Ignition switch
WARNING
. Never turn the ignition switch to
“ LOCK ”while the vehicle is
being driven or towed because
that will lock the steering wheel,
preventing steering control. And
when the engine is turned off, it
takes a much greater effort than
usual to steer.
. Before leaving the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child
to remain in the vehicle. Failure
to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child or
others. Children could operate
the power windows, the moon-
roof or other controls or even
make the vehicle move.
CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or
key case to either key. If it banged
against your knees or hands while
you are driving, it could turn the
ignition switch from the “ON ”posi- tion to the
“Acc ”or “LOCK ”posi-
tion, thereby stopping the engine.
Also, if the key is attached to a
keyholder or to a large bunch of
other keys, centrifugal force may act
on it as the vehicle moves, resulting
in unwanted turning of the ignitionswitch.
The ignition switch has four positions:
LOCK, Acc, ON and START. NOTE . Keep the ignition switch in the
“ LOCK ”position when the engine is
not running. . Using electrical accessories for a
long time with the ignition switch in the
"ON" or “Acc ”position can cause the battery to go dead..
If the ignition switch will not move
from the “LOCK ”position to the “Acc ”
position, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left and right as you turn
the ignition switch. & LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed
in this position. The ignition switch will lock
the steering wheel when you remove the
key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the
steering wheel slightly to the right and left
as you turn the key. ! Automatic transmission vehicles
Instruments and controls 3-3
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3-4Instruments and controls
The key can be turned from “Acc ”to
“ LOCK ”only when the selector lever is in
the “P ”position.
! Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “Acc ”to “
LOCK ”only when the key is pushed in
while turning it.
& Acc
In this position the electrical accessories
(radio, accessory power outlet, etc.) can
be used. & ON
This is the normal operating position after
the engine is started. & START
The engine is started in this position. The
starter cranks the engine to start it. When
the key is released (after the engine has
started), the key automatically returns tothe “ON ”position.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “ START ”position while the engine
is running.
! For vehicle with immobilizer
If your registered key fails to start the
engine, pull out the key once (the security
indicator light will blink), and then insert
the key in the ignition switch and turn it tothe “START ”position and again try to start the engine.
NOTE
The engine may not start in the follow-
ing cases:
. The key grip is touching another key
or a metallic key holder.
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
& 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 the engine has started.
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
unnecessary 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 transmis-
sion control system is not working prop-
erly. Contact your nearest SUBARU deal- er for service immediately.
& Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (WRX-STI)
CAUTION
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
differential and other parts of thepowertrain.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear
differential oil temperature is too hot.
At this time, the driver ’s control center
differential will automatically cancel the
current 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 en-
ough 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 ”
position and goes out after approximately
2 seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system
is working properly.
CAUTION
If the warning light behaves as
follows, 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. Instruments and controls
3-17
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&High/low beam change (dim- mer)
To change from low beam to high beam,
push the turn signal lever forward. When
the headlights are on high beam, the high
beam indicator light “
”on the instru-
ment panel is also on.
To switch back to low beam, pull the lever
back to the detent position. &
Headlight flasher
To flash the headlights, pull the lever
toward you and then release it. The high
beam will stay on for as long as you hold
the lever. The headlight flasher works
even though the light switch is in the“OFF ”position.
When the headlights are on high beam,
the high beam indicator light “
”on the
instrument panel also comes on.
CAUTION
Do not hold the lever in the flashing
position for more than just a fewseconds. &
Daytime running light system
! WRX-STI
The low beam headlights, side marker
lights, tail lights, parking lights, and license
plate lights will automatically come on
when the engine has started, under the
following conditions: . The parking brake is fully released.
. The light switch is in the “OFF ”or “
”
position. . The automatic transmission selector
lever is set at other than the “P ”position.
WARNING
The light switch must always be
turned to the “
”position when it
is dark outside.
! Except WRX-STI
The low beam headlights will automati-
cally come on at reduced brightness when
the engine has started, under the followingconditions: . The parking brake is fully released.
. The light switch is in the “OFF ”or “
”
position. . The automatic transmission selector
lever is set at other than the “P ”position.
Instruments and controls
3-23
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3-32Instruments and controls
Mirrors
Always check that the inside and outside
mirrors are properly adjusted before you
start driving. &Inside mirror
The inside mirror has a day and night
position. Pull the tab at the bottom of the
mirror toward you for the night position.
Push it away for the day position. The
night position reduces glare from head-lights. !
Auto-dimming mirror/compass (ifequipped)
1) Left button
2) Auto dimming indicator
3) Photosensor
4) Right button
The auto-dimming mirror has an anti-glare
feature which automatically reduces glare
coming from headlights of vehicles behind
you. It also contains a built-in compass. . By pressing and releasing the left
button, the automatic dimming function is
toggled on or off. When the automatic
dimming function is on, the auto dimming
indicator light (green) located to the right
of the button will illuminate. . By pressing and releasing the right
button, the compass display is toggled on
or off. When the compass is on, an illuminated compass reading will appear
in the lower part of the mirror.
