2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX light

8-37
Driving tips
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use towing mirrors that conform with Federal, state/
province and/or other applicable regulations. !Trailer lights
Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical
system requires modifications to the vehicle’s lighting
circuit to increase its capacity and accommodate wir-
ing changes. To ensure the trailer lights are connected
properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check
for proper operation of the turn signals, the brake
lights and parking lights each time you hitch up.
Direct splicing or other improper connection of
trailer lights may damage your vehicle’s electri-
cal system and cause a malfunction of your ve-
hicle’s lighting system.
! Tires
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly
inflated to the pressure specified on the tire placard lo-
cated on the left center pillar of your vehicle.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper infla-
tion pressure should be in accordance with the trailer
manufacturer’s specifications. In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a
trailer, ask a commercial road service to repair the flat
tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or
trailer as a precaution against getting a flat tire, be
sure that the spare tire is firmly secured.
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare
tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle.
! Trailer towing tips
"Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when towing
a trailer in hilly country on hot days. " When towing a trailer, steering, stability,
stopping distance and braking performance
will be different from normal operation. For
safety’s sake, you should employ extra caution

8-38
Driving tips
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:
! Before starting out on a trip
" Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer. " Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at the
front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then con-
firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable. " Check that the tire pressures are correct.
" Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that – the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is connected properly
and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi-
cle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’s
turn signal lights flash when the vehicle’s turn signal
lever is operated.
– the safety chains are connected properly.
– all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a significant blind spot.
" Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel” of
the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out on a
trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping
and backing up. ! Driving with a trailer
" You should allow for considerably more stopping
distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking
because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and
loss of control." Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate en-
gine revolution." Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes." Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor-
mal turning radius because the trailer wheels will be
closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle." Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds
can be due to weather conditions or the passing of
large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the
steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradu-
ally." When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-

8-39
Driving tips
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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 prac-
tice. When backing up with a trailer, never accelerate
or steer rapidly. When turning back, grip the 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 deal-er. !
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 overheat-
ing of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not make sudden
downshifts. " When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condition-
er 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 relatively prone to
overheating under these conditions. If the water tem-
perature gauge pointer approaches the OVERHEAT
zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning light illuminates,
immediately switch off the air conditioner and stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine
overheating” section in chapter 9, and “Warning and
indicator lights” section in chapter 3." If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, avoid
using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an
uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or foot
brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to over-
heat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an automat-
ic transmission, avoid driving with the gear selector le-
ver in “D” when towing a heavy trailer to prevent fluid
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9-3
In case of emergency
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Temporary spare tire
The temporary spare tire is smaller and lighter than a
conventional tire and is designed for emergency use
only. Remove the temporary spare tire and re-install
the conventional tire as soon as possible because the
spare tire is designed only for temporary use.
Check the inflation pressure of the temporary spare
tire periodically to keep the tire ready for use. The cor-
rect pressure is 60 psi (4.2 kg/cm 2
, 420 kPa) .
When using the temporary spare tire, note the follow-
ing:" Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
" Do not put a tire chain on the temporary spare tire.
Because of the smaller tire size, a tire chain will not fit
properly. " Do not use two or more temporary spare tires at the
same time. " Do not drive over obstacles. This tire has a smaller
diameter, so road clearance is reduced. 1) Tread wear indicator bar
2) Indicator location mark
" When the wear indicator appears on the tread, re-
place the tire.
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9-4
In case of emergency
1) Spare fuse
2) FWD connector
NOTE
(If your vehicle is AWD with automatic transmis-
sion, except Turbo models) Before driving your
vehicle with the temporary spare tire, put a sparefuse inside the FWD connector in the main fuse
box located in the engine compartment and con-
firm that the Front-wheel drive warning light
“FWD” in the combination meter comes on. The all
wheel drive capability of the vehicle has now deac-
tivated. After re-installing the conventional tire, re-
move the spare fuse from the FWD connector in
order to reactivate all wheel drive.
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare
tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not de-
signed to sustain the towing load. Use of the
temporary spare tire when towing can result in
failure of the spare tire and/or less stability of
the vehicle and may lead to an accident.
Never use any temporary spare tire other than
the original. Using other sizes may result in se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle.
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9-14
In case of emergency
Jump starting
"
Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID. Do not let it
come in contact with the hooks, skin, clothing
or the vehicle.
If battery fluid gets on you, thoroughly flush the
exposed area with water immediately. Get med-
ical help if the fluid has entered your hooks.
If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, imme-
diately drink a large amount of milk or water,
and obtain immediate medical help.
Keep everyone including children away from the battery. " The gas generated by a battery explodes if a
flame or spark is brought near it. Do not smoke
or light a match while jump starting. " Never attempt jump starting if the discharged
battery is frozen. It could cause the battery to
burst or explode. " Whenever working on or around a battery, al-
ways wear suitablehookprotectors, and remove
metal objects such as rings, bands or other
metal jewelry. " Be sure the jumper cables and clamps on
them do not have loose or missing insulation. Do not jump start unless cables in suitable con-
dition are available. "
A running engine can be dangerous. Keep
your fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from the cooling fan, belts and any other
moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches
and ties is advisable.
When your vehicle does not start due to a run down
(discharged) battery, the vehicle may be jump started
by connecting your battery to another battery (called
the booster battery) with jumper cables.
Jump starting is dangerous if it done incorrectly. If you
are unsure about the proper procedure for jump start-
ing, consult a competent mechanic. ! How to jump start
1. Make sure the booster battery is 12 volts and the
negative terminal is grounded.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not let
the two vehicles touch.
3. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
4. Connect the jumper cables exactly in the sequence
illustrated.

9-18
In case of emergency
terioration of the center differential.
! Towing and tie-down hooks
The towing hooks should be used only in an emergen-
cy (e.g., to free a stuck vehicle from mud, sand or
snow).
Front towing hook:
1. Take out the towing hook, screwdriver and wheel
nut wrench from the on board tool bag.
2. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the slot at point A
on the front passenger side fog light cover, then use it
to pry the cover upward. The tabs at point A on the fog light cover will come free of the bumper.
3. Pull the entire fog light cover toward you.
4. Screw the towing hook into the threaded hole until
its thread becomes invisible.
5. Tighten the towing hook securely using the wheel
nut wrench.
After towing, remove the towing hook from the vehicle
and stow it in the tool bag.
Fit the fog light cover on the bumper.
"
Do not use the towing hook except when tow-
ing your vehicle.
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9-23
In case of emergency
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Moonroof – if the moonroof cannot be
closed
If the moonroof cannot be closed with the moonroof
switch, you can close the moonroof manually.
1. Take out the hex-headed wrench from the glove
compartment and screwdriver from the tool bag.
2. Remove the map light lens by prying the edge of
the lens using a flat-bladed screwdriver.
3. Remove the two screws that retain the moonroof
switch body. Then, remove the moonroof switch. 4. Insert the wrench in the end of the motor shaft.
To lower the moonroof, turn the wrench clockwise.
To close the moonroof, turn the wrench counterclock- wise.
Have your vehicle checked and repaired by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer.
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