2003 SUBARU IMPREZA steering wheel

Instruments and controls
3-2
Ignition switch
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

Instruments and controls
3-3
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The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position.
Manual transmission vehicles
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 engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort
than usual to steer.

Instruments and controls
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cator light located on the switch lights up while the
outside mirror defogger is operating.
The defogger will automatically shut off after about
15 minutes. If the mirror clears before that time,
push the switch to turn it off. It also turns off when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position. If defrosting or defogging is desired when
you restart your vehicle, you have to push the switch
to turn it on again. NOTE While the outside mirror defogger is operating, the rear window defogger also operates.
CAUTION
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not operate the defogger continuously for
any longer than necessary. Tilt steering wheel1. Adjust the seat position. Refer to the
“Front seat ”
section (chapter 1).
2. Push the tilt lock lever down.
3. Move the steering wheel to the desired level.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel inplace.
5. Make sure that the steering wheel is securelylocked by moving it up and down.

Instruments and controls
3-32
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel tilt position while driving. This may cause loss of vehicle
control and result in personal injury.Horn
To sound the horn, push the horn pad.

Starting and operating
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Stopping the engine
The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the
power steering and the brake booster, makingsteering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the
“LOCK” position on the ignition switch, caus-
ing the steering wheel to lock. Manual transmission
The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed
5-forward and 1-reverse speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever knob.
When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first re-
turn the shift lever to the neutral position then shift
into reverse gear.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal,
move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the
clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission

Starting and operating
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Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (WRX)
The LSD provides optimum distribution of power ac-
cording to the difference in revolutions between the
right and left rear wheels that may be caused by
certain driving conditions, thereby improving driving
stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery
roads.
CAUTION
Never start the engine while a tire on one
side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid
continued spinning at high speed as thiscould adversely affect the LSD. If a different size rear tire is temporarily
used (as in an emergency), it will adversely af-fect the LSD. Always replace it with a regularsize tire as soon as possible. Power steering The power steering system operates only when the
engine is running.If you lose power steering assist because the en-gine stops or the system fails to function, you can
steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and be- fore it has warmed up, you may hear a noisecoming from areas adjacent to the power steer-
ing pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steering systemtrouble.
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully
locked position left or right for more than five
seconds. This may damage the power steer- ing pump.

Starting and operating
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much harder than normal and the braking distance
will increase. Disc brake pad wear warning indica- tors
The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the
disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake
pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, immediately have your
vehicle checked by your SUBARU dealer. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This helps prevent the
loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up.
When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a
chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates. The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driving
– over-
confidence because you are driving with an
ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to aserious accident.

Starting and operating
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When parking on a hill, always turn the steering
wheel. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the
front wheels should be turned away from the curb.When facing downhill, the front wheels should be
turned into the curb.
WARNING
Never leave unattended children or pets in
the vehicle. They could accidentally injure
themselves or others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny
days, the temperature in a closed vehiclecould quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to people. Do not park the vehicle over flammable ma-
terials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags,