2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX fuel

3-17
Instruments and controls
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fuel injection will be cut by the engine control
module to protect the engine from overrevving.
The engine will resume running normally after
the engine speed is reduced below the red
zone.
„ Fuel gauge
1) Low fuel warning light
The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel
remaining in the tank.
The gauge does not return to “E” even though the ig-
nition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position. 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. T
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [about 2.3 US gal (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp gal].
It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position.
1
UG3501BB
HS3023AA

3-18
Instruments and controls
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 US gal (15 liters, 3.3 Imp gal).
(Turbo model only)
Promptly put fuel in the tank whenever the low
fuel warning light comes on. If the engine mis-
fired as a result of an empty tank, resulting cat-
alytic converter damage could cause damage
to the turbocharger.
„
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 outside 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.
1
UG3502BB

3-21
Instruments and controls
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checked. Unless checked and properly re-
paired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS
airbag will not operate properly in the event of
a collision, which may increase the risk of inju-
ry.yFlashing or flicking of the indicator light
y No illumination of the warning light when the
ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” posi-tion y Continuous illumination of the warning light
yIllumination of the warning light while driving
„ CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you
are driving, have your vehicle checked/repaired
by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired
as necessary could cause serious damage,
which may not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty. If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the engine
is running, it may indicate that there is a problem or po-
tential problem somewhere in the emission control system. T
If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does not
go out after the engine starts, an emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.
NOTE
This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is
not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indica-
tor lamp coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill-
er cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it clicks.
Make sure nothing is interfering with the sealing of the
cap. Tightening the cap will not make the CHECK EN-
GINE warning light turn off immediately. It may take
several driving trips. If the light does not go out, take
your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer im-
mediately. T If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire

3-36
Instruments and controls
Fog light button (if equipped)
The fog lights operate only when the headlights are on
low beam. Push the fog light button to turn the fog
lights on.
Press the button again to turn them off.
The indicator light located on the button will illuminate
when the fog lights are on.Wiper and washer
In freezing weather, do not use the windshield
washer until the windshield is sufficiently
warmed by the defroster.
Otherwise the washer fluid can freeze on the
windshield, blocking your view.
y
Do not operate the washer continuously for
more than ten seconds, or when the washer flu-
id tank is empty. This may cause overheating of
the washer motor. Check the washer fluid level
frequently, such as at fuel stops. y Do not operate the wipers when the wind-
shield or rear window is dry. This may scratch
the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause
the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating
the wiper on a dry windshield or rear window,
always use the windshield washer.y In freezing weather, be sure that the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear
window before switching on the wipers. At-UG3512BA

6-13
Interior equipment
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Floor mat (if equipped)
A retaining pin is located on the driver’s side of the ve-
hicle next to the fuel filler door release.
The floor mat is secured using the built-in grommet, by
placing the grommet over the pin and pushing down-
ward.
Make sure the driver’s floor mat is placed back
in its proper location and correctly secured on
its retaining pin. If the floor mat slips forward
and interferes with the movement of the pedals
during driving, it could cause an accident.
HS6038BA
HS6039BA

7-1
7
Starting and operating
Fuel ................................................................ 7-2 Fuel requirements ............................................. 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................ 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only) ............... 7-7
Preparing to drive ......................................... 7-9
Starting the engine ....................................... 7-9 Manual transmission vehicle ........................... 7-9
Automatic transmission vehicle ...................... 7-10
Stopping the engine ..................................... 7-11
Manual transmission – 6 speeds (WRX-STi) .................................................. 7-12Selecting reverse gear ...................................... 7-12
Shifting speeds ................................................. 7-13
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-14
Manual transmission – 5 speeds (except WRX-STi) ...................................... 7-15Shifting speeds ................................................. 7-15
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-17
Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) (WRX-STi) .................................................. 7-18Auto mode ......................................................... 7-18
Manual mode ..................................................... 7-19
Temporary release ............................................ 7-21
Automatic transmission ............................... 7-22 Selector lever for automatic transmission ..... 7-23
Shift lock release .............................................. 7-27
Limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .............................................. 7-28
Power steering .............................................. 7-29 Braking ........................................................... 7-30
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-30
Brake system .................................................... 7-30
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........ 7-31
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................... 7-31 ABS system self-check .................................... 7-32
ABS warning light ............................................. 7-32
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........................................................ 7-34Steps to take if EBD system fails .................... 7-34
Parking your vehicle ..................................... 7-36 Parking brake .................................................... 7-36
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-36
Cruise control ................................................ 7-38 To set cruise control ........................................ 7-39
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ....... 7-40
To turn off the cruise control ........................... 7-41
To change the cruising speed ......................... 7-42

7-2
Starting and operating
Starting and operatingFuel
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an
inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine
damage.
„ Fuel requirements
T 2.5-liter non-turbo models
The 2.5-liter non-turbo engine is designed to operate
using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
AKI or higher. T 2.0-liter turbo models
The 2.0-liter turbo engine is designed to operate using
premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
91 AKI or higher. If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating of 87 AKI or higher may be temporarily used.
For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is
required that you use premium grade unleaded gaso-
line. T
2.5-liter turbo model
The 2.5-liter turbo engine is designed to operate using
super-premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rat-
ing of 93 AKI or higher. If super-premium unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI or higher is
not available, premium unleaded gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of 91 AKI or higher can be used. For opti-
mum engine performance and driveability, it is recom-
mended that you use super-premium grade unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI or higher. T Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Oc-
tane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly re-
ferred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause
persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the
engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle some-
times knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when
you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service
technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently. T Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept
only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no cir-
cumstances should leaded gasoline be used because
it will damage the emission control system and may

7-3
Starting and operating
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impair driveability and fuel economy. TGasoline for California-certified LEV
Your vehicle was certified to California’s low emission
vehicle (LEV) standards as indicated on the under-
hood tune-up label. It is designed to optimize engine
and emission performance with gasoline that meets
the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline speci-
fications. If you live in any other state than California,
your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal
specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is per-
mitted 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 sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel related before returning your vehi-
cle to an authorized dealer for service. T MMT
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 gasolines, which are designed to re-
duce vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use of reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should
ask your service station operators if their gasolines
contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.