Instruments and controls 3-13
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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. TIf 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. y Reduce vehicle speed.
y Avoid hard acceleration.
y Avoid steep uphill grades.
y Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble. y Stop towing a trailer as soon as possi-
ble. 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
is at the proper level but the light remains
on, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately. „
AT OIL TEMPerature
warning light
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.
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
Maintenance and service 11 - 3 5
Battery
It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery fluid level or periodically refill with
distilled water.
y
Before beginning work on or near
any battery, be sure to extinguish
all cigarettes, matches, and light-
ers. Never expose a battery to an
open flame or electric sparks. Bat-
teries give off a gas which is high-
ly flammable and explosive.
yFor safety, in case an explosion
does occur, wear eye protection
or shield your eyes when working
near any battery. Never lean over a battery.
yDo not let battery fluid contact
eyes, skin, fabrics, or paint be-
cause battery fluid is a corrosive
acid. If battery fluid gets on your
skin or in your eyes, immediately
flush the area with water thor-
oughly. Seek medical help imme-
diately if acid has entered the
eyes.
If battery fluid is accidentally
swallowed, immediately drink a
large amount of milk or water, and
seek medical attention immediate-ly.
yTo lessen the risk of sparks, re-
move rings, metal watchbands,
and other metal jewelry. Never al-
low metal tools to contact the pos-
itive battery terminal and anything
connected to it WHILE you are at
the same time in contact with any
other metallic portion of the vehi-
cle because a short circuit will re-
sult.
yKeep everyone including children
away from the battery.
yCharge the battery in a well-venti-
lated area.
yBattery posts, terminals, and re-
lated accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. Wash
hands after handling.
Never use more than 10 amperes
when charging the battery because
it will shorten battery life.
