2006 SUBARU IMPREZA oil level

3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .................................................... 3-3
LOCK .............................................. ......................... 3-3
ACC ............................................... ........................... 3-4
ON ................................................ ............................ 3-4
START ............................................. ......................... 3-4
Key reminder chime ................................ ............... 3-5
Ignition switch light ............................. ................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) .......... .... 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ............................ .......... 3-6
Meters and gauges (WRX-STI) ....................... ... 3-6
Combination meter illumination .................... ........ 3-6
Cancelling sequential illumination of the combination meter ................................. .............. 3-6
Speedometer ....................................... .................... 3-6
Odometer/Trip meter ............................... ............... 3-7
Tachometer ........................................ ..................... 3-7
Fuel gauge ........................................ ....................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ................................. ............... 3-8
Outside temperature indicator ..................... ......... 3-9
REV indicator light and buzzer (WRX-STI) ....... 3-9 Setting the alarm-level engine speed .............. ..... 3-10
Deactivating the REV alarm system ................. ..... 3-11
Meters and gauges (Except WRX-STI) ............. 3-1 1
Speedometer ....................................... .................... 3-11
Odometer/Trip meter ............................... ............... 3-11
Tachometer ........................................ ..................... 3-12
Fuel gauge ........................................ ....................... 3-12
Temperature gauge ................................. ............... 3-13
Outside temperature indicator ..................... ......... 3-13Warning and indicator lights ......................
....... 3-14
Seatbelt warning light and chime .................. ........ 3-14
SRS airbag system warning light ................... ....... 3-15
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ........................................ ...................... 3-15
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp .................................... ................... 3-16
Charge warning light .............................. ................ 3-16
Oil pressure warning light ........................ ............. 3-16
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (AT vehicles) ..................................... .................... 3-17
Rear differential oil temperature warning light (WRX-STI) ......................................... ..................... 3-17
ABS warning light ................................. .................. 3-17
Brake system warning light ........................ ........... 3-18
Door open warning light ........................... ............. 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AWD AT vehicles
– if equipped) ..................................... ................... 3-19
Intercooler water spray warning light (WRX-STI) ......................................... ..................... 3-19
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles) ... . 3-20
Turn signal indicator lights ...................... .............. 3-20
High beam indicator light ......................... .............. 3-20
Cruise control indicator light .................... ............. 3-20
Cruise control set indicator light ................ .......... 3-20
Driver ’s control center differential auto indicator
light (WRX-STI) ................................... .................. 3-20
Driver ’s control center differential indicator and
warning lights (WRX-STI) .......................... .......... 3-21
Headlight indicator light (WRX-STI) ............... ....... 3-21
REV indicator light (WRX-STI) ..................... .......... 3-21

3-16 Instruments and controls
CHECK ENGINE warn-
ing light/Malfunction in-
dicator lamp
If this light comes on steadily or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate
that there is a problem or potential prob-
lem somewhere in the emission control
system.
If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving
or does not go out after the engine starts,
an emission control system malfunction
has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by
an authorized SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
NOTE
This light also comes on when the fuel
filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle,
the cause of the CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator lamp coming on
could be a loose or missing fuel filler cap.
Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering
with the sealing of the cap. Tightening the
cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE
warning light turn off immediately. It may
take several driving trips. If the light does
not go out, take your vehicle to your au-
thorized SUBARU dealer immediately.
If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an en-
gine misfire condition has been detected
which may damage the emission control
system.
To prevent serious damage to the emis-
sion control system, you should do the fol-
lowing.
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as pos-
sible. The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and come on steadily after
several driving trips. You should have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good con-
dition but the light remains on, contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer immediate-
ly.
Oil pressure warning
light
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes
on while you are driving, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possi-
ble. Continued vehicle operation
without having the emission control
system checked and repaired as
necessary could cause serious
damage, which may not be covered
by your vehicle
’s warranty.

Instruments and controls 3-17
– CONTINUED –
is at the proper level but the light remains
on, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
AT OIL TEMPerature
warning light (AT vehi-
cles)
The AT oil temperature warning light
comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the
“ON ” position and goes out
after approximately two seconds.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is un-
necessary to stop the vehicle, but avoid
driving up steep grades or in stop and go
traffic.
Automatic transmission control
system warning
If the light flashes after the engine starts,
it may indicate that the automatic trans-
mission control system is not working
properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
Rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light
(WRX-STI)
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear differ-
ential oil temperature is too hot.
At this time, the driver
’s control center dif-
ferential will automatically cancel the cur-
rent torque-distribution ratio setting and
adopts its minimum ratio.
If the light comes on while driving, reduce
vehicle speed and stop the vehicle at the
nearest safe place.
Park the vehicle for several minutes. After
the light goes out, you can start driving.
If the light does not go out, contact the
nearest SUBARU dealer for service.
NOTE
If the tire pressures are not correct
and/or the tires are not all the same
size and brand, the rear differential will
be heavily loaded when the vehicle is
driven, resulting in an abnormally high
oil temperature.
The rear differential oil will deterio-
rate if its temperature increases
enough for the rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light to come on. It is
advisable to have the rear differential
oil replaced as soon as possible.
ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON ” posi-
tion and goes out after approximately two
seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system
is working properly.
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
Reduce vehicle speed and park the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible if the R.DIFF TEMP light
comes on. Continued driving with
this light on can damage the rear dif-
ferential and other parts of the pow-
ertrain.
If the warning light behaves as fol-
lows, the ABS system may not work
properly.
When the warning light is on, the
ABS function shuts down; however,
the conventional brake system con-
tinues to operate normally.
(U.S.)
(Canada)

