2002 SUBARU IMPREZA coolant temperature

Instruments and controls
3-8
NOTE
HG3016AA
You will see the “FUEL DOOR p” sign near the
fuel gauge.
This indicates that the fuel filter door (lid) is located on the right side of the vehicle.
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tankis nearly empty [about 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9
Imp. gal.]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
NOTE This light does not go out unless the tank is
replenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about 4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.).
Temperature gaugeHG3008BB
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance
with the outside temperature and driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum
with the engine coolant at this temperature range

In case of emergency
9-15
– CONTINUED –
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is
not turning, immediately turn the engine off and con-
tact your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has
dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.If the coolant level is below the “MIN” mark, add
coolant up to the “MAX” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add
coolant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radia- tor cap and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator,
first wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then
turn the cap counterclockwise slowly without press-
ing down until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been fully re-
leased, remove the cap by pressing down and turn-ing it. Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your
SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service.
Observe the following procedures for safety.
HG9000BA
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheels raised off the groundwhile the rear wheels are on the ground, orwith the rear wheels raised off the ground while the front wheels are on the ground. This will cause the vehicle to spin away due to the

Maintenance and service
11-13
– CONTINUED –
HGB032BB
SAE viscosity number and applicable temperature
1) 5W-30, SAE 5W-30 preferred
2) 10W-30, 10W-40
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with
very high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty ap-
plications such as a towing a trailer, use of oil with
the following grade and viscosities is recom-mended.
API classification SJ or SH: SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40,
20W-50
Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is underpressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
CAUTION
The cooling system has been filled at the
factory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibit-
ing, 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 basis cool-
ant. Use of improper coolants may result in
corrosion in the cooling system. It is impor- tant to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing temperaturesare not expected. Never mix different kinds ofcoolant.

Maintenance and service
11-14
Do not splash the engine coolant over
painted parts. The alcohol contained in the en- gine coolant may damage the paint surface.
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 temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan
circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and re-
place it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, havethe cooling system checked by your SUBARU deal-
er.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there
may be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is rec-
ommended that the cooling system and connectionsbe checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant
Checking the coolant level
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
HGB001CB
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the res- ervoir 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.

Maintenance and service
11-46
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage.
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop.
If the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the
reservoir.Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer
fluid is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is diluted,
as indicated below.
Washer Fluid
Concentration
Freezing
Temperature
30% 50%
100%10.4 °F ( –12 °C)
–4 °F ( –20 °C)
–49 °F ( –45 °C)
HGB001IA