
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–

10-4Appearance care
Corrosion protection
Your SUBARU has been designed andbuilt to resist corrosion. Special materialsand protective finishes have been used onmost parts of the vehicle to help maintainfine appearance, strength, and reliableoperation.
&Most common causes of
corrosion
The most common causes of corrosionare:
1. The accumulation of moisture retain-ing dirt and debris in body panel sections,cavities,and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protectivecoatings caused by gravel and stonechips or minor accidents.
Corrosion is accelerated on the vehiclewhen:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dustcontrol chemicals, or used in coastalareas where there is more salt in the air,or in areas where there is considerableindustrial pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity,especially when temperatures range justabove freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of thevehicle remainsfor a long time, even
though other parts of the vehicle may bedry.
4. High temperatures will cause corro-sion to parts of the vehicle which cannotdry quickly due to lack of proper ventila-tion.
&To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to preventcorrosion of the body and suspensioncomponents. Also, wash the vehiclepromptly after driving on any of thefollowing surfaces.
.roads that have been salted to preventthem from freezing in winter
.mud, sand, or gravel
.coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recom-mended that the underbody be given avery thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check thecondition of underbody components, suchas the exhaust system, fuel and brakelines, brake cables, suspension, steeringsystem, floor pan, and fenders. If any ofthem are found to be rusted, they shouldbe given an appropriate rust preventiontreatment or should be replaced. Contactyour SUBARU dealer to perform this kindof maintenance and treatment if you need
assistance.
Repair chips and scratches in the paint assoon as you find them.
Check the interior of the vehicle for waterand dirt accumulation under the floor matsbecause that could cause corrosion.Occasionally check under the mats tomake sure the area is dry.
Keep your garage dry. Do not park yourvehicle in a damp, poorly ventilatedgarage. In such a garage, corrosion canbe caused by dampness. If you wash thevehicle in the garage or put the vehicleinto the garage when wet or covered withsnow, that can cause dampness.
If your vehicle is operated in cold weatherand/or in areas where road salts and othercorrosive materials are used, the doorhinges and locks, and hood latch shouldbe inspected and lubricated periodically.

14-2Index
AAbbreviation................................................................... 3ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................................... 7-20Warning light................................................. 3-15, 7-21Accessories....................................................... 5-2, 11-36Accessory power outlet............................................... 6-10Active head restraint..................................................... 1-6Air cleaner element................................................... 11-12Air conditionerAutomatic climate control system............................... 4-5Air filtration system..................................................... 4-11Airflow........................................................................ 4-2Airflow mode selection.................................................. 4-3Airflow selectionAutomatic climate control system......................... 4-5, 4-8Alarm system............................................................ 2-16All-Wheel Drive warning light....................................... 3-18Aluminum wheel....................................................... 11-27Cleaning............................................................... 10-3Antenna system........................................................... 5-2Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)..................................... 7-20Arming the system..................................................... 2-17Armrest..................................................................... 1-13AT OIL TEMP warning light......................................... 3-13AudioAntenna system....................................................... 5-2Auxiliary input jack................................................. 5-28Control button........................................................ 5-26Set ......................................................................... 5-3Auto-dimming mirror/compass.............................. 3-38, 3-41Automatic climate control system................................... 4-5
Automatic transmission............................................... 7-12Fluid........................................................... 11-14, 12-7MANUAL mode...................................................... 7-16Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP)............. 3-13Select lever........................................................... 7-13Shift lock function................................................... 7-14Shift lock release.................................................... 7-14SPORT mode........................................................ 7-18Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)........... 1-18Auxiliary input jack...................................................... 5-28
BBattery.................................................................... 11-33Drainage prevention function..................................... 2-6Jump starting......................................................... 9-11Replacement (remote keyless entry system).............. 2-11Booster seat.............................................................. 1-36Bottle holder............................................................... 6-9BrakeAssist.................................................................... 7-19Booster....................................................... 7-19, 11-18Fluid........................................................... 11-17, 12-7Pad and lining...................................................... 11-20Parking....................................................... 7-28, 11-20Pedal.................................................................. 11-19System.................................................................. 7-19Brake pedalFree play............................................................. 11-19Reserve distance.................................................. 11-19Brake system............................................................. 7-19Warning light.......................................................... 3-16