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3-13
Instruments and controls
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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 2.6 US gal (10 liters, 2.2 lmp 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 US gal (15 liters, 3.3 lmp gal). !
Temperature gauge
A) 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
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3-14
Instruments and controls
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.
Meters and gauges (Non-turbo mod-
els) !
Combination meter illumination
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the various parts of the combination meter are illumi-
nated in the following sequence:
1. Combination meter dials light up.
2. Meter needles and gauge needles each show MAXposition.
3. Meter needles and gauge needles each show MIN position.
4. Regular illumination (for driving) begins.
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3-19
Instruments and controls
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trip knob for 10 seconds or (b) open and close the driv-
er’s door, the fuel gauge needle will drop to the “E” po-
sition and the dial, needle, and rim will go off.
NOTE
You will see the “ ” sign in the combination
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 2.6 US gal (10 liters, 2.2 lmp 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 US gal (15 liters, 3,3 lmp gal). !
Temperature gauge
A) 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.
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3-20
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 the “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
: Seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light goes out only when you
fasten the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction in-
dicator lamp
: Charge warning light: Oil pressure warning light
: AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
/ : ABS warning light
Page 245 of 627

4-10
Climate control
NOTE
In a vehicle equipped with an air conditioner, when
the dial is placed in the “ ” position or “ ”
position the air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates to quickly defog the windshield.
However the indicator on the air conditioner but-
ton will not come on. At the same time, the air inlet
selection is automatically set to “outside air” mode.
In this state, you cannot select “recirculation”
mode by manually pressing the air inlet selection button.
Also, you cannot stop the air conditioner com-
pressor by pressing the air conditioner button.
Automatic climate control system (if
equipped)
NOTE "
Operate the automatic climate control system
when the engine is running. " The blower fan rotates at a low speed when the
engine coolant temperature is low.
For efficient defogging or dehumidifying in cold
weather, press the “A/C” button. " Even when cooling is not necessary, setting the
temperature much lower than the current outlet air
temperature turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor automatically and the “A/C” indicator light on
the control panel comes on.
The automatic climate control system automatically
controls outlet air temperature, fan speed, air flow dis-
tribution air-inlet control, and air conditioner compres-
sor operation. It activates when the “AUTO” button is
pressed, and is used to maintain a constant, comfort-
able climate within the passenger compartment.
The temperature can be set within a range of 65 to 85 °F (18 to 32 °C).
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9-21
In case of emergency
– CONTINUED –
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 “MIN” mark, add cool-
ant up to the “MAX” 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
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-
terioration of the center differential.
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU
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11 - 1 8
Maintenance and service
API classification SL (or SJ):
SAE viscosity No.:
30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
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-
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11 -1 9
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
ed parts. The alcohol contained in the engine
coolant may damage the paint surface.
! 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
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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