
11-20 Maintenance and service
Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid tempera-
ture. 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 warming up the fluid on theCOLD range, we recommend checking
the fluid level when the fluid is at operating
temperature.
Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature 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 parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each po-
sition. Then shift it in the P position, and
run the engine at idling speed.
1) Yellow handle
A) HOT range
B) COLD range
1) Upper level
2) Lower level
4. Pull out the dipstick and check the fluid
level on the gauge. If it is below the lower
level on the HOT range, add the recom-
mended automatic transmission fluid up to
the upper level.
Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked
without time to warm up the automatic
transmission, check to see that the fluid
level is between the lower level and upper
level on the COLD range. If it is below
that range, add fluid up to the upper level.
Be careful not to overfill.
1
B00471
3 4
34 2
1
B00370
Be careful not to spill automatic
transmission fluid when adding it. If
automatic transmission fluid touch-
es the exhaust pipe, it may cause a
bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If au-
tomatic transmission fluid gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.

Maintenance and service 11-25
Brake fluid
Checking the fluid level
1) MAX level mark
2) MIN level mark
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below MIN , add
the recommended brake fluid to MAX .
Use only brake fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
Recommended brake fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu-
id
1 2
B00473
Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately
flush them thoroughly with clean
water. For safety, when perform-
ing this work, wearing eye protec-
tion is advisable.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air. Any absorbed moisture
can cause a dangerous loss of
braking performance.
If the vehicle requires frequent re-
filling, there may be a leak. If you
suspect a problem, have the vehi-
cle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
Never use different brands of
brake fluid together. Also, avoid
mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake flu-
ids even if they are of the same
brand.
When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the brake flu-
id may damage them.
Be careful not to spill brake fluid
when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the ex-
haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

11-26 Maintenance and service
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)
Checking the fluid level
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below MIN level
mark, add the recommended clutch fluid
to MAX level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake flu-
idB00126
Never let clutch fluid contact your
eyes because clutch fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately flush
them thoroughly with clean water.
For safety, when performing this
work, wearing eye protection is ad-
visable.
Clutch fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed mois-
ture can cause improper clutch
operation.
If the vehicle requires frequent re-
filling, there may be a leak. If you
suspect a problem, have the vehi-
cle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
Never use different brands of
clutch fluid together.
When clutch fluid is added, be
careful not to allow any dirt into
the tank.
Never splash the clutch fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts.
Alcohol contained in the clutch
fluid may damage them.
Be careful not to spill clutch fluid
when adding it. If clutch fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the ex-
haust pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
Avoid mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4
clutch fluids even if they are of the
same brand.

14-2 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... ................ 7-22
Warning light ..................................... .................. 3-17, 7-23
Accessories ........................................... .................. 5-2, 11-43
Accessory power outlet ................................. .............. 6-5, 6-7
Active head restraint ............................... ............................ 1-4
Air cleaner element ................................ ........................ 11-15
Air conditioner operation ......................... ........................... 4-7
Air filtration system ............................... ............................ 4-12
Air flow selection .................................. .............................. 4-2
Alarm system ........................................ ............................ 2-13
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AWD AT vehicles) ..... ....... 3-19
Aluminum wheels .................................... ....................... 11-35
Antenna system ...................................... ........................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .......................... ................ 7-22
Arming the system ................................... ......................... 2-14
Armrest ............................................ ................................... 1-7
Ashtray ............................................. .................................. 6-8
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light .................. ................ 3-17
Audio set .......................................... .................................. 5-3
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .......................... ............... 3-32
Automatic climate control system ........................ ............... 4-7
Automatic transmission ............................... ..................... 7-16
Capacities .......................................... .......................... 12-4
Fluid ............................................. .............................. 11-20
Selector lever ...................................... ......................... 7-16
Shift lock release ................................... ...................... 7-19
Temperature warning light ......................... .................. 3-17
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-11
B
Battery ............................................ ................................ 11-40 Jump starting .......................................
.......................... 9-9
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) ............... 2-9
Brake Booster ............................................ .......................... 11-27
Fluid ............................................. .............................. 11-25
Pad and lining .................................... ........................ 11-28
Pedal ............................................. ............................. 11-27
Brake pedal Free play .......................................... .......................... 11-27
Reserve distance ...................................... ................. 11-27
Brake system ......................................... ........................... 7-21
Warning light ..................................... ........................... 3-18
Braking ............................................ ................................. 7-21
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ............ .... 11-29
Tips ............................................... ............................... 7-21
Bulb Chart ............................................. ............................... 12-9
Replacing ......................................... .......................... 11-44
C
Capacities .......................................... ............................... 12-4
Cargo Area bars .......................................... ........................... 6-12
Area cover .......................................... ......................... 6-10
Area light ........................................ ..................... 6-2, 11-50
Tie-down hooks ...................................... ..................... 6-11
Catalytic converter ................................... ........................... 8-3
Center Console ............................................ .............................. 6-4
Ventilators ........................................ .............................. 4-3
Changing Flat tire ......................................... .................................. 9-4

