2003 SUBARU IMPREZA coolant temperature

Instruments and controls
3-9
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NOTE This light does not go out unless the tank is
replenished up to an internal fuel quantity ofabout 4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.). Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tem-
perature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” posi-
tion.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance
with the outside temperature and driving conditions. We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum
with the engine coolant at this temperature range
and high revving operation when the engine is not
warmed up enough should be avoided.
CAUTION
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as pos-sible.See
“In case of emergency ” in chapter 9.
Ambient temperature gauge (if equipped)
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from –22°F to 122 °F ( –30 °C
to 50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a
traffic jam; when the engine is restarted immediately
following a shutdown. When the actual ambient temperature falls outside

In case of emergency
9-18
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is
not turning, immediately turn the engine off and con-
tact your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has
dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add
coolant up to the “FULL” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add
coolant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radia- tor cap and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator,
first wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then
turn the cap counterclockwise slowly without press-
ing down until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been fully re-
leased, remove the cap by pressing down and turn-ing it. Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your
SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service.
Observe the following procedures for safety.
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheels raised off the groundwhile the rear wheels are on the ground, orwith the rear wheels raised off the groundwhile the front wheels are on the ground. This

Maintenance and service
11-15
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Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with
very high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty ap-
plications such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the
following grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL or SJ: SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40,
20W-50
Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that meets the
same requirements given for conventional engine
oil. When using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the
same classification, viscosity and grade shown inthis owner ’s manual, and must follow the oil and filter
changing intervals shown in the maintenance schedule. Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is underpressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
CAUTION

The cooling system has been filled at the
factory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibit-
ing, year-around coolant which provides protection against freezing down to –33°F
(–36 °C). For adding, use genuine SUBARU
coolant or an equivalent: a mixture of 50%
soft water and 50% ethylene-glycol basis cool-
ant. Use of improper coolants may result in
corrosion in the cooling system. It is impor- tant to maintain protection against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing temperaturesare not expected. Never mix different kinds ofcoolant.

Maintenance and service
11-16
Do not splash the engine coolant over
painted parts. The alcohol contained in the en- gine coolant may damage the paint surface.
Cooling fan, hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which
is thermostatically controlled to operate when the
engine coolant reaches a specific temperature.If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even
when the engine coolant temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan
circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and re-
place it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, havethe cooling system checked by your SUBARU deal-
er.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there
may be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is rec-
ommended that the cooling system and connectionsbe checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant
Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the res-ervoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW”
level mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” level mark.
If the reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap
and refill as required.

Maintenance and service
11-51
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Washer Fluid
ConcentrationFreezing
Temperature
30% 50%
100%10.4 °F ( –12 °C)
–4 °F ( –20 °C)
–49 °F ( –45 °C)
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage. Replacement of windshield wiper blades
Grease, wax, insects, or other material on the wind-
shield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper
operation and streaking on the glass. If you cannot
remove the streaks after operating the windshield
washer or if the wiper operation is jerky, clean the
outer surface of the windshield (or rear window) andthe wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a
neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaner. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with
clean water. The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse the windshield with water.
CAUTION
Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of the wiperblades.
If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after fol-
lowing this method, replace the wiper blades using
the following procedures:
1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.