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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections.
(→ P. 304)
Brake fluid At the correct level? ( →P. 302)
Engine coolant At the correct level? ( →P. 300)
Engine oil At the correct level? ( →P. 297)
Exhaust system No fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hoses Not blocked with foreign matter? (
→P. 302)
Washer fluid At the correct level? ( →P. 308)
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”. It is recommended that any problem you notice should be
brought to the attention of your SUBARU dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine compartment
Battery (→P. 304)
Engine oil level dipstick (→ P. 297)
Brake fluid reservoir (→ P. 302)
Engine oil filler cap (→ P. 298)Washer fluid tank
(→ P. 308)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( →P. 302)
Radiator ( →P. 302)
Engine coolant reservoir (→ P. 300)
Fuse box ( →P. 332)
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolantThe coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold. Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
CAUTION
■To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
■When replacing the engine oil
●Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
●Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
●Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you fill the oil.
●Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
■If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your SUBARU dealer pressure test the cap
and check for leaks in the cooling system.
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5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible.
■Visible symptoms ●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
● Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
● Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
■Audible symptoms ●Changes in exhaust sound
● Excessive tire squeal when cornering
● Strange noises related to the suspension system
● Pinging or other noises related to the engine
■Operational symptoms ●Engine missing, stumbling or running rough
● Appreciable loss of power
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
● Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
● Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor
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5
When trouble arises
405
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the engine
hood.
If you see steam:
Stop the engine. Carefully lift the engine hood after the
steam subsides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam:
Leave the engine running and carefully lift the engine hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating:
Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine and call your SUBARU dealer. After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4