2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX fluid

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
11-34
Brake fluid Checking the fluid level
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir.If the level is below “MIN”, add the recommended
brake fluid to “MAX”.
Use only brake fluid from a sealed container.
WARNING
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause a danger- ous loss of braking performance. If the vehicle requires frequent refilling,
there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem,
have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
Never use different brands of brake fluid to-
gether. When adding brake fluid, be careful not to
allow any dirt into the reservoir. Never splash the brake fluid over painted
surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained inthe brake fluid may damage them.
Recommended brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid

Maintenance and service
11-35
– CONTINUED –
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) Checking the fluid level
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If
the level is below “MIN ” level mark, add the recom-
mended clutch fluid to “MAX ” level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed container.
CAUTION
Clutch fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause improper clutch operation. If the vehicle requires frequent refilling,
there may be a leak. If you suspect a problem,

Maintenance and service
11-36
have the vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.Never use different brands of clutch fluid to-
gether. When clutch fluid is added, be careful not to
allow any dirt into the tank.
Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluidBrake booster If the brake booster does not operate as described
below, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sev-
eral times, applying the same pedal force each time.
The distance the pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the en-
gine. The pedal should move slightly down to the
floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine
and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one min-
ute then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several
times to check the brake booster. Brake booster op-
erates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with
each depression.

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.

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.

Maintenance and service
11-54
1) Stopper
Be sure to position the claws at the end of the metal
support between the stoppers on the rubber as
shown. If the rubber is not retained properly, thewiper blade may scratch the windshield.
6. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper
arm. Make sure that it locks in place.
7. Slowly lower the arm in position. Battery
WARNING

Before beginning work on or near any bat-
tery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes,
matches, and lighters. Never expose a batteryto an open flame or electric sparks. Batteriesgive off a gas which is highly flammable andexplosive. For safety, in case an explosion does occur,
wear eye protection or shield your eyes when
working near any battery. Never lean over a
battery. Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin,
fabrics, or paint because battery fluid is a cor- rosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes, immediately flush the area
with water thoroughly. Seek medical help im-
mediately if acid has entered the eyes.If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed,
immediately drink a large amount of milk or
water, and seek medical attention immediately. To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings,
metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry.
Never allow metal tools to contact the positive