2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX climate control

4-19
Climate control
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Operating tips for heater and air con-
ditioner !Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure efficient
heating and defrosting. Since the condenser is located
in front of the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired by any ac-
cumulation of insects and leaves on the condenser. !
Efficient cooling after parking in direct
sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the windows
open for a few minutes to allow outside air to circulate
into the heated interior. This results in quicker cooling
by the air conditioner. Keep the windows closed during
the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency. ! Lubrication oil circulation in the refrig- erant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en-
gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few min-
utes each month during the off-season to circulate its
oil. ! Checking air conditioning system be-
fore summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks,
hose conditions, and proper operation each spring.
This check is best performed by your SUBARU dealer.
UG4040BA

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Climate control
!
Cooling and dehumidifying in high hu-
midity and low temperature weather
conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humid-
ity, low temperatures, etc.) a small amount of water
vapor emission from the air outlets may be noticed.
This condition is normal and does not indicate any
problem with the air conditioning system. ! Air conditioner compressor shut-off
when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air con-
ditioner compressor is designed to temporarily shut off
during air conditioner operation whenever the acceler-
ator is fully depressed such as during rapid accelera-
tion or when driving on a steep upgrade. ! Refrigerant for your climate control
system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant
HFC134a. Therefore, the method of adding, changing
or checking the refrigerant is different from the method
for CFC12 (Freon). Consult your SUBARU dealer for
service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong
refrigerant are not covered under warranty.Air filtration system (if equipped)
If your vehicle’s air conditioning system is equipped
with an air filtration system, replace the filter element
according to the replacement schedule shown below.
This schedule should be followed to maintain the fil-
ter’s dust collection ability. Under extremely dusty con-
ditions, the filter should be replaced more frequently. It
is recommended that you have your filter checked or
replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For replacement,
use only a genuine SUBARU air filter kit.
Replacement schedule: Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) whichev-
er comes first

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Climate control
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!Replacing an air filter
1. Remove the glove box. 1) Open the glove box.
2) Remove the nine screws and the one clip secur-
ing the glove box.
3) Disconnect the glove box light connector. 2. Unhook the hooks of the air filter cover and removethe cover.
UG4051BA
UG4052BA

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Climate control
1) Air filter element
3. Draw out the air filter element. 1) Air filter element
2) Arrow mark
4. Replace the air filter element with new one.
The arrow mark on the filter must point down.
1UG4053BB1 2UG4053CB

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Climate control
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5. Reinstall the air filter cover. 6. Connect the connector, and reinstall the glove box.
7. Close the glove box.
1) Service label
2) Caution label
8. LABEL installation 1) Fill out the information on the service label
(small).
2) Attach service and caution labels on the door pil-
lar on the driver’s side.
Contact your dealer if the following occurs,
even if it is not yet time to change the filter:
UG4052CA
UG4051BA
1
2
HS4027BB

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Climate control
"
Reduction of the air flow through the vents."Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.
NOTE
The filter can influence the air conditioning, heat-
ing and defroster performance if not properly
maintained.

10-1
10
Appearance care
Exterior care .................................................. 10-2 Washing ............................................................. 10-2
Waxing and polishing ....................................... 10-3
Cleaning aluminum wheels .............................. 10-3
Corrosion protection .................................... 10-4 Most common causes of corrosion ................ 10-4
To help prevent corrosion ............................... 10-5
Cleaning the interior ..................................... 10-6 Seat fabric ......................................................... 10-6
Leather seat materials ...................................... 10-6
Synthetic leather upholstery ........................... 10-6
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, and switches ............. 10-7

10-7
Appearance care
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NOTE
Strong cleaning agents such as solvents, paint
thinners, window cleaner or gasoline must never
be used on leather or synthetic interior materials. !Climate control panel, audio panel, in-
strument panel, console panel, and
switches
Gently wipe away contamination using a clean, soft
cloth moistened with cold or lukewarm water.
NOTE
Do not use organic solvents such as paint thin-
ners or gasoline, or strong cleaning agents that
contain those solvents.