2003 SUBARU BAJA catalytic converter

7-2
FuelCAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine damage.
Fuel requirements
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher.
Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor
Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index(AKI).Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned
if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or
when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service techni-
cian if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle
knocks heavily or persistently. Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded
gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gaso-
line be used because it will damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy. Gasoline for California-certified LEV
Your vehicle was certified to California ’s low emission vehicle (LEV)
standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up label. It is designed
to optimize engine and emission control system performance with
gasoline that meets the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline
specifications. If you live in any other state than California, your ve-hicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal specifications. Gaso-
line sold outside California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels,
which may affect the performance of your vehicle ’s catalytic converter

8
Driving tips New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy hints 8-2
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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic converter 8-4
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Periodic inspections 8-5
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Driving in foreign countries 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving 8-7
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Winter driving 8-10
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Snow tires 8-13
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Tire chains 8-14
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Rocking the vehicle 8-15
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Loading your vehicle 8-15
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Vehicle capacity weight 8-17
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GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) 8-18
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Trailer hitch (if equipped) 8-19
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Trailer towing 8-24
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8-4
Catalytic converterWARNING
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), be-
cause the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures. Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is veryhot.
HB3003BA
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as
catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing
cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline
will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Avoid racing the engine.
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving.
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (mis-
firing, backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked
and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat
shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.

Index14-3
Catalytic converter 8-4
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Center console 6-5
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Changing a flat tire 9-11
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Charge warning light 3-12
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CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint systems 1-26
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Child safety locks 2-20
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Cigarette lighter socket 6-9
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Cleaning aluminum wheels 10-4
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Cleaning fog light lens 10-4
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Cleaning the interior 10-6
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Clock 3-17
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Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-30
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Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles) 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coat hook 6-12
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Coin compartment 6-6
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Convenience hook 6-12
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Convenient tie-down hooks (if equipped) 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-13
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Corrosion protection 10-5
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Cruise control 7-28
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Cup holder 6-7
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D Daytime running light system 3-19
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Dimensions 12-2
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Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome light 6-2
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Door ajar warning lights 3-15
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Door locks 2-3
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Drive belts 11-20
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Driving in foreign countries 8-5
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Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6
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E
Electrical system 12-2
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