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other direction, cables may slip off the hooks, possibly causing a dan- gerous situation.


900224


– CONTINUED –


9-18 In case of emergency


(cid:132) Towing with all wheels on the


ground


900227


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) 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


(cid:121) If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flat- bed truck.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) The traveling speed must be limit- ed 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.


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.


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.


900228


1. Remove the access cover at the bot- tom-center of the rear gate trim using flat- head screwdriver. 2. Locate the rear gate lock release lever behind the rear gate trim panel.


Maintenance tools


(cid:132) Jack and jack handle


In case of emergency 9-19


900263
3. Unlock the rear gate by moving the le- ver to the right. 4. Open the rear gate from outside by raising the rear gate handle.


Your vehicle is equipped with the following maintenance tools:


900230


7 seater models


900264


Screwdriver Towing hook (eye bolt) Wheel nut wrench Extension


900240


5 seater models


The jack and jack handle is stored under – CONTINUED –


9-20 In case of emergency


the cargo area. For how to use the jack, refer to the “Flat tires” section in this chapter.


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 .......................................... 10-3
10-3
10-4
Cleaning the interior .......................................... 10-4
10-4
10-4
10-5


Seat fabric ............................................................... Leather seat materials ............................................ Synthetic leather upholstery ................................. Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, switches, combination meter, and other plastic surfaces .......................


10-5


10


10-2 Appearance care


Exterior care (cid:132) Washing


Appearance care


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Do not wash the engine compart- ment and areas adjacent to it. If water 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.


(cid:121) 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.


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 vehicle’s 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. (cid:84) 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 muddy or sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off the un- derbody. Carefully flush the suspension and axle parts, as they are particularly 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. (cid:84) Using a warm water washer (cid:121) Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more between the washer nozzle and the vehicle. (cid:121) Do not wash the same area continuous- ly. (cid:121) 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.


(cid:132) 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 manufacturer’s 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 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.


(cid:132) Cleaning aluminum wheels (cid:121) 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. (cid:121) 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 brush or expose them to a high-speed washing device. (cid:121) 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.


Appearance care 10-3


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.


(cid:132) 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 – CONTINUED –


10-4 Appearance care


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.


(cid:132) 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: (cid:121) roads that have been salted to prevent them from freezing in winter (cid:121) mud, sand, or gravel (cid:121) 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.)


(cid:132) 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.


(cid:132) 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.


(cid:132) 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


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.


(cid:132) Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, con- sole panel, switches, combi- nation meter, and other plas- tic surfaces


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 ..................................................................


11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview ......................... 11-6
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-7
11-7
11-7
11-9


Checking the oil level ............................................. Changing the oil and oil filter ................................ Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .................................... 11-10
Cooling system .................................................. 11-10
Hose and connections ........................................... 11-11
Engine coolant ........................................................ 11-11
Air cleaner element ............................................ 11-13
Replacing the air cleaner element ......................... 11-13
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-14
Recommended spark plugs ................................... 11-14
Drive belts ........................................................... 11-15
Automatic transmission fluid ............................ 11-15
Checking the fluid level ......................................... 11-15
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-16
Front differential gear oil ................................... 11-16
Checking the oil level ............................................. 11-16


Maintenance and service


Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-17
Rear differential gear oil .................................... 11-17
Checking the gear oil level .................................... 11-17
Recommended grade and viscosity ..................... 11-18
Power steering fluid ........................................... 11-19
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-19
Recommended fluid ............................................... 11-19
Brake fluid ........................................................... 11-20
Checking the fluid level .......................................... 11-20
Recommended brake fluid ..................................... 11-20
Brake booster ..................................................... 11-21
Brake pedal ......................................................... 11-21
Checking the brake pedal free play ...................... 11-21
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-21
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............... 11-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .......... 11-22
Parking brake stroke .......................................... 11-23
Tires and wheels ................................................ 11-23
Types of tires .......................................................... 11-23
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ............ 11-23
Tire inspection ........................................................ 11-25
Tire pressures and wear ........................................ 11-25
Wheel balance ......................................................... 11-27
Wear indicators ....................................................... 11-27
Tire rotation ............................................................. 11-28
Tire replacement ..................................................... 11-28
Wheel replacement ................................................. 11-29
Aluminum wheels ............................................... 11-29