Index 14-3
Oil and oil filter ................................ ............................. 11-8
Charge warning light .............................. .......................... 3-16
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp .............................................. ................................ 3-16
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................... .................. 11-27
Brake pedal reserve distance ........................... ......... 11-27
Clutch function ..................................... ...................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play .............................. .................. 11-28
Engine oil level ................................... ......................... 11-8
Fluid level ................................. 11-20 , 11-24, 11-25, 11-26
Gear oil level ..................................... ... 11-18, 11-21, 11-22
Child restraint systems ............................... ...................... 1-23
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................... ................ 1-26
Lower and tether anchorages ........................ .............. 1-30
Child safety ........................................ .................................... 5
Locks ................................................ ........................... 2-18
Chime Key ................................................ ................................ 3-5
Seatbelt .......................................... .................... 1-11, 3-14
Cigarette lighter socket ............................ ........................... 6-6
Cleaning Aluminum wheels .................................... .................... 10-3
Interior .......................................... ............................... 10-5
Ventilator grille ................................. ............................ 4-11
Climate control system Automatic ......................................... .............................. 4-7
Manual ............................................ ............................... 4-3
Clock ............................................... ................................. 3-22
Clutch fluid ....................................... ............................... 11-26
Clutch pedal ....................................... ............................ 11-28
Coat hook .......................................... ................................. 6-9Coin tray ..........................................
................................... 6-4
Cooling system ....................................... ........................ 11-12
Corrosion protection ................................ ................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ...................................... .............................. 7-27
Indicator light .................................... ............................ 3-20
Set indicator light ................................ ......................... 3-20
Cup holder ........................................ .................................. 6-5
D
Daytime running light system ......................... ................... 3-23
Differential gear oil Front ............................................. .............................. 11-21
Rear .............................................. ............................. 11-22
Dimensions .......................................... ............................. 12-2
Disarming the system ................................. ...................... 2-15
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ................ ........... 7-22
Dome light ........................................ ........................ 6-2, 11-50
Door locks ......................................... .................................. 2-4
Door open warning light ........................... ......................... 3-19
Drive belts ........................................ ............................... 11-18
Driver s control center differential ....................... .............. 7-12
Drivers control center differential Auto indicator light ............................... ........................ 3-20
Indicator lights .................................... .......................... 3-21
Driving Car phone/cell phone ............................... ......................... 7
Drinking ........................................... .................................. 6
Drugs .............................................. .................................. 7
Foreign countries ................................... ........................ 8-4
Pets ............................................... .................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................... ................... 8-9
Tips ............................................... .............. 7-10, 7-12, 8-5

14-4 Index
Tired or sleepy .................................... ............................... 7
E
EBD (Electronic brake force distribution) system ........ ..... 7-24
Electrical system ..................................... ......................... 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ......... .. 7-24
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .................... ............ 1-11
Engine Compartment overview ................................ ................ 11-6
Coolant ........................................... ........................... 11-12
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ....................... ........ 6, 8-2
Hood .............................................. .............................. 11-4
Oil ............................................... ................................. 11-8
Overheating ........................................ ......................... 9-11
Starting .......................................... ................................ 7-7
Stopping .......................................... .............................. 7-8
Exterior care ....................................... .............................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ......................................... .................................... 9-4
Floor mat ......................................... ................................... 6-9
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ............................... .............. 11-20
Brake .............................................. ........................... 11-25
Clutch ............................................. ........................... 11-26
Power steering ..................................... ...................... 11-24
Folding down the rear seat ......................... ........................ 1-8
Front
Differential gear oil ............................. ........................ 11-21
Fog light ......................................... ............................ 11-48
Fog light button .................................. .......................... 3-26Seatbelt pretensioners ..............................
................... 1-20
Seats .............................................. ................................ 1-2
Turn signal light .................................. ....................... 11-48
Fuel .............................................. ....................................... 7-2
Economy hints ........................................ ....................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ................................. ............................ 7-4
Gauge ............................................. ...................... 3-8, 3-12
Requirements ...................................... .......................... 7-2
Fuses .............................................. ................................ 11-41
Fuses and circuits ..................................... ........................ 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ..................... ............. 8-14
Glove box ........................................... ................................ 6-4
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ................... .......... 8-14
H
Hazard warning flasher ............................. .......................... 3-6
Head restraint adjustment (Front) ................... .................... 1-4
Head restraint adjustment (Wagon) .................. .................. 1-7
Headlight beam leveler ............................ ......................... 3-25
Headlight flasher .................................. ............................. 3-23
Headlight indicator light .......................... .......................... 3-21
Headlights ......................................... ..................... 3-22, 11-45
Heater operation .................................. ............................... 4-5
High beam indicator light .......................... ........................ 3-20
High mount stop light .............................. ........................ 11-51
Horn .............................................. .................................... 3-35
Hose and connections .................................. .................. 11-12

