Tie-down hooks:
To prevent deformation to the front bumper and the towing hook, do not apply excessive lateral load to the towing hook.
1) Tie-down hook 2) Towing and tie-down hook
900274
900064
This is the best way to transport your vehi-
cle. Use the following procedures to en-
sure safe transportation.
1. Shift the selector lever into the P po-
sition for automatic transmission vehicles
CONTINUED
Do not run the engine while being
towed using this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if
the vehicle is towed with the en-
gine running.
For vehicles with automatic trans-
mission, the traveling speed must
be limited to less than 20 mph (30
km/h) and the traveling distance
to less than 31 miles (50 km). For
greater speeds and distances,
transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.
9-14 In case of emergency
or 1st for manual transmission vehicles. 2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly. 3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each safety chain should be equally tightened and care must be taken not to pull the chains so tightly that the suspension bottoms out.
If your vehicle has a front under- spoiler and rear underspoiler (both optional), be careful not to scrape them when placing the vehicle on the carrier and when removing the vehicle from the carrier. Towing with all wheels on the ground
900065
1. Check the transmission and differential oil levels and add oil to bring it to the upper level if necessary. 2. Release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. 3. The ignition switch should be in the ACC position while the vehicle is being towed. 4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Never turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position while the ve- hicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked. Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not func- tion when the engine is not run- ning. Because is turned off, it will take greater ef- fort to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel.
the engine
If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flat- bed truck.
Rear gate if the rear gate cannot be unlocked
In the event that you cannot unlock the rear gate by operating the power door locking switches or the remote keyless en- try system, you can unlock it from inside the cargo area.
900066
1. Remove the access cover at the bot-
tom-center of the rear gate trim.
2. Locate the rear gate lock release lever
behind the rear gate trim panel.
900067
3. Unlock the rear gate by pressing the le-
ver inside the trim to the left.
4. Open the rear gate from outside by
raising the rear gate handle.
In case of emergency 9-15
Moonroof if the moonroof
cannot be closed
If the moonroof cannot be closed with the moonroof switch, you can close the moon- roof manually. 1. Take out the hex-headed wrench from the glove compartment and screwdriver from the tool bag.
900068
2. Remove the map light lens by prying
the edge of the lens using a flat-head
screwdriver.
3. Remove the two screws that retain the
moonroof switch body. Then, remove the
moonroof switch.
CONTINUED
9-16 In case of emergency
Maintenance tools
Jack and jack handle
900069
4. Insert the wrench in the end of the mo-
tor shaft.
To lower the moonroof, turn the wrench
clockwise.
To close the moonroof, turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
Have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
900070
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
maintenance tools:
Screwdriver Towing hook (eye bolt) Wheel nut wrench Hex-headed wrench moonroof)
(vehicles with
900049
The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk (Sedan) or cargo area (Wagon). To take out the jack, turn the jackscrew counterclockwise to loosen it, then re-
In case of emergency 9-17
move the jack.
Sedan 1) Jack 2) Jack handle 3) Spare tire
900268
Wagon 1) Jack 2) Jack handle 3) Spare tire The jack handle is stored under the spare tire cover. For how to use the jack, refer to Flat tires section in this chapter.
900267
Appearance care
Most common causes of corrosion ...................... To help prevent corrosion .....................................
Washing ................................................................... Waxing and polishing ............................................. Cleaning aluminum wheels ....................................
Exterior care ....................................................... 10-2
10-2
10-3
10-3
Corrosion protection .......................................... 10-4
10-4
10-4
Cleaning the interior .......................................... 10-5
10-5
10-5
10-5
Seat fabric ............................................................... Leather seat materials ............................................ Synthetic leather upholstery ................................. Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, and switches ..................
10-6
10
10-2 Appearance care Exterior care
Washing
Appearance care
When washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, the brake stopping distance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do not wash the engine compart- ment and area adjacent to it. If wa- ter enters the engine air intake, electrical parts or the power steer- ing fluid reservoir, it will cause en- gine trouble or faulty power steer- ing respectively.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a rear wiper, automatic car- wash brushes could become tan- gled around it, damaging the wip- er arm and other components. Ask the automatic car-wash oper- ator not to let the brushes touch the wiper arm or to fix the wiper arm on the rear window glass with adhesive tape before operating the machine (Wagon models only).
