Page 529 of 627

11 - 3 0
Maintenance and service
Drive belts
The alternator, power steering pump, and air condi-
tioner compressor depend on drive belts. Satisfactory
performance requires that belt tension be correct. !
2.5-liter models
A) Power steering pump pulley
B) Air conditioner compressor pulley
C) Crank pulley in (mm)
To check belt tension, place a straightedge (ruler)
across two adjacent pulleys and apply a force of 22 lbs
(98 N, 10 kg) midway between the pulleys by using a
spring scale. Belt deflection should be the amount
specified. ! 3.0-liter models
It is unnecessary to check belt tension periodically be-
cause your engine is equipped with an automatic belt
tension adjuster. However, replacement of the belt
should be done according to the maintenance sched-
ule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Con-
sult your SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If a belt is loose, cracked, or worn, contact your SUB-
ARU dealer.
B
C a
b
A
HSB033BC
Deflection
New belt Used belt
a 0.28 – 0.35 (7.0 – 9.0) 0.35 – 0.43 (9.0 – 11.0)
b 0.30 – 0.33 (7.5 – 8.5) 0.35 – 0.40 (9.0 – 10.0)
Page 532 of 627

11 -3 3
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
Automatic transmission fluid !Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as
its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to
fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two different
scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid
on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without warm-
ing up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we recommend
checking the fluid level when the fluid is at operating
temperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temper-
ature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating
temperature; 158 to 176 °F (70 to 80 °C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the park-
ing brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then
shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling
speed. 4 speed automatic transmission
A) Yellow handle
A
UBB515GB
Page 543 of 627

11 - 4 4
Maintenance and service
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If
the level is below “MIN” level mark, add the recom-
mended clutch fluid to “MAX” level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed container. !
Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described be-
low, have it checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sever-
al times, applying the same pedal force each time. The
distance the pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine.
The pedal should move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine
and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The
pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute
then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times
to check the brake booster. Brake booster operates
properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each de-
pression.
UBB566BA
Page 544 of 627
11 -4 5
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. !Checking the brake pedal free play
A) 0.02 – 0.08 in (0.5 – 2.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal
several times. Lightly pull the brake pedal up with one
finger to check the free play with a force of less than 2
lbs (10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specification, con- tact your SUBARU dealer. !
Checking the brake pedal reserve dis-
tance
A) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lbs
(294 N, 30 kg) and measure the distance between the
upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than the specifica-
tion, or when the pedal does not operate smoothly,
contact with your SUBARU dealer.
A
HSB049BC
A
HSB050BC
Page 545 of 627
11 - 4 6
Maintenance and service
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission
vehicles)
Check the clutch pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. !
Checking the clutch function
Check the clutch engagement and disengagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there are no ab-
normal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed,
and that shifting into 1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to
check that the engine and transmission smoothly cou-
ple without any sign of slippage. !
Checking the clutch pedal free play
A) 0.16 – 0.51 in (4.0 – 13.0 mm)
Lightly press the clutch pedal down with your finger
until you feel resistance, and check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
tact your SUBARU dealer.
A
HSB049BC
Page 557 of 627
11 - 5 8
Maintenance and service
Windshield washer fluid
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage.
If you spray washer fluid on the windshield but the sup-
ply of washer fluid appears to diminish, check the level
of washer fluid in the tank. Washer fluid level gauge
UBB515HA
Hi Low
UBB557BB
Page 618 of 627

14-3
Index
Bulb
Chart ........................................................... 12-10
Replacing .................................................... 11-73
C
Capacities .......................................................... 12-4
Cargo area Cover ............................................................ 6-23
Light ................................................................ 6-3
Tie-down hooks ............................................ 6-29
Catalytic converter ............................................... 8-4
Center Console .......................................................... 6-8
Ventilators ....................................................... 4-3
Changing
Flat tire ............................................................ 9-5
Oil and oil filter ............................................ 11-13
Charge warning light ......................................... 3-26CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp ................................................ 3-25
Checking
Brake pedal free play .................................. 11-45
Brake pedal reserve distance ..................... 11-45
Clutch function ............................................ 11-46
Clutch pedal free play ................................. 11-46
Engine oil level ........................................... 11-12
Fluid level ................. 11-33, 11-41, 11-42, 11-43 Gear oil level ............................................... 11-37
Child restraint systems ...................................... 1-38
Installation with seatbelt ............................... 1-42
Lower and tether anchorages ....................... 1-49
Child safety ............................................................. 7
Locks ............................................................ 2-30
Chime
Key ................................................................. 3-6
Seatbelt ........................................................ 1-19
Cigarette lighter socket ...................................... 6-16
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ......................................... 10-4
Interior .......................................................... 10-6
Ventilator grille .............................................. 4-17
Climate control system Automatic ...................................................... 4-10
Manual ............................................................ 4-4
Clock ................................................................. 3-36
Clutch Fluid ............................................................ 11-43
Pedal .......................................................... 11-46
Coat hook .......................................................... 6-20
Cooling system ................................................ 11-18
Corrosion protection ................................. 8-14, 10-4
Cruise control .................................................... 7-53
Set indicator light .......................................... 3-35
Page 625 of 627

14-10
Index
Brake system ................................................ 3-29
Charge .......................................................... 3-26
CHECK ENGINE .......................................... 3-25
Door open ..................................................... 3-31
Low fuel ...................................... 3-13, 3-19, 3-30
Oil pressure .................................................. 3-26
Seatbelt ........................................................ 3-21
SRS airbag system ....................................... 3-24
Vehicle Dynamics Control ................... 3-32, 7-46
Warranties and maintenance ............................ 8-31
Washing ............................................................ 10-2
Waxing and polishing ........................................ 10-3
Wear indicators ............................................... 11-55
Wheel
Alignment ..................................................... 12-5
Balance ...................................................... 11-54
Replacement .............................................. 11-57
Windows ............................................................ 2-31
Windshield Washer fluid ................................................ 11-58
Wiper and washer switches .......................... 3-52
Wiper deicer ................................................. 3-56
Winter driving .................................................... 8-12
Wiper and washer ............................................. 3-51