14-6 Index
Off road driving ................................... ................................ 8-6
Oil filter ........................................ ..................................... 11-8
Oil level Engine ............................................ ............................. 11-8
Front differential (AT vehicles) ..................... .............. 11-21
Manual transmission ................................. ................. 11-18
Rear differential ................................. ........................ 11-22
Oil pressure warning light .......................... ....................... 3-16
Outside mirrors ..................................... ............................ 3-33
Outside temperature indicator ....................... ............ 3-9, 3-13
Overheating engine ................................. ......................... 9-11
P
Parking Brake .............................................. ............................. 7-25
Brake stroke ......................................... ..................... 11-29
Light switch ........................................ .......................... 3-25
Tips ............................................... ............................... 7-25
Periodic inspections .................................. ......................... 8-4
Power Door locking switches ................................. ................... 2-6
Steering .......................................... ............................. 7-21
Steering fluid .................................... ......................... 11-24
Windows ........................................... ........................... 2-18
Preparing to drive ................................. .............................. 7-6
Printed antenna ................................... ............................... 5-2
R
Rear Combination lights ................................. .................... 11-48
Differential gear oil ............................. ........................ 11-22Differential oil temperature warning light ........
.............. 3-17
Gate .............................................. ............................... 2-23
Seats .............................................. ................................ 1-6
Rear seat Folding down (Wagon) .............................. ..................... 1-8
Rear window Defogger button ................................... ........................ 3-29
Wiper and washer switch ............................. ................ 3-28
Recommended Automatic transmission fluid .......................... ............ 11-21
Brake fluid ........................................ .......................... 11-25
Clutch fluid ....................................... .......................... 11-26
Oil grade and viscosity .............................. ..... 11-10, 11-11,
11-19, 11-22, 11-23
Power steering fluid ............................... .................... 11-24
Spark plugs ......................................... ....................... 11-17
Remote keyless entry system .............................. ............... 2-7
Replacement Brake pad and lining ............................... ................... 11-28
Wiper blades ....................................... ....................... 11-37
Replacing Air cleaner element ................................ .................... 11-15
Battery (Remote keyless entry system) ..................... .... 2-9
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) ................. ..... 2-10
Replacing bulbs ..................................... ......................... 11-44
Cargo area light .................................. ....................... 11-50
Dome light ........................................ .......................... 11-50
Front fog light ................................... .......................... 11-48
Front turn signal light ............................ ..................... 11-48
Headlights ......................................... ......................... 11-45
High mount stop light .............................. ................... 11-51
License plate light ................................. ..................... 11-50

14-8 Index
Hitches ............................................. ........................... 8-23
Towing ............................................ ............................. 8-19
Towing tips ........................................ .......................... 8-25
Trunk lid .......................................... ................................. 2-20
Release handle ..................................... ...................... 2-21
Trunk light ........................................ .............................. 11-51
Turn signal
Indicator lights .................................... ......................... 3-20
Lever .............................................. ............................. 3-24
U
Under-floor storage compartment ..................... ............... 6-12
V
Valet mode ........................................ ............................... 2-16
Vanity mirror ...................................... ................................. 6-3
Vehicle Capacity weight ..................................... ...................... 8-13
Identification ..................................... ......................... 12-10
Symbols ............................................ ................................. 3
Ventilator ........................................ .................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ........................ ..................... 3-14
Warning lights
ABS ............................................... .............................. 3-17
All-Wheel Drive .................................... ........................ 3-19
Anti-lock Brake System ................................ ............... 3-17
AT OIL TEMPerature ................................ ................... 3-17
Brake system ......................................... ...................... 3-18
Charge ............................................ ............................. 3-16CHECK ENGINE ......................................
................... 3-16
Door open ......................................... ........................... 3-19
Oil pressure ....................................... .......................... 3-16
R.Diff TEMPerature ................................ ..................... 3-17
Seatbelt .......................................... ..................... 1-11, 3-14
SRS airbag system ................................... ................... 3-15
Warranties and maintenance .......................... .................. 8-19
Washing ............................................ ................................ 10-2
Waxing and polishing .............................. ......................... 10-3
Wear indicators ..................................... .......................... 11-33
Wheel Alignment ......................................... ............................ 12-5
Balance ............................................ .......................... 11-32
Replacement ....................................... ....................... 11-34
Windows ............................................ ............................... 2-18
Windshield Windshield washer fluid ............................ ................. 11-36
Wiper and washer switches ............................. ............ 3-27
Wiper deicer ....................................... .......................... 3-30
Winter driving ..................................... ................................. 8-8
Wiper and washer ................................... .......................... 3-26