Subaru Legacy (2022 year). Manual in english — page 31

(495,1)

11-1. Maintenance Schedule

U.S. models

The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet.” For details, read the
separate “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet.”

Canada models

The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Service
Booklet.” For details, read the separate
“Warranty and Service Booklet.”

Except for U.S. and Canada models

Some items of your vehicle are required to
be serviced at scheduled intervals. For
details about your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet.”

11-2. Maintenance Precau-
tions

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

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

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

WARNING

.

Testing of an All-Wheel Drive

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

.

Always select a safe area when

performing maintenance on your

vehicle.

.

Always be very careful to avoid

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

.

Your vehicle should only be ser-

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

.

Always use the proper tools and

make certain that they are well
maintained.

.

Never get under the vehicle sup-

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

.

Never keep the engine running in

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

.

Do not smoke or allow open

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

.

Because the fuel system is under

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

– CONTINUED –

Maintenance Schedule

493

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(496,1)

.

Wear adequate eye protection to

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

.

Do not tamper with the wiring of

the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
erative. NEVER use a circuit tes-
ter for these wiring. If your SRS
airbag or seatbelt pretensioner
needs service, consult your near-
est SUBARU dealer.

.

Check the inside of the engine

compartment to see if there are
any cloths and tools left. If they
are left inside, they may be a
cause of malfunction and fire.

NOTE

SUBARU does not endorse the use of
non-SUBARU approved flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against
performing these services on a
SUBARU vehicle. Non-SUBARU ap-
proved flushing systems use chemi-
cals and/or solvents which have not
been tested or approved by SUBARU.

SUBARU warranties do not cover any
part of the vehicle which is damaged by
adding or applying chemicals and/or
solvents other than those approved or
recommended by SUBARU.

&

Before Checking or Servicing
in the Engine Compartment

WARNING

.

Always stop the engine and apply

the parking brake to prevent the
vehicle from moving.

.

Always let the engine cool down.

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

.

Do not spill engine oil, engine

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

.

When the ignition switch is in the

“ON” position, the cooling fan
may operate suddenly even when
the engine is stopped. If your
body or clothes come into con-
tact with a rotating fan, that could
result in serious injury. To avoid
risk of injury, perform the follow-

ing precautions.

– Models with push-button start

system:
Always turn the push-button
ignition switch to the “OFF”
position and confirm that the
operation indicator on the
switch is turned off. Then take
the access key fob out from
the vehicle.

– Models without push-button

start system:
Always remove the key from
the ignition switch.

.

Before performing any servicing

on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system tem-
porarily place that system in the
service mode to prevent it from
unexpectedly starting the engine.

Maintenance Precautions

494

(497,1)

&

When Checking or Servicing
in the Engine Compartment

CAUTION

.

Do not contact the belt cover

while checking the components
in the engine compartment.
Doing so may cause your hand
to slip off the belt cover and
result in an unexpected injury.

.

Do not touch the oil filter until the

engine has cooled down comple-
tely. Doing so may result in a burn
or other injury. Note that the oil
filter becomes very hot when the
engine is running and remains
hot for some time after the engine
has stopped.

&

When Checking or Servicing
in the Engine Compartment
While the Engine Is Running

WARNING

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

11-3. Maintenance Tips

Some clips and fender linings must be
removed before replacing the air cleaner
elements or specific bulbs.

&

Removing and Reinstalling
Clips

!

Removing clips

There are several types of clips used for
your vehicle.

!

Type A and D clips

Type A clips

– CONTINUED –

Maintenance Tips

495

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(498,1)

Type D clips

1. Turn the clips counterclockwise using
a flat-head screwdriver until the center
portion of the clip is raised.
2. Remove the clips with a flat-head
screwdriver using leverage.

!

Type B clips

1. Pull out the center portion of the clip
using a flat-head screwdriver as shown in
the illustration.
2. Pull the protruded center portion to
remove the entire body of the clip.

!

Type C clips

1. Turn the clip counterclockwise using a
Phillips screwdriver until the center portion
of the clip is raised.
2. Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.

Maintenance Tips

496

(499,1)

!

Reinstalling clips

Type A clips

Type B clips

Type C clips

Type D clips

Insert the clip without the center portion
first and then push the center portion of the
clip into the hole.

11-4. Engine Hood

CAUTION

.

Be extremely careful not to catch

fingers or other objects when
closing the engine hood.

.

