
11-18Maintenance and service
& Replacing the air cleaner element
Replace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the“ Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”. Un-
der extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts. ! Non-turbo models
1) Connector
2) Duct
3) Clamp
1. Unplug the connector that is attached
to the top of the air cleaner case.
2. Remove the hose that is located at the
bottom of the side surface of the air
cleaner case. 3. Undo the screw and pull the air duct
out of the air cleaner case.
4. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
5. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
6. Clean the inside of the air cleaner
cover and case with a damp cloth and
install a new air cleaner element.
7. To install the air cleaner case cover,
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case cover into the slits on the
air cleaner case and then snap the two
clamps on the air cleaner case cover.

11-20Maintenance and service
Spark plugs
CAUTION
. When disconnecting the spark
plug cables, always grasp the
spark plug cap, not the cables.
. Make sure the cables are re-
placed in the correct order.
It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your
SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the “Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let ”. &
Recommended spark plugs
2.5 L non-turbo models: FR5AP-11 (NGK)
2.5 L turbo models:
SILFR6A (NGK)
3.0 L models: ILFR6B (NGK) Drive belts
The power steering oil pump, alternator
and air conditioner compressor depend on
drive belts. Satisfactory performance re-
quires that belt tension be correct. &
2.5 L models
1) Power steering oil pump pulley
2) Alternator pulley
3) Air conditioner compressor pulley
4) Crank pulley
A) 22 lbf (98 N, 10 kgf)
B) 22 lbf (98 N, 10 kgf)

in (mm)
Deflection
New belt Used belt
A 0.28
–0.35
(7.0 –9.0) 0.35
–0.43
(9.0 –11.0)
B 0.30
–0.33
(7.5 –8.5) 0.35
–0.40
(9.0 –10.0)
To check the belt tension, place a straight-
edge (ruler) across two adjacent pulleys
and apply a force of 22 lbf (98 N, 10 kgf)
midway between the pulleys by using a
spring scale. Belt deflection should be the
amount specified. If a belt is loose,
cracked or worn, contact your SUBARU
dealer. & 3.0 L models
It is unnecessary to check the belt tension
periodically because your engine is
equipped with an automatic belt tension
adjuster. However, replacement of the belt
should be done according to the main-
tenance schedule in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If a belt is loose, cracked or worn, contact
your SUBARU dealer. Manual transmission oil &
Checking the oil level
5-speed transmission (non-turbo models)
1) Yellow handle
5-speed transmission (turbo models)
6-speed transmission
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean, Maintenance and service
11-21
– CONTINUED –

Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the“Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.
& Checking the brake pedal
free play
1) 0.02 –0.08 in (0.5 –2.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the
brake pedal up with one finger to check
the free play with a force of less than 2 lbf
(10 N, 1 kgf).
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er. &
Checking the brake pedal
reserve distance
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approxi-
mately 66 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf) and measure
the distance between the upper surface of
the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than
the specification, or when the pedal does
not operate smoothly, contact with your
SUBARU dealer. Clutch pedal (MT models)
Check the clutch pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the
“Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.
& Checking the clutch function
Check the clutch engagement and disen-gagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there
are no abnormal noises when the clutch
pedal is depressed, and that shifting into
1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal
slowly to check that the engine and
transmission smoothly couple without
any sign of slippage. Maintenance and service
11-31
– CONTINUED –

1.Drivethevehicleataspeedof
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).
2. With the parking brake release button
pushed in, pull the parking brake lever
SLOWLY and GENTLY. (Pulling with a
force of approximately 33 lbf [147 N, 15kgf].)
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately
220 yards (200 meters) in this condition.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking
brake to cool down. Repeat this proce-dure.
5. Check the parking brake stroke. If the
parking brake stroke is out of the specified
range, adjust it by turning the adjusting nut
located on the parking brake lever.Parking brake stroke: 5–6 notches / 44 lbf (196 N, 20 kgf) Parking brake stroke
Check the parking brake stroke according
to the maintenance schedule in the“
Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
When the parking brake is properly
adjusted, braking power is fully applied
by pulling the lever up five to six notches
gently but firmly (approximately 44 lbf, 196
N, 20 kgf). If the parking brake lever stroke
is not within the specified range, have the
brake system checked and adjusted at
your SUBARU dealer. Tires and wheels &
Types of tires
You should be familiar with type of tires
present on your vehicle. ! All season tires
The factory-installed tires on your new
vehicle except 2.5GT spec.B are all
season tires.
All season tires are designed to provide
an adequate measure of traction, handling
and braking performance in year-round
driving including snowy and icy road
conditions. However all season tires do
not offer as much traction performance as
winter (snow) tires in heavy or loose snow
or on icy roads.
All season tires are identified by “ALL
SEASON ”and/or “M+S ”(Mud & Snow) on
the tire sidewall. ! Summer tires
The factory-installed tires on your new
2.5GT spec.B vehicle are summer tires.
Summer tires are high-speed capability
tires best suited for highway driving under
dry conditions.
Summer tires are inadequate for driving
on slippery roads such as on snow-
covered or icy roads.
If you drive your vehicle on snow-covered Maintenance and service
11-33
– CONTINUED –

14-6Index
Jump starting. ............................................................ 9-10
K Key Number .................................................................. 2-2
Reminder chime. ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement ........................................................... 2-4
Keyless entry system ................................................... 2-8
Keys .......................................................................... 2-2
L
Leather seat materials ................................................ 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-56
Light Back-up (Sedan) ................................................... 11-53
Back-up (Station wagon) ........................................ 11-56
Brake/Tail (Station wagon) ...................................... 11-54
Brake/Tail and rear side marker (Sedan) .................. 11-53
Cargo area .................................................... 6-2, 11-59
Control switch ........................................................ 3-46
Dome ........................................................... 6-2, 11-57
Door step ............................................................. 11-58
Front fog ............................................................... 3-49
High mount stop ................................................... 11-59
Ignition switch .......................................................... 3-5
License plate ........................................................ 11-56
Map ............................................................. 6-3, 11-57
Rear combination .................................................. 11-53
Rear side marker (Station wagon) ........................... 11-54
Trunk ................................................................... 11-59
Vanity mirror .................................................. 6-5, 11-58 Limited slip differential (LSD).
....................................... 7-33
Loading your vehicle ................................................... 8-13
Low fuel warning light .................................. 3-7, 3-27, 3-36
Low tire pressure warning light ..................................... 3-33
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-35
LSD (Limited slip differential) ........................................ 7-33
Lumbar support ........................................................... 1-8
M
Main fuse ................................................................ 11-49
Maintenance
Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule ............................................................... 11-3
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 1-23
Tools ..................................................................... 9-18
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine warning light)... 3-31Manual
Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Mode ............................................................ 7-21, 7-27
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission oil ................................................... 11-21
Transmission-5 speeds ........................................... 7-15
Transmission-6 speeds ........................................... 7-17
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-57
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-22
Meters and gauges .............................................. 3-5, 3-24
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-56
Moonroof ................................................................... 2-28
Multi-information display ............................................... 3-9