It's a stick. It goes through a tube down into a reservoir to measure fluid level. If it is so tight that you cannot get it out, that is bad. If it is so loose that it falls out or allows dirt and bugs to get into your transmission, that is bad and you should replace it. Otherwise, enjoy your Outback and for cryin' out loud use your turn signals when merging or changing lanes. It tells the rest of us that you know what you are doing.
The 2001 Subaru all back transmission dipstick is located behind the engine, in the engine compartment. The transmission dipstick should have a yellow handle.
in the tube the dipstick came out of
There is a diPstick at the front on the transmission differential
Facing the car, the transmission dipstick is to the left toward the firewall and near the bottom of the engine compartment. It's rather hidden! The handle should be yellow.
Pull the dipstick out, put a funnel into the tube where the dipstick was, open transmission fluid container, pour.
It should be.
Assuming you are asking about an automatic transmission Outback, the dipstick for the transmission is accessed from under the hood on the driver's side back close to the firewall. It is a bit low and obscured by hoses that pass above it. Look for a yellow loop handle. You fill the transmission through this dipstick tube.
The 2004 Subaru Outback has a 5-speed manual.
The 2002 Subaru Outback has a 5-speed manual.
The 2005 Subaru Outback has a 5-speed manual.
The 2013 Subaru Outback has a 6-speed manual.
The 2001 Subaru Outback has a 5-speed manual.