
3-8Instruments and controls
pointer of the tachometer in the redzone. This may cause severe da-mage to the engine.
NOTE
To protect the engine while the selectlever is in the“P”or“N”position, theengineis controlled so that the enginespeed may not become too high even ifthe accelerator pedal is depressedhard.
&Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge shows the approximateamount of fuel remaining in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly duringbraking, turning or acceleration due to fuel
level movement in the tank.
If you press the trip knob while the ignitionswitch is in the“LOCK”or“Acc”position,the fuel gauge will light up and indicate theamount of fuel remaining in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the“”signin the fuelgauge meter.
This indicates that the fuel filler door(lid) is located on the right side of thevehicle.
&Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows enginecoolant temperature when the ignitionswitch is in the“ON”position.
The coolant temperature will vary inaccordance with the outside temperatureand driving conditions.
We recommend that you drive moderatelyuntil the pointer of the temperature gaugereaches near the middle of the range.Engine operation is optimum with theengine coolant at this temperature range.Also, high revving operation while theengine is not sufficiently warmed upshould be avoided.

Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checksand adjustments every day before youstart driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, andlights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and conditionof the tires. Also check tires for properinflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign ofleaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate arefully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the insideand outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that yourpassengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warningand indicator lights when the ignitionswitch 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 levelsshould be checked daily, weekly or atfuel stops.
Starting the engine
CAUTION
.Do not operate the starter motorcontinuously for more than 10seconds. If the engine fails tostart after operating the starterfor 5 to 10 seconds, wait for 10seconds or more before tryingagain.
.If you restart the engine while thevehicle is moving, shift the selectlever into the“N”position. Donot attempt to place the selectlever of a moving vehicle into the“P”position.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac-cessories.
3. Shift the select lever to the“P”or“N”position (preferably“P”position). Thestarter will only operate when the selectlever is at the“P”or“N”position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position and check the operation of thewarning and indicator lights. Refer to“Warning and indicator lights”F3-9.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the“START”positionwithoutdepressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediatelyafter the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, try thefollowing.(1) Turn the ignition switch to the“LOCK”position and wait for at least10 seconds. After checking that theparking brake is firmly set, turn theignition switch to the“START”positionwhile depressing the accelerator pedalslightly (approximately a quarter of thefull stroke).Release the acceleratorpedal as soon as the engine starts.(2) If this fails to start the engine, turnthe ignition switch back to the“LOCK”position and wait for at least 10seconds.Then fully depress the accel-erator pedal and turn the ignitionswitch to the“START”position. If theengine starts, quickly release theaccelerator pedal.(3) If this fails to start the engine, turnthe ignition switch again to the“LOCK”position.After waiting for 10 secondsor longer, turn the ignition switch to the“START”position without depressingthe accelerator pedal.(4) If the engine still refuses to start,contact your nearest SUBARU dealerfor assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicatorlights have turned off after the engine has
Starting and operating7-7
–CONTINUED–

9-14In case of emergency
Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-tor cap until the engine has beenshut off and has fully cooled down.When theengine is hot, the coolantis under pressure. Removing thecap while the engine is still hotcould release a spray of boiling hotcoolant, which could burn you veryseriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off theroad and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
&If steam is coming from the
engine compartment
Turn off the engine and get everyoneaway from the vehicle until it cools down.
&If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment
NOTE
For details about how to check thecoolant level or how to add coolant,refer to“Engine coolant”F11-11.
1. Keep the engine running at idlingspeed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the enginecompartment. Refer to“Engine hood”F11-4.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. Ifthe fan is not turning, immediately turn offthe engine and contact your authorizeddealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperaturehas dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at theoverheated zone, turn off the engine.
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 reservetank, add coolant to the reserve tank.Then remove the radiator cap and fill theradiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hotradiator, first wrap a thick cloth around theradiator cap, then turn the cap counter-clockwise slowly without pressing downuntil it stops. Release the pressure fromthe radiator. After the pressure has beenfully released, remove the cap by pressingdown and turning it.
Towing
WARNING
Never tow AWD models with thefront wheels raised off the groundwhile the rear wheels are on theground, or with the rear wheelsraised off the ground while the frontwheels are on the ground. This willcause the vehicle to spin away dueto the operation or deterioration ofthe centerdifferential.
If towing is necessary, it is best done byyour SUBARU dealer or a commercialtowing service. Observe the followingprocedures for safety.

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3Before checking or servicing in the enginecompartment.................................................... 11-4When you do checking or servicing in the enginecompartment while the engine is running.......... 11-4
Engine hood....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-6
Engine oil............................................................ 11-7Checking the oil level......................................... 11-7Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-8Recommendedgrade and viscosity.................... 11-9Synthetic oil....................................................... 11-9
Cooling system................................................ 11-10Hose and connections...................................... 11-10Engine coolant................................................. 11-11
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-12Replacing the air cleaner element..................... 11-12
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-13Recommended spark plugs.............................. 11-13
Drive belts........................................................ 11-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-14Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-14Recommended fluid......................................... 11-15
Front differential gear oil................................. 11-15Checking the oil level....................................... 11-15Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-16Recommended grade and viscosity.................. 11-16
Power steering fluid........................................ 11-16Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-16Recommended fluid......................................... 11-17
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-17Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-17Recommended brake fluid............................... 11-18
Brakebooster.................................................. 11-18
Brake pedal...................................................... 11-19Checking the brake pedal free play.................. 11-19Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-19
Replacement of brake pad and lining............ 11-19Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings....... 11-20
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-20
Tires and wheels.............................................. 11-21Types of tires................................................... 11-21Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).......... 11-21Tire inspection................................................. 11-22Tire pressuresand wear.................................. 11-23Wheel balance................................................. 11-25Wear indicators............................................... 11-25Tire rotation direction mark.............................. 11-25Tire rotation..................................................... 11-26Tire replacement.............................................. 11-26Wheel replacement.......................................... 11-27
Aluminum wheels............................................ 11-27
Windshield washer fluid.................................. 11-28
Replacement of wiper blades......................... 11-29Windshield wiper blade assembly..................... 11-30Windshield wiper blade rubber ......................... 11-30Rear window wiper blade assembly.................. 11-31
Maintenance and service
11

