
need to add any fuel system cleaningagents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended withmaterials called oxygenates. Use of thesefuels can also help keep the air cleaner.Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used inyour vehicle, but should contain no morethan 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for theproper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers arenow producing reformulated gasolines,which are designed to reduce vehicleemissions. SUBARU approves the use ofreformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains,you should ask your service stationoperators if their gasolines contain deter-gents and oxygenates and if they havebeen reformulated to reduce vehicle emis-sions.
As additional guidance, only use fuelssuited for your vehicle as explained in thefollowing.
.Fuel should be unleaded and have anoctane rating no lower than that specifiedin this manual.
.Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) issometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline.
Methanol can be used in your vehicleONLYif it does not exceed 5% of the fuelmixtureANDif it is accompanied bysufficient quantities of the proper cosol-vents and corrosion inhibitors required toprevent damage to the fuel system. Do notuse fuel containing methanolEXCEPTunder these conditions.
.If undesirable driveability problems areexperienced and you suspect they may befuel related, try a different brand of gaso-line before seeking service at yourSUBARU dealer.
.Fuel system damage or driveabilityproblems whichresult from the use ofimproper fuel are not covered under theSUBARU Limited Warranty.
&Fuel filler lid and cap
!Refueling
Only oneperson should be involved inrefueling. Do not allow others to approachthe area of the vehicle near the fuel fillerpipe while refueling is in progress.
Be sure to observe any other precautionsthat are posted at the service station.
1. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lidrelease lever up. The lever is on the floorat the left of the driver’s seat.
2. Open the fuel filler lid.
Starting and operating7-3
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NOTE
.You will see the“”sign in the fuelgauge. Thisindicates that the fuel fillerdoor (lid) is located on the right side ofthe vehicle..If the fuel filler cap is not tighteneduntil it clicks or if the tether is caughtunder the cap, the CHECK ENGINEwarning light/malfunction indicatorlight may illuminate. Refer to“CHECKENGINE warning light/Malfunction in-dicator light”F3-12.
CAUTION
.Never add any cleaning agents tothe fuel tank. The addition of acleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
.After refueling, turn the cap to theright until it clicks to ensure thatit is fully tightened. If the cap isnot securely tightened, fuel mayleak out while the vehicle is beingdriven or fuel spillage couldoccur in the event of an accident,creating a fire hazard.
.Do not let fuel spill on the exteriorsurfacesof the vehicle. Becausefuel may damage the paint, besure to wipe off any spilled fuelquickly. Paint damage caused byspilled fuel is not covered undertheSUBARU Limited Warranty.
.Always use a genuine SUBARUfuel filler cap. If you use thewrong cap, it may not fit, andyour fuel tank and emission con-trol systemmay be damaged. Itcould also lead to fuel spillageand a fire.
.Immediately put fuel in the tankwhenever the low fuel warninglight illuminates. Engine misfiresas a result of an empty tankcould cause damage to the en-gine.
State emission testing (U.S.
only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive modelmust NEVER be performed on asingle two-wheel dynamometer. At-tempting to do so will result inuncontrolled vehicle movement andmay cause an accident or injuries topersons nearby.
CAUTION
.At state inspection time, remem-ber to tell your inspection orservice station in advance not toplace your SUBARU AWD vehicleon a two-wheel dynamometer.Otherwise, serious transmissiondamage will result.
.Resultant vehicle damage due toimproper testing is not coveredunderthe SUBARU Limited War-ranty and is the responsibility ofthe state inspection program orits contractors or licensees.
California and a number of federal stateshave Inspection/Maintenance programs to
Starting and operating7-5
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7-6Starting and operating
inspect your vehicle’s emission controlsystem. If your vehicle does not pass thistest, some states may deny renewal ofyour vehicle’s registration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computerthat monitors the performance of theengine’s emission control system. Certi-fied emissioninspectors will inspect theOn-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system aspart of the state emission inspectionprocess. The OBDII system is designedto detect engine and transmission pro-blems that might cause the vehicle emis-sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDIIinspectionsapply to all 1996 model yearand newer passenger cars and trucks.Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-bia have implemented emission inspec-tion of the OBDII system.
.The inspection of the OBDII systemconsists of a visual operational check ofthe“CHECK ENGINE”warning light/mal-function indicator light (MIL) and anexamination of the OBDII system with anelectronic scan tool.
.A vehiclepasses the OBDII systeminspection if proper operation of the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is ob-served, there are no stored diagnostictrouble codes, and the OBDII readinessmonitors are all complete.
.A vehiclefails the OBDII inspection ifthe“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is notproperly operating (light is illuminated or isnot working due to a burned out bulb) orthere is one or more diagnostic troublecodes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
.A state emission inspection may reject(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number ofOBDII system readiness monitors“NOTREADY”is greater than one. If thevehicle’s battery has been recently re-placed or disconnected, the OBDII systeminspection may indicate that the vehicle isnot ready for the emission test. Under thiscondition, the vehicle driver should beinstructed to drive his/her vehicle for a fewdays to reset the readiness monitors andreturn for an emission re-inspection.
.Owners of rejected or failing vehiclesshould contact their SUBARU Dealer forservice.
Some states still use dynamometers intheir emission inspection program. Adynamometer is a treadmill or roller-liketesting device that allows your vehicle’swheels to turn while the vehicle remains inone place. Prior to your vehicle being puton a dynamometer, tell your emissioninspectornot to place your SUBARUAWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-ometer.Otherwise, serious transmis-sion damage will result.
The U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) and states using two-wheeldynamometers in their emission testingprogram have EXEMPTED SUBARUAWD vehicles from the portion of thetesting program that involves a two-wheeldynamometer. There are some states thatuse four-wheel dynamometers in theirtesting program. When properly used, thisequipment should not damage a SUBARUAWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rearwheels be jacked off the ground, norshould the driveshaft be disconnected forstate emission testing.

