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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. ToMaintenance 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 handle11-18 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:
Brake pad and lining
While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40 mph (50 to 65 km/h), step on the brake pedal lightly. Repeat this five or more times.
Parking brake lining
1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of approx- imately 22 mph (35 km/h). 2. With the parking brake release button pushed in, pull the parking brake lever SLOWLY and GENTLY. (Pulling with a force of approximately 33 lbs [147 N, 15
kg].) 3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 220
yards (200 meters) in this condition. 4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking11-30 Maintenance and service Tires and wheels
Types of tires
You should be familiar with type of tires present on your vehicle. The factory-fitted 17-inch tires on the WRX-STI are summer tires. The factory- fitted tires on other versions are all-sea- son tires.
All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking performance in year-round driving including snowy and icy road con- ditions. However all season tires do not of- fer as much traction performance as win- ter (snow) tires in heavy or loose snow or on icy roads. All season tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M+S (Mud & Snow) on the tire sidewall. Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed capability tires best suited for highway driving under dry conditions. Summer tires are inadequate for driving on slippery roads such as on snow-cov- ered or icy roads. If you drive your vehicle on snow-covered or icy roads, we strongly recommend the
ble. Also, make sure the tires are not pressed against the curb when you park the vehicle.
If you feel unusual vibration while driving or find it difficult to steer the ve- hicle in a straight line, one of the tires and/or wheels may be damaged. Drive slowly the nearest authorized SUBARU dealer and have the vehicle inspected.
to
Tire pressures and wear
Maintaining the correct tire pressures helps to maximize the tires service lives and is essential for good running perfor- mance. Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month (for example, during a fuel stop) and before any long journey.
use of winter (snow) tires. When installing winter tires, be sure to re- place all four tires.
Winter (snow) tires
Winter tires are best suited for driving on snow-covered and icy roads. However winter tires do not perform as well as sum- mer tires and all season tires on roads oth- er than snow-covered and icy roads.
Tire inspection
Check on a daily basis that the tires are free from serious damage, nails, and stones. At the same time, check the tires for abnormal wear. Contact your SUBARU dealer immediate- ly if you find any problem. NOTE
When the wheels and tires strike curbs or are subjected to harsh treat- ment as when the vehicle is driven on a rough surface, they can suffer damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This type of damage does not become evident until time has passed. Try not to drive over curbs, potholes or on oth- er rough surfaces. If doing so is un- avoidable, keep the vehicles speed down to a walking pace or less, and ap- proach the curbs as squarely as possi-
NOTE
The air pressure in a tire increases by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3
kgf/cm2) when the tire becomes warm. The tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or has been driven less than one mile (1.6 km).Do not let air out of warm tires to ad- just pressure. Doing so will result in low tire pressure. Incorrect tire pressures detract from con- trollability and ride comfort, and they cause the tires to wear abnormally.
Maintenance and service 11-31
Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
B00050
Roadholding is good, and steering is re- sponsive. Rolling resistance is low, so fuel consumption is also lower. CONTINUED
B00164
Check the tire pressures when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the values shown on the tire placard. The tire placard is located on the door pillar on the drivers side. Driving even a short distance warms up the tires and increases the tire pressures. Also, the tire pressures are affected by the outside temperature. It is best to check tire pressure outdoors before driving the vehi- cle. When a tire becomes warm, the air inside it expands, causing the tire pressure to in- crease. Be careful not to mistakenly re- lease air from a warm tire to reduce its pressure.11-32 Maintenance and service
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)
B00051
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con- sumption is also higher.B00052
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magni- fies the effects of road-surface bumps and dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage. If the tire placard shows tire pressures for the vehicle when fully loaded and for the vehicle when towing a trailer, adjust the tire pressures to the values that match current loading conditions.Driving at high speeds with exces- sively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp in- crease in temperature could cause tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehi- cle control could lead to an acci- dent.
Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when your vehicle was new, but the wheels will become unbalanced as the tires become worn during use. Wheel imbalance caus- es the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at certain vehicle speeds and detracts from the vehicles straight-line stability. It can also cause steering and suspension sys- tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If you suspect that the wheels are not cor- rectly balanced, have them checked and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer. Also have them adjusted after tire repairs and after tire rotation. NOTE Loss of correct wheel alignment* caus- es the tires to wear on one side and re- duces the vehicles running stability.
Contact your SUBARU dealer if you no- tice abnormal tire wear. *: The suspension system is designed to hold each wheel at a certain alignment (relative to the other wheels and to the road) for optimum straight-line stability and cornering perfor- mance.
Wear indicators
B00327
1) New tread 2) Worn tread 3) Tread wear indicator Each tire incorporates a tread wear indica- tor, which becomes visible when the depth of the tread grooves decreases to 0.063 in (1.6 mm). A tire must be replaced when the tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.
When a tires tread wear indicator becomes visible, the tire is worn be- yond the acceptable limit and must be replaced immediately. With a tire in this condition, driving at high speeds in wet weather can cause the vehicle to hydroplane. The re- sulting loss of vehicle control can lead to an accident. NOTE For safety, inspect tire tread regularly and replace the tires before their tread wear indicators become visible.
Tire rotation
B00054
Maintenance and service 11-33
Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To maximize the life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniformly, it is best to rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,500
km). Rotating the tires involves switching the front and rear tires on the right-hand side of the vehicle and similarly switching the front and rear tires on the left-hand side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept on its original side of the vehicle.) Replace any damaged or unevenly worn tire at the time of rotation. After tire rota- tion, adjust the tire pressures and make sure the wheel nuts are correctly tight- ened. After driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km), check the wheel nuts again and retighten any nut that has become loose.Tire replacement
The wheels and tires are important and in- tegral parts of your vehicles design; they cannot be changed arbitrarily. The tires fit- ted as standard equipment are optimally matched to the characteristics of the vehi- cle and were selected to give the best pos- sible combination of running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It is essential for every tire to have a size and construc- tion matching those shown on the tire
CONTINUED
11-34 Maintenance and service
placard and to have a speed symbol and load index matching those shown on the tire placard. Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from controllability, ride comfort, braking performance, speedometer accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also creates incor- rect body-to-tire clearances and inappro- priately changes the vehicles ground clearance. All four tires must be the same in terms of manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), con- struction, and size. You are advised to re- place the tires with new ones that are identical to those fitted as standard equip- ment. For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU rec- ommends replacing all four tires at the same time.
Use only those wheels that are specified for your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifications could in- terfere with brake caliper operation and may cause the tires to rub against the wheel well housing dur- ing turns. The resulting loss of vehi- cle control could lead to an acci- dent. NOTE When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driv- ing approximately 600 miles (1,000
km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the specified torque.All four tires must be the same in terms of manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construction, de- gree of wear, speed symbol, load index and size. Mixing tires of dif- ferent types, sizes or degrees of wear can result in damage to vehi- cles power train. Use of different types or sizes of tires can also dangerously reduce controllabili- ty and braking performance and can lead to an accident. Use only radial tires. Do not use radial tires together with belted bias tires and/or bias-ply tires. Do- ing so can dangerously reduce controllability, resulting in an ac- cident. Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example, to damage, make sure the replacement wheels match the specifications of the wheels that are fitted as standard equip- ment. Replacement wheels are available from SUBARU dealers.
Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appearance, performance, and safety.
Intercooler water spray (WRX-STI)
Maintenance and service 11-35
When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tight- en it to the specified torque.Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel.
Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.
Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the wheel.
When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center cap is replaced, be sure to re- place them with genuine SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.
B00462
Add water to the intercooler water spray tank when the intercooler water spray warning light in the combination meter comes on. The warning light comes on when the water in the tank has decreased to approximately 0.4 liters (0.4 US qt, 0.4
Imp qt).B00169
The tank is located on the right-hand side of the trunk. NOTEUse only pure water for refilling. In cold weather (when you do not use the intercooler water spray), keep the tank half-empty in case the water freez- es. A larger amount of water could break the tank if it froze.
