) tires

Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may require the use of tire chains, in which case put the chains on the front wheels only. Use only SAE class S type chains that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to damage the vehicle body or suspension. When driving with tire chains, drive at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). When a temporary spare tire is on a front wheel, replace the temporary spare tire with the rear tire on the same side of the vehicle, and then fit chains on the front tires. Always use the utmost care when driving with tire chains – overconfidence because you are driving with tire chains could easily lead to a serious accident.

(cid:132) Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle.

When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). Refer to the “Automatic transmission” section in chap- ter 7 for information on holding the transmission in 2nd position.

Driving tips

Loading your vehicle

Never allow passengers to ride on a folded rear seatback or in the cargo bed. Doing so may re- sult in serious injury.

HS8005BA

(cid:121) Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the – CONTINUED – 8-17

or during rapid acceleration, which could cre- ate a dangerous road hazard.

Do not carry spray cans, containers with flam- mable or corrosive liquids or any other danger- ous items inside the passenger compartment.

NOTE For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo.

Driving tips

event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep lug- gage or cargo low, as close to the floor as pos- sible. (cid:121) When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicle during sudden stops, sharp turns or in an accident. (cid:121) Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. (cid:121) Secure lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting forward and causing seri- ous injury during a sudden stop. (cid:121) Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause per- sonal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. (cid:121) Cargo should be evenly distributed over the cargo bed. Keep heavier items as low and far forward as possible. Loading the vehicle im- properly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control. (cid:121) Be sure the cargo is secured properly. Unse- cured cargo in the cargo bed can be thrown around during sudden braking, in a sharp turn

8-18

(cid:132) Vehicle capacity weight

Driving tips

The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by available cargo space. The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is shown on the ve- hicle placard attached to the driver’s side door pillar. It includes the total weight of the driver and all passen- gers and their belongings, any optional equipment such as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

(cid:132) GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)

UB8031BA

UB8053BA

The certification label attached to the driver’s side – CONTINUED – 8-19

UB8043BA

Driving tips

door shows GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any op- tional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage in- side the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage. When possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the vehicle. If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should con- firm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehi- cle scale, found at a commercial weighing station. Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a high- er load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

8-20

Trailer hitch (if equipped)

(cid:121) Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in se- rious personal injuries. Permissible trailer weight changes depending on the situation. Re- fer to the next section “Trailer towing” for pos- sible recommendations and limitations. (cid:121) Trailer brakes are required when the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Be sure your trailer has safety chains and that each chain will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight. Towing trailers without safety chains could cre- ate a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage. (cid:121) Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin for positive locking placement before towing a trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch re- ceiver, the trailer could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard. (cid:121) Use only the ball mount supplied with this hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying hitch. Do not use with any type of weight dis-

tributing hitch.

The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated load. A maximum of 2,400 lbs (1,087 kg) gross trailer weight and a maximum of 200 lbs (90 kg) gross tongue weight are permissible for the trailer hitch. When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the next section “Trailer towing”.

(cid:132) Connecting a trailer

Driving tips

The license plate bracket will hit the hitch ball and may be damaged if the tailgate is opened and the license plate bracket is at the lowered/ open position. Close the tailgate and return the license plate bracket to its normal position flush against the tailgate itself whenever you tow a trailer or whenever a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

1. Before connecting the ball mount to the hitch re- ceiver, close the tailgate and return the license plate bracket to its normal retracted position up against the tailgate. Refer to “License plate bracket” under the heading “Tailgate” in chapter 2 for more information on the function of the license plate bracket. 2. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch receiver tube.

UB8047BA

– CONTINUED – 8-21

Driving tips

3. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the hitch receiv- er tube so that the pin passes through the ball mount.

4. Insert the safety pin into the hitch pin securely. 5. Pull the ball mount to make sure it does not come off the hitch receiver.

UB8018BA

HS8012BA

8-22

2

UB8020BB

1) Hitch ball installation point 2) Hooks for safety chains

6. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate for the ball mount and your trailer. The hitch ball must be securely installed on the ball mount. 7. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball. 8. Connect the trailer and the hitch with safety chains that will hold the trailer’s maximum gross weight. The chains should cross under the trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping onto the ground in case it should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into ac- count; however, be careful not to let them drag on the

ground.

