2004 SUBARU IMPREZA catalytic converter

7-3
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
impair driveability and fuel economy. !Gasoline for California-certified LEV
Your vehicle was certified to California’s low emission
vehicle (LEV) standards as indicated on the under-
hood tune-up label. It is designed to optimize engine
and emission performance with gasoline that meets
the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline spec-
ifications. If you live in any other state than California,
your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal
specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is per-
mitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect
the performance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter
and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell.
SUBARU recommends that you try a different brand of
unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel related before returning your vehi-
cle to an authorized dealer for service. ! Gasoline for cleaner air
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly, and is a
way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continu-
ously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never need to add any
fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank. Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the
air cleaner. Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain
alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now produc-
ing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to re-
duce vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use ofreformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should
ask your service station operators if their gasolines
contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your
vehicle as explained below. "
Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating
no lower than that specified in this manual. " Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes
mixed with unleaded gasoline. Methanol can be used
in your vehicle ONLYif it does not exceed 5% of the
fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by sufficient
quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion in-
hibitors required to prevent damage to the fuel system.
Do not use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT under

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) ................ 8-2
Fuel economy hints ...................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .... 8-3
Catalytic converter ....................................... 8-4
Periodic inspections .................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-6
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................ 8-8 All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT and vehicles with 17 inch tires ..................... 8-9
OUTBACK SPORT ............................................. 8-9
Winter driving ............................................... 8-11 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-11
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-14
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-16
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-16
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-17 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-19
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-20
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............... 8-21
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................ 8-25 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-25
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-28
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-29 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-29 Maximum load limits ........................................ 8-29
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-34
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-35
Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-37

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
WRX WRX-STi
US8511BA
UG8501BA

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: " Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter." Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. " Avoid racing the engine.
" Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving." Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer."
Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.
" Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures. " Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
HS8002BA

14-3
Index
Cargo
Area cover ................................................................ 6-15
Area light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-77
Tie-down hooks ...................................................... 6-17
Catalytic converter ...................................................... 8-4
Center Console ..................................................................... 6-6
Ventilators ................................................................. 4-3
Visor ............................................................................ 6-4
Changing
Flat tire ....................................................................... 9-5
Oil and oil filter ........................................................ 11-12
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-21
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................3-20
Checking
Brake pedal free play ........................................... 11-40
Brake pedal reserve distance ...........................11-41
Clutch function ........................................................ 11-41
Clutch pedal free play .......................................... 11-42
Engine oil level ....................................................... 11-11
Fluid level ....................... 11-31, 11-36, 11-37, 11-38
Gear oil level ................................ 11-28, 11-33, 11-34
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-31
Installation with seatbelt .....................................1-35
Lower and tether anchorages ..........................1-42
Child safety .................................................................... 6Locks
.......................................................................... 2-21
Chime
Key .............................................................................. 3-4
Seatbelt ........................................................... 1-15, 3-19
Cigarette lighter socket ............................................. 6-10
Cleaning Aluminum wheels .................................................. 10-3
Interior ........................................................................ 10-6
Ventilator grille ........................................................ 4-19
Climate control system
Manual ....................................................................... 4-4
Semi-automatic ...................................................... 4-11
Clock ................................................................................. 3-28
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 11-38
Clutch pedal ................................................................... 11-41
Coat hook ....................................................................... 6-14
Coin tray .......................................................................... 6-7
Cooling system ............................................................. 11-18
Corrosion protection ......................................... 8-14, 10-4
Cruise control ................................................................ 7-37
Indicator light ........................................................... 3-26
Set indicator light ................................................... 3-26
Cup holder ...................................................................... 6-7
D
Daytime running light system .................................3-31
Differential gear oil