800278
(WRX-STI) Do not hold the roof vane such as when washing the vehicle roof or trying to move the vehicle. Doing so could break the roof vane. NOTE When having your vehicle washed in an automatic car wash, make sure be- forehand that the car wash is of suit- able type. The best way to preserve your vehicles beauty is frequent washing. Wash the ve- hicle at least once a month to avoid con- tamination by road grime. Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash the vehicle with hot water and in direct sunlight. Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree sap, and bird droppings should be washed off by using a light detergent, as required. If you use a light detergent, make certain that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use strong soap or chemical detergents. All cleaning agents should be promptly flushed from the surface and not allowed to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly
with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the remaining water off with a chamois or soft cloth.
Washing the underbody
Chemicals, salts and gravel used for deic- ing road surfaces are extremely corrosive, accelerating the corrosion of underbody components, such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders, and suspension. Thoroughly flush the underbody and in- side of the fenders with lukewarm or cold water at frequent intervals to reduce the harmful effects of such agents. Mud and sand adhering to the underbody components may accelerate their corro- sion. After driving off-road or on muddy or sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off the underbody. Carefully flush the sus- pension and axle parts, as they are partic- ularly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do not use a sharp-edged tool to remove caked mud. NOTE Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor harnesses, and other parts when washing suspension compo- nents.
ly.
Using a warm water washer Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more between the washer nozzle and the vehicle.
Do not wash the same area continuous-
If a stain will not come out easily, wash by hand. Some warm water washers are of the high temperature, high pressure type, and they can damage or deform the resin parts such as mouldings, or cause water to leak into the vehicle.
Waxing and polishing
Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and polishing. Use a good quality polish and wax and ap- ply them according to the manufacturers instructions. Wax or polish when the paint- ed surface is cool. Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim, as well as the painted surfaces. Loss of wax on a painted surface leads to loss of the original luster and also quickens the deterioration of the surface. It is recom- mended that a coat of wax be applied at least once a month, or whenever the sur- face no longer repels water. If the appearance of the paint has dimin- ished to the point where the luster or tone
Appearance care 10-3
cannot be restored, lightly polish the sur- face with a fine-grained compound. Never polish just the affected area, but include the surrounding area as well. Always pol- ish in only one direction. A No. 2000 grain compound is recommended. Never use a coarse-grained compound. Coarser grained compounds have a smaller grain- size number and could damage the paint. After polishing with a compound, coat with wax to restore the original luster. Frequent polishing with a compound or an incorrect polishing technique will result in removing the paint layer and exposing the under- coat. When in doubt, it is always best to contact your SUBARU dealer or an auto paint specialist. NOTE Be careful not to block the windshield washer nozzles with wax when waxing the vehicle.
Cleaning aluminum wheels Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels clean of any kind of grime or agent. If dirt is left on too long, it may be difficult to clean off.
Do not use soap containing grit to clean the wheels. Be sure to use a neutral clean- ing agent, and later rinse thoroughly with water. Do not clean the wheels with a stiff
CONTINUED
10-4 Appearance care
brush or expose them to a high-speed washing device.
Clean the vehicle (including the alumi- num wheels) with water as soon as possi- ble when it has been splashed with sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or driven on roads treated with salt or other agents.
Corrosion protection
Your SUBARU has been designed and built to resist corrosion. Special materials and protective finishes have been used on most parts of the vehicle to help maintain fine appearance, strength, and reliable operation.
Most common causes of cor- rosion
The most common causes of corrosion are: 1. The accumulation of moisture retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas. 2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor accidents. Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle when: 1. It is exposed to road salt or dust control chemicals, or used in coastal areas where there is more salt in the air, or in areas where there is considerable industrial pol- lution. 2. It is driven in areas of high humidity, es- pecially when temperatures range just above freezing. 3. Dampness in certain parts of the vehi- cle remains for a long time, even though
other parts of the vehicle may be dry. 4. High temperatures will cause corrosion to parts of the vehicle which cannot dry quickly due to lack of proper ventilation.
To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent cor- rosion of the body and suspension com- ponents. Also, wash the vehicle promptly after driving on any of the following surfac- es:
roads that have been salted to prevent
them from freezing in winter
mud, sand, or gravel coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recom- mended that the underbody be given a very thorough washing. Before the beginning of winter, check the condition of underbody components, such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, suspension, steering system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of them are found to be rusted, they should be given an appropriate rust prevention treatment or should be replaced. Contact your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind of maintenance and treatment if you need assistance. Repair chips and scratches in the paint as
soon as you find them. Check the interior of the vehicle for water and dirt accumulation under the floor mats because that could cause corrosion. Oc- casionally check under the mats to make sure the area is dry. Keep your garage dry. Do not park your vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated ga- rage. In such a garage, corrosion can be caused by dampness. If you wash the ve- hicle in the garage or put the vehicle into the garage when wet or covered with snow, that can cause dampness. If your vehicle is operated in cold weather and/or in areas where road salts and other corrosive materials are used, the door hinges and locks, trunk lid lock, and hood latch should be inspected and lubricated periodically.