11-36 Maintenance and service Windshield washer fluid
300523
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield but the supply of washer fluid appears to diminish, check the level of washer fluid in the tank.Hi
Low
Washer fluid level gauge
id until it reaches the Hi level on the level gauge or the Full mark on the tank. Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid is unavailable use clean wa- ter. In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temper- ature varies according to how much it is di- luted, as indicated in the following table.
300172
Washer Fluid Con-
centration
30% 50% 100%
Freezing Tempera-
ture F (12
F (20
F (45
C) C) C)
10.4
4
49
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid because it could cause paint damage. In order to prevent freezing of washer flu- id, check the freezing temperatures in the table above when adjusting the fluid con- centration to the outside temperature. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one
Remove the washer tank filler cap, then check the fluid level indicated by the level gauge (attached to the inside of the cap). If the level is near the Low mark, add flu-
300173
used previously, purge the old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside tem- perature, it may freeze and block the noz- zles.
Adjust the washer fluid concentra- tion appropriately for the outside temperature. If the concentration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank.
Replacement of wiper blades
Grease, wax, insects, or other material on the windshield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper operation and streaking on the glass. If you cannot remove the streaks af- ter operating the windshield washer or if the wiper operation is jerky, clean the out- er surface of the windshield (or rear win- dow) and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield with water.
Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of the wiper blades. If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after following this method, replace the wiper blades using the following proce- dures:
Windshield wiper blades as- sembly
1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.
Maintenance and service 11-37
B00380
1) Stopper 2. Remove the wiper blade assembly by holding its pivot area and pushing it in the direction shown by the arrow while de- pressing the wiper blade stopper. 3. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper arm. Make sure that it locks in place. 4. Hold the wiper arm by hand and slowly lower it in position.
CONTINUED
11-38 Maintenance and service
Windshield wiper blade rub- ber
B00330
1) Metal support 1. Grasp the locked end of the blade rub- ber assembly and pull it firmly until the stoppers on the rubber are free of the met- al support.
3. Align the claws of the metal support with the grooves in the rubber and slide the blade rubber assembly into the metal support until it locks.
B00332
1) Stopper 4. Be sure to position the claws at the end of the metal support between the stoppers on the rubber as shown. If the rubber is not retained properly, the wiper blade may scratch the windshield.
Rear window wiper blade as- sembly
1. Raise the wiper arm off the rear win- dow.
B00504
1) Metal spines 2. If the new blade rubber is not provided with two metal spines, remove the metal spines from the old blade rubber and in- stall them in the new blade rubber.
B00059
Rear window wiper blade rub- ber
2. Pull the blade rubber assembly out of the plastic support.
Maintenance and service 11-39
B00061
2. Turn the wiper blade assembly coun- terclockwise.700017
1. Pull out the end of the blade rubber as- sembly to unlock it from the plastic sup- port.B00505
1) Metal spines 3. If the new blade rubber is not provided with two metal spines, remove the metal spines from the old blade rubber and in- stall them in the new blade rubber.
B00062
3. Pull the wiper blade assembly toward you to remove it from the wiper arm.B00064
CONTINUED
11-40 Maintenance and service
ends. If the rubber is not retained properly, the wiper may scratch the rear window glass. 5. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper arm. Make sure that it locks in place. 6. Hold the wiper arm by hand and slowly lower it in position.
B00066
4. Align the claws of the plastic support with the grooves in the blade rubber as- sembly, then slide the blade rubber as- sembly into place.B00067
Securely retain both ends of the rubber with the stoppers on the plastic supportBattery
Before beginning work on or near any battery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes, matches, and light- ers. Never expose a battery to an open flame or electric sparks. Bat- teries give off a gas which is high- ly flammable and explosive. For safety, in case an explosion does occur, wear eye protection or shield your eyes when working near any battery. Never lean over a battery. Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin, fabrics, or paint be- cause battery fluid is a corrosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes, immediately flush the area with water thor- oughly. Seek medical help imme- diately if acid has entered the eyes. If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a large amount of milk or water, and seek medical attention immediate- ly.
