Page 184 of 627
3-13
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
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
UB3526AA
A
UB3527BB
Page 185 of 627
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.
Page 190 of 627
3-19
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
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.
UB3526AA
A
UB3548BB
Page 191 of 627

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).
Page 365 of 627

7-10
Starting and operating
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fullyclosed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po- sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to
start after operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before
trying again.
! Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift
lever into neutral.
Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the en-
gine. The starter motor will only operate when the
clutch pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
Page 475 of 627
9-20
In case of emergency
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster bat-
tery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the en-
gine of the vehicle that has the discharged battery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnect the cables in
exactly the reverse order.Engine overheating
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has fully
cooled down. When the engine is hot, the cool-
ant is under pressure. Removing the cap while
the engine is still hot could release a spray of
boiling hot coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. ! If steam is coming from the engine
compartment
Turn the engine off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. ! If no steam is coming from the engine
compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling speed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compart- ment.
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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
UG9013BA