2020 Subaru Outback BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Engine Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
  1. Remove the striker assembly front hood. Refer to EXTERIOR BODY PANELS>Front Hood>DISASSEMBLY .
  2. Fully open the panel COMPL front hood. Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>STAY ASSEMBLY FRONT HOOD .
  3. Release the fuel pressure. Refer to FUEL INJECTION (FUEL SYSTEMS) (H4DOTC)>Fuel>PROCEDURE>RELEASING OF FUEL PRESSURE .
  4. Open the fuel filler lid and remove the fuel filler cap.
    NOTE: This operation is required to release the inner pressure of the fuel tank.
  5. Disconnect the ground terminal from battery sensor. Refer to REPAIR CONTENTS>NOTE>BATTERY .
  6. Collect the refrigerant. Refer to AIR CONDITIONER>Refrigerant Recovery Procedure>PROCEDURE .
  7. Remove the radiator. Refer to COOLING (H4DOTC)>Radiator>REMOVAL .
  8. Remove the crossmember support rear RH. Refer to FRONT SUSPENSION>Crossmember Support>REMOVAL .
  9. Remove the intake duct No. 1 and intake duct No. 2. Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>Intake Duct>REMOVAL>INTAKE DUCT NO. 1 . Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>Intake Duct>REMOVAL>INTAKE DUCT NO. 2 .
  10. Remove the intercooler. Refer to INTAKE (INDUCTION) (H4DOTC)>Intercooler>REMOVAL .
  11. Disconnect the connector (A), connector (B), connector (C) and terminal (D), and remove the clip (E) and clip (F).
  12. Disconnect the hose - pressure suction and the hose - pressure discharge from the A/C compressor. Refer to AIR CONDITIONER>Hose and Pipe>REMOVAL .
    G13620085Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  13. Remove clip (A) securing battery cable assembly.
  14. Remove the claw (B) securing the battery cable assembly, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with work.
    G13619540Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  15. Remove the connector (A) and connector (B) in numerical order shown in figure.
  16. Disconnect the connector (C), and remove the engine wiring harness from the clip (D).
    G13619541Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  17. Release the claw securing the engine wiring harness to the bracket, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with work.
    G13619542Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  18. Disconnect the heater inlet hose (A) and the heater outlet hose (B).
    G13620089Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  19. Disconnect the connector (A), connector (B) and connector (C), and remove the clip (D) and clip (E).
  20. Remove the bolts securing the vacuum pipe to the engine rear hanger.
    G13620090Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  21. Remove the pitching stopper. Refer to CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (TR690)>Transmission Mounting System>REMOVAL>PITCHING STOPPER .
  22. Disconnect the water hose (A) from CVTF cooler (with warmer feature).
  23. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose (B) from the brake vacuum pump, and place it aside so that it does not interfere with the work.
    G13620091Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  24. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to EXHAUST (H4DOTC)>Front Exhaust Pipe>REMOVAL .
  25. Disconnect the ground cord on the engine side.
    G13620092Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  26. Disconnect the water hose from CVTF cooler (with warmer feature), and remove the lower bolt securing the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature) to the CVT.
    G13198681Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  27. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mounting to the crossmember COMPL front.
    G13620094Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  28. Remove the bolts and nuts which hold the lower side of transmission to the engine.
    G09480208Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  29. Lower the vehicle.
  30. Remove the upper bolt securing the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature) to the CVT, and move the CVTF cooler (with warmer feature) at the locations that do not interfere operation.
    G13620096Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  31. Remove the starter. Refer to STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEMS (H4DOTC)>Starter>REMOVAL .
  32. Separate the torque converter assembly from drive plate.
    1. Remove the plug from the service hole.
      G13198685Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Insert the wrench into the crank pulley bolt, and rotate the crank pulley to remove the bolts (4 places) securing the torque converter assembly to the drive plate.
      G13198686Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Attach the ST to the converter case.

      Preparation tool: 

      ST: STOPPER SET (498277200)

    G13198687Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  33. Disconnect the fuel delivery tube and evaporation hose.
    CAUTION:
    • Be careful not to spill fuel.
    • Catch the fuel from the tubes using a container or cloth.
    1. Disconnect the evaporation hose (A) from the vacuum pipe assembly.
    2. Remove the clip (B) from the intake manifold assembly, and disconnect the quick connector of the fuel delivery tube (C) from the fuel pipe.
    NOTE: Disconnect the quick connector as shown in the figure.
    G13620100Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    G13198689Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  34. Separate the engine and transmission.
    CAUTION: Before removing the engine away from transmission, check to be sure no work has been overlooked.
    1. Using the ST1, install the ST2 to the engine unit.

      Preparation tool: 

      ST1: BOLT (18363AA050)

      ST2: HANGER (18360AA040)

      Tightening torque: 

      43 N.m (4.4 kgf-m, 31.7 ft-lb)

      G13620102Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    2. Support the engine with a lifting device and wire ropes.
      G13620103Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    3. Support the transmission with a garage jack.
      CAUTION: Be sure to perform this procedure to prevent the transmission from lowering by its own weight.
      G13620104Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
    4. Remove the bolts which hold the upper side of the transmission to the engine.
    G09480221Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  35. Remove the engine from the vehicle.
    NOTE: Be careful not to damage adjacent parts or body panels with crank pulley, oil level gauge, etc.
    1. Slightly raise the engine.
    2. Raise the transmission with garage jack.
    3. Move the engine horizontally until engine is withdrawn from transmission.
    4. Slowly move the engine away from engine compartment.
  36. Remove the engine mounting from the engine.
  37. Remove the ST1 and ST2 from the engine unit.
G13620102Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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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.