2004 SUBARU IMPREZA coolant

3-10
Instruments and controls
contains fuel.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the “ ” sign in the fuel gauge
meter.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle. !
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [About 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp.
gal.)]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.). !
Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
UG3518AA
1
UG3519BB

3-11
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
the ambient temperature and driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
See the “In case of emergency” in chapter 9. !
Ambient temperature gauge
A) U.S. spec. models
B) Canada spec. models
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from −22 °F to 122 °F ( −30 °C to
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions:" When there is too much sun.
" During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
ing a shutdown.
A
B
UG3028AB

3-17
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the “FUEL DOOR ” sign near the
fuel gauge.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle. !Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [about 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp.
gal.]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.). ! Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
the ambient temperature and driving conditions.
HS3023AA
1
UG3502BB

3-18
Instruments and controls
We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
See “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.
!
Ambient temperature gauge (if
equipped)
A) U.S. spec. models
B) Canada spec. models
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from −22 °F to 122 °F ( −30 °C to
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions:" When there is too much sun.
" During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
A
B
UG3029AB

4-12
Climate control
functions are as follows:
OFF:
The fan does not operate.
AUTO: The fan speed is adjusted automatically in ac-
cordance with the air temperature inside and outside
the passenger compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. Subaru recommends using the
AUTO position.
Other positions: The fan speed can be adjusted in
four steps.
NOTE
With the fan speed control dial in the AUTO posi-
tion and the air flow control dial in the “ ”,
“ ”, or “ ” position, the fan does not oper-
ate during engine warmup until the engine coolant
temperature exceeds approx. 122 °F (50 °C).
! Temperature control dial
This dial is used to set the desired interior tempera-
ture. With the dial set to your desired temperature, the
system automatically adjusts the temperature of air
supplied from the outlets such that the desired temper-
ature is achieved and maintained.
If the dial is turned fully counterclockwise, the system
gives maximum cooling performance. If the dial is
turned fully clockwise, the system gives maximum
heating performance. !
Air flow control dial
This dial has the following five positions. The outlets
from which air is supplied in each position are as fol-
lows:
: Instrument panel outlets: Instrument panel outlets and foot outlets
: Foot outlets and windshield defroster outlets (rel-
atively little air from windshield defroster outlets)
: Windshield defroster outlets and foot outlets
: Windshield defroster outlets
NOTE
When the dial is placed in the “ ” or “ ” po-
sition, the air conditioner compressor operates
automatically to defog the windshield quickly. At
the same time, the air inlet selection is automati-
cally set to “outside air” mode.

7-9
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully
closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-
rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to
start after operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before
trying again.
! Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift
lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.

9-16
In case of emergency
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster bat-
tery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the en-
gine of the vehicle that has the discharged battery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnect the cables in
exactly the reverse order.Engine overheating
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has fully
cooled down. When the engine is hot, the cool-
ant is under pressure. Removing the cap while
the engine is still hot could release a spray 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.

9-17
In case of emergency
– CONTINUED –
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not
turning, immediately turn the engine off and contact
your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.
If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add cool-
ant up to the “FULL” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add cool-
ant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap
and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first
wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn
the cap counterclockwise slowly without pressing
down until it stops. Release the pressure from the ra-
diator. After the pressure has been fully released, re-
move the cap by pressing down and turning it.Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU
dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the
following procedures for safety.
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with
the front wheels raised off the ground while the
rear wheels are on the ground, or with the rear
wheels raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will cause the
vehicle to spin away due to the operation or de-
UG9513BA