2003 SUBARU IMPREZA run flat

2
How to use this owner’s manual
Using your Owner ’s manual
Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this
manual. To protect yourself and extend the service
life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this
manual. Failure to observe these instructions may
result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.
This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents,so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter
contains the information you want. Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
This chapter informs you how to use the seat and
seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS air- bags.Chapter 2: Keys and doors
This chapter informs you how to operate the keys,locks and windows.Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This chapter informs you about the operation of
instrument panel indicators and how to use theinstruments and other switches.Chapter 4: Climate Control
This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.Chapter 5: Audio
This chapter informs you how to operate your audiosystem.Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment. Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This chapter informs you how to start and operateyour SUBARU.Chapter 8: Driving tips
This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various conditions and explains some safety tips on driving.Chapter 9: In case of emergency
This chapter informs you what to do if you have a
problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engineoverheating. Chapter 10: Appearance care
This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARUlooking good.
Chapter 11: Maintenance and service
This chapter informs you when you need to take
your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled mainte-
nance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU
running properly.

Starting and operating
7-8
mination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness moni-
tors are complete. A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL is not properly operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes
stored in vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL illuminated.
A state emission inspection may reject (not pass
or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readi- ness monitors “Not Ready ” is greater than three.
Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to
set the monitors and return for an emission re-in-spection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should con-
tact their Subaru Dealer for service. Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fullyclosed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside
mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passen-gers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”
position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights
after starting the engine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer
fluid and other fluid levels should be checked
daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

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

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

Index
14-3
Area cover 6-14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie-down hooks 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic converter 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center
Console 6-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visor 6-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing
Flat tire 9-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil and oil filter 11-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Brake pedal free play 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal reserve distance 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch function 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal free play 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil level 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level 11-27, 11-32 , 11-34, 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear oil level 11-25, 11-29, 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child restraint systems 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation with seatbelt 1-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower and tether anchorages 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety 7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locks 2-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chime Key
3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt 3-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette lighter 6-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels 10-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior 10-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilator grille 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control system 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 3-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch pedal 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coat hook 6-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coin tray 6-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion protection 8-13, 10-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cup holder 6-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
Daytime running light system 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential gear oil
Front 11-29
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 11-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disarming the system 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-23 . . . . .
Dome light 6-2, 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .