2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX coolant temperature

3-10
Instruments and controls
contains fuel.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the “ ” sign in the fuel gauge
meter.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle. !
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [About 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp.
gal.)]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.). !
Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
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1
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3-11
Instruments and controls
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the ambient temperature and driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
See the “In case of emergency” in chapter 9. !
Ambient temperature gauge
A) U.S. spec. models
B) Canada spec. models
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from −22 °F to 122 °F ( −30 °C to
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions:" When there is too much sun.
" During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
ing a shutdown.
A
B
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3-17
Instruments and controls
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The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the “FUEL DOOR ” sign near the
fuel gauge.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle. !Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [about 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp.
gal.]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.). ! Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
the ambient temperature and driving conditions.
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1
UG3502BB

3-18
Instruments and controls
We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.
See “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.
!
Ambient temperature gauge (if
equipped)
A) U.S. spec. models
B) Canada spec. models
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from −22 °F to 122 °F ( −30 °C to
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions:" When there is too much sun.
" During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
A
B
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4-12
Climate control
functions are as follows:
OFF:
The fan does not operate.
AUTO: The fan speed is adjusted automatically in ac-
cordance with the air temperature inside and outside
the passenger compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. Subaru recommends using the
AUTO position.
Other positions: The fan speed can be adjusted in
four steps.
NOTE
With the fan speed control dial in the AUTO posi-
tion and the air flow control dial in the “ ”,
“ ”, or “ ” position, the fan does not oper-
ate during engine warmup until the engine coolant
temperature exceeds approx. 122 °F (50 °C).
! Temperature control dial
This dial is used to set the desired interior tempera-
ture. With the dial set to your desired temperature, the
system automatically adjusts the temperature of air
supplied from the outlets such that the desired temper-
ature is achieved and maintained.
If the dial is turned fully counterclockwise, the system
gives maximum cooling performance. If the dial is
turned fully clockwise, the system gives maximum
heating performance. !
Air flow control dial
This dial has the following five positions. The outlets
from which air is supplied in each position are as fol-
lows:
: Instrument panel outlets: Instrument panel outlets and foot outlets
: Foot outlets and windshield defroster outlets (rel-
atively little air from windshield defroster outlets)
: Windshield defroster outlets and foot outlets
: Windshield defroster outlets
NOTE
When the dial is placed in the “ ” or “ ” po-
sition, the air conditioner compressor operates
automatically to defog the windshield quickly. At
the same time, the air inlet selection is automati-
cally set to “outside air” mode.

9-17
In case of emergency
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Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not
turning, immediately turn the engine off and contact
your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.
If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add cool-
ant up to the “FULL” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add cool-
ant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap
and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first
wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn
the cap counterclockwise slowly without pressing
down until it stops. Release the pressure from the ra-
diator. After the pressure has been fully released, re-
move the cap by pressing down and turning it.Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU
dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the
following procedures for safety.
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with
the front wheels raised off the ground while the
rear wheels are on the ground, or with the rear
wheels raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will cause the
vehicle to spin away due to the operation or de-
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11 - 1 8
Maintenance and service
!
Recommended grade and viscosity
under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very
high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applica-
tions such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the follow-
ing grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL (or SJ):
SAE viscosity No.: 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
! Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that meets the same
requirements given for conventional engine oil. When
using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same clas-
sification, viscosity and grade shown in this owner’s
manual, and must follow the oil and filter changing in-
tervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
Cooling system
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is re-
moved.
" The cooling system has been filled at the fac-
tory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibiting,
year-around coolant which provides protection
against freezing down to –33 °F (–36 °C). For
adding, use genuine SUBARU coolant or an
equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft water and 50%
ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improper
coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling
system. It is important to maintain protection
against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected. Never mix dif-
ferent kinds of coolant. " Do not splash the engine coolant over paint-

11 -1 9
Maintenance and service
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ed parts. The alcohol contained in the enginecoolant may damage the paint surface.
! Cooling fan, hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is
thermostatically controlled to operate when the engine
coolant reaches a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when
the engine coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system
checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may
be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is recom-
mended that the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness. !
Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reser-
voir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” level
mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” level mark. If the
reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap and re-
fill as required.
FULL
LOW
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