11


Maintenance and service Windshield washer fluid .................................... 11-30
Replacement of wiper blades ............................ 11-31
Windshield wiper blade assembly ........................ 11-31
Windshield wiper blade rubber ............................. 11-32
Rear window wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-33
Rear window wiper blade rubber .......................... 11-33
Battery ................................................................. 11-35
Fuses ................................................................... 11-36
Main fuse ............................................................. 11-37
Installation of accessories ................................ 11-38
Replacing bulbs .................................................. 11-39
Headlight ................................................................. 11-40
Parking light ............................................................ 11-41
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-42
Front fog light ......................................................... 11-42
Rear combination lights ......................................... 11-42
Backup light/Tail light ............................................ 11-43
Rear gate light ......................................................... 11-43
License plate light .................................................. 11-44
Dome light ............................................................... 11-44
Map light .................................................................. 11-45
Door step light ........................................................ 11-45
Cargo area light ...................................................... 11-46


Maintenance and service


Maintenance schedule 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”.


Maintenance precautions 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.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Always select a safe area when performing maintenance on your vehicle.


Maintenance and service 11-3


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Always use the proper tools and make certain that they are well maintained.


(cid:121) Never get under the vehicle sup- ported only by a jack. Always use a safety stands to support the ve- hicle.


(cid:121) Never keep the engine running in a poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or other closed areas.


(cid:121) Do not smoke or allow open flames around the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire.


(cid:121) 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


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:132) Before checking or servicing


in the engine compartment


(cid:121) Always stop the engine and set the parking brake firmly to pre- vent the vehicle from moving.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid or any other fluid on hot engine components. This may cause a fire.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:132) 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


B00300


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


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.


When closing the hood, be careful not to pinch your or other person’s hands or anything else in the hood.


B00301


3. Release the secondary hood release located under the front grille by moving the lever toward the left. 4. Lift up the hood. To close the hood: 1. Lower the hood to a point approximate- ly 20 in (50 cm) from the closed position and then give the hood a strong push down to make it drop. 2. 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.


11-6 Maintenance and service


Engine compartment overview


4 5


12


11


10 9


B00302


1) Air cleaner element (page 11-13) 2) Power steering fluid reservoir (page


11-19)


11-16)


3) Differential gear oil level gauge (page


4) Automatic transmission fluid level


gauge (page 11-15)


5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-20) 6) Fuse box (page 11-36) 7) Battery (page 11-35) 8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-30) 9) Radiator cap (page 11-11) 10) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-7) 11) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-


11)


12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-7)


Engine oil (cid:132) 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.


B00303


2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again. 3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly insert- ed until it stops with the graphic symbol “ ” on its top appearing as shown in the illustration.


B00304


1) Upper level 2) 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.


(cid:121) Use only engine oil with the rec-


ommended grade and viscosity.


(cid:121) 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.


Maintenance and service 11-7


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. To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not add any additional oil above the upper lev- el when the engine is cold.


(cid:132) 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.


– CONTINUED –


11-8 Maintenance and service


B00305


4. Drain out the engine oil by removing the drain plug while the engine is still 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.


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.


B00306


Oil filter color Part number


Amount of rotation


6. Open the access cover by removing the five clips and turning the access cover counterclockwise. The oil filter will be ex- posed.


Black


15208AA031


3/4 rotation


(cid:121) Never over tighten the oil filter be- cause that can result in an oil leak. (cid:121) 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 the cover under the oil filter. 12.Pour engine oil through the filler neck.


7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter


5.8 US qt (5.5 liters, 4.8 Imp qt)


B00307


Oil capacity (Guideline):


The oil quantity indicated above is only a 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 tempera- ture of the oil and the time the oil is left flowing out. After refilling the engine with oil, therefore, you must use the dipstick to confirm that the level is correct. 13.Start the engine and make sure that no oil leaks appear around the filter’s 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.


