Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Subaru Outback F6-3.6L DOHCFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Engine Oil: Service and Repair
REPLACEMENT
CAUTION:
If the engine oil is spilt over exhaust pipe or the under cover, wipe it off with cloth to avoid emitting smoke or causing a fire.
1) Open the engine oil filler cap for quick draining of engine oil.
2) Lift up the vehicle.
3) Remove the under cover.
4) Drain engine oil by loosening the engine oil drain plug.
NOTE:
Prepare the container for draining of engine oil.

5) Tighten the engine oil drain plug after draining engine oil.
NOTE:
Use a new drain plug gasket.
Tightening torque:
44 Nm (4.5 kgf-m, 32.5 ft-lb)
6) Install the under cover.
7) Lower the vehicle.
8) Using engine oil of proper quality and viscosity, fill engine oil through the oil filler duct to the "F" line on level gauge. Make sure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface when checking oil level.
Recommended oil:
Refer to "SPECIFICATION" for recommended oil.
Engine oil capacity:
Refer to "SPECIFICATION" for engine oil capacity.
9) Close the engine oil filler cap.
10) Start the engine to circulate the oil in engine room.
11) After the engine stops, recheck the oil level. If necessary, add engine oil up to the "F" line on level gauge.

CAUTION:
If the engine oil is spilt over exhaust pipe or the under cover, wipe it off with cloth to avoid emitting smoke or causing a fire.
1) Open the engine oil filler cap for quick draining of engine oil.
2) Lift up the vehicle.
3) Remove the under cover.
4) Drain engine oil by loosening the engine oil drain plug.
NOTE:
Prepare the container for draining of engine oil.
5) Tighten the engine oil drain plug after draining engine oil.
NOTE:
Use a new drain plug gasket.
Tightening torque:
44 Nm (4.5 kgf-m, 32.5 ft-lb)
6) Install the under cover.
7) Lower the vehicle.
8) Using engine oil of proper quality and viscosity, fill engine oil through the oil filler duct to the "F" line on level gauge. Make sure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface when checking oil level.
Recommended oil:
Refer to "SPECIFICATION" for recommended oil.
Engine oil capacity:
Refer to "SPECIFICATION" for engine oil capacity.
9) Close the engine oil filler cap.
10) Start the engine to circulate the oil in engine room.
11) After the engine stops, recheck the oil level. If necessary, add engine oil up to the "F" line on level gauge.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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