Maintenance and service 11-41
Fuses
Never replace a fuse with one hav- ing a higher rating or with material other than a fuse because serious damage or a fire could result. The fuses are designed to melt during an overload to prevent damage to the wiring harness and electrical equipment. The fuses are located in two fuse boxes.
To lessen the risk of sparks, re- move rings, metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry. Never al- low metal tools to contact the pos- itive battery terminal and anything connected to it WHILE you are at the same time in contact with any other metallic portion of the vehi- cle because a short circuit will re- sult. Keep everyone including children away from the battery. Charge the battery in a well-venti- lated area. Battery posts, terminals and relat- ed accessories contain lead and lead chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wash hands after handling.
compounds,
B00382
1) Cap 2) Upper level 3) Lower level It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery fluid level or periodically refill with distilled water. However, if the battery fluid level is below the lower level, remove the cap. Fill to the upper level with distilled water.
Never use more than 10 amperes when charging the battery because it will shorten battery life.
B00172
One is located under the instrument panel behind the coin tray on the drivers seat side. CONTINUED
11-42 Maintenance and service
The fuse puller is stored in the main fuse box in the engine compartment.
B00338
1) Good 2) Blown If any lights, accessories or other electri- cal controls do not operate, inspect the corresponding fuse. If a fuse has blown, replace it. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and turn off all electrical accesso- ries. 2. Remove the cover. 3. Determine which fuse may be blown. The back side of each fuse box cover and the Fuses and circuits section in chapter 12 in this manual show the circuit for each fuse.
B00173
To remove the coin tray, open the cover and pull the coin tray out.B00476
1) Fuse puller 2) Spare fuse The spare fuses are stored in the main fuse box cover in the engine compart- ment.
B00463
The other one is housed in the engine compartment.B00477
Main fuse
Maintenance and service 11-43
Installation of accessories
Always consult your SUBARU dealer be- fore installing fog lights or any other elec- trical equipment in your vehicle. Such ac- cessories may cause the electronic sys- tem to malfunction if they are incorrectly installed or if they are not suited for the ve- hicle.
600160
1) Fuse puller 4. Pull out the fuse with the fuse puller. 5. Inspect the fuse. If it has blown, re- place it with a spare fuse of the same rat- ing. 6. If the same fuse blows again, this indi- cates that its system has a problem. Con- tact your SUBARU dealer for repairs.
B00463
Main fuse box The main fuses are designed to melt dur- ing an overload to prevent damage to the wiring harness and electrical equipment. Check the main fuses if any electrical component fails to operate (except the starter motor) and other fuses are good. A melted main fuse must be replaced. Use only replacements with the same speci- fied rating as the melted main fuse. If a main fuse blows after it is replaced, have the electrical system checked by your nearest SUBARU dealer.
11-44 Maintenance and service Replacing bulbs
10
12
11
1 2 3
10
11
16
15
14
13
15
14
13
B00474
Front turn signal light Front side marker light
1) Parking light 2) 3) 4) Spot light 5) Room light 6) High beam head light 7) 8)
Front fog light Low beam head light
WRX-STI Except WRX-STI
Trunk room light
9) 10) High mount stop light
Sedan (in compartment) (in rear spoiler) Wagon 11) Brake/tail light 12) Tail light 13) Rear turn signal light 14) Backup light 15) License plate light 16) Cargo area light
Wattage 12V-5W 12V-21W 12V-5W 12V-8W 12V-8W 12V-60W 12V-55W
12V-35W 12V-55W 12V-5W
12V-21W 12V-1.2W 12V-13W 12V-21/5W 12V-21/5W 12V-21W (Amber) 12V-21W 12V-5W 12V-5W
Bulb No. 168
9005 (HB3) H3D2S H7
912
7443
7443
7440
168
Maintenance and service 11-45
Replace any bulb only with a new bulb of the specified wattage. Using a bulb of different wattage could re- sult in a fire. Headlights (WRX-STI)
High-intensity-discharge (HID) bulbs are used for the low beams of the headlights on the WRX-STI. These HID bulbs use an extremely high voltage. To avoid the risk of an electric shock and resulting serious injury, you should not attempt to re- place them. Neither should you at- tempt to replace the high-beam bulbs, remove/refit the headlight as- semblies, or remove any headlight- assembly components. For replace- ment of the headlight bulbs (low- beam and high-beam), removal and installation of the headlight assem- blies, and removal of headlight-as- sembly components, contact your SUBARU dealer.
CONTINUED
11-46 Maintenance and service
Headlights (Except WRX-STI)
and remove the air intake duct.
Halogen headlight bulbs become very hot while in use. If you touch the bulb surface with bare hands or greasy gloves, finger prints or grease on the bulb surface will de- velop into hot spots and cause the bulb to break. If there are finger prints or grease on the bulb surface, wipe them away with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol. NOTE
If headlight aiming is required, con- sult your SUBARU dealer for proper adjustment of the headlight aim.
It may be difficult to replace the bulbs. Have your SUBARU dealer re- place the bulbs if necessary.
Non-turbo models
B00525
B00393
Before replacing the left-hand (battery- side) high-beam light bulb, remove the screw that retains the windshield washer nozzle and tip the windshield washer noz- zle sideways.Turbo models Before replacing the right-hand low- or high-beam light bulb, remove the bolts
B00478
Right-hand low beam light bulbs
High beam light bulbs
Maintenance and service 11-47
1. Remove the bulb cover, by turning it counterclockwise.
B00455
B00457
3. Remove the retainer spring. 4. Replace the bulb with a new one. 5. Set the retainer spring securely. 6. Reconnect the electrical connector. 7. Install the bulb cover.
Left-hand low beam light bulb
Replacement of the left-hand low beam light bulb requires removal of the battery and is thus dangerous. It must be performed by a SUBARU dealer.
700093
1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
B00456
B00458
2. Remove the bulb from the headlight assembly by turning it counterclockwise. CONTINUED
11-48 Maintenance and service
3. Replace the bulb with new one. 4. Reconnect the electrical connector. At this time, use care not to touch the bulb surface. 5. To install the bulb to the headlight as- sembly, turn it clockwise until it clicks.
Front turn signal light bulbs It may be difficult to replace the bulbs. Have your SUBARU dealer replace the bulbs if necessary. Parking light
It may be difficult to replace the bulbs. Have your SUBARU dealer replace the bulbs if necessary.
Front fog light
It may be difficult to replace the bulbs. Have your SUBARU dealer replace the bulbs if necessary.
Rear combination lights Sedan
B00185
1. Remove the clip from the rear trunk trim with a screwdriver.B00460
1) Tail light 2) Brake/tail light 3) Rear turn signal light 4) Backup light 2. Open the rear portion of the side trunk trim panel. 3. Remove the bulb socket from the rear combination light assembly by turning it counterclockwise. 4. Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket and replace it with a new one. 5. Set the bulb socket into the rear combi- nation light assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks. 6. Secure the rear trunk trim panel with the clips.
Wagon
2. Remove the side cover.
B00187
1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the upper and lower clips that secure the side cover of the rear combination light as- sembly.B00188
3. Remove the upper and lower bolts. Then, slide the rear combination lamp as- sembly to the rear and remove it from the vehicle.Maintenance and service 11-49
B00524
1) Brake/tail light 2) Rear turn signal light 3) Backup light 4. Remove the bulb socket from the rear combination light assembly by turning it counterclockwise. 5. Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket and replace it with a new one. 6. Set the bulb socket into the rear combi- nation light assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks.
B00529
CONTINUED
11-50 Maintenance and service
License plate light
Dome light, map light and cargo area light
B00530
7. Put the rear combination light assem- bly into place while aligning the clip with the guide on the vehicle and fasten the bolts. 8. Install the side cover and secure it with the clips.B00190
1. Remove the mounting screws using a Phillips screwdriver. 2. Remove the lens. 3. Pull the bulb out of the socket. Install a new bulb. 4. Reinstall the lens. 5. Tighten the mounting screws.700104
700106
Maintenance and service 11-51
Trunk light
High mount stop light Sedan
B00461