7-8Starting and operating
started. The fuel injection system auto-matically lowers the idle speed as theengine warms up.
While the engine is warming up, makesure that the select lever is at the“P”or“N”position and that the parking brake isapplied.
NOTE
.The engine may be difficult to startwhen the battery has been discon-nected and reconnected (for mainte-nance or other purposes). This diffi-culty is caused by the electronicallycontrolled throttle’sself-diagnosisfunction. To overcome it, keep theignition switch in the“ON”positionfor approximately 10 seconds beforestartingthe engine..To p r o t e c t t h e e n g i n e w h i l e t h eselect lever is in the“P”or“N”position, the engine is controlled sothat the engine speed may not becometoo high even if the accelerator pedal isdepressed hard.
Stopping the engine
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when thevehicle is moving. This will causeloss of power to the power steeringand the brakebooster, making steer-ing and braking more difficult. Itcould also result in accidental acti-vation of the“LOCK”position on theignition switch, causing the steeringwheel to lock.
The ignition switch should be turned offonly whenthe vehicle is stopped and theengine is idling.
Remote engine start system
(dealer option)
WARNING
.Do not start the engine using theremote start system in an en-closed environment (e.g. closedgarage). Prolonged operation ofa motor vehicle in an enclosedenvironment can cause a harmfulbuild-up of Carbon Monoxide.Carbon Monoxide is harmful toyour health. Exposure to highlevels of Carbon Monoxide cancause headaches, dizziness or inextreme cases unconsciousnessand/or death.
.Before performing any servicingof the vehicle, temporarily placethe remote engine start system inservice mode to prevent thesystem from unexpectedly start-ing the engine.

7-10Starting and operating
transmitter within a few seconds immedi-ately following remote engine start shut-down.
&Pre-heating or pre-cooling
the interior of the vehicle
Before exiting the vehicle, set the tem-perature controls to the desired settingand operation. After the system starts thevehicle, the heater or air-conditioning willactivate and heat or cool the interior toyour setting.
&Service mode
In service mode, the remote start functionis temporarily disabled to prevent thesystem from unexpectedly starting theengine while being serviced.
!To engage the service mode
Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position, depress and hold the brake pedalthen, press and release the“”button onthe remote engine start transmitter threetimes. The system will pause for 1 secondand then flash the parking lights and honkthe hornthree times indicating that thesystem is in service mode. When attempt-ing to activate the remote start systemwhile in service mode, the parking lightswill flash and the horn will honk two timesand will not start.
!To disengage the service mode
Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position, depress and hold the brakepedal, then press and release the“”button on the remote engine start trans-mitter three times. The system will pausefor 1 second and flash the parking lightsone time indicating that the system hasexited service mode.
NOTE
When taking your vehicle in for service,it is recommended that you inform theservice personnel that your vehicle isequippedwith a remote engine startsystem.
&Remote engine start trans-
mitter programming and pro-
grammable feature option
New transmitters can be programmed tothe remote engine start system in theevent that remote engine start transmittersare lost, stolen or damaged. The remoteengine start system also has one pro-grammable feature that can be adjustedfor user preference.
The remote engine start system can beprogrammed to either make an audiblehorn chirp upon remote start activation ornot. Remote engine start transmitter pro-gramming and feature programming can
be adjusted using the following procedure.
1. Open the driver’s door (the driver’sdoor must remain opened throughout theentire process).
2. Insert the key into the vehicle’s ignitionswitch and turn to the“ON”position.
3. Locate the small black programmingbutton behind the fuse box cover, on thedriver’s side left under the dashboardpanel.
4. Press and hold the black programmingbutton for 10 to 15 seconds. The horn willhonk and the parking lights will flash threetimes to indicate that the system hasentered programming mode. At this pointyou can perform either action (step 5 orstep 6).
5. To program a remote transmitter:press and release the“”button on eachtransmitter. The horn will honk and theparking lights will flash one time to indicatea successful transmitter learn each timethe“”button is pressed. You canprogram up to eight transmitters.
6. To toggle the Horn Confirmation chirpsON/OFF: press and release the brake totoggle the feature. The horn will chirp andthe parking lights will flash one time toindicate Confirmation Horn Chirps are“OFF”. The horn will honk and the parkinglights will flash 2 times to indicate Con-firmation Horn Chirps are“ON”. Depres-

