2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX overheating

2
How to use this owner’s manual
Using your Owner ’s manual
Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this
manual. To protect yourself and extend the service
life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this
manual. Failure to observe these instructions may
result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.
This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents,so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter
contains the information you want. Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
This chapter informs you how to use the seat and
seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS air- bags.Chapter 2: Keys and doors
This chapter informs you how to operate the keys,locks and windows.Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This chapter informs you about the operation of
instrument panel indicators and how to use theinstruments and other switches.Chapter 4: Climate Control
This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.Chapter 5: Audio
This chapter informs you how to operate your audiosystem.Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment. Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This chapter informs you how to start and operateyour SUBARU.Chapter 8: Driving tips
This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various conditions and explains some safety tips on driving.Chapter 9: In case of emergency
This chapter informs you what to do if you have a
problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engineoverheating. Chapter 10: Appearance care
This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARUlooking good.
Chapter 11: Maintenance and service
This chapter informs you when you need to take
your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled mainte-
nance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU
running properly.

Interior equipment
6-10
lighter plug. Do not use non-genuine cigarette lighter plugs in the socket. Doing so may
cause a short-circuit and overheating, result-ing in a fire.If the socket is ever used for a plug-in ac-
cessory such as a mobile phone, that may
damage the portion of the socket ’s internal
mechanism that causes a cigarette lighter plug to “pop out ” after its lighter element is
heated. Therefore, do not place a cigarettelighter plug in a socket that has been used,
even once, to power a plug-in accessory. Do- ing so may cause the plug to stick and over- heat, creating a potential fire hazard. Do not place any foreign objects, especially
metal ones such as coins or aluminum foil,into the socket. That could cause a short cir-cuit.
Use with a cigarette lighter
The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” and “ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the knob andwait a few moments. It will automatically spring up
when ready for use.
WARNING
To avoid being burned, never grasp the lighter
by the end with the heating element. Doing so
could result in injury and could also damage the heating element.

Driving tips
8-37
– CONTINUED –
large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but
gradually.When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-
tance is required because of the added weight and
length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn 2) Right turn
Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes
practice. When backing up with a trailer, never
accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning back, gripthe bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and
turn it to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have
repairs performed immediately by the nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Driving on grades
Before going down a steep hill, slow down and
shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in
order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent
overheating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not make
sudden downshifts. When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condi-
tioner may turn off automatically to protect the
engine from overheating. When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to
the water temperature gauge pointer (for all
vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT
vehicles) since the engine and transmission are rel-
atively prone to overheating under these conditions.
If the water temperature gauge pointer approaches
the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning
light illuminates, immediately switch off the air condi-
tioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place.Refer to the “Engine overheat ” section in chapter 9,
and “Warning and indicator lights ” section in chap-
ter 3.

Driving tips
8-38
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission,
avoid using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an uphill slope instead of using the parking brakeor foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid
to overheat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, avoid driving with the gear selector lever in “D” when towing a heavy trailer to
prevent fluid overheating. A lower gear should be used.
Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly.
You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parking on a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you shouldtake the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under boththe vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the
regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb theload.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the
parking brake; slowly release the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmis- sion) or “P” (automatic transmission) and shut off the
engine.

9
9-1
– CONTINUED –
If you park your vehicle in case of
an emergency 9-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temporary spare tire (if equipped) 9-3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat tires 9-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a flat tire 9-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 9-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to jump start 9-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine overheating 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If steam is coming from the engine compartment 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 9-18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing and tie-down hooks 9-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a flat-bed truck 9-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing with all wheels on the ground 9-22 . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance tools 9-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jack and jack handle 9-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In case of emergency

In case of emergency
9-17
– CONTINUED –
(1) Connect one jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal on the discharged battery.
(2) Connect the other end of the jumper cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
(3) Connect one end of the other cable to thenegative (–) terminal of the booster battery.
(4) Connect the other end of the cable to the en-gine lifting bracket.
Make sure that the cables are not near any mov-
ing parts and that the cable clamps are not in
contact with any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster
battery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the
engine of the vehicle that has the discharged bat-
tery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnect the cables in
exactly the reverse order. Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has fullycooled down. When the engine is hot, thecoolant is under pressure. Removing the cap
while the engine is still hot could release aspray of boiling hot coolant, which could burn
you very seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. If steam is coming from the engine compartment
Turn the engine off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. If no steam is coming from the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling speed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compart-ment.

Index
14-4
Door locks 2-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Drinking 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drugs 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phone 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pets 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tired or sleepy 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 7-13, 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Electrical system 12-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 1-14 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Compartment overview 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8, 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood 11-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 11-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior care 10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Flat tires
9-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 6-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Automatic transmission 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 11-34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch 11-35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding down the rear seat 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fore and aft adjustment 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Differential gear oil 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt pretensioners 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal light and parking light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . .
Front-wheel drive warning light 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filler lid and cap 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 3-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirements 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 11-56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and circuits 12-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-6
Manual transmission oil 11-25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Map light 11-73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum load limits 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meters and gauges 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
O
Odometer/Trip meter 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil pressure warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil filter 11-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil level Engine 11-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside mirrors 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating engine 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PParking Brake 7-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake stroke 11-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light switch 3-20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 7-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Door locking switches 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering fluid 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RRear Combination lights 11-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential gear oil 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gate 2-30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viscous limited slip differential (LSD) 7-21 . . . . .
Rear seat
Folding down (Wagon) 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window
Defogger switch 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper and washer switch 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining the seatback 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grade and viscosity 11-15, 11-26, 11-30, 11-32