2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX wheel

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-51
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The SRS airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
If the front sub sensors inside the both front fenders
and the impact sensors in the airbag control module
detect a certain predetermined amount of force dur-
ing a frontal collision, the control module sends sig-
nals to the frontal airbag modules instructing them to
inflate the SRS frontal airbags. Then both airbag
modules produce gas, which instantly inflates driv-er’ s and passenger ’s SRS frontal airbags. After the
deployment, the SRS airbags immediately start to
deflate so that the driver ’s vision is not obstructed.
The time required from detecting impact to the
deflation of the SRS airbag after deployment is
shorter than the blink of an eye.
The front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag deploys to-
gether with driver ’s SRS frontal airbag even when no
one occupies the front passenger ’s seat.
Although it is highly unlikely that the SRS airbag would activate in a non-accident situation, should it
occur, the SRS airbag will deflate quickly, not ob-
scuring vision and will not interfere with the driver ’s
ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud
inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are normal result of
the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a firein the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system compo-
nents around the steering wheel and dash- board with bare hands right after deployment.
Doing so can cause burns because the com-ponents can be very hot as a result of deploy-ment.
The SRS frontal airbag is designed to deploy in the
event of an accident involving a moderate to severe
frontal collision. It is basically not designed to
deploy in lesser frontal impacts because the neces-
sary protection can be achieved by the seatbelt
alone. Also, it is basically not designed to deploy in
side or rear impacts or in roll-over accidents be-
cause deployment of the SRS frontal airbag wouldnot help the occupant in those situations. The SRS
airbag is designed to function on a one-time-onlybasis.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of
force experienced in the passenger compartment
during a collision. That level differs from one type of

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-59
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Operation
A) SRS side airbag deploys as soon as a collision
occurs.
B) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate immediately. The SRS side airbag can function only when the
ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
The driver ’s and front passenger ’s SRS side airbags
deploy independently of each other since each has
its own impact sensor. Also, the SRS side airbag de-
ploys independently of the frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the
vehicle’ s center pillars. If either sensor detects a
certain predetermined amount of force during a side
impact collision, the control module sends a signal to the side airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, instructing it to inflate the SRS side air-
bag. Then the side airbag module produces gas,which instantly inflates the SRS side airbag. After
the deployment, the SRS side airbag immediately
starts to deflate. The time required from detecting
impact to the deflation of the SRS side airbag after
deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one oc- cupies the seat on the side on which an impact isapplied.
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly
loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke
will be released. These occurrences are normal re-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-65
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CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas listed be-
low, we recommend that you have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in these areas.Under the center console
Inside each front fender
Steering wheel and column and nearby
areas Top of the dashboard on front passenger ’s
side and nearby areas Each front seat and nearby area (only for ve-
hicles with SRS side airbags) Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, re-
placement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are re-
placed, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags must be inspected by a SUBARU dealer ten years
after the date of manufacture, which is shown on the
certification plate attached to the driver ’s door jamb. NOTE In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
The front part of the vehicle was involved in an
accident in which the SRS frontal airbags did not
deploy. The pad section of the steering wheel or front
passenger’ s frontal airbag cover is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged. In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS side airbags, contact your SUBARU dealer assoon as possible in the following cases. Either center pillar or a nearby area of the ve-
hicle was involved in an accident in which the
SRS side airbag did not deploy. The fabric or leather of either front seatback is
cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-66
Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
WARNING
To avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which
may result in serious injury, no modifications should be made to any components or wiring of the SRS airbag system.This includes following modifications: Installation of custom steering wheels
Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard Installation of custom seats (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only) Replacement of seat fabric or leather (for
vehicles with SRS side airbags only) Installation of additional fabric or leather
on the front seat (for vehicles with SRS side airbags only)
Installation of additional electrical/electronic
equipment such as a mobile two-way radio on or near the SRS airbag system componentsand/or wiring is not advisable. This could in-
terfere with proper operation of the SRS air- bag system.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifica- tions. Such modifications can interfere with proper operation of the SRS airbag system. Attachment of any equipment (brush bar,
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) otherthan SUBARU genuine accessory parts to thefront end. Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure. Installation of a tire of different size and
construction from the tires specified on thetire placard attached to the driver ’s door jamb.
Attachment of any equipment (side steps or
side sill protectors, etc.) other than SUBARU genuine accessory parts to the side body (for
vehicles with side airbags only).
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to
install any accessory parts to your vehicle.

3
3-1
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Ignition switch 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOCK 3-2
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ACC 3-4
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ON 3-4
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START 3-4
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Key reminder chime 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) 3-4 . . . . . .
Hazard warning flasher 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meters and gauges 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 3-6
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Odometer/Trip meter 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 3-7
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Fuel gauge 3-8
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Temperature gauge 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ambient temperature gauge (if equipped) 3-9 . . . .
Warning and indicator lights 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt warning light and chime 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil pressure warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles – if equipped) 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) 3-15
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Turn signal indicator lights 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High beam indicator light 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 3-15
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Light control switch 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 3-16
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High/low beam change (dimmer) 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime running light system 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal lever 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination brightness control 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light switch 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch (if equipped) 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper and washer 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switches 3-22 . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch – Wagon 3-24
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Rear window defogger switch 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-27
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Inside mirror 3-27
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Outside mirrors 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-32
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Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls
3-2
Ignition switch
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC,
ON and START. LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed in this position. The ignition switch will lock the steering
wheel when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.
Automatic transmission vehicles

Instruments and controls
3-3
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The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position.
Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, pre-venting steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort
than usual to steer.

Instruments and controls
3-15
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Always make sure this light is out before you start to drive. Front-wheel drive warning light
(for AT vehicles – if equipped)
This light comes on when All Wheel Drive is disen-
gaged and the drive mechanism is switched to FrontWheel Drive for maintenance or similar purposes. Shift position indicator (AT vehicles)
This indicator shows the position of the shift lever. Turn signal indicator lights
These lights show the operation of the turn signal or
lane change signal.
If the indicator lights do not blink or blink rapidly, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out. Replace thebulb as soon as possible. Refer to the “Replacing
bulbs” section in chapter 11.
High beam indicator light
This light shows that the headlights are in the highbeam mode.This indicator light also comes on when the head-
light flasher is operated. Clock
1) “S”
button
2) “H” button 3) “M”
button
To set the hour, press the “H” button. To set the min-
utes, press the “M” button. To reset the minutes the
“00” with a radio time signal, push the “S” button.
CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to set the
time while driving, as an accident from inade-quate attention to the road could result.