2003 SUBARU IMPREZA wiper blades

Instruments and controls
3-21
– CONTINUED –
Wiper and washer
WARNING
In freezing weather, do not use the windshield
washer until the windshield is sufficiently
warmed by the defroster.Otherwise the washer fluid can freeze on the
windshield, blocking your view.
CAUTION
Do not operate the washer continuously for
more than ten seconds, or when the washer
fluid tank is empty. This may cause overheat-
ing of the washer motor. Check the washer
fluid level frequently, such as at fuel stops. Do not operate the wipers when the wind-
shield or rear window is dry. This may scratchthe glass, damage the wiper blades and causethe wiper motor to burn out. Before operating
the wiper on a dry windshield or rear window,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure that the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window before switching on the wipers.Attempting to operate the wiper with the
blades frozen to the window glass could
cause not only the wiper blades to be dam-aged but also the wiper motor to burn out. Ifthe wiper blade is frozen to the window glass,
be sure to operate the defroster, windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) or rear window
defogger before turning on the wiper.
If the wipers stop during operation because
of ice or some other obstruction on the win-
dow, the wiper motor could burn out even if the wiper switch is turned off. If this occurs, promptly stop the vehicle in a safe place, turnthe ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and
clean the window glass to allow proper wiperoperation. Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is
unavailable. In areas where water freezes in
winter, use SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluidor the equivalent. (See the “Windshield wash-
er fluid ” section in chapter 11.)
Also, when driving the vehicle when there are
freezing temperatures, use non-freezing type wiper blades. Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline
or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene.

Instruments and controls
3-22
This will cause deterioration of the wiper blades.
NOTE The wiper operates only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.
Clean your wiper blades and window glass
periodically with a washer solution to prevent
streaking, and to remove accumulations of roadsalt or road film. Keep the washer button
depressed at least for 1 second so that washersolution will be sprinkled all over the windshield
or rear window. Grease, wax, insects or other material on the
windshield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper operation and streaking on the glass. Ifyou cannot remove those streaks after operating
the washer or if the wiper operation is jerky,
clean the outer surface of the windshield or rear
window and the wiper blades using a sponge or
soft cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abra-
sive cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the window
glass and wiper blades with clean water. The
glass is clean if no beads form on the glass
when you rinse with water. If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after
following this procedure, replace the wiper blades with new ones. Refer to the
“Wiper blade
replacement” section (chapter 11) for replace-
ment instructions.
Windshield wiper and washer switches
Windshield wipers
1) OFF
2) : Intermittent
3) LO : Low speed
4) HI : High speed
To turn the wipers on, push the wiper control lever

Driving tips
8-11
– CONTINUED –
cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder
starting.
Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting themwith deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage or sepa-
rate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the
door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and af-
terwards thoroughly wipe the water away. Use a windshield washer fluid that contains an anti-
freeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or oth-
er substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle.
Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice
from your shoes because that could make the ped-
als slippery and dangerous.
While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all oth-
er controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated un-
der the fenders to avoid making steering difficult.
During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders peri-
odically.
Parking in cold weather
Do not use the parking brake when parking for long
periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that
position. Instead, observe the following:
1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual trans-
mission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmis-
sion vehicles.
2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving.
When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it
snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to pre-vent damage to them.
When the vehicle has been left parked after use on
roads heavily covered with snow, or has been left
parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop onthe brake system, which could cause poor braking
action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the sus-
pension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle.
If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being care-ful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses
and ABS harness.

Driving tips
8-13
– CONTINUED –
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may
cause loss of vehicle control.
Wiper operation when snowing
Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear win-
dow. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield
or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow
control dial in the “t ” position and the temperature
control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper
blades are completely thawed out. If your vehicle is
equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blades. To thaw out the rear wiper
blade, use the rear window defogger.
When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick
on the surface of the windshield despite wiper
operation, use the defroster with the airflow controldial in “t ” and the temperature control dial set for
maximum warmth. After the windshield gets warmed
enough to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer.
Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effectively. If snow is stuck on the
wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then
remove it. If you stop the car at road side, use the
hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers.
We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades (winter blades) during the seasons you
could have snow and sub-zero temperatures.
Blades of this type give superior wiping perfor-
mance in snowy conditions. Be sure to use blades
that are suitable for your vehicle.
Corrosion protection
Refer to the “Corrosion protection ” section (chapter
10). Snow tires
WARNING
When replacing original tires with winter
(snow) tires, make sure you use only the same size, construction and load range as the origi-nal tires listed on the tire placard. Using other
sizes and construction may affect speedome-ter/odometer calibration and clearance be-tween the body and tires. It also may be dan-

Maintenance and service
11-2
Tire inspection 11-41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressures and wear 11-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel balance 11-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear indicators 11-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire rotation 11-46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire replacement 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel replacement 11-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel covers 11-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheels (If equipped) 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of windshield wiper blades 11-51 . .
Battery 11-54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 11-56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main fuse 11-59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of accessories 11-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing bulbs 11-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 11-62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light and parking light 11-64 . . . . . .
Front fog light (if equipped) 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear combination lights 11-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 11-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome light, map light and cargo area light 11-73 . . .
Trunk light 11-74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High mount stop light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maintenance and service
11-51
– CONTINUED –
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.

Index
14-7
Spark plugs 11-24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote keyless entry system 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement Brake pad and lining 11-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper blades 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing bulbs 11-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo area light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doom light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 11-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High mount stop light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 11-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear combination light 11-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) 2-10 . .
Air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (remote keyless entry system) 2-8 . . . . .
Rocking the vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar 8-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S Seatbelt 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintenance 1-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety tips 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light and chime 1-15, 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelts 1-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Cushion height adjustment (driver ’s seat) 1-5 .
Fabric 10-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater 1-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security system 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift position indicator 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires 8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sounding a panic alarm 2-8, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 6, 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS frontal airbag 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS side airbag 1-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .