2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX check engine

6
owner’s manual for instructions and precautions
concerning the child restraint system, seatbelt sys- tem and SRS airbag system.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, oreven lethal, if inhaled. Always properly maintain the engine ex-
haust system to prevent engine exhaust gasfrom entering the vehicle. Never run the engine in a closed space,
such as a garage, except for the brief timeneeded to drive the vehicle in or out of it. Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. Ifthat is unavoidable, then use the ventilationfan to force fresh air into the vehicle. Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructionsto ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly.
If at any time you suspect that exhaust
fumes are entering the vehicle, have the prob- lem checked and corrected as soon as pos-
sible. If you must drive under these condi-tions, drive only with all windows fully open. Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from enteringthe vehicle.
Drinking and driving
WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reac-tion and impairs your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking –
even if you drink just a little – it will increase
the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal
accident, injuring or killing yourself, your pas-sengers and others. In addition, if you are in-jured in the accident, alcohol may increase
the severity of that injury. Please don ’t drink and drive.
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes
of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differ-

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Warning and indicator light
Mark
NamePage
Seatbelt warning light3-9
AIRBAGSRS airbag system warn- ing light3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicatorlamp3-10
Charge warning light3-11
Oil pressure warning light3-11
AT OIL temperature warn- ing light (if equipped)3-12
orABS warning light3-12
orBrake system warning light3-13
Door open warning light3-13
MarkNamePage
Front-wheel drive warning light (if equipped)3-14
Turn signal indicator lights3-14
High beam indicator light3-14
Security system indicator light (if equipped)2-12

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3-1
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Ignition switch 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOCK 3-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACC 3-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON 3-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
START 3-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key reminder chime 3-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) 3-4 . . . . . .
Hazard warning flasher 3-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meters and gauges 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 3-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer/Trip meter 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 3-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 3-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature gauge 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside temperature indicator
(if equipped) 3-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning and indicator lights 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt warning light and chime 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil pressure warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(for AT vehicles) 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front-wheel drive warning light
(for AT vehicles – if equipped) 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) 3-14 . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal indicator lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High beam indicator light 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 3-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light control switch 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 3-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/low beam change (dimmer) 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime running light system 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal lever 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination brightness control 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light switch 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch (if equipped) 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper and washer 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switches 3-21 . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch
(if equipped) 3-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside mirror 3-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside mirrors 3-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls
3-9
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and high revving operation when engine is not
warmed up enough should be avoided.
CAUTION
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as pos- sible. See the “In case of emergency ” in chapter 9.
Outside temperature indicator (if equipped)
The outside temperature indicator shows the outside
temperature in a range from –22°F to 122 °F ( –30 °C
to 50 °C).
The indicator can give a false reading under any of the following conditions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a
traffic jam; when the engine is restarted immediately
following a shutdown. When the actual outside temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range. Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition
switch is initially turned to the
“ON” position. This
permits checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the seatbelt warning light will come on and the
reminder chime will sound for about six seconds to
remind the driver to fasten the seatbelt.

Instruments and controls
3-10
The seatbelt warning light remain on for about six
seconds and turn off automatically after sixseconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off by buckingthe driver’s side seatbelt or turn off automatically
after six seconds. SRS airbag system warning light AIRBAG
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for about six seconds and go out. This shows theSRS airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illumi-
nated even after a period of about 6 seconds from
when the ignition has been turned on, it may indi-
cate that the SRS airbag system or SRS side airbag
system (if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner sys-
tem is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle checked/re-paired by your SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible. Continued vehicle operation withouthaving the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could cause seri- ous damage, which may not be covered byyour vehicle ’s warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the en-
gine is running, it may indicate that there is a prob-
lem or potential problem somewhere in the emission
control system. If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, an emission con-
trol system malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-11
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NOTE This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause
of the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indi-
cator lamp coming on could be a loose or missing
fuel filler cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering with the seal-
ing of the cap. Tightening the cap will not make the
CHECK ENGINE warning light turn off immediately. It
may take several driving trips. If the light does not go
out, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU
dealer immediately.
If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire
condition has been detected which may damage
the emission control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emission control
system, you should do the following: Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible. The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blink-ing and come on steadily after several driving trips.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, itmay indicate that the charging system is not work-
ing properly. If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken or if the belt is in good condi-
tion but the light remains on, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately. Oil pressure warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and
the lubricating system is not working properly.If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the engine oil level. If
the oil level is low, add oil immediately. If the engine
oil is at the proper level but the light remains on,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-13
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The warning light comes on right after the
engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. The warning light remains on after the engine
has been started, but it goes out when the
vehicle speed reaches about 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving, but
it goes out immediately and remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery voltage
such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS
warning light may come on. This is due to the low
battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged, the lightwill go out. Brake system warning light
CAUTION
Driving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake
system may not be working properly. If thelight remains on, have the brakes inspected
by a SUBARU dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the ve-
hicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
This light has the following two functions: Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It
goes out when the parking brake is fully released.
Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid level has
dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid
reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position
and with the parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should come on
while driving (with the parking brake fully releasedand with the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it
could be an indication of leaking of brake fluid or
worn brake pads. Have your vehicle checked by a
SUBARU dealer immediately. Door open warning lights
The door open warning light comes on if any door or
the rear gate is not fully closed.
(U.S.)
(Canada)

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Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air flow selection 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center and side ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control system 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control panel 4-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater operation 4-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner operation 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning ventilator grille 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight 4-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant
circuit 4-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking air conditioning system before summer season 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather condition 4-11 . . . . .
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant for your climate control system 4-11 . .
Air filtration system (if equipped) 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control