2012 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX check oil

22
&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-13
Front passenger ’s
seatbelt warning light 3-13
SRS airbag system
warning light3-14
/Front passenger
’s
frontal airbag ON indi- cator 3-14
/Front passenger
’s
frontal airbag OFF in- dicator 3-14
CHECK ENGINE
warning light/Malfunc-
tion indicator light3-15
Charge warning light 3-16
Oil pressure warning light
3-16
Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (STI)3-16
ABS warning light 3-18 Mark Name Page
Brake system warning light
3-19
Door open warning light3-20
Hill start assist warn-
ing light/Hill start assist
OFF indicator light (STI)3-20
Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light/
Vehicle Dynamics
Control operation indi-
cator light3-20
Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF indicator
light/Traction Control
OFF indicator light (STI)3-21
Turn signal indicator lights
3-24
High beam indicator light3-24
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)
3-24
Security indicator light 3-23
Headlight indicator light
3-24Mark Name Page
Cruise control indica-
tor light
3-24
Cruise control set in-
dicator light3-24
Low fuel warning light 3-20
Low tire pressure
warning light
(U.S.-spec. models)3-16
Shift-up indicator light (STI)
3-23
Driver
’s control center
differential auto indi-
cator light (STI) 3-24
Auto [+] mode indica-
tor light (STI)
3-24
Auto [
] mode indica-
tor light (STI) 3-25
Driver
’s control center
differential indicator
and warning lights (STI) 3-25
REV indicator light (STI)
3-25
Sport (S) mode indi-
cator light (STI)3-23

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-4
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-4
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-5
Meters and gauges. ............................................. 3-5
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-5
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle movement upon turning on the ignition switch ............................................................... 3-6
Meter/Gauge needle illumination setting (except STI) ................................................................... 3-6
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ............................................ 3-7
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge .......................................................... 3-9
Temperature gauge ............................................ 3-10
REV indicator light and buzzer (STI). ................ 3-10
Setting the alarm-level engine speed ................... 3-11
Deactivating the REV alarm system ..................... 3-12
Warning and indicator lights ............................. 3-12
Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 3-13
SRS airbag system warning light ........................ 3-14
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ......................................................... 3-14
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ................................................... 3-15
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-16 Oil pressure warning light
.................................. 3-16
Rear differential oil temperature warning light (STI) ................................................................ 3-16
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models) ........................................................... 3-16
ABS warning light .............................................. 3-18
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-19
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 3-20
Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF indicator light (STI) .......................................... 3-20
Door open warning light .................................... 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light .. ..... 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light/ Traction Control OFF indicator light (STI)..... ..... 3-21
Security indicator light ....................................... 3-23
SI-DRIVE indicator light (STI) .............................. 3-23
Shift-up indicator light (STI) ............................... 3-23
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-24
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-24
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-24
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-24
Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) ..... ..... 3-24
Headlight indicator light ..................................... 3-24
Driver ’s control center differential auto indicator
light (STI) ........................................................ 3-24
Driver ’s control center differential indicator and
warning lights (STI) .......................................... 3-25
REV indicator light (STI) ..................................... 3-25
Clock .................................................................. 3-25
Information display ............................................ 3-26
Outside temperature indicator .. .......................... 3-27
Instruments and controls
3

3-12Instruments and controls
to OFF, OFF to ON, or the vehicle starts
moving before the setting procedure isfinished..Setting the speed is impossible
when the vehicle is moving.. The set engine speed may differ
from the engine speed shown by the
tachometer. Use the engine speed
shown by the tachometer as a roughguide.. If the setting operation is performed
with the engine switch turned off, the
REV indicator light turns off and the
setting operation is aborted when you
have stopped the setting operation for
approximately 10 seconds. . If the setting operation is performed
with the engine switch turned off, the
REV indicator light turns off and the
setting operation is aborted when you
open and close the driver ’s door.
& Deactivating the REV alarm system
To deactivate the REV indicator light and
buzzer functions of the REV alarm system,
set the thousands place of the alarm-level
engine speed to “–”. Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then turn off
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the
“ON ”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the “ON ”position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and turn off after several sec-
onds or after the engine has started:
: Seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens theseatbelt.)
: Front passenger ’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal- function indicator light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: Rear differential oil temperature warn-ing light (STI)
: Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.- spec. models)
/: ABS warning light
/: Brake system warning light
: Low fuel warning light
: Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF indicator light (STI)
: Door open warning light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indica-tor light/Traction Control OFF indicator
light (STI)
: Cruise control indicator light
: Cruise control set indicator light
: Shift-up indicator light (STI)
: REV indicator light (STI)
:Driver ’s control center differential
indicator and warning lights (STI)