Do not push the hood forcibly to

close it. It could deform the metal.

.

Be extremely careful opening the

engine hood when the wind is
strong. The engine hood could
close suddenly, possibly causing
injuries from slamming.

.

Do not install accessories other

than genuine SUBARU parts to
the engine hood. If the engine
hood becomes too heavy, the
stay may not be able to support
holding it open.

.

Check that the end of the hood

stay is inserted into the slot. If it is
not inserted properly, the hood
may drop and cause injury.

– CONTINUED –

Engine Hood

497

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(500,1)

To open the hood:

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

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

3. Release the secondary hood lock by
moving the lever between the front grille
and the hood toward the left.

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

compartment.

To close the hood:

1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the
hood prop from the slot in the engine
compartment and return the prop to its
retainer.
2. Lower the hood to a height of approxi-
mately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
3. After closing the hood, be sure the
hood is securely locked.

If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.

WARNING

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

Engine Hood

498

(501,1)

11-5. Engine Compartment Overview

&

2.5 L Models

1)

Brake fluid reservoir (page 510)

2)

Main fuse box (page 527)

3)

Battery (page 526)

4)

Windshield washer tank (page 520)

5)

Engine oil filler cap (page 501)

6)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 504)

7)

Radiator cap (page 504)

8)

Engine oil filter (page 503)

9)

Engine oil level gauge (page 501)

10) Air cleaner case (page 506)

– CONTINUED –

Engine Compartment Overview

499

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(502,1)

&

2.4 L Models

1)

Brake fluid reservoir (page 510)

2)

Main fuse box (page 527)

3)

Battery (page 526)

4)

Windshield washer tank (page 520)

5)

Engine oil filler cap (page 501)

6)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 504)

7)

Radiator cap (page 504)

8)

Engine oil filter (page 503)

9)

Engine oil level gauge (page 501)

10) Air cleaner case (page 506)

Engine Compartment Overview

500

(503,1)

11-6. Engine Oil

CAUTION

.

If the level gauge is not pulled out

easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then pull it out. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.

.

Use only engine oil with the

recommended grade and vis-
cosity.

.

Be careful not to spill engine oil

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

&

Engine Oil Consumption

Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance in-
tervals:

.

When the engine is new and within the

break-in period

.

When the engine oil is of lower quality

.

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used

.

When engine braking is employed

(repeatedly)

.

When the engine is operated at high

engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)

.

When the engine is operated under

heavy loads (for extended periods of time)

.

When towing a trailer (Outback/Subaru

Outback Wilderness)

.

When the engine idles for extended

periods of time

.

When the vehicle is operated in stop

and go and/or heavy traffic situations

.

When the vehicle is used under severe

thermal conditions

.

When the vehicle accelerates and

decelerates frequently

Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil more
frequently. Different drivers in the same
car may experience different results. If
your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.

&

Checking the Oil Level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine. If you check the oil level
just after stopping the engine, wait for at
least 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan before checking the level.

2.5 L models

1)

Oil level gauge

2)

Oil filler cap

3)

Oil filter

– CONTINUED –

Engine Oil

501

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(504,1)

2.4 L models

1)

Oil level gauge

2)

Oil filler cap

3)

Oil filter

CAUTION

If the level gauge is not pulled out
easily, twist the level gauge right and
left, then pull it out. Otherwise, you
may be injured accidentally strain-
ing yourself.

2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,
and insert it again.
3. Be sure the level gauge is correctly
inserted until it stops.

2.5 L models

1)

Full level

2)

Low level

3)

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp
qt) from low level to full level

2.4 L models

1)

Full level

2)

Low level

3)

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp
qt) from low level to full level

4. Pull out the oil level gauge again.
5. Check the oil level on the gauge. If the
oil level is below the low level mark, add oil
so that the full level is reached.

CAUTION

.

Be careful not to touch the engine

oil filter when removing the oil
filler cap. Doing so may result in a
burn, a pinched finger, or may
cause some other injury.

.

Use only engine oil with the

recommended grade and vis-

Engine Oil

502

(505,1)

cosity.

.

Be careful not to spill engine oil

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

To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.

NOTE

.

To prevent overfilling the engine oil,

do not add any additional oil above the
full level when the engine is cold.

.

After adding or changing the engine

oil, warm up the engine and stop it on a
level surface, then start the engine after
a lapse of 1 minute or more. Confirm
that the warning light has turned off
after the engine has started. Refer to
“Engine Low Oil Level Warning Indica-
tor”

F

P185.

