
1. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid 
release lever up. The lever is on the floor
at the left of the driver’s seat.
WARNING
Before opening the fuel filler cap, 
first touch the vehicle body or a
metal portion of the fuel pump or
similar object to discharge any
static electricity that may be present
on your body. If your body is carry-
ing an electrostatic charge, there is
a possibility that an electric spark
could ignite the fuel, which could
burn you. To avoid acquiring a new
static electric charge, do not get
back into the vehicle while refueling
is in progress.
1) Open 
2) Close
2. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it slowly counterclockwise.
WARNING
. Gasoline vapor is highly flam-
mable. Before refueling, always 
first stop the engine and close all
vehicle doors and windows.
Make sure that there are no
lighted cigarettes, open flames
or electrical sparks in the adja-
cent area. Only handle fuel out-
doors. Quickly wipe up any
spilled fuel.
. When opening the cap, grasp it
firmly and turn it slowly to the 
left. Do not remove the cap 
quickly. Fuel may be under pres-
sure and spray out of the fuel
filler neck, especially in hot
weather. If you hear a hissing
sound while you are removing
the cap, wait for the sound to
stop and then slowly open the
cap to prevent fuel from spraying
out and creating a fire hazard. Starting and operating
7-5
– CONTINUED –    

7-6Starting and operating
3. Set the fuel filler cap on the cap holder 
inside the fuel filler lid (turbo models).
4. Hook the cord that is attached to the 
fuel filler cap onto the hook inside the fuel
filler lid (non-turbo models).
WARNING
. When refueling, insert the fuel
nozzle securely into the fuel filler 
pipe. If the nozzle is lifted or not
fully inserted, its automatic stop-
ping mechanism may not func-
tion, causing fuel to overflow the
tank and creating a fire hazard.
. Stop refueling when the auto-
matic stop mechanism on the
fuel nozzle activates. If you con-
tinue to add fuel, temperature
changes or other conditions
may cause fuel to overflow from
the tank and create a fire hazard.
5. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any 
more fuel. 
6. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise 
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap whiletightening. 
7. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
If you spill any fuel on the painted surface, 
rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the
painted surface could be damaged. NOTE .
You will see the “”sign in the fuel
gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler 
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle.. If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator
lamp may illuminate. Refer to “CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction in-
dicator lamp ”F 3-16.
CAUTION
. Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a 
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
. After refueling, turn the cap to the
right until it clicks to ensure that
it is fully tightened. If the cap is
not securely tightened, fuel may 
leak out while the vehicle is being 
driven or fuel spillage could
occur in the event of an accident,
creating a fire hazard.
. Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be
sure to wipe off any spilled fuel
quickly. Paint damage caused by   

spilled fuel 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 system
may be damaged. It could also
lead to fuel spillage and a fire.
. Immediately put fuel in the tank
whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the en-gine. 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 dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage 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
dynamometer. 
There are some states that use four-wheel 
dynamometers in their testing programs.
When properly used, that equipment will
not damage a SUBARU AWD 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 model 
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
7-7
– CONTINUED – 

7-8Starting and operating
CAUTION
Resultant vehicle damage due to 
improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or its
contractors or licensees.
The EPA has issued regulations for
inspecting the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) system as part of the state emis-
sions inspection. The OBD system is
designed to detect engine and transmis-
sion problems that might cause vehicle
emissions to exceed 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
consists of a visual operational check of the “CHECK ENGINE ”warning light/mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) and an
examination of the OBD system with an
electronic scan tool while the engine isrunning. . Avehicle
passes the OBD system
inspection if proper illumination of the “ CHECK ENGINE ”warning light/MIL is
observed, there are nostored 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 are one or 
more diagnostic trouble codes stored in
the vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK
ENGINE ”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 properinflation. 
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. 
4. Check that the hood, trunk (4-door) 
and rear gate (5-door) 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. 

Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor 
continuously for more than 10 sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again.
NOTE . It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon- 
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically
controlled throttle ’s self-diagnosis
function. To overcome it, keep the
ignition switch in the “ON ”position
for approximately 10 seconds before
starting the engine.. For non-turbo models, to protect the
engine while the shift lever is in the
neutral position (MT models)/select
lever is in the “P ” or “N ” position (AT
models), the engine is controlled so
that the engine speed may not become
too high even if the accelerator pedal is
depressed hard. &
MT models
1. Apply the parking brake. 
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac- cessories. 
3. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor 
and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold
the clutch pedal to the floor while starting
the engine. 
The starter motor will only operate when 
the clutch pedal is depressed fully to the
floor. 
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON ”
position and check the operation of the 
warning and indicator lights. Refer to“ Warning and indicator lights ”F 3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START ”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started. 
If the engine does not start, try the following.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the“OFF ”position and wait for at least
10 seconds. After checking that the
parking brake is firmly set, turn the
ignition switch to the “START ”position
while depressing the accelerator pedal
slightly (approximately a quarter of the
full stroke). Release the accelerator
pedal as soon as the engine starts. 
(2) If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the
“OFF ”
position and wait for at least 10 
seconds. Then fully depress the accel-
erator pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the “START ”position. If the
engine starts, quickly release the
accelerator pedal. 
(3) If this fails to start the engine, turn 
the ignition switch again to the “OFF ”
position. After waiting for 10 seconds
or longer, turn the ignition switch to the“ START ”position without depressing
the accelerator pedal. 
(4) If the engine still refuses to start, 
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
for assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started. The fuel injection system auto-
matically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up.
& AT models
1. Apply the parking brake. 
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac- cessories. 
3. Shift the select lever to the “P ” or “N ”
position (preferably the “P ”position).
The starter motor will only operate when 
the select lever is at the “P ”or “N ”position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON ”
Starting and operating
7-9
– CONTINUED – 

