
7-45
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
snow chains, however, the effectiveness of the Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control system is reduced and
this should be taken into account when driving the
vehicle in such a condition. "It is always important to reduce speed when ap-
proaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped
with Vehicle Dynamics Control. " All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the
same size, type, and brand; furthermore, the
amount of wear should be the same for all four
tires. If these precautions are not observed and
non-matching tires are used, it is quite possible
that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be
unable to operate correctly as intended." Always turn off the engine before replacing a
tire as failure to do so may render the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system unable to operate correct-ly. !
Vehicle Dynamics Control system
monitor
! Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator
light
The indicator light turns on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position; it turns off approximately
two seconds later. This indicator light flashes during
activation of the skid suppression function and is illu-
minated steadily during activation of the traction con-
trol function.
The following two situations could indicate a malfunc-
tion of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either
UB7507GA

7-46
Starting and operating
should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer
carry out an inspection of that system at the first avail-
able opportunity. "
The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. " The indicator light does not turn off approximately
two seconds after the ignition key has been turned to
the ON position. ! Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
This single light has the function of indicating malfunc-
tions in the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the
function of indicating that the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system is not operating. It comes on in the event
of a malfunction in the system and is illuminated when-
ever the system is not operating. "
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position and goes off several sec-
onds after engine startup. This lighting pattern indi-
cates that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is op-
erating normally.
The following situations could indicate a malfunction of
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if any should
occur, we recommend that you have an authorized
SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of the system
at the first available opportunity. " The warning light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. " The warning light turns on while the vehicle is being
driven. " When a malfunction has occurred in the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control electrical system, only the warninglight will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will still be
operating normally. " The warning light will also turn on when a problem
occurs with the ABS or Vehicle Dynamics Control
electronic control systems.
Because the Vehicle Dynamics Control system con-
UB7507FA

7-47
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
trols each brake through the ABS, whenever the ABS
stops operating due to a malfunction in that electrical
system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control will also be-
come unable to control all four brakes. Thus Vehicle
Dynamics Control system operation halts and the
warning light turns on. Although both the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system and the ABS will be inoperable
in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehi-
cle using normal braking. The Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system and the ABS do not adversely affect oper-
ation of the vehicle in any way when they are inopera-
ble; however should such a situation occur, drive with
care and have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry
out an inspection of those systems at the first available
opportunity.
NOTE
When the warning light turns on and off in the fol-
lowing way, it indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is operating normally. "Although turning on after the engine has been
started, the warning light quickly turns off and
stays off. " The warning light turns on when the vehicle is
being driven; it then turns off and stays off. " Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
This light comes on to indicate that the Vehicle Dy- namics Control system is in non-operation mode. This
does not constitute failure of the Vehicle DynamicsControl system.
NOTE "
The indicator light may stay on for a while after
the engine has been started, especially in cold
weather. This occurs because the engine has not
yet warmed up and is completely normal. The light
will turn off when the engine has reached a suit-
able operating temperature. " When an engine problem occurs and the mal-
function indicator lamp turns on, the indicator
light will also come on.
The following two situations could indicate malfunction
of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either
should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer
carry out an inspection of that system at the first avail-
able opportunity. " The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. " The indicator light fails to turn off after the engine is
started, even when several minutes have passed to al-
low the engine to heat up sufficiently.

7-48
Starting and operating
!
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch
Pressing the switch to deactivate the Vehicle Dynam-
ics Control system can facilitate the following opera- tions: " a standing start on a steeply sloping road with a
snowy, gravel-covered, or otherwise slippery surface " extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck
in mud or deep snow
When the switch is pressed during engine operation,
the indicator light illuminates. The Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will be deactivated and the vehicle will
behave like a model not equipped with the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system. When the switch is pressed
again to reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem, the indicator light goes off.
With the Vehicle Dynamics Control system deactivat-
ed, traction and stability enhancement offered by Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control system is unavailable. There-
fore you should not deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system except under above-mentioned situa- tions.
NOTE "
When the switch has been pressed to deactivate
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system automatically reacti-
vates itself the next time the ignition key is turned
to the OFF position and the engine is restarted. " If the switch is held down for 10 seconds or
longer, the indicator light goes off, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is activated, and the sys-
tem ignores any further pressing of the switch. To
make the switch usable again, turn the ignition key
to the OFF position and restart the engine. " When the switch is pressed to deactivate the Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control system, the vehicle’s run-
ning performance is comparable with that of a ve-
hicle that does not have a Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system. Do not deactivate the Vehicle Dynam-
ics Control system except when absolutely neces-
sary.
UB3213CA