Driving tips

UG8034BA

Do not connect safety chains to part of the ve- hicle other than the safety chain hooks.

– CONTINUED – 8-23

Driving tips

HS8015BA

Hitch harness connector

9. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black four-pin wire connector to the towing trailer’s wire harness. 10.Confirm proper function of the hitch wire harness by individually activating the brake, right turn signal, left turn signal, stop, and parking lights on the trailer. NOTE Always disconnect the trailer wire harness before launching or retrieving a watercraft.

8-24

(cid:132) When you do not tow a trailer

Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube when the tailgate is open and the bed ex- tender is used. The rear license plate will not be visible because the license plate bracket can not be used at the lowered/open position when the ball mount is connected. In addition, the license plate bracket will hit the hitch ball and may be damaged if the tailgate is opened and the license plate bracket is at the lowered/open position.

(cid:121) Remove the ball mount from the hitch receiver tube and insert the receiver cover onto the hitch receiver tube. (cid:121) Place the dust cap over the four-pin connector of the hitch wire harness to protect against possible damage. (cid:121) Occasionally lubricate terminals of the four-pin con- nector using the terminal grease, and cover with the attached rubber cap.

Trailer towing Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used pri- marily to carry passengers and cargo. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, driv- etrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an ad- verse effect on fuel economy. If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satis- faction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your vehicle. Seek the ad- vice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas- ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment ap- propriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installation and use provid- ed by the trailer and other towing equipment manufac- turers. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or ve- hicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions ac- companying such equipment or for your failure to fol- low the proper instructions.

(cid:132) Warranties and maintenance SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load. (Refer to “Main-

Driving tips

tenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.) Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new powertrain component (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of driving.

(cid:132) Maximum load limits

Never exceed the maximum load limits ex- plained in the following. Exceeding the maxi- mum load limits could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.

(cid:121) Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. (cid:121) Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load. Make sure the load and its distribution in your vehicle

– CONTINUED – 8-25

Driving tips

and trailer are acceptable.

(cid:84) Total trailer weight

HS8016AA

Total trailer weight

The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must never exceed the maximum weight shown in the following table.

8-26

Model

Conditions

MT models When towing a trailer with-

out brakes.

When towing a trailer with brakes.

AT models When towing a trailer with-

out brakes.

When towing a trailer with brakes.

When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade continu- ously for over 5 miles (8 km) with an outside temperature of 104°F (40°C) or above.

Maximum total trailer

weight

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

1,000 lbs (453 kg)

2,400 lbs (1,087 kg)

1,200 lbs (543 kg)

(cid:84) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle

Weight Rating (GVWR)

Driving tips

UB8038BA

GVWR is shown on the certification label located on the driver’s door of your vehicle.

UB8043BA

Gross Vehicle Weight

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the combined total of the weight of the vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment installed on your vehicle. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. Determine the GVW each time before going on a trip by putting your vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.

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Driving tips

(cid:84) Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle

Weight Rating (GAWR)

UB8039BA

Gross Axle Weight

The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must nev- er exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating passengers and luggage inside the vehicle.

UB8043BA

The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the cer- tification label. To check both GVWR and GAWR and to confirm that the total weight and weight distribution are within safe driving limits, you should have your vehicle and trailer weighed at a commercial weighing station. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

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(cid:84) Tongue load

Driving tips

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 per- cent of the total trailer weight and does not exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90 kg).

Tongue load

HS8019AA

If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load is taken off the rear axle of the towing vehicle. This may cause the rear wheels to skid, espe- cially during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced during cornering, resulting in over- steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

UB8040BB

1) Jack 2) Bathroom scale

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in the following illustration. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to position the tow- ing coupler at the height at which it would be during ac- tual towing, using a jack as shown.

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Driving tips

60%

40%

50% 50%

HS8021BB

F: Front

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front; approximate- ly 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distrib- ute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and right sides. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

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(cid:132) Trailer hitches

Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve- hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon- oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill- ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle could cause deterioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

(cid:121) Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment. (cid:121) Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bear- ings, wheels or tires.

The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-

mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer. If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.

