2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX trailer

Driving tips
8-37
– CONTINUED –
sudden downshifts. When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condi-
tioner may turn off automatically to protect the
engine from overheating. When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to
the water temperature gauge pointer (for all
vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT
vehicles) since the engine and transmission are rel-
atively prone to overheating under these conditions.
If the water temperature gauge pointer approaches
the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning
light illuminates, immediately switch off the air condi-
tioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine overheat ” section in chapter 9,
and “Warning and indicator lights ” section in chap-
ter 3. If your vehicle has a automatic transmission, avoid
using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an
uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or
foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, avoid driving with the gearselector lever in “D” when towing a heavy trailer to
prevent fluid overheating.
Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parkingon a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you shouldtake the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under boththe vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the
regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb theload.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the
parking brake; slowly release the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmis- sion) or
“P” (automatic transmission) and shut off the
engine.

In case of emergency
9-3
– CONTINUED –
Temporary spare tire (if equipped)
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not
designed to sustain the towing load. Use ofthe temporary spare tire when towing canresult in failure of the spare tire and/or less
stability of the vehicle and may lead to an accident.
The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter than
a conventional tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Remove the temporary spare tire and re-
install the conventional tire as soon as possible be-
cause the spare tire is designed only for temporary use.
Check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare
tire periodically to keep the tire ready for use. The
correct pressure is 60 psi (4.2 kg/cm2
, 420 kPa) .
When using the temporary spare tire, note the fol-lowing:
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire.
Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not
fit properly. Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at
the same time. Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller
diameter, so road clearance is reduced.
HG0106
1) Tread wear indicator bar
2) Indicator location mark
When the wear indicator appears on the tread, re-
place the tire.

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
11-40
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread worn at
shoulders)
HGB024AA
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel consumption is
also higher.
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread worn in
center)
HGB025AA
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magnifies the
effects of road-surface bumps and dips, possibly
resulting in vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for the ve-
hicle when fully loaded and for the vehicle when
towing a trailer, adjust the tire pressures to the val-
ues that match current loading conditions.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp

Index
14-3
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking air conditioning system before summer season 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal free play 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance 11-34 . .
Checking the clutch function 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch pedal free play 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-24, 11-29, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11-30, 11-31
Checking the gear oil level 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-9, 11-23, 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint systems 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety locks 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter (if equipped) 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter socket (if equipped) 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning aluminum wheels 10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the interior 10-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning ventilator grille 4-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control system 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 3-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact disc player operation 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-24, 8-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control panel 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and
low temperature weather condition 4-11 . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion protection 8-13, 10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (if equipped) 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder 6-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Daytime running light system 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disarming the system 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-22 . . . . . . .
Dome light 6-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door locks 2-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 7-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight 4-10 Electrical power socket located on the lower part of the instrument panel 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical system 12-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-8
Synthetic leather upholstery 10-6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System monitors 1-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System operation 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System servicing 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 3-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature A, B, C 13-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature gauge 3-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temporary spare tire (if equipped) 9-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire inspection 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressures and wear 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire replacement 11-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire rotation 11-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 12-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To cancel the trunk lid release 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To change the cruising speed 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To help prevent corrosion 10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To install the cover housing 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To open and close the trunk lid from outside 2-23 . .
To open the trunk lid from inside 2-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top tether anchorages 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To remove the cover 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To set cruise control 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To temporarily cancel the cruise control 7-28
. . . . . . . .
To turn off the cruise control 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 9-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tie-down eyes 9-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing with all wheels on the ground 9-19 . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction AA, A, B, C 13-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitch (if equipped) 8-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitches 8-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treadwear 13-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid (Sedan) 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid release handle 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk light 11-67
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal indicator lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal lever 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 liter (Turbo) model 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 liter model 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type A audio set (if equipped) 5-3, 5-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type B audio set (if equipped) 5-3, 5-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U
Uniform tire quality grading standards 13-2 . . . . . . . . .
Unlocking the doors 2-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a flat-bed truck 9-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the cover 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-9
V
Valet mode2-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity mirror (if equipped) 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification 12-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle with driver ’s and front passenger ’s
SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints 1-38 . . .
Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning and indicator lights 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranties and maintenance 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washing 10-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Waxing and polishing 10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear indicators 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel alignment 12-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel balance 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel covers 11-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel replacement 11-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When you do not tow a trailer 8-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid 11-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switches 3-21 . . . . . . . .
Winter driving 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper and washer 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .