2003 SUBARU IMPREZA Owners Manual

Maintenance and service
11-30
1) Upper level 2) Lower level
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil to bring thelevel up to the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and ad-
ditives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature

Maintenance and service
11-31
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Rear differential gear oil Checking the gear oil level
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear differential
protector. The differential protector provides protec-
tion to the rear differential assembly during off-road
use. Removal of the rear differential protector is not
required when checking the oil level.
1) Filler plug 2) Drain plug
1) Filler hole
2) Drain hole 3) Oil level
Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil level. The oil level should be kept even with thebottom 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.
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.

Maintenance and service
11-32
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and ad-
ditives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
1) Reservoir tank
The power steering fluid expands greatly as its tem-
perature rises; the fluid level differs according to
fluid temperature. Therefore, the reservoir tank has
two different checking ranges for hot and coldfluids.
Check the power steering fluid level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop theengine.

Maintenance and service
11-33
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1) Specified range
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run:Check that the oil level is between “HOT MIN ” and
“ HOT MAX ” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is run: Check that the oil level is between “COLD MIN ” and
“ COLD MAX ” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the applicable “MIN”
line, add the recommended fluid as necessary to bring the level between the “MIN” and “MAX” line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate pos-
sible leakage. Consult your SUBARU dealer for in- spection.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION

When power steering fluid is being added,
use only clean fluid, and be careful not to al- low any dirt into the tank. And never use dif-
ferent brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the
tank.
Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid

Maintenance and service
11-34
Brake fluid Checking the fluid level
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir.If the level is below “MIN”, add the recommended
brake fluid to “MAX”.
Use only brake fluid from a sealed container.
WARNING
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause a danger- ous loss of braking performance. If the vehicle requires frequent refilling,
there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem,
have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
Never use different brands of brake fluid to-
gether. When adding brake fluid, be careful not to
allow any dirt into the reservoir. Never splash the brake fluid over painted
surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained inthe brake fluid may damage them.
Recommended brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid

Maintenance and service
11-35
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Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) Checking the fluid level
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If
the level is below “MIN ” level mark, add the recom-
mended clutch fluid to “MAX ” level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed container.
CAUTION
Clutch fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause improper clutch operation. If the vehicle requires frequent refilling,
there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem,

Maintenance and service
11-36
have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.Never use different brands of clutch fluid to-
gether. When clutch fluid is added, be careful not to
allow any dirt into the tank.
Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluidBrake booster If the brake booster does not operate as described
below, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sev-
eral times, applying the same pedal force each time.
The distance the pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the en-
gine. The pedal should move slightly down to the
floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine
and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one min-
ute then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several
times to check the brake booster. Brake booster op-
erates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with
each depression.

Maintenance and service
11-37
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Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve dis-
tance according to the maintenance schedule in the“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Checking the brake pedal free play
1) 0.04 – 0.12 in (1.0 – 3.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal
several times. Lightly press the brake pedal down
with one finger to check the free play with a force ofless than 2 lb (10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specification, contact your SUBARU dealer.
Checking the brake pedal reserve dis- tance
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66
lb (294 N, 30 kg) and measure the distance be-
tween the upper surface of the pedal pad and the
floor.
When the measurement is smaller than the specifi-
cation, or when the pedal does not operate smooth-
ly, contact with your SUBARU dealer.