8-4Driving tips
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best conditionat all times, always have the recom-mended maintenance services listed inthe maintenance schedule in the“War-ranty and Maintenance Booklet”per-formed at the specified time or mileageintervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle inanother country:
.Confirm the availability of the correctfuel. Refer to“Fuel requirements”F7-2.
.Comply with all regulations and re-quirements of each country.
Driving tips for AWD models
WARNING
.Always maintain a safe drivingspeed according to the road andweather conditions in order toavoidhaving an accident on asharp turn, during sudden brak-ing or under other similar condi-tions.
.Always use the utmost care indriving–overconfidence be-cause you are driving an All-Wheel Drive model could easilylead to a serious accident.
.When replacing a tire, you mustuse a tire that is of the same size,circumference, speed symboland load index as the originaltires listed on the tire placard.Using tires of other sizes, cir-cumferences or constructionsmay result in severe mechanicaldamage to the drive train of yourvehicle and may affect ride,handling,braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clear-ance between the body and tires.It also may be dangerous andlead to loss of vehicle control.

8-26Driving tips
blind spots occur with the vehicle’s stan-dard side mirrors, use towing mirrors thatconform with Federal, state/province and/or other applicable regulations.
!Trailer lights
CAUTION
Direct splicing or other improperconnection of trailer lights maydamage your vehicle’selectricalsystem and cause a malfunction ofyour vehicle’s lighting system.
Connection of trailer lights to your vehi-cle’s electrical system requires modifica-tions to the vehicle’s lighting circuit toincrease its capacity and accommodatewiring changes. To ensure the trailer lightsare connected properly, please consultyour SUBARU dealer. Check for properoperation of the turn signals, stop lightsand parking lights each time you hitch up.
!Tires
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the tem-porary spare tire is used. The tem-porary spare tire is not designed tosustain the towing load. Use of thetemporary spare tire when towing
can result in failure of the spare tireand/or less stability of the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicleare properly inflated. Refer to“Tires”F12-8.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating andproper inflation pressure should be inaccordance with the trailer manufacturer’sspecifications.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tirewhen towing a trailer, ask a commercialroad service to repair the flat tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in yourvehicle or trailer as a precaution againstgetting a flat tire, be sure that the sparetire is firmly secured.
&Trailer towing tips
CAUTION
.Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)when towing a trailer in hillycountry on hot days.
.When towing a trailer, steering,stability, stopping distance andbraking performance will be dif-ferent from normal operation. Forsafety’s sake, you should employ
extra caution when towing atrailer and you should neverspeed. You should also keep thefollowing tips in mind:
!Before starting out on a trip
.Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mounting are in good condition. Ifany problems are apparent, do not tow thetrailer.
.Check that the vehicle sits horizontallywith the trailer attached. If the vehicle istippedsharply up at the front and down atthe rear, check the total trailer weight,GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, thenconfirm that the load and its distributionare acceptable.
.Check that the tire pressures arecorrect.
.Checkthat the vehicle and trailer areconnected properly. Confirm that–the trailer tongue is connectedproperly to the hitch ball.–the trailer lights connector is con-nected properly and trailer’s stop lightsilluminate when the vehicle’s brakepedal is pressed, and that the trailer’sturn signal lights flash when thevehicle’s turn signal lever is operated.–the safety chains are connectedproperly.

WARNING
Do not use oil or grease on thewheel studs or nuts when the sparetire is installed. This could cause thenuts to become loose and lead to anaccident.
15. Turn the jack handle counterclockwiseto lower the vehicle.
CAUTION
There are 2 types of wheel nutwrenches that apply to differentlengths.
For models with silver-colored alu-minumwheels, the 10.8-inch (275mm) wheel nut wrench is equippedas a maintenance tool. And formodels with optional chrome-fin-ished wheels, the 13.2-inch (335mm) wheel nut wrench is equippedas well. Confirm the equipped wheelnut wrench type when you replace atire. If the wheel nut wrench is thedifferent type, it cannot be tightenedto the specified torque.
1) The length of the wheel nut wrench
16. Confirm the length of the equippedwheel nut wrench and wheel nut tighten-ing torque. Refer to“Tires”F12-8.
17. Use the wheel nut wrench to securelytighten thewheel nuts to the specified
torque, following the tightening order in theillustration.
Never use your foot on the wheel nutwrench or a pipe extension on the wrenchbecause you may exceed the specifiedtorque. Have the wheel nut torquechecked at the nearest automotive servicefacility.
WARNING
Do not use the extension whenturning the wheel nuts. If you did,you would not be able to achievesufficient tightening torque. Thewheel nuts could then come loose,resulting in a serious accident.
18. Store the flat tire in the spare tire
In case of emergency9-9
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