2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX check oil

Maintenance and service
11-26
Turbo model
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop theengine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert itagain.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 through thedipstick hole to bring the level 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-5

Maintenance and service
11-29
– CONTINUED –
Recommended fluid
“ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmission FluidFront differential gear oil
(AT vehicles) Checking the oil level
1) Yellow handle
Check the differential oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert itagain.

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
– CONTINUED –
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
– CONTINUED –
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
11-50
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their ap-
pearance, performance, and safety. When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approxi-mately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque. Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts,
or tapered surface of the wheel. Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions
or curbs. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and com-
pletely around the tire, otherwise the chains mayscratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genu-
ine SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop.
If the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the
reservoir. Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer
fluid is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is diluted,
as indicated below.

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