Cleaning the interior
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate control panel, audio equipment, instru- ment panel, center console, combination meter panel, and switches. (Do not use or- ganic solvents.) Seat fabric
Remove loose dirt, dust or debris with a vacuum cleaner. If the dirt is caked on the fabric or hard to remove with a vacuum cleaner, use a soft blush then vacuum it. Wipe the fabric surface with a tightly wrung cloth and dry the seat fabric thor- oughly. If the fabric is still dirty, wipe using a solution of mild soap and lukewarm wa- ter then dry thoroughly. If the stain does not come out, try a com- mercially-available fabric cleaner. Use the cleaner on a hidden place and make sure it does not affect the fabric adversely. Use the cleaner according to its instructions. NOTE When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine, paint thinner, or any similar materials.
Leather seat materials
The leather used by SUBARU is a high
Appearance care 10-5
quality natural product which will retain its distinctive appearance and feel for many years with proper care. Allowing dust or road dirt to build up on the surface can cause the material to become brittle and to wear prematurely. Regular cleaning with a soft, moist, natural fiber cloth should be performed monthly, taking care not to soak the leather or allow water to penetrate the stitched seams. A mild detergent suitable for cleaning woolen fabrics may be used to remove dif- ficult dirt spots, rubbing with a soft, dry cloth afterwards to restore the luster. If your SUBARU is to be parked for a long time in bright sunlight, it is recommended that the seats and headrests be covered, or the windows shaded, to prevent fading or shrinkage. Minor surface blemishes or bald patches may be treated with a commercial leather spray lacquer. You will discover that each leather seat section will develop soft folds or wrinkles, which is characteristic of gen- uine leather.
Synthetic leather upholstery The synthetic leather material used on the SUBARU may be cleaned using mild soap or detergent and water, after first vacuum- ing or brushing away loose dirt. Allow the soap to soak in for a few minutes and wipe CONTINUED
10-6 Appearance care
off with a clean, damp cloth. Commercial foam-type cleaners suitable for synthetic leather materials may be used when nec- essary. NOTE Strong cleaning agents such as sol- vents, paint thinners, window cleaner or gasoline must never be used on leather or synthetic interior materials. Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, con- sole panel, and switches
Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate control panel, audio equipment, instru- ment panel, center console, combination meter panel, and switches. NOTE Do not use organic solvents such as paint thinners or gasoline, or strong cleaning agents that contain those sol- vents.
11-4
Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions .................................. 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment ........................................................ When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .........
Non-turbo models ................................................... Turbo models ..........................................................
11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview ......................... 11-6
11-6
11-7
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-8
11-8
Checking the oil level .............................................
Changing the oil and oil filter ................................
11-8
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions .................................... 11-11
Synthetic oil ............................................................ 11-11
Cooling system .................................................. 11-12
Cooling fan, hose and connections ...................... 11-12
Engine coolant ........................................................ 11-12
Air cleaner element ............................................ 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ......................... 11-15
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-17
Recommended spark plugs ................................... 11-17
Drive belts ........................................................... 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................... 11-18
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-18
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-19
Maintenance and service
Automatic transmission fluid ............................ 11-20
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-20
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ............ 11-21
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-22
Rear differential gear oil .................................... 11-22
Checking the gear oil level .................................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-23
Power steering fluid ........................................... 11-24
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-24
Brake fluid ........................................................... 11-25
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ..................................... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) .................................. 11-26
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid .................................... 11-26
Brake booster ..................................................... 11-27
Brake pedal ......................................................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play ...................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-27
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) ................................ 11-28
Checking the clutch function ................................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play ..................... 11-28
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............... 11-28
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .......... 11-29
Parking brake stroke .......................................... 11-29
11
Trunk light ............................................................... 11-51
High mount stop light ............................................ 11-51
Maintenance and service
Tires and wheels ................................................ 11-30
Types of tires .......................................................... 11-30
Tire inspection ........................................................ 11-30
Tire pressures and wear ........................................ 11-30
Wheel balance ........................................................ 11-32
Wear indicators ....................................................... 11-33
Tire rotation ............................................................. 11-33
Tire replacement ..................................................... 11-33
Wheel replacement ................................................. 11-34
Aluminum wheels ............................................... 11-35
Intercooler water spray (WRX-STI) ................... 11-35
Windshield washer fluid .................................... 11-36
Replacement of wiper blades ............................ 11-37
Windshield wiper blades assembly ...................... 11-37
Windshield wiper blade rubber ............................. 11-38
Rear window wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-38
Rear window wiper blade rubber .......................... 11-39
Battery ................................................................. 11-40
Fuses ................................................................... 11-41
Main fuse ............................................................. 11-43
Installation of accessories ................................ 11-43
Replacing bulbs .................................................. 11-44
Headlights (WRX-STI) ............................................. 11-45
Headlights (Except WRX-STI) ................................ 11-46
Front turn signal light bulbs .................................. 11-48
Parking light ............................................................ 11-48
Front fog light ......................................................... 11-48
Rear combination lights ......................................... 11-48
License plate light .................................................. 11-50
Dome light, map light and cargo area light .......... 11-50
Maintenance schedule
Maintenance and service
Maintenance precautions
The scheduled maintenance items re- quired to be serviced at regular intervals are shown in the Warranty and Mainte- nance Booklet. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the separate Warranty and Mainte- nance Booklet.
When maintenance and service are re- quired, it is recommended that all work be done by an authorized SUBARU dealer. If you perform maintenance and service by yourself, you should familiarize your- self with the information provided in this section on general maintenance and ser- vice for your SUBARU. Incorrect or incomplete service could cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera- tion. Any problems caused by improper maintenance and service performed by you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive ve- hicle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamome- ter or similar apparatus. Attempt- ing to do so will result in transmis- sion damage and in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an accident or injuries to persons nearby. Always select a safe area when performing maintenance on your vehicle.
Maintenance and service 11-3
Always be very careful to avoid in- jury when working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the mate- rials in the vehicle may be hazard- ous if improperly used or handled, for example, battery acid. Your vehicle should only be ser- viced by persons fully competent to do so. Serious personal injury may result to persons not experi- enced in servicing vehicles. Always use the proper tools and make certain that they are well maintained. Never get under the vehicle sup- ported only by a jack. Always use a safety stands to support the ve- hicle. Never keep the engine running in a poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or other closed areas. Do not smoke or allow open flames around the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire. Because the fuel system is under pressure, replacement of the fuel filter should be performed only by your SUBARU dealer.
CONTINUED
11-4 Maintenance and service
Wear adequate eye protection to guard against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If something does get in your eyes, thoroughly wash them out with clean water. Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or attempt to take its connectors apart, as that may activate the system or it can render it inoperative. The wir- ing and connectors of these sys- tems are yellow for easy identifi- cation. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring. If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pre- tensioner needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU dealer. Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment
Always stop the engine and set the parking brake firmly to pre- vent the vehicle from moving.
Always let the engine cool down. Engine parts become very hot when the engine is running and remain hot for some time after the engine is stopped. Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components. This may cause a fire. Always remove the key from the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the cooling fan may operate suddenly even when the engine is stopped. When you do checking or ser- vicing in the engine compart- ment while the engine is run- ning
A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away from the cooling fan, belts and any other moving en- gine parts. Removing rings, watch- es and ties is advisable.
Engine hood
B00002
To open the hood: 1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the windshield, return them to their original positions. 2. Pull the hood release knob under the instrument panel.
Maintenance and service 11-5
hood prop into the slot in the hood. To close the hood: 1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and re- turn the prop to its retainer. 2. Lower the hood until it approaches ap- proximately 12 in (30 cm) from the closed position and let it drop. After closing the hood, be sure the hood is securely locked. If this does not close the hood, release it from a slightly higher position. Do not push the hood forcibly to close it. It could deform the metal.
Always check that the hood is prop- erly locked before you start driving. If it is not, it might fly open while the vehicle is moving and block your view, which may cause an accident and serious bodily injury.
3. Release the secondary hood release located under the front grille by moving the lever toward the left.
B00447
B00448
Lift up the hood, release the hood prop
from its retainer and put the end of the
11-6 Maintenance and service Engine compartment overview
Non-turbo models
13
12
11
10
B00464
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15) 2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-18) or Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21) 3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26) 4) Automatic transmission fluid level
gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25) 6) Fuse box (page 11-41) 7) Battery (page 11-40) 8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-36) 9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8) 11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8) 12) Radiator cap (page 11-12) 13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
12)
11-24)
Turbo models
13
12
11
10
B00466
Maintenance and service 11-7
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15) 2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-18) or Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21) 3) Automatic transmission fluid level
gauge (page 11-20)
4) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26) 5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25) 6) Fuse box (page 11-41) 7) Battery (page 11-40) 8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-36) 9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8) 10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8) 12) Radiator cap (page 11-12) 13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
12)
11-24)
11-8 Maintenance and service Engine oil
Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
B00467
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. 3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly insert- ed until the graphic symbol top appearing as shown in the illustration.
it stops with
on
its
B00418
1) Notch 2) Upper level 3) Lower level 4. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the up- per level.