(cid:132) Recommended grade and


viscosity


Use only engine oil with the recom- mended grade and viscosity.


Oil grade:


ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified with the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark) or API classification SM with the


Maintenance and service 11-9


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


B00446


GY CO N S


ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)


B00014


API Service label 1) Indicates the oil quality by API designa-


2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade 3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving ca-


tions


pabilities


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.


– CONTINUED –


11-10 Maintenance and service


-30 -20 -10


10 20 30 40


-20


20


40


60


80 100


5W-30*


10W-30, 10W-40


B00016


SAE viscosity number and applicable temperature *: 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.


(cid:132) Recommended grade and


viscosity under severe driv- ing conditions


If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in ar- 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


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.


(cid:121) 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°F (–36°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.


(cid:121) Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.


(cid:132) Hose and connections 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.


(cid:132) Engine coolant (cid:84) Checking the coolant level


Maintenance and service 11-11


B00309


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.


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.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.


– CONTINUED –


11-12 Maintenance and service


(cid:84) Changing the coolant 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 in the “War- ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. 1. Remove the under cover.


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.


B00310


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.


B00311


1) Fill up to here


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.


Coolant capacity (Guideline):


7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt)


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol contained in the engine coolant may damage the paint surface.


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 radiator’s filler neck and to the reserve tank’s “FULL” level. 10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and tighten firmly.


Maintenance and service 11-13


Air cleaner element


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. 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 dry type. It is unnecessary to clean or wash the ele- ment.


(cid:132) 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.


– CONTINUED –


6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s “FULL” level mark.


B00309


B00018
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tight- en firmly. At this time, make sure that the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is cor-


Spark plugs 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”.


(cid:132) Recommended spark plugs


ILFR6B (NGK)


11-14 Maintenance and service


4. To install the air cleaner case cover, snap the two clamps on the air cleaner case cover.


1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air cleaner case cover.


B00312


B00313


2. Open the air cleaner case cover and remove the air cleaner element. 3. Install a new air cleaner element.


Drive belts The alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor depend on drive belts. Satisfactory performance re- quires that belt tension be correct. It is unnecessary to check belt tension pe- riodically because your engine is equipped with an automatic belt tension adjuster. However, replacement of the belt should be done according to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your SUBARU dealer for replacement. If a belt is loose, cracked, or worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.


Automatic transmission fluid (cid:132) 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. (cid:84) Checking the fluid level when the


fluid is hot


Check the fluid level monthly. 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°C) is normal. 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.


Maintenance and service 11-15


1) Yellow handle


B00315


1) HOT range 2) COLD range 3) Upper level 4) Lower level


B00316


– CONTINUED –


11-16 Maintenance and service


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. (cid:84) 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.


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.


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.


(cid:132) Recommended fluid


Use one of the following types of automat- ic transmission fluid.


Front differential gear oil (cid:132) Checking the oil level


B00317


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.


F


B00318


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.


Maintenance and service 11-17


Rear differential gear oil (cid:132) 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.


(cid:132) 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


1) Filler plug 2) Drain plug


B00032


B00319


– CONTINUED –


11-18 Maintenance and service


B00320


1) Filler hole 2) Drain hole 3) Oil level


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) 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.


-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


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.


(cid:132) 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


Maintenance and service 11-19


If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indi- cate possible leakage. Consult your SUBARU dealer for inspection.


(cid:132) Recommended fluid


“Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmis- sion Fluid


Power steering fluid (cid:132) Checking the fluid level


COLD MAX COLD MIN


HOT MAX


HOT MIN


B00321


Be careful not to burn yourself be- cause the fluid may be hot.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Avoid spilling fluid when adding it


in the tank.


(cid:121) 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.


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. 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.


11-20 Maintenance and service


Brake fluid (cid:132) Checking the fluid level


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance.


(cid:121) 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.


Use only brake fluid from a sealed con- tainer.


