2005 SUBARU BAJA catalytic converter

7-3
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels,
which may affect the performance of your vehicle’s
catalytic converter and may produce a sulfur exhaust
odor or smell. SUBARU recommends that you try a
different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sul-
fur to determine if the problem is fuel related before re-
turning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for ser-
vice. TMMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-enhancing additive
called MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tri-
carbonyl). If you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and the CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp may
turn on. If this happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is determined that the
condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty. T Gasoline for cleaner air
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly, and is a
way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continu-
ously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never need to add any fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the
air cleaner. Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain
alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now produc-
ing reformulated gasoline, which is designed to reduce
vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use of re-
formulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should
ask your service station operators if their gasoline con-
tains detergents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your
vehicle as explained below. y
Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating
no lower than that specified in this manual. y Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes
mixed with unleaded gasoline. Methanol can be used
in your vehicle ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the
fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by sufficient
quantities of the proper cosolvent and corrosion inhib-

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) ............................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints ...................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .... 8-3
Catalytic converter ........................................ 8-4
Periodic inspections ..................................... 8-6
Driving in foreign countries ......................... 8-6
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ...................... 8-7
Off road driving ............................................. 8-9
Winter driving ................................................ 8-11 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-11
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-13
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-14
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-14
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-15
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-16
Loading your vehicle .................................... 8-16 Vehicle capacity weight ................................... 8-18
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........ 8-19
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ............................. 8-20 Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-20
When you do not tow a trailer ......................... 8-24
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-24 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-24
Maximum load limits ........................................ 8-25
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-30
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-30
Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-33

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
y
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures.y Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
Non-turbo modelsHS8002BA

8-5
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: y Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount
of leaded gasoline will damage the catalytic converter. y Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. y Avoid racing the engine.
y Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.y Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. y
Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.
US8511BA

14-3
Index
Cargo
Bed ............................................................... 6-16
Lamp ............................................................. 6-20
Lamp indicator light ...................................... 3-16
Net hooks ..................................................... 6-13
Tie-down hooks ............................................ 6-17
Catalytic converter ............................................... 8-4
Center
Console .......................................................... 6-5
Ventilators ....................................................... 4-2
Changing Flat tire .......................................................... 9-12
Oil and oil filter ............................................ 11-12
Charge warning light ......................................... 3-11 CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp ............................. 3-10
Checking
Brake pedal free play .................................. 11-41
Brake pedal reserve distance ..................... 11-42
Clutch function ............................................ 11-42
Clutch pedal free play ................................. 11-43
Engine oil level ........................................... 11-10
Fluid level ................. 11-29, 11-36, 11-38, 11-39
Gear oil level .................................... 11-27, 11-33
Child restraint systems ...................................... 1-28
Installation with seatbelt ............................... 1-32
Lower and tether anchorages ....................... 1-40 Child safety ............................................................. 5
Locks ............................................................ 2-21
Chime Key ................................................................. 3-4
Seatbelt ................................................. 1-17, 3-9
Cigarette lighter socket ........................................ 6-9
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ......................................... 10-4
Fog light lens ................................................ 10-4
Interior .......................................................... 10-6
Ventilator grille .............................................. 4-11
Clock ................................................................. 3-17
Clutch fluid ....................................................... 11-39
Clutch pedal .................................................... 11-42
Coat hook .......................................................... 6-13
Coin compartment ............................................... 6-6
Convenience hook ............................................. 6-13
Cooling system ................................................ 11-17
Corrosion protection .......................................... 10-5 Cover Soft bed ........................................................ 6-21
Cruise control .................................................... 7-38
Set indicator light .......................................... 3-16
Cup holder ........................................................... 6-7 D
Daytime running light system ............................ 3-20