2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX trunk

3-43
Instruments and controls
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Intercooler water spray switch (WRX-
STi)
Pressing this switch causes water to be sprayed into
the intercooler. It can be used to help maintain ade-
quate intercooler performance when the ambient tem-perature is high.
Water is sprayed for approximately two seconds every
time the switch is pressed and then released.
NOTE "The intercooler water spray warning light comes
on when the water level in the tank has dropped to
the lower limit. If the warning light illuminates, re-
fill the tank with water. The tank is located on the
right-hand side of the trunk. For the tank refilling
method, refer to the “Intercooler water spray” sec-
tion in Chapter 11." In cold weather (when you do not use the inter-
cooler water spray), keep the tank half-empty or
below in case the water freezes. A larger amount
of water could break the tank if it froze.
I/C
WATER SPRAY
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7-9
Starting and operating
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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.

8-3
Driving tips
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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
"Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled. " Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle. " Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except for the brief time needed to
drive the vehicle in or out of it. " Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If that
is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to
force fresh air into the vehicle." Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly." If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. "
Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from
the exhaust system for a short time after the en-
gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

8-17
Driving tips
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trying to free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can
obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the
transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT).
Refer to the “Automatic transmission” section in chap-
ter 7 for information on holding the transmission in 2ndposition.Loading your vehicle
"Never allow passengers to ride on the folded
rear seatback, in the trunk or in the cargo area.
Doing so may result in serious injury." Never stack luggage or other cargo higher
than the top of the seatback because it could
tumble forward and injure passengers in the
event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep lug-
gage or cargo low, as close to the floor as pos-
sible.

9-6
In case of emergency
Sedan
1) Jack
2) Jack handle
3) Spare tire
Wagon
1) Jack
2) Jack handle
3) Spare tire
5. Take out the spare tire, jack, and wheel nut wrench.
The spare tire is stored under the floor of the trunk or
cargo area.
To remove the spare tire, proceed as follows:
1
2 3
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2
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9-7
In case of emergency
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Sedan: Remove the floor cover from the trunk. Re-
move the storage compartment (if so equipped).Turn
the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take the
spare tire out.
Wagon: Open the lid and hang the hook provided on
the under side of the lid on the rear edge of the roof to
keep the lid open.
Remove the storage compartment (if so equipped).
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9-8
In case of emergency
Turn the attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take
spare tire out.
If the spare tire provided in your vehicle is a temporary
spare tire, carefully read the section “Temporary spare
tire” in this chapter and strictly follow the instructions.
The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk or cargo
area.
To take out the jack:
Remove the cover, turn the jackscrew counterclock-
wise to loosen it, then remove the jack.
If the jackscrew is too tight to be loosened by hand,
loosen it using a screwdriver or the jack handle.
The jack handle is stored under the spare tire cover.
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated before using it.
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9-24
In case of emergency
Maintenance tools
Your vehicle is equipped with the following mainte-
nance tools:
Wheel cover remover (vehicles with wheel covers)
Screwdriver
Towing hook (eye bolt)
Wheel nut wrench
Hex-headed wrench (vehicles with moonroof) !
Jack and jack handle
The jack is stored on the left side of the trunk or cargo
area.
To take out the jack, turn the jackscrew counterclock-
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