2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX transmission

Instruments and controls
3-2
Ignition switch
HB3014BA
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC,
ON and START. LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed in this position. The ignition switch will lock the steering
wheel when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.
Automatic transmission vehicles
HB4016BA
HB2032CA
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only

Instruments and controls
3-3
– CONTINUED –
when the selector lever is in the “P” position.
Manual transmission vehicles
OM-H0144
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, pre-venting steering control. And when the engineis turned off, it takes a much greater effort
than usual to steer.
ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, cig-
arette lighter, etc.) can be used. ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started. START
The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is re-
leased (after the engine has started), the key auto-
matically returns to the “ON” position.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position while the engine is running.
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver ’s door
opens and the key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tions. The chime stops when the key is removed
from the ignition switch.

Instruments and controls
3-12
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the oil pres- sure warning light on. This may cause serious engine damage.
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid
temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary
to stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep
grades or in stop and go traffic.
Automatic transmission control system warn- ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system
is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer for service immediately. ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after about two seconds.This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.
CAUTION
If the warning light behaves as follows, the
ABS system may not work properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS func-
tion shuts down; however, the conventional
brake system continues to operate normally.
The warning light does not come on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position, but
it does not go out even when the vehiclespeed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as shown below, the ABS system may be considered normal.
(U.S.) (Canada)

Instruments and controls
3-17
– CONTINUED –
Daytime running light system
WARNING
The tail lights, parking lights, and side marker
lights are not turned on by the daytime run-ning light system. The light switch must al- ways be turned to the “a ” position when it
is dark outside.
The low beam headlights will automatically come on
at reduced brightness when the engine has started,
under the following conditions: The parking brake is fully released.
The light switch is in the “OFF” or “p ” position.
The automatic transmission selector lever is set at
other than the “P” position. Turn signal lever
HB2015BC
1) Right turn
2) Left turn
3) Lane change for right
4) Lane change for left
To activate the right turn signal, push the turn signal
lever up. To activate the left turn signal, push the
turn signal lever down. When the turn is finished, the
lever will return automatically. If the lever does not
return after cornering, return the lever to the neutralposition by hand.
To signal a lane change, push the turn signal lever up or down slightly and hold it during the lane
change. The turn signal indicator lights will flash in

Instruments and controls
3-26
Compass mirror (if equipped)
HB6019BC
1) Left button
2) Auto dimming indicator
3) Photosensor
4) Right button
The inside electronic compass mirror has an anti-
glare feature which automatically reduces glare
coming from headlights of vehicles behind you. It also contains a built-in compass. By pressing and releasing the left button, the au-
tomatic dimming function is toggled on or off. Whenthe automatic dimming function is on, the auto dim-
ming indicator light (green) located to the right of the button will illuminate.
By pressing and releasing the right button, the
compass display is toggled on or off. When the
compass is on, an illuminated compass reading will
appear in the lower part of the mirror.
Even with the mirror in anti-glare mode, the mirror
surface turns bright if the transmission is shifted into
reverse. This is to ensure good rearward visibility
during reversing.
n Photosensors
HB6020BA
The mirror has a photosensor attached on both the
front and back sides. If the glare from the headlights
of vehicles behind you strikes the mirror, these sen-
sors detect it and make the reflection surface of the
mirror dimmer to help prevent you from being

7
7-1
– CONTINUED –
Fuel 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel requirements 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle 7-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for an automatic
transmission vehicle 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4 °F ( –20 °C) 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting a flooded engine 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speeds 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 7-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever for automatic transmission 7-14 . . . .
Shift lock release 7-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear viscous limited slip differential
(LSD) (if equipped) 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 7-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-22 . . . . . .
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ABS system self-check 7-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking your vehicle 7-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (if equipped) 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To set cruise control 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To temporarily cancel the cruise control 7-28 . . . . . .
To turn off the cruise control 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To change the cruising speed 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and operating

Starting and operating
7-6
State emission testing (U.S. only) At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service station in advance not to
place your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two-wheel
dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.
Some states have started using dynamometers in
their state inspection programs in order to meet their
obligation under federal law to implement stricter
vehicle emission standards to reduce air pollution
from cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your car ’s wheels to turn
while the car remains in one place. Depending onthe severity of a state ’s air pollution problems, the
states must adopt either a “basic” or “enhanced”
vehicle emission inspection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emission
inspector inserting an analyzer probe into the
exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle for a short period
of time. States with more severe air pollution prob-
lems are required to adopt an enhanced vehicleemission test. This test simulates actual driving
conditions on a dynamometer and permits more
accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution
than the basic emission test. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and states using two-wheel dynamometers in their
emission testing programs have
EXEMPTED
Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing
program that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel
dynamometers in their testing programs. When
properly used, that equipment will not damage an
AWD Subaru vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be
jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be
disconnected for state emission testing.
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must
NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel
dynamometer. Attempting to do so will resultin uncontrolled vehicle movement and may
cause an accident or injuries to persons
nearby.

Starting and operating
7-8
Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for five to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more be-fore trying again.
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the
shift lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicatorlights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator light ” sec-
tion (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait
a while and then turn the ignition switch to the
“START”
position again while depressing the accel-
erator pedal half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injec-
tion system automatically lowers the idle speed as
the engine warms up.
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position
(preferably “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights ”
section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait