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305 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Fluid type
FMVSS No.116 fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Items
Clean funnel
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking effi-
ciency. Use only newly opened brake fluid.
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
CAUTION
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
Page 369 of 490

368
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a war ning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake sys-
tem. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
SUBARU dealer.
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehi-
cle that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your SUBARU dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Brake system warning light
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released the system is operating normally.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system.
Low engine oil pressure warning light
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn
on or flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system.
Page 370 of 490

5
When trouble arises
369 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to
the system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident.
Have the vehicle inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system;
• The electronic automatic transmission control system.
SRS airbag system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The seatbelt pretensioner system;
• The front passenger occupant detection system.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS;
• The brake assist system.
Electric power steering warning light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the electric power steering sys-
tem.
(Flashes in
yellow for 15
seconds.)Keyless access with push button start system indicator
light (if equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the keyless access with push
button start system.
Slip indicator
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The Vehicle stability control (VSC) system;
• The TRAC system
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5
When trouble arises
375 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking
for approximately one minute (if equipped)
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for
approximately one minute when the push-button ignition switch is turned
to “ON” mode (vehicles with a keyless access with push button start sys-
tem) or the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position (vehicles without
a keyless access with push button start system), have it checked your
SUBARU dealer.
WARNING
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on (if equipped)
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could
cause loss of vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire
inflation pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires.
If the tire is flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired
by the nearest SUBARU dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate,
you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur (vehicles with a tire
pressure monitoring system)
The tire pressure monitoring system may not activate immediately.
Page 382 of 490