Use only engine oil with the rec- ommended grade and viscosity. Be careful not to spill engine oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If en- gine oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
If you check the oil level just after stopping the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the level. Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the engine oil level reading may be in a range between the upper level and the notch mark. This is caused by thermal expansion of the engine oil. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper lev- el when the engine is cold.
Changing the oil and oil filter Change the oil and oil filter according to the maintenance schedule in the Warran- ty and Maintenance Booklet. The engine oil and oil filter must be changed more frequently than listed in the maintenance schedule when driving on dusty roads, when short trips are frequent- ly made, or when driving in extremely cold whether. 1. Warm up the engine by letting the en- gine idle for approximately 10 minutes to ease draining the engine oil. 2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. 3. Remove the oil filler cap.
warm. The used oil should be drained into an appropriate container and disposed of properly.
Be careful not to burn yourself with hot engine oil. 5. Wipe the seating surface of the drain plug with a clean cloth and tighten it se- curely with a new sealing washer after the oil has completely drained out. 6. Remove under cover.
Turbo models
B00449
Non-turbo models 4. Drain out the engine oil by removing the drain plug while the engine is still
B00450
Turbo models
B00451
Maintenance and service 11-9
B00452
Non-turbo models 7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. 8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a thin coat of engine oil to the seal. 9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of the bottom of engine and install the oil fil- ter by hand turning. Be careful not to twist or damage the seal. 10.Tighten the oil filter by the amount indi- cated in the following table after the seal makes contact with the bottom of engine.
CONTINUED
11-10 Maintenance and service
Oil filter color Part number Amount of ro-
tation
Black
White
1 rotation
15208AA100
15208AA09A 2/3 3/4 rota-
tion
Never over tighten the oil filter be- cause that can result in an oil leak. Thoroughly wipe off any engine oil that has spilled over the ex- haust pipe and/or under-cover. If left unremoved, the oil could catch fire.
11.Reinstall under cover. 12.Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
refilling the engine with oil, therefore, you must the dipstick to confirm that the level is correct. 13.Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filters rubber seal and drain plug. 14.Run the engine until it reaches the nor- mal operating temperature. Then stop the engine and wait a few minutes to allow the oil drain back. Check the oil level again and if necessary, add more engine oil.
Be careful not to spill engine oil when adding it. If oil touches the ex- haust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. Recommended grade and viscosity
Oil capacity (guideline):
4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
Oil grade:
The oil quantity indicated above is only guideline. The necessary quantity of oil depends on the quantity of oil that has been drained. The quantity of drained oil differs slightly depending on the temperature of the oil and the time the oil is left flowing out. After
ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark) or API classification SM with the words ENERGY CONSERVING
These recommended oil grades can be identified by looking for either or both of the following marks displayed on the oil
container.
API S E RVICE
SAE
5W-30
R VIN
GY CO N
API Service label 1) Indicates the oil quality by API designa-
B00446
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade 3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving ca-
tions
pabilities
Maintenance and service 11-11
eas with very high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applications such as tow- ing a trailer, use of oil with the following grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SM (or SL):
SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50,
20W-40, 20W-50
Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that meets the same requirements given for conventional engine oil. When using syn- thetic oil, you must use oil of the same classification, viscosity and grade shown in this owners manual, and must follow the oil and filter changing intervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
B00014
ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst Mark) In choosing an oil, you want the proper quality and viscosity, as well as one that will add to fuel economy. The following ta- ble lists the recommended viscosities and applicable temperatures. When adding oil, different brands may be used together as long as they are the same API classification and SAE viscosity as those recommended by SUBARU.
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0
20
40
60
80 100
5W-30*
10W-30, 10W-40
B00522
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem- perature *: 5W-30 is recommended. Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However, in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is required to properly lubricate the engine.
Use only engine oil with the recom- mended grade and viscosity. Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driv- ing conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in ar-
11-12 Maintenance and service Cooling system
Never attempt to remove the radia- tor cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled down com- pletely. Since the coolant is under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
F (36
The cooling system has been
filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting, year-
around coolant which provides
protection against freezing down
to 33
C). For adding, use
genuine SUBARU coolant or an
equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft
water and 50% ethylene-glycol ba-
sis coolant. Use of improper cool-
ants may result in corrosion in the
cooling system. It is important to
maintain protection against freez-
ing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected.
