2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX check engine light

11-10Maintenance and service
thin coat of engine oil to the seal.
9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of
the bottom of engine and install the oil
filter by hand turning. Be careful not to
twist or damage the seal.
10. Tighten the oil filter by the amount
indicated in the following table after the
seal makes contact with the bottom ofengine.
Oil filter color Part number Amount of
rotation
Black 15208AA100 1 rotation
Blue 15208AA12A 7/8
rotation
CAUTION
. Never over tighten the oil filter
because that can result in an oil leak.
. Thoroughly wipe off any engine
oil that has spilled over the
exhaust pipe and/or under-cover.
If spilled oil is not promptly
wiped up, the oil could cause afire.
11. Reinstall under cover.
12. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
For the oil capacity (guideline), refer to “
Engine oil ”F 12-5.
The oil quantity indicated above is onlyguideline.
The necessary quantity of oil depends on
the quantity of oil that has been drained.
The quantity of drained oil differs slightly
depending on the temperature of the oil
and the time the oil is left flowing out. After
refilling the engine with oil, therefore, you
must use the level gauge to confirm that
the level is correct.
13. Start the engine and make sure that no
oil leaks appear around the filter ’s rubber
seal and drain plug.
14. Run the engine until it reaches the
normal operating temperature. Then stop
the engine and wait a few minutes to allow
the oil drain back. Check the oil level
again and if necessary, add more engineoil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. &
Recommended grade and viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil ”F 12-5.
NOTE
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-gine. & Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner ’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil ”F 12-5. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-

11-20Maintenance and service
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following, have it checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake
pedal several times, applying the same
pedal force each time. The distance the
pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move
slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for
approximately one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake
booster operates properly if the pedal
stroke decreases with each depression. NOTE
For vehicles equipped with the brake
assist system, when you depress the
brake pedal strongly or suddenly, you
might feel that lighter depression of the
brake pedal generates a greater brak-
ing force. However, even though these
occur, they do not indicate any mal- functions, and the brake assist system
is operating properly.
Brake assist is not a system that brings
more braking ability to the vehicle
beyond its breaking capability.
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
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. &
Checking the clutch pedal
free play1) 0.16 –0.43 in (4.0 –11.0 mm)
Lightly depress the clutch pedal down with
your finger until you feel resistance, and
check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er. Maintenance and service
11-21

11-22Maintenance and service
Hill start assist system
Ensure that the Hill start assist system
operates properly under the followingcircumstances:
1. Stop the vehicle on an uphill grade by
depressing the brake pedal and clutch
pedal, with the engine running.
2. Make sure that the vehicle does not
move backward even after the brake
pedal is released.
3. Then make sure the vehicle starts
climbing the grade by following the normal
starting procedures.
If the Hill start assist system does not
operate as described above, contact with
your SUBARU dealer. Replacement of brake pad
and lining
The disc brakes have audible wear
indicators on the brake pads. If the brake
pads wear close to their service limit, the
wear indicator makes a very audible
scraping noise when the brake pedal isapplied.
If you hear this scraping noise each time
you apply the brake pedal, have the brake
pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.
CAUTION
If you continue to drive despite the
scraping noise from the audible
brake pad wear indicator, it will result in the need for costly brake
rotor repair or replacement.
& Breaking-in of new brake
pads and linings
When replacing the brake pad or lining,
use only genuine SUBARU parts. After
replacement, the new parts must be
broken in as follows. ! Brake pad and lining
While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40
mph (50 to 65 km/h), step on the brake
pedal lightly. Repeat this five or moretimes. ! Parking brake lining
1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of
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 33.7 lbf [150 N,
15.3 kgf]).
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

&Lubricants
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors. ! Engine oil
For checking, adding and replacing procedure, or other details, refer to “Engine oil ”F 11-8.
Oil grade SAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperature Engine oil capacity
API classification SM or SN
with the words “
ENERGY CONSERVING ”or
“ RESOURCE CONSERVING ”orILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be
identified with the ILSAC certification
mark (Starburst mark) 5W-30 synthetic
oil is the required oil for
optimum engine performance and pro-
tection. Conventional oil may be used if
synthetic oil is unavailable.
*: 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-30 or 5W-40
conventional oil may be used if replen-
ishment is needed but should be changed
to 5W-30 synthetic oil at the next oil change.
· When adding the oil from L to F level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9
Imp qt)
· When changing the oil and oil filter:
- Except STI:
4.4 US qt (4.2 liters, 3.7
Imp qt)
- STI:
4.5 US qt (4.3 liters, 3.8
Imp qt) Specifications
12-5
– CONTINUED –

12-8Specifications
&Engine coolant
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Model Coolant capacity Coolant type
Turbo models Except STI 7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant
STI 8.1 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt)
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure, or other details, refer to “Cooling system ”F 11-11.

Warning light......................................................... 3-19
Braking ..................................................................... 7-24
Tips...................................................................... 7-24
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-22
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-14
Replacing ............................................................. 11-39
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ............................................................. 6-2, 11-47
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-13
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing
Coolant ................................................................ 11-12
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-5
Oil and oil filter ...................................................... 11-9
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-16
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-15
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-20
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-21
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-21
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-21
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-12 Fluid level (brake fluid)
.......................................... 11-18
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-19
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-17
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-31
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-8
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-15
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-21
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-27
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-24
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-31
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-20
Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-4Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch Fluid ........................................................... 11-19, 12-7
Pedal .................................................................. 11-21
Compass ........................................................... 3-37, 3-38
Continuously variable transmission Fluid ..................................................................... 12-7 Index
14-3

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