7-6 Starting and operating
The EPA has issued regulations for in-
specting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
system as part of the state emissions in-
spection. The OBD system is designed to
detect engine and transmission problems
that might cause vehicle emissions to ex-
ceed allowable limits. These inspections
apply to all 1996 model year and newer
passenger cars and light trucks. Over 30
states plus the District of Columbia have
implemented the OBD system inspection.
The inspection of the OBD system con-
sists of a visual operational check of the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light/malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (MIL) and an examina-
tion of the OBD system with an electronic
scan tool while the engine is running.
A vehicle passes the OBD system in-
spection if proper the “CHECK ENGINE ”
warning light/MIL illumination is observed,
there is no stored diagnostic trouble
codes, and the OBD system readiness
monitors are complete.
A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the
“ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light/MIL is
not properly operating or there is one or
more diagnostic trouble codes stored in
vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK EN-
GINE ” warning light/MIL illuminated.
A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBD system readiness monitors “Not
Ready ” is greater than one. Under this
condition, the vehicle operator should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to set the monitors and return for an
emission re-inspection.
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their Subaru Dealer for
service.
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 infla-
tion.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk (Sedan)
and rear gate (Wagon) are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and
outside mirrors.
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 ” position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Resultant vehicle damage due to im-
proper testing is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty and
is the responsibility of the state in-
spection program or its contractors
or licensees.

In case of emergency 9-11
– CONTINUED –
Engine overheating
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 off the engine 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
compartment.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off the engine 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 off the engine.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reserve
tank.
If the coolant level is below the
“LOW ”
mark, add coolant up to the “FULL ” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve
tank, add coolant 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 counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down
until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been
fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it.
Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by
your SUBARU dealer or a commercial
towing service. Observe the following pro-
cedures for safety.
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
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.
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 deteri-
oration of the center differential.
900059

9-14 In case of emergency
or “1st ” for manual transmission vehicles.
2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier
properly with safety chains. Each safety
chain should be equally tightened and
care must be taken not to pull the chains
so tightly that the suspension bottoms out.
Towing with all wheels on the
ground
1. Check the transmission and differential
oil levels and add oil to bring it to the upper
level if necessary.
2. Release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral.
3. The ignition switch should be in the“ ACC ” position while the vehicle is being
towed.
4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
If your vehicle has a front under-
spoiler and rear underspoiler (both
optional), be careful not to scrape
them when placing the vehicle on
the carrier and when removing the
vehicle from the carrier.
900065
Never turn the ignition switch to
the “LOCK ” position while the ve-
hicle is being towed because the
steering wheel and the direction
of the wheels will be locked.
Remember that the brake booster
and power steering do not func-
tion when the engine is not run-
ning. Because the engine is
turned off, it will take greater ef-
fort to operate the brake pedal and
steering wheel.
If transmission failure occurs,
transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.
Do not run the engine while being
towed using this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if
the vehicle is towed with the en-
gine running.
For vehicles with automatic trans-
mission, the traveling speed must
be limited to less than 20 mph (30
km/h) and the traveling distance
to less than 31 miles (50 km). For
greater speeds and distances,
transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.

11
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ........................... ....... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment ....................................... ................. 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running ......... 11 -4
Engine hood ....................................... ................ 11-4
Engine compartment overview ....................... .. 11-6
Non-turbo models .................................. ................. 11-6
Turbo models ...................................... .................... 11-7
Engine oil ........................................ .................... 11-8
Checking the oil level ............................ ................. 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter ................... ............. 11-8
Recommended grade and viscosity ................... .. 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions ......................... ........... 11-11
Synthetic oil ..................................... ....................... 11-11
Cooling system .................................... .............. 11-12
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................. ..... 11-12
Engine coolant .................................... .................... 11-12
Air cleaner element ............................... ............. 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ................. ........ 11-15
Spark plugs ....................................... .................. 11-17
Recommended spark plugs ........................... ........ 11-17
Drive belts ....................................... .................... 11-18
Manual transmission oil ........................... ......... 11-18
Checking the oil level ............................ ................. 11-18
Recommended grade and viscosity ................... .. 11-19Automatic transmission fluid ......................
...... 11-20
Checking the fluid level .......................... ................ 11-20
Recommended fluid ................................. .............. 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ......... ... 11-21
Checking the oil level ............................ ................. 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity ................... .. 11-22
Rear differential gear oil ........................ ............ 11-22
Checking the gear oil level ....................... ............. 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity ................... .. 11-23
Power steering fluid .............................. ............. 11-24
Checking the fluid level .......................... ................ 11-24
Recommended fluid ................................. .............. 11-24
Brake fluid ....................................... .................... 11-25
Checking the fluid level .......................... ................ 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ........................... .......... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ........................ .......... 11-26
Checking the fluid level .......................... ................ 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid .......................... .......... 11-26
Brake booster ..................................... ................ 11-27
Brake pedal ....................................... .................. 11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play ................ ...... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-27
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) ........................ ........ 11-28
Checking the clutch function ...................... .......... 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play ............... ...... 11-28
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............... 11-28
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ......... . 11-29
Parking brake stroke .............................. ............ 11-29

11-6 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview
Non-turbo models
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
8
9
10
11
13 12
B00464
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-18) or Differential gear
oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-41)
7) Battery (page 11-40)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-36)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-
12)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-12)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page
11-24)