2003 SUBARU BAJA Owners Manual

Maintenance and service11-19
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CONTINUED –
Spark plugs
CAUTION
When disconnecting the spark plug cables, always grasp the
spark plug cap, not the cables. Make sure the cables are replaced in the correct order.
HBA004BA
It may be difficult to replace the spark plugs. It is recommended that you
have the spark plugs replaced by your SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced according to the maintenance
schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Recommended spark plugs
RC10YC4 (Champion)BKR6E-11 (NGK)BKR5E-11 (NGK)

11-20
Drive belts
The alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor de-
pend on drive belts. Satisfactory performance requires that belt tension
be correct.
HGA005BB
in (mm)
Deflection
New beltUsed belt
10.28 — 0.35(7.0 — 9.0)0.35 — 0.43
(9.0 — 11.0)
20.30 — 0.33 (7.5 — 8.5)0.35 — 0.40
(9.0 — 10.0)
To check belt tension, place a straightedge (ruler) across two adjacent
pulleys and apply a force of 22 lb (98 N, 10 kg) midway between thepulleys by using a spring scale. Belt deflection should be the amountspecified.

Maintenance and service11-21
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CONTINUED –
Manual transmission oil
Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
OM-H0210
Upper level Lower level
HBB004DB
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 the dipstick hole to bring the level upto the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

11-22
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Automatic transmission fluidChecking 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 different 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 recommend checking the fluid level when
the fluid is at operating temperature. n Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the
transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 176 °F
(70 to 80 °C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P”
position, and run the engine at idling speed.

Maintenance and service11-23
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CONTINUED –
HBB004KB
HBB079BB
4. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the lower level on the “HOT” range, add the recommended au-
tomatic transmission fluid up to the upper level. n Checking the fluid level when the fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked without time to warm up the
automatic transmission, check to see that the fluid level is betweenthe lower level and upper level on the “COLD” range. If it is below that
range, add fluid up to the upper level. Be careful not to overfill. Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid

11-24
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)Checking the oil level
Check the differential oil level monthly.
HBA010BB
Lower level Upper levelHBB004EB
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
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 belowthe lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level.
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

Maintenance and service11-25
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CONTINUED –
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0212
Rear differential gear oil
Checking the gear oil level CAUTION
If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there may be an oil leak. If you suspect a problem, have the vehicle checked at your
SUBARU dealer.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear differential protector. The
differential protector provides protection to the rear differential assem-
bly during off-road use. Removal of the rear differential protector is not
required when checking the oil level.

11-26
OM-H0213
ATAT
OM-H0214
HB0078
HB0077
Filler plug
Drain plug Filler hole
Drain hole
Oil level
MT
MT
Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil level. The oil level should be kept even with the bottom of the filler hole. If the oil
level is below the bottom edge of the hole, add oil through the filler
hole to raise the level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5