3-16Instruments and controls
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and illuminate steadily after
several driving trips. You should have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately. &Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off 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
condition but the light remains illuminated,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately. &Oil pressure warning light
If this light illuminates 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 illuminates while driving or does
not turn off 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 illuminated, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
For details about checking the engine oil
level or adding the engine oil, refer to“
Engine oil ”F 11-8.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light illumi-
nated. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
& Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (STI)
CAUTION
Reduce vehicle speed and park the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible if the R.DIFF TEMP light
illuminates. Continued driving with
this light illuminated can damage
the rear differential and other parts
of the powertrain.
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear
differential oil temperature is too hot.
At this time, the driver ’s control center
differential will automatically cancel the current torque-distribution ratio setting and
adopt its minimum ratio.
If the light illuminates while driving, reduce
vehicle speed and stop the vehicle at the
nearest safe place. Park the vehicle for
several minutes. After the light turns off,
you can start driving.
If the light does not turn off, contact the
nearest SUBARU dealer for service.
NOTE . If the tire pressures are not correct
and/or the tires are not all the same
size and brand, the rear differential will
be heavily loaded when the vehicle is
driven, resulting in an abnormally high
oil temperature.. The rear differential oil will deterio-
rate if its temperature increases en-
ough for the rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light to illuminate. It is
advisable to have the rear differential
oil replaced as soon as possible. & Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.-spec. models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will illuminate for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure

Ventilator.............................................................. 4-2
Airflow selection ................................................. 4-2
Center and side ventilators .................................. 4-3
Manual climate control system (if equipped) .......................................................... 4-3
Control panel ...................................................... 4-3
Heater operation ................................................. 4-5
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-7
Automatic climate control system (if equipped) .......................................................... 4-8
Control panel ...................................................... 4-8
To use as full-automatic climate control system .............................................................. 4-8
To use as semi-automatic climate control system .............................................................. 4-8
Fan speed control dial ......................................... 4-9
Temperature control dial ...................................... 4-9
Airflow control dial .............................................. 4-9
Air inlet selection button .................................... 4-10 Air conditioner button
........................................ 4-11
Temperature sensors ......................................... 4-11
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner ...................................................... 4-12
Cleaning ventilation grille ................................... 4-12
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight ........................................................... 4-12
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit .............................................................. 4-12
Checking air conditioning system before summer season ............................................................ 4-12
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions ................. 4-12
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded .............................................. 4-13
Refrigerant for your climate control system ... ..... 4-13
Air filtration system ........................................... 4-13
Replacing an air filter ......................................... 4-13Climate control
4

4-12Climate control
properly and become damaged, the sys-
tem may not be able to control the interior
temperature correctly. To avoid damaging
the sensors, observe the following pre-cautions. –Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows.– Solar sensor: beside the windshield
defroster grille.– Interior air temperature sensor: near
the ignition switch.– Outside temperature sensor: behind
the front grille. Operating tips for heater and
air conditioner &
Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille
free of snow, leaves, or other obstructions
to ensure efficient heating and defrosting.
Since the condenser is located in front of
the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired
by any accumulation of insects and leaves
on the condenser. &Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to
allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency. &
Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil. & Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-son
Check the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Have the air con-
ditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer. & Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning

7-8Starting and operating
.A vehiclefails the OBDII inspection if
the “CHECK ENGINE ”warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle ’s computer.
. A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors “NOT
READY ”is greater than one. If the
vehicle ’s battery has been recently re-
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
not ready for the emission test. Under this
condition, the vehicle driver should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to reset the readiness monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection. . Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for service.
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle ’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector
not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
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 program. When properly used, this
equipment should 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.
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.

lead to loss of vehicle control.
. You must install four tires that are
of the same size, circumferences,
construction, manufacturer,
brand (tread pattern), degree of
wear, speed symbol and load
index. Mixing tires of other sizes,
circumferences or constructions
may result in severe mechanical
damage to the drive train of your
vehicle and may affect ride,
handling, braking and speed-
ometer/odometer calibration. It
also may be dangerous and lead
to loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and
rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also
provide added traction during acceleration
and added engine braking force duringdeceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging
the AWD system, you should keep the
following tips in mind. . An AWD model is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling,
however, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an
ample distance from other vehicles. .
Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located under the
door latch on the driver ’s side.
. Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle in
hard driving conditions such as steep hills
or dusty roads will necessitate more
frequent replacement of engine oil, brake
fluid and transmission oil than that speci-
fied in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet ”.
. There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to “Towing ”
F 9-12. Driving tips
8-5