2002 SUBARU IMPREZA brake

Appearance care
10-2
Exterior care Washing
The best way to preserve your vehicle ’s beauty is
frequent washing. Wash the vehicle at least once a
month to avoid contamination by road grime.
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of luke-
warm or cold water. Do not wash the vehicle with hot
water and in direct sunlight.
Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot 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 al-
lowed to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the remaining water
off with a chamois or soft cloth. NOTE When having your vehicle washed in an auto- matic car wash, make sure beforehand that thecar wash is of suitable type. If the vehicle is
equipped with a rear/roof spoiler, it may be dam-aged by car wash brushes or other equipment.CAUTION
When washing the vehicle, the brakes may
get wet. As a result, the brake stopping dis-
tance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly press-ing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do not wash the engine compartment and
area adjacent to it. If water enters the engineair intake, electrical parts or the power steer-
ing fluid reservoir, it will cause engine trouble
or faulty power steering respectively.
Washing the underbody
Chemicals, salts and gravel used for deicing 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 inside of the
fenders with lukewarm or cold water at frequent in-
tervals to reduce the harmful effects of such agents.
Using a warm water washer
Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more
between the washer nozzle and the vehicle. Do not wash the same area continuously.

Appearance care
10-4
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 op- eration. Most common causes of corrosion
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 acci- dents.
Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle when:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dust control chemi-
cals, or used in coastal areas where there is more
salt in the air, or in areas where there is considerable industrial pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity, especially
when temperatures range just above freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of the vehicle remains
for a long time, even though other parts of the ve-
hicle may be dry. 4. High temperatures will cause corrosion to parts
of the vehicle which cannot dry quickly due to lack
of proper ventilation.
To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle frequently. If you drive on salted
roads in the winter or if you live in a coastal area,
you should flush the underbody with fresh water fre-
quently.
After the winter has ended, it is recommended that
the underbody be given a very thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check the condition of underbody components, such as the exhaust sys- tem, 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 per-
form 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. Occasionally check under

11
11-1
– CONTINUED –
Maintenance schedule 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance precautions 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine hood 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 liter model 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 liter (Turbo) model 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the oil and oil filter 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-11 . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hose and connections 11-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 11-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner element 11-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the air cleaner element 11-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended spark plugs 11-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission oil 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-26 . . . . . Checking the oil level 11-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the gear oil level 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-28 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended brake fluid 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended clutch fluid 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal free play 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance 11-34 . .
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch function 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch pedal free play 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-35 . . . . . . . .
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings 11-36 . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire inspection 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressures and wear 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance and service

Maintenance and service
11-4
Always be very careful to avoid injury when
working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the materials in the vehicle may be hazard-
ous if improperly used or handled, for exam-ple, battery acid. Your vehicle should only be serviced by per-
sons fully competent to do so. Serious per-sonal injury may result to persons not experi-enced in servicing vehicles. Always use the proper tools and make cer-
tain that they are well maintained. Never get under the vehicle supported only
by a jack. Always use a safety stands to sup-port the vehicle. Never keep the engine running in a poorly
ventilated area, such as a garage or other
closed areas. Do not smoke or allow open flames around
the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire. Because the fuel system is under pressure,
replacement of the fuel filter should be per-
formed only by your SUBARU dealer. Ensure your eyes are free of oil and fluid, as
they can be harmful to your eyes. If you get one in your eyes, wash your eyes with clean
water. For your safety, you are wise to weareye protection.
Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS
airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner sys-tem, or attempt to take its connectors apart,as that may activate the system or it can ren-der it inoperative. The wiring and connectorsof these systems are yellow for easy identifi- cation. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring. If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensionerneeds service, consult your nearest SUBARU
dealer. Before checking or servicing in the
engine compartment
Always stop the engine and set the parking
brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from mov- ing. Always let the engine cool down. Engine
parts become very hot when the engine is run-
ning and remain hot for some time after theengine is stopped. Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid or any other fluid on hot engine compo-nents. This may cause a fire. Always remove the key from the ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is in the

Maintenance and service
11-7
– CONTINUED –
Engine compartment overview 2.5 liter model
HGB004BB
1) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-23) or Differential
gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-26)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11-18)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-31)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-24)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-46)
7) Fuse box (page 11-51)
8) Battery (page 11-50)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

Maintenance and service
11-8
2.0 liter (Turbo) model
HGB005BB
1) Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-23)
2) Air cleaner element (page
11-18)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page
11-31)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
5) Windshield washer tank (page 11-46)
6) Fuse box (page 11-51)
7) Battery (page 11-50)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page
11-14)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-29)
1110

Maintenance and service
11-24
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level
on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil through thedipstick hole to bring the level up to the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and ad-
ditives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5
OM-H0205
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable
Temperature Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as
its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according
to fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two differ-ent scales for checking the level of hot fluid andcold fluid on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without
warming up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we rec-
ommend checking the fluid level when the fluid is at
operating temperature.
Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the tem-
perature of the transmission fluid up to normal oper-
ating temperature; 140 to 176 °F (60 to 80 °C) is nor-
mal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set theparking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at id-
ling speed.

Maintenance and service
11-30
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate pos-
sible leakage. Consult your SUBARU dealer for in-spection.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
When power steering fluid is being added,
use only clean fluid, and be careful not to al- low any dirt into the tank. And never use dif-
ferent brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the
tank.
Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake fluid Checking the fluid level
Check the fluid level monthly.
HGB001GB
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
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 container.