Never mix different kinds of cool-
ant.
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 con- nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is thermostatically controlled to operate when the engine coolant reaches a specific temperature. If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when the engine coolant tempera- ture gauge exceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be de- fective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system checked by your SUBARU dealer. If frequent addition of coolant is neces- sary, there may be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is recommended that the cooling system and connections be checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant Checking the coolant level
FULL
LOW
B00468
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 as required.
Changing the coolant
B00018
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
Be careful not to spill engine cool- ant 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.
B00019
Always add genuine Subaru cooling sys-
tem conditioner whenever the coolant is
replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add gen-
uine Subaru cooling system conditioner
using the following procedures according
to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.
NOTE (Turbo model only)
The cap (without tabs) on top of the ra-
diator does not need to be removed. To
Maintenance and service 11-13
add coolant, remove the cap (with tabs) on the coolant tank on top of the en- gine.
Never attempt to remove the radia- tor cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled down com- pletely. Since the coolant is under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed. 4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models 1) Filler neck 2) Fill up to this level
B00453
CONTINUED
11-14 Maintenance and service
B00454
Turbo models 1) Filler neck 2) Fill up to this level 5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to just below the filler neck, allowing enough room to add genuine Subaru cooling sys- tem conditioner in the radiator. Add genu- ine Subaru cooling system conditioner un- til the coolant level reaches the filler neck. Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this may lead to insufficient air bleeding and trapped air in the system.
Guideline of coolant quantity (including cool- ant in reservoir tank): Non-turbo models:
MT. 7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt) AT. 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
Turbo models:
MT. 8.1 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt) AT. 8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt)
FULL
LOW
1) FULL level mark 2) LOW level mark
B00468
Be careful not to spill engine cool- ant 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.
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tanks FULL level mark.
1) Rubber gaskets 7. Put the radiator cap back on and tight-
B00018
en firmly. At this time, make sure that the
rubber gasket in the radiator cap is cor-
rectly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than
five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the cool-
ant cools down (122 to 140
F [50 to
60
C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiators filler neck and to
the reserve tanks FULL level.
10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner element
Turbo models
Maintenance and service 11-15
The air cleaner element functions as a fil- ter screen. When the element is perforat- ed or removed, engine wear will be exces- sive and engine life shortened. The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the ele- ment.
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner element removed. The air cleaner element not only filters in- take air but also stops flames if the engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is not installed when the en- gine backfires, you could be burned. Replacing the air cleaner ele- ment
Replace the air cleaner element according to the maintenance schedule in the War- ranty and Maintenance Booklet. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it more frequently. It is recommended that you always use genuine SUBARU parts.
B00024
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
B00025
2. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
CONTINUED
11-16 Maintenance and service
3. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cov- er and case with a damp cloth and install a new air cleaner element.
Non-turbo models
ing.
B00026
4. To install the air cleaner case cover, in-
sert the two projections on the air cleaner
case cover into the slits on the air cleaner
case and then snap the two clamps on the
air cleaner case cover.
B00361
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
B00363
1) Air cleaner case cover 2) Air cleaner element 3. Open the air cleaner case cover and remove the air cleaner element. 4. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cov- er and case with a damp cloth and install a new air cleaner element.
B00362
2. Push the air cleaner case cover in the
direction of the arrow shown in the draw-
Spark plugs
Maintenance and service 11-17
Recommended spark plugs
Non-turbo models:
FR5AP-11 (NGK)
Turbo models:
ILFR6B (NGK)
B00364
5. To install the air cleaner case cover, in-
sert the three projections on the air clean-
er case into the slits on the air cleaner
case cover and then snap the two clamps
on the air cleaner case cover.
B00027
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 ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule in
the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.
When disconnecting the spark plug cables, always grasp the spark plug cap, not the cables. Make sure the cables are replaced in the correct order.
in (mm) Manual transmission oil
Deflection
New belt
0.28 0.35 (7.0 9.0)
0.30 0.33 (7.5 8.5)
Used belt
0.35 0.43 (9.0 11.0)
0.35 0.40 (9.0 10.0)
Checking the oil level
B00465
5-speed transmission (Non-turbo model)
1) Yellow handle
11-18 Maintenance and service Drive belts
B00365
1) Power steering pump pulley 2) Air conditioner compressor pulley 3) Crank pulley The alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor depend on drive belts. Satisfactory performance re- quires that belt tension be correct. To check belt tension, place a straight- edge (ruler) across two adjacent pulleys and apply a force of 22 lbs (98 N, 10 kg) midway between the pulleys by using a spring scale. Belt deflection should be the amount specified. If a belt is loose, cracked, or worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Maintenance and service 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade:
API classification GL-5
-30 -20 -10
10
20
30
40
-20
20
40
60
80
100
90
85W
80W
75W/90
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem- perature
B00032
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
B00368
1) Upper level 2) Lower level 3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil through the dipstick hole to bring the level up to the upper level.