(cid:132) Recommended brake fluid


FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu- id


(cid:121) When adding brake fluid, be care- ful not to allow any dirt into the reservoir.


(cid:121) Never splash the brake fluid over painted surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in the brake flu- id may damage them.


(cid:121) 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.


Check the fluid level monthly.


(cid:121) 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.


B00322


Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If the level is below “MIN”, add the recommended brake fluid to “MAX”.


Brake booster 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.


Maintenance and service 11-21


(cid:132) Checking the brake pedal re-


serve distance


B00324


1) More than 2.16 in (55 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.


Brake pedal Check the brake pedal free play and re- serve distance according to the mainte- nance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.


(cid:132) Checking the brake pedal free


play


B00323


1) 0.02 – 0.08 in (0.5 – 2.0 mm)


Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the brake pedal up 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.


11-22 Maintenance and service


Replacement of brake pad and lining


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.


you apply the brake pedal, have the brake pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.


(cid:132) 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: (cid:84) 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. (cid:84) Parking brake lining


imately 22 mph (35 km/h). 2. Press the parking brake pedal SLOW- LY and GENTLY. (Pressing with a force of approximately 34 lbs [150 N, 15 kg].) 3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 220
yards (200 meters) in this condition. 4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking 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 pedal.


Parking brake stroke:


5 – 6 notches / 67 lbs (300 N, 30 kg)


700040


The 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 indicator makes a very audible scraping noise when the brake pedal is applied. If you hear this scraping noise each time


A safe location and situation should be selected for break-in driving.


Pressing the parking brake pedal too forcefully may cause the rear wheels to lock. To avoid this, be cer- tain to press the pedal slowly and gently. 1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of approx-


Parking brake stroke


B00325
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 pressing the pedal five to six notches gently but firmly (approximately 67 lbs, 300 N, 30
kg). If the parking brake pedal stroke is not within the specified range, have the brake system checked and adjusted at your SUBARU dealer.


Tires and wheels (cid:132) Types of tires You should be familiar with type of tires present on your vehicle. (cid:84) All season tires The factory-installed tires on your new ve- hicle are 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. (cid:84) 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 use of winter (snow) tires. When installing winter tires, be sure to re-


Maintenance and service 11-23


place all four tires. (cid:84) 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.


(cid:132) Tire pressure monitoring sys-


tem (TPMS)


The tire pressure monitoring system pro- vides the driver with a warning message by sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in each wheel when tire pressure is severely low. The tire pressure monitor- ing system will activate only when the ve- hicle is driven. Also, this system may not react immediately to a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example, a blow-out caused by running over a sharp object). If you adjust the tire pressures in a warm garage and will then drive the vehicle in cold outside air, the resulting drop in tire pressures may cause the low tire pressure warning light to come on. To avoid this problem when adjusting the tire pressures in a warm garage, inflate the tires to pres- sures higher than those shown on the tire placard. Specifically, inflate them by an extra 1 psi (6.9 kPa, 0.07 kgf/cm2) for ev-


– CONTINUED –


11-24 Maintenance and service


ery difference of 10°F (5.6°C) between the temperature in the garage and the tem- perature outside. By way of example, the following table shows the required tire pressures that correspond to various out- side temperatures when the temperature in the garage is 60°F (15.6°C). Standard tire pressures: Front: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm2) Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm2) Garage temperature: 60°F (15.6°C)


Outside


temperature


30°F (–1°C) 10°F (–12°C)


–10°F (–23°C)


Adjusted pressure [psi (kPa, kgf/cm2)]


front


rear


36 (250, 2.5) 35 (240, 2.4)


38


(265, 2.65)


37


(255, 2.55)


40 (280, 2.8) 39 (270, 2.7)