(cid:132) Connecting a trailer (cid:84) Trailer brakes

(cid:121) Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. (cid:121) Do not directly connect your trailer’s hydrau- lic brake system to the hydraulic brake system in your vehicle. Direct connection would cause the vehicle’s brake performance to deteriorate

Driving tips

and could lead to an accident.

If your trailer’s total weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer is re- quired to be equipped with its own brake system. Elec- tric brakes or surge brakes are recommended, and must be installed properly. Check that your trailer’s brakes conform with Federal, state/province and/or other applicable regulations. Your SUBARU’s brake system is not designed to be tapped into the trailer’s hydraulic brake system. Please ask your SUBARU dealer and professional trailer supplier for more infor- mation about the trailer’s brake system. (cid:84) Trailer safety chains

Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Towing trailer without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.

In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball should break or become disconnected, the trailer could get

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Driving tips

loose and create a traffic safety hazard. For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and trailer with trailer safety chains. Pass the chains cross- ing each other under the trailer tongue to prevent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in case the trailer tongue should disconnect from the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking tight-turn situations into account; however, be careful not to let them drag on the ground. For more information about the safety chain connec- tion, refer to the instructions for your hitch and trailer. (cid:84) Side mirrors

standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without significant blind spots. If significant blind spots occur with the vehicle’s standard side mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/ province and/or other applicable regulations. (cid:84) Trailer lights

Direct splicing or other improper connection of trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electri- cal system and cause a malfunction of your ve- hicle’s lighting system.

Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical system requires modifications to the vehicle’s lighting circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wir- ing changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake lights and parking lights each time you hitch up. (cid:84) Tires

After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the

Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare

UB8041BA

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tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de- signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle.

Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated. The recommended cold tire pressure is shown on the vehicle placard attached to the driver’s side door jamb. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla- tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s specifications. In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat tire. If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.

Driving tips

(cid:132) Trailer towing tips

(cid:121) Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing a trailer in hilly country on hot days. (cid:121) When towing a trailer, steering, stability, stopping distance and braking performance will be different from normal operation. For safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution when towing a trailer and you should never speed. You should also keep the following tips in mind:

(cid:84) Before starting out on a trip (cid:121) Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount- ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar- ent, do not tow the trailer. (cid:121) Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail- er attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the front and down at the rear, check the total trailer weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then con- firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. (cid:121) Check that the tire pressures are correct. (cid:121) Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected properly. Confirm that.

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Driving tips

– the trailer tongue is connected properly to the hitch ball. – the trailer lights connector is connected properly and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi- cle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal lever is operated. – the safety chains are connected properly. – all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position. – the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a significant blind spot.

(cid:121) Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out on a trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping and backing up. (cid:84) Driving with a trailer (cid:121) You should allow for considerably more stopping distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of control. (cid:121) Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate en- gine revolution. (cid:121) Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane changes. (cid:121) Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor-

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mal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle. (cid:121) Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds can be due to weather conditions or the passing of large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradu- ally. (cid:121) When passing other vehicles, considerable dis- tance is required because of the added weight and length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.

1) Left turn 2) Right turn

HS8023BB

(cid:121) Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes prac- tice. 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. (cid:121) If the ABS warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have repairs performed immediately by the nearest SUBARU deal- er. (cid:84) Driving on grades (cid:121) Before going down a steep hill, slow down and shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent overheat- ing of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sudden downshifts. (cid:121) When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condition- er may turn off automatically to protect the engine from overheating. (cid:121) When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to the water temperature gauge pointer (for all vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT vehicles) since the engine and transmission are relatively prone to overheating under these conditions. If the water tem- perature gauge pointer approaches the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates, immediately switch off the air conditioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine

Driving tips

overheating” section in chapter 9, and “Warning and indicator lights” section in chapter 3. NOTE (Turbo models only) In a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, the engine is less likely to overheat with the “D” range selected than it is with the manual mode se- lected. (cid:121) If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid using 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 over- heat. (cid:121) Non-turbo models only: If your vehicle has an auto- matic transmission, place the selector lever as follows: Uphill slopes: “D” position Downhill slopes: A low-speed gear position to use en- gine braking (cid:84) Parking on a grade Always block the wheels under both vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But 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

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Driving tips

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 park- ing brake; slowly release the regular brakes. 5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission) or “P” (automatic transmission) and shut off the en- gine.

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In case of emergency