Even with the mirror in anti-glare mode,
the mirror surface turns bright if the
transmission is shifted into reverse. This
is to ensure good rearward visibility duringreversing. !
Photosensors
The mirror has a photosensor attached on
both the front and back sides. If the glare
from the headlights of vehicles behind you
strikes the mirror, these sensors detect it
and make the reflection surface of the
mirror dimmer to help prevent you from
being blinded. For this reason, use care
not to cover the sensors with stickers, or
other similar items. Periodically wipe the
sensors clean using a piece of dry soft
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped) &Loading and unloading compact discs
(1) Disc slot
(2) Disc indicators (disc No. 1 to 6)
(3) Disc selection buttons (disc No. 1 to 6) (4) Eject button
(5) Disc slot indicator
CAUTION
. Do not attempt to insert two or
more discs into the slot at a time.
Doing so can cause mechanical
damage to the CD changer.
. Use only music CDs identified by
a
mark.
. Do not use CDs listed in the
following which could cause da-
mage to the CD player. . 3 inch (8 cm) compact disc
. Any disc with a peel-off or seal
on it
. Any disc with scratches and/
or dust
. Bent disc
. Cleaning disc
. CD accessory (e.g., 3 inch (8
cm) disc adapter)
. Do not insert or remove any disc
when the automatic transmission
selector lever is in the park
position; the selector lever in that
position can interfere with disc
insertion or removal, causing
scratches on the disc surface
(for AT vehicles). Audio
5-23
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Fuel...................................................................... 7-2
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-5
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-6
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-7
Manual transmission vehicle ................................ 7-7
Automatic transmission vehicle ........................... 7-7
Stopping the engine ............................................ 7-8
Manual transmission –6 speeds (WRX-STI) ..... 7-9
Selecting reverse gear ......................................... 7-9
Shifting speeds ................................................... 7-9
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-10
Manual transmission –5 speeds (except
WRX-STI) .......................................................... 7-11
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-11
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-12
Driver ’s Control Center Differential (DCCD)
(WRX-STI) ........................................................ 7-12
Auto mode ......................................................... 7-13
Manual mode ..................................................... 7-13
Temporary release .............................................. 7-15
Automatic transmission ..................................... 7-15
Selector lever ..................................................... 7-16 Shift lock release
............................................... 7-19
Limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) .................................................... 7-20
Power steering ................................................... 7-20
Braking ............................................................... 7-20
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-20
Brake system .................................................... 7-21
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-21
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-21
ABS system self-check ...................................... 7-22
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-22
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ............................................................. 7-23
Steps to take if EBD system fails ....................... 7-23
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-24
Parking brake .................................................... 7-24
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-25
Cruise control .................................................... 7-26
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-26
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-27
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-27
To change the cruising speed .. .......................... 7-28
Starting and operating
7
the tank whenever the low fuel warning
light comes on. Engine misfires as a
result of an empty tank could cause
damage to the engine.
CAUTION
. Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
. Make sure that the cap is tigh-
tened until it clicks to prevent
fuel spillage in the event of anaccident.
. Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle.
Fuels may cause paint damage,
which is not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty.
. Always use a genuine SUBARU
fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting, and your fuel
tank and emission control sys-
tem might be damaged. State emission testing (U.S. only)
At state inspection time, remember to
tell your inspection or service station in
advance not to place your Subaru AWD
vehicle on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission da-
mage will result.
Some states have started using dynam-
ometers in their state inspection programs
in order to meet their obligation under
federal law to implement stricter vehicle
emission standards to reduce air pollution
from vehicles. A dynamometer is a tread-
mill or roller-like testing device that allows
your vehicle
’s wheels to turn while the
vehicle remains in one place. Depending
on the severity of a state ’s air pollution
problems, the states must adopt either a“ basic ”or “enhanced ”vehicle emission
inspection test. Normally, a portion of the
basic emission test consists of an emis-
sion inspector inserting an analyzer probe
into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle
for a short period of time. States with more
severe air pollution problems are required
to adopt an enhanced vehicle emission
test. This test simulates actual driving
conditions on a dynamometer and permits
more accurate measurement of tailpipe
emitted pollution than the basic emission test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
programs have
EXEMPTEDSubaru AWD
vehicles from the portion of the testing
program that involves a two-wheel dy-
namometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel
dynamometers in their testing programs.
When properly used, that equipment will
not damage an AWD Subaru vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle
must NEVER be performed on a
single two-wheel dynamometer. At-
tempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby. Starting and operating
7-5
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