&

Changing the Oil and Oil Filter

Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet.”

NOTE

.

Changing the engine oil and oil filter

should be performed by a well-trained
expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Fully trained mechanics are on standby
at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the
special tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also, used
oils are properly disposed of.

.

If performing oil replacement your-

self, observe the local regulations and
dispose of waste oil properly.

&

Recommended Grade and
Viscosity

CAUTION

Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.

Refer to “Engine Oil”

F

P542.

NOTE

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.

&

Synthetic Oil

You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using syn-
thetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
Oil”

F

P542. Also, you must follow the oil

and filter changing intervals shown in the
“Warranty and Maintenance booklet.”

NOTE

Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.

Engine Oil

503

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(506,1)

11-7. Cooling System

WARNING

Never attempt to remove the radiator
cap until the engine has been shut
off and has cooled down completely.
Since the coolant is under pressure,
you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when
the cap is removed.

CAUTION

.

Vehicles are filled at the factory

with SUBARU SUPER COOLANT
that does not require the first
change for 11 years/137,500
miles (11 years/220,000 km). This
coolant should not be mixed with
any other brand or type of cool-
ant during this period. Mixing
with a different coolant will re-
duce the life of the coolant. When
necessary to top off the coolant
for any reason, use only SUBARU
SUPER COOLANT.

If SUBARU SUPER COOLANT is
diluted with another brand or
type, the maintenance interval is

shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.

.

Do not splash the engine coolant

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

&

Cooling Fan, Hose and Con-
nections

Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.

1)

Normal operating range

If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating

range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Refer to “Engine Coolant Tem-
perature Gauge”

F

P177.

Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer.

If the frequent addition of coolant is
necessary between vehicle service visits,
it is recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized
SUBARU dealer to check for leaks, da-
mage, or looseness.

&

Engine Coolant

!

Checking the coolant level

1)

“FULL” level mark

2)

“LOW” level mark

Cooling System

504

(507,1)

Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW” level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL” level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
coolant up to just below the filler neck as
shown in the following illustration.

1)

Fill up to this level.

3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the cap and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.

CAUTION

.

Be careful not to spill engine

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

.

Do not splash the engine coolant

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

!

Changing the coolant

It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.

The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet.”

Cooling System

505

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(508,1)

11-8. Air Cleaner Element

WARNING

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

CAUTION

When replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment, use a genuine SUBARU air
cleaner element. If it is not used,
there is the possibility of causing a
negative effect to the engine.

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

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

&

Replacing the Air Cleaner
Element

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

!

2.5 L models

1)

Clips

1. Unsnap the two clips holding the air
cleaner case (rear).

2. Open the air cleaner case and pull the
cover rearward while lifting it up.

3. Remove the air cleaner element.

CAUTION

If the inside of the air cleaner case is
extremely soiled (for example, by
sand), contact a SUBARU dealer and
have the air cleaner case cleaned.

4. If you find large foreign objects such as
leaves inside the air cleaner case, remove
the foreign objects.

Air Cleaner Element

506

(509,1)

5. Install a new air cleaner element in the
way the longitudinal side and the trans-
verse side face as shown in the illustration.

6. To install the air cleaner case (rear),
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case (rear) into the slits on the air

cleaner case (front).
7. Install in the reverse order of removal.

!

2.4 L models

1)

Clips

1. Unsnap the two clips holding the air
cleaner case (rear).

2. Open the air cleaner case and pull the
cover rearward while lifting it up.

3. Remove the air cleaner element.

CAUTION

If the inside of the air cleaner case is
extremely soiled (for example, by
sand), contact a SUBARU dealer and
have the air cleaner case cleaned.

4. If you find large foreign objects such as
leaves inside the air cleaner case, remove
the foreign objects.

– CONTINUED –

Air Cleaner Element

507

11

Maintenance

and

Service

(510,1)

5. Install a new air cleaner element in the
way the longitudinal side and the trans-
verse side face as shown in the illustration.

6. To install the air cleaner case (rear),
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case (rear) into the slits on the air

cleaner case (front).
7. Install the removed parts in the reverse
order of removal.

11-9. Spark Plugs

It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have the
spark plugs replaced by your SUBARU
dealer.

The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the “Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let.”

&

Recommended Spark Plugs

Refer to “Electrical System”

F

P546.

Spark Plugs

508