2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX warning light

Keys and doors
2-28
space after it is exposed to ambient light even for a
short time.
WARNING
Never allow any child to get in the trunk and
play with the release handle. If the driverstarts the vehicle without knowing that a child
is inside the trunk and the child opens the lidusing the release handle, the child could fallout and be killed or seriously injured.
CAUTION
Do not close the lid while gripping the re-
lease handle. The handle may be damaged. Do not use the handle as a hook to fasten
straps or ropes to secure your cargo in thetrunk. Such use may result in damage of thehandle. Load the trunk so that cargo can not strike
the release handle. If the cargo hits the handlewhile the vehicle is being driven, the handle may be pushed down and the trunk lid may open. That may cause cargo to fall out of thetrunk, which could create a traffic safety haz-ard.
Inspection
Perform the following steps at least twice a year to
check the release handle for correct operation.
1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Use a screwdriver with a thin blade. Slide the
screwdriver blade from the slit aperture of the lock
assembly fully to the end until you hear a click.

3
3-1
– CONTINUED –
Ignition switch 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOCK 3-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACC 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
START 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside mirror 3-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside mirrors 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-32
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Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls
3-8
after the engine speed is reduced below the red zone.
Fuel gauge
1) Low fuel warning light
The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of
fuel remaining in the tank.
The gauge does not return to “E” even though the
ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turn- ing or acceleration due to fuel level movement in thetank. NOTE
You will see the
“FUEL DOOR p” sign near the
fuel gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) islocated on the right side of the vehicle.
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tankis nearly empty [about 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9
Imp. gal.]. It only operates when the ignition switchis in the “ON” position.

Instruments and controls
3-10
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition
switch is initially turned to the “ON” position. This
permits checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the seatbelt warning light will come on and the
reminder chime will sound for about six seconds to
remind the driver to fasten the seatbelt.

Instruments and controls
3-11
– CONTINUED –
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after sixseconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off by buckingthe driver’s side seatbelt or turn off automatically
after six seconds. SRS airbag system warning light AIRBAG
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for about six seconds and go out. This shows theSRS airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illumi-
nated even after a period of about 6 seconds from
when the ignition has been turned on, it may indi-
cate that the SRS airbag system or SRS side airbag
system (if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner sys-
tem is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle checked/re-paired by your SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible. Continued vehicle operation withouthaving the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could cause seri- ous damage, which may not be covered byyour vehicle ’s warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the en-
gine is running, it may indicate that there is a prob-
lem or potential problem somewhere in the emission
control system. If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, an emission con-
trol system malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-12
NOTE This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause
of the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indi-
cator lamp coming on could be a loose or missing
fuel filler cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering with the seal-
ing of the cap. Tightening the cap will not make the
CHECK ENGINE warning light turn off immediately. It
may take several driving trips. If the light does not go
out, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU
dealer immediately. If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire
condition has been detected which may damage
the emission control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emission control
system, you should do the following: Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible. The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blink-ing and come on steadily after several driving trips.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, itmay indicate that the charging system is not work-
ing properly. If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken or if the belt is in good condi-
tion but the light remains on, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately. Oil pressure warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and
the lubricating system is not working properly.If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the engine oil level. If
the oil level is low, add oil immediately. If the engine
oil is at the proper level but the light remains on,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-13
– CONTINUED –
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the oil pres- sure warning light on. This may cause serious engine damage.
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid
temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary
to stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep
grades or in stop and go traffic.
Automatic transmission control system warn- ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system
is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after about two seconds.This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.
CAUTION
If the warning light behaves as follows, the
ABS system may not work properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS func-
tion shuts down; however, the conventional
brake system continues to operate normally.
The warning light does not come on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position, but
it does not go out even when the vehiclespeed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as shown below, the ABS system may be considered normal.
(U.S.) (Canada)

Instruments and controls
3-14
The warning light comes on right after the
engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. The warning light remains on after the engine
has been started, but it goes out when the
vehicle speed reaches about 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving, but
it goes out immediately and remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery voltage
such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS
warning light may come on. This is due to the low
battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged, the lightwill go out. Brake system warning light
WARNING
Driving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake
system may not be working properly. If thelight remains on, have the brakes inspected
by a SUBARU dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the ve-
hicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
This light has the following two functions: Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It
goes out when the parking brake is fully released.
Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid level has
dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid
reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position
and with the parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should come on
while driving (with the parking brake fully releasedand with the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it
could be an indication of leaking of brake fluid or
worn brake pads. Have your vehicle checked by a
SUBARU dealer immediately. Door open warning lights
The door open warning light comes on if any door or
the rear gate is not fully closed.
(U.S.)
(Canada)