If the low tire pressure warning light comes on when you drive the vehicle in cold outside air after adjusting the tire pressures in a warm garage, re-adjust the tire pressures using the method described above. Then, increase the vehicle speed to at least 20 mph (32 km/h) and check to see that the low tire pressure warning light


goes off a few minutes later. If the low tire pressure warning light does not go off, the tire pressure monitoring system may not be functioning normally. In this event, go to a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected as soon as possible. While the vehicle is driven, friction be- tween tires and the road surface causes the tires to warm up. After illumination of the low tire pressure warning light, any in- crease in the tire pressures caused by an increase in the outside air temperature or by an increase in the temperature in the tires can cause the low tire pressure warn- ing light to go off. System resetting is necessary when the wheels are changed (for example, a switch to snow tires) and new TPMS valves are installed on the newly fitted wheels. Have this work performed by a SUBARU dealer following wheel replace- ment. It may not be possible to install TPMS valves on certain wheels that are on the market. Therefore, if you change the wheels (for example, a switch to snow tires), use wheels that have the same part number as the standard-equipment wheels. Without four operational TPMS valve/sensors on the wheels, the TPMS


will not fully function and the warning light in the instrument panel will flash. When a tire is replaced, adjustments are necessary to ensure continued normal op- eration of the tire pressure monitoring sys- tem. As with wheel replacement, there- fore, you should have the work performed by a SUBARU dealer.


If the low tire pressure warning light does not come on briefly after the ig- nition switch is turned ON or the light is flashing, you should have your Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys- tem checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. If this light comes on while driving, never brake suddenly and keep driv- ing straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. Otherwise an accident involving serious vehi- cle damage and serious personal in- jury could occur.


If this light still comes on while driv- ing after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may have significant damage and a fast leak that causes the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter being transferred, the low tire pres- sure warning light will flash. This in- dicates the TPMS is unable to moni- tor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replace- ment and/or system resetting. If the light flashes, promptly contact a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected.


(cid:132) 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 (cid:121) 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 vehicle’s speed down to a walking pace or less, and ap- proach the curbs as squarely as possi- ble. Also, make sure the tires are not pressed against the curb when you park the vehicle. (cid:121) 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


(cid:132) 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.


Maintenance and service 11-25


B00326


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 driver’s 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.


– CONTINUED –


11-26 Maintenance and service


NOTE (cid:121) The air pressure in a tire increases by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3
kgf/cm2) when the tire becomes warm. (cid:121) 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.


(cid:121) Correct tire pressure (tread worn evenly)


(cid:121) Abnormally low tire pressure (tread worn at shoulders)


B00050
Roadholding is good, and steering is re- sponsive. Rolling resistance is low, so fuel consumption is also lower.


B00051
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con- sumption is also higher.


(cid:121) Abnormally high tire pressure (tread worn in center)


B00052
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magni- fies the effects of road-surface bumps and dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.


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.


(cid:132) 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 vehicle’s 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 vehicle’s 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.


Maintenance and service 11-27


(cid:132) 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 0.071 in (1.8 mm). A tire must be replaced when the tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.


– CONTINUED –


11-28 Maintenance and service


When a tire’s 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 the tire tread regu- larly and replace the tires before their tread wear indicators become visible.


(cid:132) Tire rotation


B00054


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.


(cid:132) Tire replacement The wheels and tires are important and in- tegral parts of your vehicle’s 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


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 vehicle’s 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.


(cid:121) 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 the vehicle’s power train. Use of dif- ferent types or sizes of tires can also dangerously reduce control- lability and braking performance and can lead to an accident.


(cid:121) 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.


(cid:132) 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.


Maintenance and service 11-29


Aluminum wheels Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appearance, performance, and safety. (cid:121) 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. (cid:121) Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. (cid:121) Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or curbs. (cid:121) Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the wheel. (cid:121) 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.


11-30 Maintenance and service


Windshield washer fluid


Never use engine coolant as washer fluid because it could cause paint damage.


300544
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield but the windshield washer fluid warning light comes on or the supply of washer flu- id drops, check the level of washer fluid in the tank.


id until it reaches the “Hi” level on the level gauge. After adding fluid, make sure the wind- shield washer fluid warning light has gone out. 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.


Washer Fluid Concentration


30% 50% 100%


Freezing Temperature

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