2003 SUBARU LEGACY Owners Manual

3
Instruments and controls3-5
–
CONTINUED –

START CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while the
engine is running.
The engine is started in this position. The starter cranks the engine to
start it. When the key is released (after the engine has started), the
key automatically returns to the “ON” position.
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver ’s door opens and the key is
in the “LOCK” or “ACC” positions. The chime stops when the key is re-
moved from the ignition switch.
Ignition switch light
For easy access to the ignition switch in the dark, the ignition switch lightcomes on when driver ’s door is opened. The light remains on for 10 se-
conds and goes out after driver ’s door is closed or if the key is turned to
the “ON” position.
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)
If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position even when the selec-
tor lever is in the “P” position:
HB3011BA

3-6
OM-H0146
HB3012BA
1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
2. Remove the cover under the steering column using a phillips
screwdriver.
3. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key interlock release lever.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer immediately to have
the key interlock system repaired.

3
Instruments and controls3-7
–
CONTINUED –
Hazard warning flasher
HB8002BA
The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other drivers when you have
to park your vehicle under emergency conditions. The hazard warningflasher works with the ignition switch in any position.
To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the hazard warning button
on the instrument panel. To turn off the flasher, push the button again. NOTE When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn signals do not work.
Meters and gauges
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed. Odometer/Trip meter
CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to change the function of the in- dicator during driving, as an accident could result.

3-8
HB3015BB
Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance that the vehicle has been driv- en. Double 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 the knob.
Each press of the knob changes the function alternately.
A trip meter B trip meter
To set the trip meter to zero, select either the A trip or B trip meter and
push the knob and keep it pushed for more than 1 second.
NOTE If the connection between the combination meter and battery is bro-
ken for any reason such as vehicle maintenance or fuse replace-ment, the data recorded on the trip meter will be lost.

3
Instruments and controls3-9
–
CONTINUED –

Tachometer
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 enginecontrol module to protect the engine from overrevving. Theengine will resume running normally after the engine speed isreduced below the red zone.
The tachometer shows the engine speed in thousands of revolutions perminute. Outside temperature indicator (if equipped)
The outside temperature indicator shows the outside temperature in a
range from –22F to 122 F ( –30 C to 50 C).
The indicator can give a false reading under any of the following condi-tions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic jam; when the
engine is restarted immediately following a shutdown. When the actual outside temperature falls outside the specified indi-
cator range. For vehicles with an automatic climate control, outside temperature can be displayed on the climate control display panel. Refer to the“ Automatic climate control system ” in chapter 4.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in thetank.
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, turning or acceleration dueto fuel level movement in the tank.

3-10
Temperature gauge
CAUTION
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating range, safely stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
See “ In case of emergency ” in chapter 9.
HB2012BB
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temperature when the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with the outside temper-
ature and driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderately until the pointer of the temper-
ature gauge reaches near the middle of the range. Engine operation is
optimum with the engine coolant at this temperature range and high rev-
ving operation when the engine is not warmed up enough should beavoided.
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” posi-
tion. 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:

3
Instruments and controls3-11
–
CONTINUED –
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction indicator lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
VDC warning light (if equipped)VDC operation indicator light (if equipped)VDC OFF indicator light (if equipped)
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out bulb or a malfunc-
tion 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” position, 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.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six seconds and turns off
automatically after six seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off when the driver ’s side seatbelt is
buckled or it will turn off automatically after six seconds. SRS airbag system warning light AIRBAG
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the SRS airbag
system warning light will come on for about six seconds and go out. This
shows the SRS frontal airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illuminated even after a
period of about 6 seconds from when the ignition has been turned on, it
may indicate that the SRS frontal airbag system or SRS side airbag sys-
tem (if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner system is not working proper-
ly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

3-12
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you are driving, have
your vehicle checked/repaired by your SUBARU dealer as soonas possible. Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired as necessarycould cause serious damage, which may not be covered by your
vehicle’ s warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate that there is a problem 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 control system malfunction has been de-tected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU
dealer immediately. 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 indicator 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 sealing 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.