11-6Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview1) Air cleaner element (page 11-12)2) Power steering fluid reservoir(page 11-16)3) Differential gear oil level gauge(page 11-15)4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge(page 11-14)5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-17)6) Fuse box (page 11-34)7) Battery (page 11-33)8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-28)9) Radiator cap (page 11-11)10) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-7)11) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-11)12) Engineoil level gauge (page 11-7)

&Engine coolant
!Checking the coolant level
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outsideof 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 isempty, remove the radiator cap and refillas required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and theradiator, reinstall the caps and check thatthe rubber gaskets inside the radiator capare in the proper position.
CAUTION
.Be careful not to spill enginecoolant when adding it. If coolanttouches the exhaust pipe, it maycause a bad smell, smoke, and/ora fire. If engine coolant gets onthe exhaust pipe, be sure to wipeit off.
.Do not splash the engine coolantover painted parts. The alcoholcontained in the engine coolantmay damage the paint surface.
!Changing the coolant
It may be difficult to change the coolant.Have the coolant changed by yourSUBARU dealer if necessary.
The coolant should be changed accordingto the maintenance schedule in the“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Maintenance and service11-11

Braking..................................................................... 7-19Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings................... 11-20BulbChart.................................................................. 12-12Replacing............................................................. 11-36
CCargo areaCover................................................................... 6-14Light....................................................................... 6-3Tie-down hooks..................................................... 6-16Catalytic converter....................................................... 8-3CenterConsole.................................................................. 6-6Ventilators............................................................... 4-4ChangingCoolant................................................................ 11-11Flat tire................................................................... 9-6Oil andoil filter...................................................... 11-8Charge warning light.................................................. 3-13CHECKENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicatorlight....................................................................... 3-12CheckingBrake pedal free play............................................ 11-19Brake pedal reserve distance................................. 11-19Coolant level........................................................ 11-11Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid).................. 11-14Fluid level (brake fluid).......................................... 11-17Fluidlevel (power steering fluid).............................. 11-16Fluid level (washer fluid)........................................ 11-28
Oil level (engine oil)................................................ 11-7Oil level (front differential gear oil).......................... 11-15Child restraint systems................................................ 1-29Installation of a booster seat.................................... 1-36Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................................ 1-32Lower and tether anchorages................................... 1-37Top tether anchorages............................................ 1-40Child safety................................................................... 5Locks.................................................................... 2-21ChimeKey........................................................................ 3-4Light..................................................................... 3-27Seatbelt................................................................. 3-10CleaningAluminum wheels................................................... 10-3Interior.................................................................. 10-5Ventilation grille...................................................... 4-10Climate control systemAutomatic............................................................... 4-5Clock................................................................ 3-22, 3-24Coat hook.................................................................. 6-12Compass........................................................... 3-38, 3-41Console..................................................................... 6-6Coolant........................................................... 11-11, 12-7Cooling system........................................................ 11-10Corrosionprotection.................................................... 10-4Cruise control............................................................ 7-29Indicator light......................................................... 3-22Set indicator light.................................................... 3-22Cup holder................................................................. 6-8Front passenger’s.................................................... 6-8
Index14-3

14-4Index
Second-row seat...................................................... 6-9Third-row seat......................................................... 6-9
DDaytime running light system....................................... 3-29Differential gear oilFront........................................................... 11-15, 12-6Rear............................................................ 11-16, 12-6Dimensions............................................................... 12-2Disarming the alarm system........................................ 2-18Disc brake pad wear warning indicators........................ 7-20Dome light........................................................ 6-2, 11-42DoorLocks..................................................................... 2-5Open warning light................................................. 3-17Step light............................................................. 11-43Drive belts................................................................ 11-13DrivingAll-Wheel Drive warning light................................... 3-18AWD vehicles.......................................................... 8-4Car phone/cell phone.................................................. 8Drinking..................................................................... 7Drugs........................................................................ 7Foreign countries..................................................... 8-4Pets.......................................................................... 8Snowy and icy roads................................................ 8-9Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2, 8-4Tired or sleepy............................................................ 7Winter.................................................................... 8-8
EElectrical system........................................................ 12-7Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-16, 7-22Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)............................. 1-18EngineCompartment overview............................................ 11-6Coolant....................................................... 11-11, 12-7Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............................. 6, 8-2Hood.................................................................... 11-4Oil ................................................................ 11-7, 12-4Overheating........................................................... 9-14Starting.................................................................. 7-7Stopping................................................................. 7-8Exterior care.............................................................. 10-2
FFlat tires..................................................................... 9-6Floor mat................................................................... 6-13Fluid levelAutomatic transmission......................................... 11-14Brake.................................................................. 11-17Power steering..................................................... 11-16Fog lightBulb.......................................................... 11-39, 12-12Indicator light......................................................... 3-22Switch................................................................... 3-32Folding mirror switch................................................... 3-43FrontDifferential gear oil........................................ 11-15, 12-6Fog light............................................ 3-32, 11-39, 12-12Fog light indicator light............................................ 3-22