9-29
In case of emergency
– CONTINUED –
Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be
unlocked
In the event that you cannot unlock the rear gate by
operating the power door locking switches or the re-
mote keyless entry system, you can unlock it from in-
side the cargo area.
0
1. Remove the access cover at the bottom-center of
the rear gate trim using flat-head screwdriver.
2. Locate the rear gate lock release lever behind the
rear gate trim panel. 3. Unlock the rear gate by pressing the lever inside
the trim downward.
4. Open the rear gate from outside by raising the rear
gate handle.
UB9511BA
UB9512BA

11 - 4
Maintenance and service
the materials in the vehicle may be hazardous if
improperly used or handled, for example, bat-tery acid. "
Your vehicle should only be serviced by per-
sons fully competent to do so. Serious person-
al injury may result to persons not experienced
in servicing vehicles. " Always use the proper tools and make certain
that they are well maintained. " Never get under the vehicle supported only
by a jack. Always use a safety stands to sup-
port the vehicle. " Never keep the engine running in a poorly
ventilated area, such as a garage or other
closed areas. " Do not smoke or allow open flames around
the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire. " Because the fuel system is under pressure,
replacement of the fuel filter should be per-
formed only by your SUBARU dealer." Wear adequate eye protection to guard
against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If
something does get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water. " Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS air-
bag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or
attempt to take its connectors apart, as that may activate the system or it can render it inop-
erative. The wiring and connectors of these
systems are yellow for easy identification. NEV-
ER use a circuit tester for these wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensioner
needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
! Before checking or servicing in the en-
gine compartment
"Always stop the engine and set the parking
brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. " Always let the engine cool down. Engine
parts become very hot when the engine is run-
ning and remain hot for some time after the en-
gine is stopped." Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid or any other fluid on hot engine compo-
nents. This may cause a fire." Always remove the key from the ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, the cooling fan may operate suddenly

14-2
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ........................... 7-38
Warning light ........................................ 3-28, 7-39
Accessories ..................................................... 11-72
Accessory power outlet ..................................... 6-14
Active head restraint ............................................ 1-8
Air cleaner element ......................................... 11-24
Air conditioner ..................................................... 4-9
Air filtration system ............................................ 4-19
Air flow selection ................................................. 4-2
Alarm system ..................................................... 2-23
All-wheel drive warning light (AT vehicles) ........ 3-31
Aluminum wheels ............................................ 11-57
Antenna system .................................................. 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................... 7-38
Arming the system ............................................. 2-24
Armrest .............................................................. 1-14
Ashtray .............................................................. 6-19
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light ................... 3-27
Audio control button .......................................... 5-56
Audio set ............................................................. 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .......................... 3-59
Automatic climate control system ...................... 4-10
Automatic transmission 4 speed ......................................................... 7-16
5 speed ......................................................... 7-25
Capacities ..................................................... 12-4 Fluid ............................................................ 11-33
Manual mode ....................................... 7-20, 7-30
Selector lever ...................................... 7-17, 7-26
Shift lock release ................................. 7-24, 7-35
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) .. 3-27
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) .......................................................... 1-18
B
Battery ............................................................. 11-67 Jump starting ................................................ 9-17
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) ...................................................... 2-16
Brake Booster ....................................................... 11-44
Fluid ............................................................ 11-42
Pad and lining ............................................. 11-47
Pedal .......................................................... 11-45
Brake pedal
Free play .................................................... 11-45
Reserve distance ........................................ 11-45
Brake system .................................................... 7-37
Warning light ................................................ 3-29
Braking .............................................................. 7-37
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....................................................... 11-47
Tips ............................................................... 7-37

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