2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX oil pressure

mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
CAUTION
. Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any
other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top up the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
diluted with another brand or
type, the maintenance interval is shortened to that of the mixingcoolant.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
& Cooling fan, hose and con- nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Refer to “Temperature gauge ”
F 3-10.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “Fuses ”F 11-37 and “Fuse panel
located in the engine compartment ”F 12-
12.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness. Maintenance and service
11-11
– CONTINUED –

11-12Maintenance and service
&Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
1) “FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “
LOW ”level mark, add coolant up to the
“ FULL ”level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the cap and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil- ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.
The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the“ Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.

crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. !Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure. &
Glossary of tire terminology
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not). . Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced
by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.. Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.. Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the center-
line of the tread. . Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when in-
flated, bears the load. .
Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the
tread or sidewall.. Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.. Cord
The strands forming the plies in the tire. . Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent
rubber compounds.. Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side-
wall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material. . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight
optional engine.
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-5
– CONTINUED –

Loading your vehicle.................................................. 8-10
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-20
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-16
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
LSD (Limited slip differential) ....................................... 7-24
Lubricants ................................................................. 12-5
M Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-19
Tools ...................................................................... 9-3
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) ... 3-15Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-15, 12-6
Transmission-5 speeds ........................................... 7-16
Transmission-6 speeds ........................................... 7-14
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-46
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-5
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-45
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-37
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-27, 9-17
N
New vehicle break-in driving .......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-7
Oil filter ..................................................................... 11-9 Oil level
Engine .................................................................. 11-8
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-15
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-16
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-16
Outside Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-45
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-44
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-27
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-12
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-33
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-23
Tips ...................................................................... 7-33
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-3
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Outside mirrors .............................................. 3-44, 3-45
Steering ................................................................ 7-24
Steering fluid ................................................ 11-17, 12-7
Windows ............................................................... 2-20
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-21, 1-57
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-8
RRear Combination lights ................................................ 11-43
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-16, 12-6 Index
14-7

Seatbelt................................................................. 5, 1-11
Fastening .............................................................. 1-12
Maintenance .......................................................... 1-19
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-19
Safety tips ............................................................. 1-11
Warning light and chime ......................................... 3-13
Security Alarm system ........................................................ 2-15
ID plate ................................................................... 2-3
Immobilizer. ............................................................. 2-2
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-23
Shock sensors ....................................................... 2-19
Shift-up indicator light ................................................. 3-23
Shock sensors ........................................................... 2-19
Shopping bag hook .................................................... 6-11
SI-DRIVE
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-23
SI-DRIVE mode ......................................................... 7-22
Snow tires ......................................................... 8-8, 11-24
Snowy and icy roads .................................................... 8-7
Sounding a panic alarm .............................................. 2-10
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-14, 12-3
Specifications ............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer ............................................................... 3-7
SRS Frontal airbag ........................................................ 1-43
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) ... 5, 1-34
SRS airbag system
Monitors. ............................................................... 1-55
Servicing ............................................................... 1-56
Warning light ......................................................... 3-14 Starting the engine
...................................................... 7-9
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-7
Steering wheel
Power ................................................................... 7-24
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-47
Stopping the engine .................................................... 7-10
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-4
Sun shade ................................................................. 2-29
Sun visors .................................................................. 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-34
Synthetic leather upholstery ......................................... 10-5
T
Tachometer ................................................................. 3-9
Temperature gauge ..................................................... 3-10
Temperature warning light Rear differential oil .................................................. 3-16
Temporary spare tire .................................................... 9-2
Tether (child restraint system) .............................. 1-29, 1-31
Tie-down hooks .......................................................... 9-13
Tire................................................................. 11-23, 12-9
Chains ................................................................... 8-9
Inspection ............................................................ 11-25
Pressures and wear .............................................. 11-25
Replacement. ....................................................... 11-29
Rotation .............................................................. 11-29
Size and pressure .................................................. 12-9
Types .................................................................. 11-23
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ....... 7-32, 9-8, 11-24
Warning light .......................................................... 3-16
Tires and wheels ...................................................... 11-23 Index
14-9

14-10Index
Tools .......................................................................... 9-3
Top tether anchorages ........................................ 1-29, 1-31
Towing ...................................................................... 9-12
All wheels on the ground ........................................ 9-15
Flat-bed truck ........................................................ 9-15
Hooks ................................................................... 9-13
Trailer Towing .................................................................. 8-13
Trip meter ................................................................... 3-7
Trunk lid ................................................................... 2-23
Release handle ..................................................... 2-24
Trunk light ................................................................ 11-47
Turn signal
Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-24
Lever .................................................................... 3-30
U
Under-floor storage compartment ................................. 6-14
USB storage device operations .................................... 5-26
V
Valet mode ................................................................ 2-17
Vanity mirror ................................................................ 6-4
Vehicle Capacity weight ..................................................... 8-10
Identification ........................................................ 12-17
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control Mode switch .......................................................... 7-29
OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-21
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-30 Operation indicator light
................................... 3-20, 3-21
System .................................................................. 7-28
Warning light .......................................................... 3-20
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights ......................................... 3-12
Warning light ABS...................................................................... 3-18
Brake system ......................................................... 3-19
Charge .................................................................. 3-16
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-15
Door open ............................................................. 3-20
Driver ’s Control Center Differential ............................ 3-25
Hill start assist ....................................................... 3-20
Low fuel ................................................................ 3-20
Low tire pressure .................................................... 3-16
Oil pressure ........................................................... 3-16
Rear differential oil temperature ................................ 3-16
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-14
Vehicle Dynamics Control ........................................ 3-20
Warranties ..................................................................... 1
Washing .................................................................... 10-2
Waxing and polishing .................................................. 10-3
Wear indicators ........................................................ 11-28
Wheel
Aluminum ............................................................ 11-30
Balance ............................................................... 11-27
Nut tightening torque ........................................ 9-5, 12-9
Replacement. ....................................................... 11-30

GAS STATION REFERENCE
& Fuel:
! Turbo models except STI
Use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91
AKI (95 RON) or higher . If premium unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON) is not available, regular
unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 87 AKI (90 RON) or
higher may be temporarily used. For optimum engine perfor-
mance and driveability, it is required that you use premium
grade unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI (95
RON) or higher. ! STI
The engine is designed to operate at maximum performance using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 93 AKI (98
RON) or higher . If 93 AKI (98 RON) fuel is not readily available
in your area, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI
(95 RON) may be used with no detriment to engine durability or
driveability. However, you may notice a slight decrease in
maximum engine performance while using 91 AKI (95 RON)
fuel. Use of 91 AKI (95 RON) fuel will not affect your warrantycoverage. &
Fuel octane rating:
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and
Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti
Knock Index (AKI). Refer to “Fuel octane rating ”F 7-3.
& Fuel capacity:
16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal) & Engine oil:
Use only the following oils. . ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be identified with the ILSAC
certification mark (Starburst mark). or API classification SN or SM with the words “ENERGY
CONSERVING ”or “RESOURCE CONSERVING ”
For the complete viscosity requirements, refer to “Engine oil ”
F 12-5.
& Engine oil capacity:
4.4 US qt (4.2 liters, 3.7 Imp qt) & Cold tire pressure:
Refer to “Tires ”F 12-9.