7-10Starting and operating
position and check the operation of the 
warning and indicator lights. Refer to“Warning and indicator lights ”F 3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START ”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started. 
If the engine does not start, try the following.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the“OFF ”position and wait for at least
10 seconds. After checking that the
parking brake is firmly set, turn the
ignition switch to the “START ”position
while depressing the accelerator pedal
slightly (approximately a quarter of the
full stroke). Release the accelerator
pedal as soon as the engine starts. 
(2) If this fails to start the engine, turn 
the ignition switch back to the “OFF ”
position and wait for at least 10
seconds. Then fully depress the accel-
erator pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the “START ”position. If the
engine starts, quickly release the
accelerator pedal. 
(3) If this fails to start the engine, turn 
the ignition switch again to the “OFF ”
position. After waiting for 10 seconds
or longer, turn the ignition switch to the“ START ”position without depressing
the accelerator pedal. (4) If the engine still refuses to start,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
for assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started. The fuel injection system auto-
matically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up. 
While the engine is warming up, make 
sure that the select lever is at the “P ” or
“ N ”position and that the parking brake is
applied.
CAUTION
If you restart the engine while the 
vehicle is moving, shift the select
lever into the “N ” position. Do not
attempt to place the select lever of a
moving vehicle into the “P ” posi-
tion. Stopping the engine 
The ignition switch should be turned off 
only when the vehicle is stopped and the
engine is idling.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the 
vehicle is moving. This will cause
loss of power to the power steering
and the brake booster, making steer-
ing and braking more difficult. It
could also result in accidental acti-
vation of the “LOCK ”position on the
ignition switch, causing the steering
wheel to lock. 

7-16Starting and operating
the vehicle is moving.
& Shifting speeds
! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ- 
omy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)4th to 5th 45 (72) 
5th to 6th 50 (80)
! Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum 
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear. The tachometer ’s needle will
enter the red area if these speeds areexceeded. 
With the exception of cases where sudden 
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer ’s
needle inside the red area. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy.
Gear mph (km/h)1st 31 (50)
2nd 50 (81) 3rd 74 (119)
4th 99 (159)
WARNING
When shifting down a gear, ensure 
that the vehicle is not travelling at a
speed exceeding the Maximum Al-
lowable Speed for the gear which is
about to be selected. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
engine over-revving and this in turn
can result in engine damage. 
In addition, sudden application of 
engine brakes when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can
lead to wheel locking; as a conse-
quence, control of the vehicle may
be lost and the risk of an accidentincreased.
NOTE 
Never exceed posted speed limits. &
Driving tips
Do not drive with your foot resting on the 
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to
hold your vehicle at a standstill on an
upgrade. Either of those actions may
cause clutch damage. 
Do not drive with your hand resting on the 
shift lever. This may cause wear on the
transmission components. 
When it is necessary to reduce vehicle 
speed due to slow traffic, turning corners,
or driving up steep hills, downshift to a
lower gear before the engine starts to
labor. 
On steep downgrades, downshift the 
transmission to 5th, 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear
as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe
speed and to extend brake pad life. 
In this way, the engine provides a braking 
effect. Remember, if you “ride ”(over use)
the brakes while descending a hill, they 
may overheat and not work properly. 
The engine may, on rare occasions, knock 
when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or
rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This
phenomenon does not indicate a malfunc-tion. 

Manual transmission–5
speeds (except STI)
The manual transmission is a fully syn- 
chromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-re-
verse-speed transmission. 
The shift pattern is shown on the shift 
lever knob. When shifting from 5th gear to
reverse gear, first return the shift lever to
the neutral position then shift into reverse
gear. 
To change gears, fully depress the clutch 
pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually
let up on the clutch pedal. 
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the 
transmission in neutral, release the clutch 
pedal momentarily, and then try again.
WARNING
. Do not drive the vehicle with the
clutch disengaged (i.e., when the 
clutch pedal is depressed) or
with the shift lever in the neutral
position. Engine braking has no
effect in either of these condi-
tions and the risk of an accident
is consequently increased.
. Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,
release the clutch pedal) sud-
denly when starting the vehicle.
By doing so the vehicle might
unexpectedly accelerate or the
transmission could malfunction.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the 
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmis-
sion to try shifting into reverse when
the vehicle is moving. &
Shifting speeds
! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-
omy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)4th to 5th 45 (72)
! Maximum allowable speeds
The following tables show the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear. 
Never exceed the speed limit listed in the 
following table for each gear position
except for brief acceleration in an emer-
gency. The tachometer ’s needle will enter
the red area if these speeds are ex-
ceeded. Failure to observe this precaution
can lead to excessive engine wear and
poor fuel economy. Starting and operating
7-17
– CONTINUED –