2003 SUBARU IMPREZA steering wheel

Driving tips
8-9
– CONTINUED –
aid kit and portable phone or citizens band radio. Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. Slow down and employ extra caution at all times.
When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit
of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive
either straight up or straight down the slopes. A ve-
hicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it
can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down
slopes that are too steep. Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at
higher speeds. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injureyour hands. Instead drive with your fingers andthumbs on the outside of the rim. If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and
ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and completely through the stream. The water
should be shallow enough that it does not reach the
vehicle’ s undercarriage. Water entering the engine
air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing
onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive through
rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash
away the ground from under your tires, resulting in
possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.
Always check your brakes for effectiveness im-
mediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do
this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake
pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry outthe brake discs and brake pads. Do not drive or park over or near flammable mate-
rials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may
burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the engine stops.
This could create a fire hazard. After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, pa-
per, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these ma-
terials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a
mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and
make certain that it is not piled higher than the seat-
backs. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured car-
go could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause
injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Thoseloads raise the vehicle ’s center of gravity and make

Driving tips
8-36
safety’s sake, you should employ extra cau-
tion when towing a trailer and you should
never speed. You should also keep the follow-ing tips in mind:
Before starting out on a trip
Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are
apparent, do not tow the trailer. Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the
trailer attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at
the front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then
confirm that the load and its distribution are accept-able. Check that the tire pressures are correct.
Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that
–the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.– the trailer lights connector is connected prop-
erly and trailer ’s brake lights illuminate when the
vehicle’ s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trail-
er’ s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle ’s turn
signal lever is operated.– the safety chains are connected properly. –
all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in posi-
tion.– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without a significant blind spot.
Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel”
of the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out
on a trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.
Driving with a trailer
You should allow for considerably more stopping
distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing because it may result in skidding or jackknifing
and loss of control. Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate
engine revolution. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes. Slow down before turning. Make a longer than
normal turning radius because the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle. Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswindscan be due to weather conditions or the passing of

Driving tips
8-37
– CONTINUED –
large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but
gradually.When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-
tance is required because of the added weight and
length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn 2) Right turn
Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes
practice. When backing up with a trailer, never
accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning back, gripthe bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and
turn it to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have
repairs performed immediately by the nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Driving on grades
Before going down a steep hill, slow down and
shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in
order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent
overheating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not make
sudden downshifts. When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condi-
tioner may turn off automatically to protect the
engine from overheating. When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to
the water temperature gauge pointer (for all
vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT
vehicles) since the engine and transmission are rel-
atively prone to overheating under these conditions.
If the water temperature gauge pointer approaches
the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning
light illuminates, immediately switch off the air condi-
tioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place.Refer to the “Engine overheat ” section in chapter 9,
and “Warning and indicator lights ” section in chap-
ter 3.

In case of emergency
9-23
– CONTINUED –
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position while the vehicle is being towed be-
cause the steering wheel and the direction ofthe wheels will be locked. Remember that the brake booster and pow-
er steering do not function when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off,
it will take greater effort to operate the brakepedal and steering wheel.
CAUTION
If transmission failure occurs, transport
your vehicle on a flat-bed truck. Do not run the engine while being towed in
this method. Transmission damage could re- sult if the vehicle is towed with the engine running. For vehicles with automatic transmission,
the traveling speed must be limited to lessthan 20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling dis-tance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, transport your
vehicle on a flat-bed truck. Maintenance toolsYour vehicle is equipped with the following mainte-
nance tools:
Wheel cover remover (vehicles with wheel covers)
Screwdriver
Towing hook (eye bolt)
Wheel nut wrench

11
11-1
– CONTINUED –
Maintenance schedule 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance precautions 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine hood 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 liter model 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 liter (Turbo) model 11-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the oil and oil filter 11-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synthetic oil 11-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling fan, hose and connections 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended spark plugs 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission oil 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-29
. . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the gear oil level 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended brake fluid 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended clutch fluid 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal free play 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance 11-37 . .
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch function 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch pedal free play 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-39 . . . . . . . .
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings 11-39 . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance and service

Maintenance and service
11-45
– CONTINUED –
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp
increase in temperature could cause tread
separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead toan accident.
Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when your ve-
hicle was new, but the wheels will become unbal-
anced as the tires become worn during use. Wheel
imbalance causes the steering wheel to vibrate
slightly at certain vehicle speeds and detracts fromthe vehicle ’s straight-line stability. It can also cause
steering and suspension system problems and ab-
normal tire wear. If you suspect that the wheels are
not correctly balanced, have them checked and ad-
justed by your SUBARU dealer. Also have them ad-
justed after tire repairs and after tire rotation. NOTE Loss of correct wheel alignment* causes the tires to wear on one side and reduces the ve-
hicle’ s running stability. Contact your SUBARU dealer if you notice abnormal tire wear.
* : The suspension system is designed to hold each wheel
at a certain alignment (relative to the other wheels and to
the road) for optimum straight-line stability and cornering
performance.
Wear indicators
A) New tread
B) Worn tread
1) Tread wear indicator
Each tire incorporates a tread wear indicator, which
becomes visible when the depth of the tread
grooves decreases to 0.063 in. (1.6 mm). A tire must

Index
14-4
Door locks 2-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Drinking 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drugs 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phone 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pets 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tired or sleepy 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 7-13, 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Electrical system 12-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 1-14 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Compartment overview 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8, 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood 11-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 11-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior care 10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Flat tires
9-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 6-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Automatic transmission 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 11-34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch 11-35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding down the rear seat 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fore and aft adjustment 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Differential gear oil 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt pretensioners 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal light and parking light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . .
Front-wheel drive warning light 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filler lid and cap 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 3-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirements 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 11-56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and circuits 12-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-8
Storage compartments 6-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 6-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) 1-42
Synthetic leather upholstery 10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 3-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature gauge 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temporary spare tire 9-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie-down hooks 9-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressures and wear 11-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation 11-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 12-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types 11-41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top tether anchorages 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 9-18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat-bed truck 9-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All wheels on the ground 9-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Hitch 8-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 8-32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing
8-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 2-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release handle 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal Indicator lights 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever 3-18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U
Under-floor storage compartment 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Valet mode 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity mirror 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 12-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning and indicator lights 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights ABS 3-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock Brake system 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .