2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX checking oil

Instruments and controls
3-9
– CONTINUED –
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.

4
4-1
– CONTINUED –
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

Climate control
4-10
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner Cleaning ventilator grille
HG4016BA
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure effi-
cient heating and defrosting. Since the condenser is
located in front of the radiator, this area should be
kept clean because cooling performance is im-
paired by any accumulation of insects and leaves
on the condenser.
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the win- dows open for a few minutes to allow outside air to
circulate into the heated interior. This results in
quicker cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the win-dows closed during the operation of the air condi-
tioner for maximum cooling efficiency. Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en- gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few
minutes each month during the off-season to circu-
late its oil. Checking air conditioning system before summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks,
hose conditions, and proper operation each spring.
This check is best performed by your SUBARU
dealer.

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
11-9
– CONTINUED –
Engine oil Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel stop.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop theengine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert itagain.
HGB001BA
3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it
stops with the graphic symbol i on its top ap-
pearing as shown in the illustration.
HBB061BC
1) Notch
2) Upper level 3) Lower level
4) Front of vehicle
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 upper level.
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended
grade and viscosity.
If you check the oil level just after stopping the en-
gine, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan before checking the level.
Just after driving or while the engine is warm, the

Maintenance and service
11-23
– CONTINUED –
Manual transmission oil Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop theengine.
HGB001DB
Non-turbo model
1) Yellow handle
HGB001JA
Turbo model
HGB034BB
1) Upper level 2) Lower level

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.