Be careful not to spill manual trans- mission oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
5-speed transmission (Turbo model)
B00469
6-speed transmission 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
B00470
11-20 Maintenance and service Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid tempera- ture. Therefore, there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid on the dipstick. Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the COLD range, we recommend checking the fluid level when the fluid is at operating temperature.
Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176
F (70 to 80
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each po-
sition. Then shift it in the P position, and
run the engine at idling speed.
C) is normal.
4. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the lower level on the HOT range, add the recom- mended automatic transmission fluid up to the upper level.
Checking the fluid level when the fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked without time to warm up the automatic transmission, check to see that the fluid level is between the lower level and upper level on the COLD range. If it is below that range, add fluid up to the upper level. Be careful not to overfill.
Be careful not to spill automatic transmission fluid when adding it. If automatic transmission fluid touch- es the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If au- tomatic transmission fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
B00471
B00370
1) Yellow handle
A) HOT range B) COLD range 1) Upper level 2) Lower level
Recommended fluid
Use one of the following types of automat- ic transmission fluid.
Genuine Subaru Automatic Transmis- sion Fluid Type-HP IDEMITSU ATF HP Castrol Transmax J Pennzoil ATF-J* * Available only in the USA (except Alaska and Hawaii)
NOTE Using any non-specified type of auto- matic transmission fluid could result in damage inside the transmission. When replacing the automatic transmission fluid, be sure to use a fluid of the types specified above.
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)
Checking the oil level
B00472
1) Yellow handle 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine. 2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
Maintenance and service 11-21
B00372
1) Upper level 2) Lower level 3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the up- per level.
Be careful not to spill front differen- tial gear oil when adding it. If oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
CONTINUED
11-22 Maintenance and service
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade:
API classification GL-5
-30 -20 -10
10
20
30
40
-20
20
40
60
80
100
90
85W
80W
75W/90
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem- perature
B00032
Rear differential gear oil
Checking the gear oil level
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear differential protector. The differential pro- tector provides protection to the rear dif- ferential assembly during off-road use. Removal of the rear differential protector is not required when checking the oil level.
1) Filler plug 2) Drain plug
B00373
B00434
1) Filler hole 2) Drain hole 3) Oil level Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil level. The oil level should be kept even with the bottom of the filler hole. If the oil level is below the bottom edge of the hole, add oil through the filler hole to raise the level.
Maintenance and service 11-23
-30 -20 -10
10
20
30
40
-20
20
40
60
80
100
90
-30 -20 -10
10
20
30
40
-20
20
40
60
80
100
90
85W
80W
75W/90
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem- perature Except STI version
B00032
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem- perature STI version
B00159
Be careful not to spill rear differ- ential gear oil when adding it. If rear differential gear oil touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If rear differential gear oil gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. If the vehicle requires frequent re- filling, there may be an oil leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU dealer. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade:
API classification GL-5
11-24 Maintenance and service Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
1) Reservoir tank The power steering fluid expands greatly as its temperature rises; the fluid level dif- fers according to fluid temperature. There- fore, the reservoir tank has two different checking ranges for hot and cold fluids. Check the power steering fluid level monthly. 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop the engine.
Be careful not to burn yourself be- cause the fluid may be hot.
When power steering fluid is be- ing added, use only clean fluid, and be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank. And never use dif- ferent brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank. Be careful not to spill power steer- ing fluid when adding it. If power steering fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If power steering fluid gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. Recommended fluid
Dexron III Type Automatic Transmis- sion Fluid
B00376
1) Specified range 2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank. When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run: Check that the oil level is be- tween HOT MIN and HOT MAX on the surface of the reservoir tank. When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is run: Check that the oil level is between COLD MIN and COLD MAX on the sur- face of the reservoir tank. 3. If the fluid level is lower than the appli- cable MIN line, add the recommended fluid as necessary to bring the level be- tween the MIN and MAX line. If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indi- cate possible leakage. Consult your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
Maintenance and service 11-25
Never splash the brake fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in the brake flu- id may damage them. Be careful not to spill brake fluid when adding it. If brake fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If brake fluid gets on the ex- haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. Recommended brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu- id
Brake fluid
Checking the fluid level
B00473
1) MAX level mark 2) MIN level mark Check the fluid level monthly. Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If the level is below MIN, add the recommended brake fluid to MAX. Use only brake fluid from a sealed con- tainer.
