2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX battery replacement

Instruments and controls
3-7
– CONTINUED –
Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance that the ve-
hicle has been driven.
Double trip meter
1) A trip meter 2) B trip meter
The trip meter shows the distance that the vehicle
has been driven since you last set it to zero.
To change the mode indication, briefly push theknob.
Each press of the knob changes the function alter-
nately. A trip meter
B trip meter To set the trip meter to zero, select the A trip or B trip meter by pushing the knob and keep the knob
pushed for more than 2 seconds.
CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to change the
function of the indicator during driving, as an
accident could result.
NOTE If the connection between the combination meter
and battery is broken for any reason such as ve-hicle maintenance or fuse replacement, the data recorded on the trip meter will be lost. Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed in thou-
sands of revolutions per minute.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the pointer of the tachometer in the red zone. In this range, fuel injection will be cut by the engine control
module to protect the engine from overrev-ving. The engine will resume running normally

Driving tips
8-10
it more prone to tip over. If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or
mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and
move the selector lever back and forth between “D”
and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the
best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels
when trying to free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely slippery, you
can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle withthe transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and
AT). Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than
those specified in this manual. Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-
driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads
will necessitate more frequent replacement of engine
oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified
in the maintenance schedule described in the “War -
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Remember that damage done to your Subaru while
operating it off-road and not using common sense
precautions such as those listed above is not eligi-ble for warranty coverage. Winter driving

Operation during cold weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire
chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures
reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in
good condition to provide enough power for cold
winter starts.
Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for

Maintenance and service
11-2
Tire inspection 11-41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressures and wear 11-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel balance 11-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear indicators 11-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire rotation 11-46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire replacement 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel replacement 11-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel covers 11-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheels (If equipped) 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of windshield wiper blades 11-51 . .
Battery 11-54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 11-56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Main fuse 11-59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of accessories 11-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing bulbs 11-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 11-62
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light and parking light 11-64 . . . . . .
Front fog light (if equipped) 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear combination lights 11-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 11-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome light, map light and cargo area light 11-73 . . .
Trunk light 11-74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High mount stop light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maintenance and service
11-4
Always be very careful to avoid injury when
working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the materials in the vehicle may be hazard-
ous if improperly used or handled, for exam-ple, battery acid. Your vehicle should only be serviced by per-
sons fully competent to do so. Serious per-sonal injury may result to persons not experi-enced in servicing vehicles. Always use the proper tools and make cer-
tain that they are well maintained. Never get under the vehicle supported only
by a jack. Always use a safety stands to sup-port the vehicle. Never keep the engine running in a poorly
ventilated area, such as a garage or other
closed areas. Do not smoke or allow open flames around
the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire. Because the fuel system is under pressure,
replacement of the fuel filter should be per-
formed only by your SUBARU dealer. Wear adequate eye protection to guard
against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If something does get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water. Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner sys-tem, or attempt to take its connectors apart,as that may activate the system or it can ren-der it inoperative. The wiring and connectorsof these systems are yellow for easy identifi-cation. NEVER use a circuit tester for these wiring. If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensionerneeds service, consult your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
Before checking or servicing in the
engine compartment
Always stop the engine and set the parking
brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from mov- ing. Always let the engine cool down. Engine
parts become very hot when the engine is run-
ning and remain hot for some time after theengine is stopped. Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid or any other fluid on hot engine compo-nents. This may cause a fire. Always remove the key from the ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position, the cooling fan may operate

Index
14-2
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light 3-13, 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory power outlet 6-8, 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories 5-2, 11-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner operation 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air filtration system 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air flow selection 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheels 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ambient temperature indicator 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antenna system 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arming the system 2-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Armrest 1-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray 6-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audio set 5-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto-dimming mirror /compass 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor
(A/ELR) 1-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities 12-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 11-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature warning light 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B
Battery
11-54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 9-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake
Booster 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 11-34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pad and lining 11-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal 11-37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 7-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings 11-40
Brake pedal
Free play 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserve distance 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Chart 12-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing 11-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CCapacities 12-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Anchorage hooks 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Area light 6-2, 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-7
Spark plugs 11-24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote keyless entry system 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement Brake pad and lining 11-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper blades 11-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing bulbs 11-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo area light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doom light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front fog light 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front turn signal light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight 11-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High mount stop light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License plate light 11-72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear combination light 11-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) 2-10 . .
Air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (remote keyless entry system) 2-8 . . . . .
Rocking the vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar 8-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S Seatbelt 6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintenance 1-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pretensioners 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety tips 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning light and chime 1-15, 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelts 1-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Cushion height adjustment (driver ’s seat) 1-5 .
Fabric 10-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater 1-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security system 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift position indicator 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires 8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sounding a panic alarm 2-8, 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 12-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 6, 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS frontal airbag 1-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS side airbag 1-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .