
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 .................................................................. 3-26Instruments 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
If the R.DIFF TEMP warning light 
illuminates, reduce vehicle speed
and stop the vehicle in a safe
location as soon as possible. Con-
tinuing to drive with this light illumi-
nated may damage the rear differ-
ential and other parts of the power-train.
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 in the 
nearest safe location. 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     

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  

9-12In case of emergency
Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia- 
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
is under pressure. Removing the
cap while the engine is still hot
could release a spray of boiling hot
coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. & If steam is coming from the 
engine compartment
Turn off the engine and get everyone 
away from the vehicle until it cools down. & If no steam is coming from 
the engine compartment
NOTE 
For details about how to check the 
coolant level or how to add coolant,
refer to “Engine coolant ”F 11-12.
1. Keep the engine running at idlingspeed. 2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine
compartment. Refer to
“Engine hood ”
F 11-5.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off
the engine and contact your authorized
dealer for repair. 
3. After the engine coolant temperature 
has dropped, turn off the engine. 
If temperature gauge stays in the over- 
heated zone, turn off the engine. Refer to“ Temperature gauge ”F 3-10.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reservetank. 
If the coolant level is below the “LOW ”
mark, add coolant up to the “FULL ”mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve 
tank, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Then remove the radiator cap and fill the
radiator with coolant. 
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot 
radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the
radiator cap, then turn the cap counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down
until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been
fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it. Towing 
If towing is necessary, it is best done by 
your SUBARU dealer or a commercial
towing service. Observe the following
procedures for safety.
WARNING
Never tow AWD models with the 
front wheels raised off the ground
while the rear wheels are on the
ground, or with the rear wheels
raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will
cause the vehicle to spin away due
to the operation or deterioration of
the center differential.  

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 ”.