2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX air conditioning

Instruments and controls
3-28
the button will illuminate. By pressing and releasing the right button, the
compass display is toggled on or off. When the
compass is on, an illuminated compass reading will
appear in the lower part of the mirror.
Even with the mirror in anti-glare mode, the mirror
surface turns bright if the transmission is shifted into
reverse. This is to ensure good rearward visibility
during reversing.
n Photosensors
The mirror has a photosensor attached on both the
front and back sides. If the glare from the headlights
of vehicles behind you strikes the mirror, these sen- sors detect it and make the reflection surface of the
mirror dimmer to help prevent you from being
blinded. For this reason, use care not to cover the
sensors with stickers, or other similar items. Periodi-
cally wipe the sensors clean using a piece of dry
soft cotton cloth or an applicator.
n Compass calibration
1. For optimum calibration, switch off all nonessen-
tial electrical accessories (rear window defogger,
heater/air conditioning system, spotlight, etc.) and
ensure all doors are shut.
2. Drive to an open, level area away from large me-
tallic objects or structures and make certain the igni-
tion switch is in the “ON” position.
3. Press and hold the left button for 3 seconds then
release, and the compass will enter the calibration
mode. “CAL” and direction will be displayed.
4. Drive slowly in a circle until “CAL” disappears
from the display (about two or three circles). Thecompass is now calibrated.
5. Further calibration may be necessary should out-
side. Influences cause the mirror to read inaccurate-
ly. You will know that this has occurred if your com-
pass begins to read in only limited directions.
Should you encounter this situation, return to step
one of the above procedure and recalibrate the
mirror.

4
4-1
– CONTINUED –
Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air flow selection 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center and side ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control system 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control panel 4-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater operation 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner operation (if equipped) 4-9 . . . . . . . .
Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning ventilation grille 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight 4-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant
circuit 4-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking air conditioning system before summer season 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions 4-12 . . .
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant for your climate control system 4-12 . .
Air filtration system (if equipped) 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control

Climate control
4-11
– CONTINUED –
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure effi-
cient heating and defrosting. Since the condenser is
located in front of the radiator, this area should be
kept clean because cooling performance is im-
paired by any accumulation of insects and leaves
on the condenser.
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the win- dows open for a few minutes to allow outside air to
circulate into the heated interior. This results in
quicker cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the win-dows closed during the operation of the air condi-
tioner for maximum cooling efficiency. Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en- gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few
minutes each month during the off-season to circu-
late its oil. Checking air conditioning system before summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks,
hose conditions, and proper operation each spring.
This check is best performed by your SUBARU
dealer.

Climate control
4-12
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperatureweather conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high relative hu-
midity, low temperatures, etc.) a small amount of wa-
ter vapor emission from the air outlets may be not-
iced. This condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning system. Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air
conditioner compressor is designed to temporarily
shut off during air conditioner operation whenever
the accelerator is fully depressed such as duringrapid acceleration or when driving on a steepupgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant
HFC134a. Therefore, the method of adding, chang-
ing or checking the refrigerant is different from the
method for CFC12 (Freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong refrigerant are not covered under
warranty.

Climate control
4-13
– CONTINUED –
Air filtration system (if equipped) If your vehicle ’s air conditioning system is equipped
with an air filtration system, replace the filter element
according to the replacement schedule shown
below. This schedule should be followed to maintain the filter ’s dust collection ability. Under extremely
dusty conditions, the filter should be replaced more
frequently. It is recommended that you have your fil-
ter checked or replaced by your SUBARU dealer.
For replacement, use only a genuine SUBARU air fil-ter kit.
Replacement schedule: Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) whichever comes first
NOTE The filter can influence the air conditioning, heat- ing and defroster performance if not properlymaintained.