2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX change wheel

3-1
3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .............................................. 3-3 LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
ACC .................................................................... 3-4
ON ....................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime .......................................... 3-4
Ignition switch light (if equipped) .................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ........ 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ................................ 3-6
Meters and gauges (WRX-STi) .................... 3-7 Combination meter illumination ...................... 3-7
Cancelling sequential illumination of the combination meter ......................................... 3-7
Speedometer ..................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-8
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-9
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-9
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-10
Ambient temperature gauge ............................ 3-11
REV indicator light and buzzer (WRX-STi) . 3-12 Setting the alarm-level engine speed .............. 3-13
Deactivating the REV alarm system ................ 3-14
Meters and gauges (Except WRX-STi) ........ 3-15 Speedometer ..................................................... 3-15
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-15
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-16
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-16
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-17
Ambient temperature gauge (if equipped) ...... 3-18
Warning and indicator lights ....................... 3-19 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 3-19 SRS airbag system warning light .................... 3-20
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp ................................................. 3-20
Charge warning light ........................................ 3-21
Oil pressure warning light ............................... 3-21
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) ............................................. 3-22
Rear differential oil temperature warning light
(WRX-STi) ........................................................ 3-22
ABS warning light ............................................. 3-23
Brake system warning light ............................. 3-24
Door open warning lights ................................ 3-25
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles – if equipped) ...................... 3-25
Intercooler water spray warning light
(WRX-STi) ........................................................ 3-25
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles) 3-26
Turn signal indicator lights .............................. 3-26
High beam indicator light ................................. 3-26
Cruise control indicator light ........................... 3-26
Cruise control set indicator light .................... 3-26
Driver’s control center differential auto indicator light (WRX-STi) ............................... 3-26
Driver’s control center differential indicator
lights (WRX-STi) ............................................. 3-27
Headlight indicator light (WRX-STi) ................ 3-27
REV indicator light (WRX-STi) ......................... 3-27
Clock .............................................................. 3-28
Light control switch ...................................... 3-29 Headlights ......................................................... 3-29
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-30
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-30

7-20
Starting and operating
tion meter give six levels of indication. The indicator
lights and control dial are linked; when the dial is
turned to change the differential-action limiting factor
(front/rear torque-distribution ratio), the illumination
position of the indicator lights change accordingly.
Turn the dial forward to increase the differential-action
limiting factor. If the white line on the dial reaches the
frontmost position, the center differential will be almost
completely locked and the “LOCK” indicator light will come on.
Turn the dial rearward to reduce the differential-action
limiting factor. If the white line on the dial reaches the
rearmost position, the factor will be minimal and the
“ ” indicator light will come on.
"
Do not turn the control dial when a wheel slip-
page occurs. Wait until the wheelspin has been
brought under control or select the auto mode." When the vehicle has been fitted with a tem-
porary spare tire or is to be towed, turn the con-
trol dial fully rearward (to minimize the differen-
tial-action limiting factor) or select the auto
UG7027BA
UG7026BA

8-34
Driving tips
F: Front of vehicle
The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution
of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with
more weight in the back than in the front; approximate-
ly 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front
and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distrib-
ute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and
right sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a
change in weight distribution while driving.
If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load
is taken off the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to skid, espe-
cially during braking or when vehicle speed is
reduced during cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
! Trailer hitches
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.
F
60% 40% 50%
50%
HS8021BB

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-

11 - 5 0
Maintenance and service
!
Tire rotation
Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To maximize the
life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniform-
ly, it is best to rotate the tires every 7,500 miles
(12,500 km). Rotating the tires involves switching the
front and rear tires on the right-hand side of the vehicle
and similarly switching the front and rear tires on the
left-hand side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept
on its original side of the vehicle.)
Replace any damaged or unevenly worn tire at the
time of rotation. After tire rotation, adjust the tire pres-
sures and make sure the wheel nuts are correctly
tightened. After driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km),
check the wheel nuts again and retighten any nut that
has become loose. !
Tire replacement
The wheels and tires are important and integral parts
of your vehicle’s design; they cannot be changed arbi-
trarily. The tires fitted as standard equipment are opti-
mally matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and
were selected to give the best possible combination of
running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It
is essential for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire placard and to
have a speed symbol and load index matching those
shown on the tire placard.
Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from con-
trollability, ride comfort, braking performance, speed-
ometer accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also cre-
ates incorrect body-to-tire clearances and inappropri-
ately changes the vehicle’s ground clearance.
All four tires must be the same in terms of manufactur-
er, brand (tread pattern), construction, and size. You
are advised to replace the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equipment.
For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU recommends re-
HSB056BA

11 - 5 2
Maintenance and service
dent.
! Wheel covers
! Removing the wheel cover
Insert the wheel cover remover into the notch provid-
ed, and pry the wheel cover off. !
Installing the wheel cover
Align the valve with the valve hole in the cover, then fit
the cover on the wheel by tapping your hand evenly
around the circumference of the cover.
NOTE
When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always
check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving
approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is
loose, tighten it to the specified torque.UG9506BA
UGB512BA

11 -5 3
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety. "When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque. " Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel. " Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs." Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the
wheel. " When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.Intercooler water spray
Add water to the intercooler water spray tank when the
intercooler water spray warning light in the combina-
tion meter comes on. The warning light comes on
when the water in the tank has decreased to approxi-
mately 0.4 liters (0.4 US qt, 0.4 Imp qt).
UGB079BA

12-2
Specifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
These specifications are subject to change without notice. !
Dimensions
in (mm)
*1: Measured with vehicle empty
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission
ItemSedanWagon
2.5-liter2.0-liter (Turbo)2.5-liter (Turbo)2.5-liter2.0-liter (Turbo)
RSWRXWRX-STiTSOUTBACK SPORTWRX
Drive systemAWD
Transmission typeATMTATMTMTATMTATMTATMT
Overall length173.8 (4415)
Overall widthSedan68.5 (1740)–
Wagon–66.7 (1695)67.3 (1710)66.7 (1695)
Overall heightWithout
roofrail56.7 (1440)56.3
(1430)57.7 (1465)58.1 (1475)57.7 (1465)
With roofrail–58.5 (1485)58.9 (1495)58.5 (1485)
Wheel base99.4 (2525)100
(2540)99.4 (2525)
TreadFront58.5 (1485)58.7
(1490)57.7 (1465)57.5 (1460)57.7 (1465)
Rear58.1 (1475)58.3 (1480)58.5
(1485)57.3 (1455)
Ground clearance *15.9 (150)6.1 (155)5.7 (145)5.9 (150)6.3 (160)6.1 (155)