2012 Subaru Outback Premium, Automatic CVT TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Basic Diagnostic Procedure: Procedure: Engine

Step Check Yes No
1 CHECK ENGINE START FAILURE. 
  1. Ask the customer when and how the trouble occurred using the interview check list. Refer to , CHECK , Check List for Interview.
  2. Start the engine.
 Does the engine start? Go to step 2.  Inspection using "Diagnostics for Engine Start Failure". Refer to , DIAGNOSTICS FOR ENGINE STARTING FAILURE .
2 CHECK ILLUMINATION OF MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT.  Does the malfunction indicator light illuminate? Go to step 3.  Inspection using "General Diagnostic Table". Refer to , INSPECTION , General Diagnostic Table.
3 CHECK COMMUNICATION STATUS. 
  1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
  2. Connect the Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool to the data link connector.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON, and run the Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool.
NOTE:
  • Subaru Select Monitor

    For detailed procedures, refer to "Subaru Select Monitor". Refer to , SUBARU SELECT MONITOR .

  • General scan tool

    For detailed operation procedures, refer to the general scan tool operation manual.

 Does Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool communicate with vehicle normally? Go to step 4.  Inspection using LAN system "Diagnostic Procedure with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)". Refer to COMMUNICATION FOR INITIALIZING IMPOSSIBLE, DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) .
4 CHECK DTC. 
Read DTC using Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool.
NOTE:
  • Subaru Select Monitor

    Refer to "Read Diagnostic Trouble Code" for detailed operation procedure. Refer to , READ DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) .

  • General scan tool

    For detailed operation procedures, refer to the general scan tool operation manual.

 Is DTC displayed on Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool? Record the DTC. Repair the trouble cause. Refer to , LIST OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) . Go to step 5.  Repair the related parts.
NOTE: If DTC is not shown on display although the malfunction indicator light illuminates, perform the diagnosis of malfunction indicator light circuit or combination meter. Refer to , MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT .
5 CHECK FREEZE FRAME DATA. 
Check the freeze frame data using the Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool.
NOTE:
  • Subaru Select Monitor

    For detailed procedures, refer to "Subaru Select Monitor". Refer to , SUBARU SELECT MONITOR .

  • General scan tool

    For detailed operation procedures, refer to the general scan tool operation manual.

 Is freeze frame data displayed on Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool? Record the freeze frame data. Repair the cause of fault, and go to the next step. Go to step 6.  Go to step 6. 
6 PERFORM DIAGNOSIS. 
  1. Perform the Clear Memory Mode. Refer to , CLEAR MEMORY MODE .
  2. Perform the Inspection Mode or Drive Cycle. Refer to , INSPECTION MODE . Refer to , DRIVE CYCLE .
 Is DTC displayed on Subaru Select Monitor or general scan tool? Inspect using "Diagnostic Procedure with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)". Refer to , DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) . Finish the diagnosis.
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.