Never let brake fluid contact your eyes because brake fluid can be harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid gets in your eyes, immediately flush them thoroughly with clean water. For safety, when perform- ing this work, wearing eye protec- tion is advisable. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. If the vehicle requires frequent re- filling, there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehi- cle checked at your SUBARU dealer.
Never use different brands of brake fluid together. Also, avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake flu- ids even if they are of the same brand. When adding brake fluid, be care- ful not to allow any dirt into the reservoir.
11-26 Maintenance and service Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)
Checking the fluid level
B00126
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below MIN level
mark, add the recommended clutch fluid
to MAX level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
Never splash the clutch fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in the clutch fluid may damage them. Be careful not to spill clutch fluid when adding it. If clutch fluid touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the ex- haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off. Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu- id
Avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4
clutch fluids even if they are of the
same brand.
Never let clutch fluid contact your eyes because clutch fluid can be harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid gets in your eyes, immediately flush them thoroughly with clean water. For safety, when performing this work, wearing eye protection is ad- visable.
Clutch fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed mois- ture can cause improper clutch operation. If the vehicle requires frequent re- filling, there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehi- cle checked at your SUBARU dealer. Never use different brands of clutch fluid together. When clutch fluid is added, be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank.
Brake booster
Brake pedal
If the brake booster does not operate as described in the following, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer. 1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal several times, applying the same pedal force each time. The distance the pedal travels should not vary. 2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine. The pedal should move slight- ly down to the floor. 3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change. 4. Start the engine again and run for ap- proximately one minute then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times to check the brake booster. The brake boost- er operates properly if the pedal stroke de- creases with each depression.
Check the brake pedal free play and re- serve distance according to the mainte- nance schedule in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.
Checking the brake pedal free play
B00377
1) 0.04 0.12 in (1.0 3.0 mm) Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal several times. Lightly press the brake pedal down with one finger to check the free play with a force of less than 2 lbs (10 N, 1 kg). If the free play is not within proper specifi- cation, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Maintenance and service 11-27
Checking the brake pedal re- serve distance
B00378
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm) Depress the pedal with a force of approxi- mately 66 lbs (294 N, 30 kg) and measure the distance between the upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor. When the measurement is smaller than the specification, or when the pedal does not operate smoothly, contact with your SUBARU dealer.
11-28 Maintenance and service Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)
Check the clutch pedal free play and re- serve distance according to the mainte- nance schedule in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.
Checking the clutch function Check the clutch engagement and disen- gagement. 1. With the engine idling, check that there are no abnormal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed, and that shifting into 1st or reverse feels smooth. 2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to check that the engine and trans- mission smoothly couple without any sign of slippage.
Checking the clutch pedal free play
Replacement of brake pad and lining
B00377
1) 0.16 0.51 in (4.0 13.0 mm) Lightly press the clutch pedal down with your finger until you feel resistance, and check the free play. If the free play is not within proper specifi- cation, contact your SUBARU dealer.
700040
The right front disc brake and the right rear
disc brake have audible wear indicators
on the brake pads. If the brake pads wear
close to their service limit, the wear indica-
tor makes a very audible scraping noise
when the brake pedal is applied.
If you hear this scraping noise each time
you apply the brake pedal, have the brake
pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.
brake to cool down. Repeat this proce- dure. 5. Check the parking brake stroke. If the parking brake stroke is out of the specified range, adjust it by turning the adjusting nut located on the parking brake lever.
Parking brake stroke:
7 8 notches / 44 lbs (196 N, 20 kg)
A safe location and situation should be selected for break-in driving.
Pulling the parking brake lever too forcefully may cause rear wheels to lock. To avoid this, be cer- tain to pull the lever up slowly and gently.
the
Maintenance and service 11-29
Parking brake stroke
B00379
Check the parking brake stroke according
to the maintenance schedule in the War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet. When
the parking brake is properly adjusted,
braking power is fully applied by pulling
the lever up seven to eight notches gently
but firmly (approximately 44 lbs [196 N, 20
kg]). If the parking brake lever stroke is not
within the specified range, have the brake
system checked and adjusted at your
SUBARU dealer.
If you continue to drive despite the scraping noise from the audible brake pad wear indicator, it will re- sult in the need for costly brake ro- tor repair or replacement. Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings
When replacing the brake pad or lining, use only genuine SUBARU parts. After re- placement, the new parts must be broken in as follows: