Auto User Guide

2023 Subaru Legacy Cooling system Guidelines

Subaru LOGOSubaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT 

The cooling system of the 2023 Subaru Legacy uses SUBARU SUPER COOLANT, which lasts for 11 years and 137,500 miles without needing to be changed, to efficiently regulate the engine’s temperature. A thermostatically regulated electric cooling fan is part of the system for best performance. Maintaining the coolant level between the “LOW” and “FULL” markings is imperative, particularly while the engine is cold. In order to prevent burns, the system emphasizes safety and warns against removing the radiator cover while the engine is hot. The car also requires particular parts, such as the differential gear oil, drive belts, and air cleaner element, all of which have various maintenance schedules and guidelines that are listed in the maintenance manual.

2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Cooling System

WARNING
Never 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 which does not require the first change for 11 years/137,500 miles (11 years/220,000 km). This coolant should not be mixed with any other brand or type of coolant during this period. Mixing with a different coolant will reduce the life of the coolant. 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 Connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is thermostatically controlled to operate when the engine coolant reaches a specific temperature.Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT

If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when the engine coolant temperature gauge exceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system checked by your SUBARU dealer. If 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, damage, or looseness.

Engine Coolant

Checking the coolant levelSubaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT

  1. “FULL” level mark
  2. “LOW” level mark

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 the coolant up to just below the filler neck as shown in the following illustration.

Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT

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. Has the coolant been changed by your SUBARU dealer if necessary? The coolant should be changed according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

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

CAUTION
When replacing the air cleaner element, use a genuine SUBARU air cleaner element. If it is not used, there is the possibility of causing a negative effect on 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 elements.

Replacing the Air Cleaner Element
Replace the air cleaner element according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it more frequently. It is recommended that you always use genuine SUBARU parts.Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT

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.
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT
  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 cleaned.
  4. If you find large foreign objects such as leaves inside the air cleaner case, remove the foreign objects.
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT
  5. Install a new air cleaner element in the way the longitudinal side and the transverse side face as shown in the illustration.
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT
  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 modelsSubaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT

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.
    Subaru Legacy 2023 Cooling system Touring XT
  5. Install a new air cleaner element in the way the longitudinal side and the transverse 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.

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 Booklet”.

Recommended Spark Plugs
It is unnecessary to check the deflection of the drive belt periodically because your engine is equipped with an automatic belt tension adjuster. However, the replacement of the belt should be done according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your SUBARU dealer for replacement. If the belt is loose, cracked or worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.

Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid
There is no fluid level gauge. It is unnecessary to check the continuously variable transmission fluid level. However, if necessary, consult your SUBARU dealer for inspection.

Front Differential Gear Oil and Rear Differential Gear Oil
It is not necessary to check the gear oil level. Check that there are no cracks, damage or leakage. However, the oil inspection should be performed according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

Recommended Grade and Viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together. For details, refer to “Front Differential and Rear Differential Gear Oil”

CAUTION
Using a differential gear oil other than the specified oil may cause a decline in vehicle performance.

FAQ

 

What type of coolant is used in the Legacy Touring XT?

It uses SUBARU SUPER COOLANT, which doesn’t require changing for 11 years/137,500 miles (11 years/220,000 km)​​.

How often should the coolant be changed?

According to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”​.

What should I do if the cooling fan doesn’t operate?

Check the fuse and replace it if necessary; if not resolved, have it checked by a SUBARU dealer​.

How do I check the coolant level?

Check at each fuel stop; ensure the level is between “FULL” and “LOW” marks on the reservoir when the engine is cool​.

Can I mix SUBARU SUPER COOLANT with other coolants?

No, mixing with other coolants can reduce the life of the coolant​.

What should I do if I need to top off the coolant?

Use only SUBARU SUPER COOLANT for topping off​.

Is it safe to open the radiator cap immediately after driving?

No, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has cooled down completely to avoid burns​.

What precautions should I take when adding coolant?

Avoid spilling on hot engine components to prevent fire hazards​.

Is there a fluid level gauge for the continuously variable transmission fluid?

No, and it is unnecessary to check the level; however, consult your dealer for inspection if necessary​.

Do I need to check the front and rear differential gear oil levels?

It’s not necessary to check the levels but to inspect for cracks, damage, or leakage​.

Should I check the drive belt deflection periodically?

No, the engine has an automatic belt tension adjuster, but replace the belt according to the maintenance schedule if it’s loose, cracked, or worn​.

What happens if I operate the engine without the air cleaner element?

It could lead to engine backfires and potential burns; always use a genuine SUBARU air cleaner element​.

How often should I replace the air cleaner element?

Replace it according to the maintenance schedule or more frequently under extremely dusty conditions​.

What are the risks of using non-SUBARU air cleaner elements?

Using non-genuine parts may negatively affect the engine and shorten its lifespan​.

Can the cooling system affect engine performance?

Yes, proper maintenance of the cooling system is crucial for optimal engine performance.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Legacy 2023 Touring XT User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html

2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

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