2016 SUBARU WRX checking oil

ever the engine speed enters the red
zone of the tachometer.
To change the REV indicator settings,
perform the procedures described in “ REV
settings (STI) ” F 3-47.
Warning and indicator lights Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate when the ignition switch is
initially turned to the “ ON ” position. This
permits checking the operation of the
bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the “ ON ” position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and then turn off after several
seconds or after the engine has started.
: Seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens the
seatbelt.)
: Front passenger ’ s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger ’ s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/ : Front passenger ’ s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-
function indicator light : Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: REV indicator light (STI)
: AT OIL TEMP warning light
(CVT models)
: Rear differential oil temperature warn-
ing light (STI)
: Low tire pressure warning light
(U.S.-spec. models)
/ : ABS warning light
/ : Brake system warning light
: Electronic parking brake indicator
light
: Low fuel warning light
: Hill start assist warning light/Hill start
assist OFF indicator light (models
without electronic parking brake sys-
tem)
: Hill holder indicator light (models with
electronic parking brake system)
: Door open warning light
: AWD warning light (if equipped)
: Power steering warning light (except
STI)Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-13

NOTE This light also illuminates when the fuel
filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle,
the cause of the CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator light illuminating
could be a loose or missing fuel filler cap.
Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering
with the sealing of the cap. Tightening the
cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator light
turn off immediately. It may take several
driving trips. If the light does not turn off,
take your vehicle to your authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.
! If the light is blinking
If the light is blinking while driving, an
engine misfire condition has been de-
tected which may damage the emission
control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emis-
sion control system, you should do the
following.
. Reduce vehicle speed.
. Avoid hard acceleration.
. Avoid steep uphill grades.
. Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blinking and illuminate steadily after
several driving trips. You should have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.
& Charge warning light If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good
condition but the light remains illuminated,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
& Oil pressure warning
light If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is
at the proper level but the light remains
illuminated, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
For details about checking the engine oil
level or adding the engine oil, refer to
“ Engine oil ” F 11-13.
CAUTIONDo not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
& Engine low oil level
warning indicator (ex-
cept STI) This indicator appears when the engine oil
level decreases to the lower limit.
If the engine low oil level warning indicator
appears while driving, park the vehicle in a
safe and level location, and then check
the engine oil level. When the engine oil
level is not within the normal range, refill
with engine oil. Refer to “ Engine oil ” F 11 -
13.
If the warning indicator does not disappear
after refilling the engine oil, or the warning
indicator appears even though the engine
oil level is within the normal range, have
the vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer.Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-17

Ventilator control ................................................. 4-2Center and side ventilators .................................. 4-2
Climate control panel .......................................... 4-3Type A ................................................................ 4-3
Type B ................................................................ 4-4
Automatic climate control operation ................. 4-5Sensors .............................................................. 4-5
Manual climate control operation ...................... 4-6Airflow mode selection ........................................ 4-6
Temperature control ............................................ 4-7
Fan speed control ............................................... 4-8
Air conditioner control ........................................ 4-8
Air inlet selection ................................................ 4-8
Defrosting ............................................................ 4-9Type A ................................................................ 4-9
Type B ................................................................ 4-9 Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-9Cleaning ventilation grille ..................................... 4-9
Efficient cooling after parking in direct
sunlight ........................................................... 4-10
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant
circuit .............................................................. 4-10
Checking air conditioning system before summer
season ............................................................ 4-10
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and
low temperature weather conditions ................. 4-10
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine
is heavily loaded .............................................. 4-10
Refrigerant for your climate control system ... ..... 4-10
Air filtration system ........................................... 4-11Replacing an air filter ......................................... 4-11Climate control 4

Climate control/Operating tips for heater and air conditioner
& Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlightAfter parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to
allow outside air to circulate into the
heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency.
& Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuitOperate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.
& Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
sonCheck the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Have the air con-
ditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer. & Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditions Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning
system.
& Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loaded To improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is designed
to temporarily shut off during air condi-
tioner operation whenever the accelerator
is fully depressed such as during rapid
acceleration or when driving up a steep
incline. & Refrigerant for your climate
control system
1) Air conditioner label
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly
refrigerant HFC134a (as shown on the air
conditioner label). Therefore, the method
of adding, changing or checking the
refrigerant is different from the method
for CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a
result of using the wrong refrigerant are
not covered under warranty.4-10

Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-5
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Maintenance tips ................................................ 11-6Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-6
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-9
Engine compartment overview ........................ 11-11STI................................................................... 11-11
Except STI ....................................................... 11-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 11-13Engine oil consumption .................................... 11-13
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-13
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-16
Cooling system ................................................ 11-17Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-17
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-18
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-19
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-21
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-21
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-22
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23 Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil ................................ 11-23Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23
Power steering fluid (STI) ............................... 11-24Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-24
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-25Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models) ................................. 11-26Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-26
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-27Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ....... 1 1-28
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-28Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-28
Hill start assist system .................................... 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-29Breaking-in of new brake pads (models with
electronic parking brake system) .................... 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings
(models without electronic parking brake
system) ......................................................... 11-30
Parking brake stroke (models without
electronic parking brake system) ................ 11-30Maintenance and service
11

Maintenance and service/Maintenance precautions
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
erative. NEVER use a circuit
tester for this wiring. If your
SRS airbag or seatbelt preten-
sioner needs service, consult
your nearest SUBARU dealer.
NOTE SUBARU does not endorse the use of
non-SUBARU approved flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against
performing these services on a
SUBARU vehicle. Non-SUBARU ap-
proved flushing systems use chemi-
cals and/or solvents which have not
been tested or approved by SUBARU.
SUBARU warranties do not cover any
part of the vehicle which is damaged by
adding or applying chemicals and/or
solvents other than those approved or
recommended by SUBARU. & Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment WARNING. Always stop the engine and apply
the parking brake to prevent the
vehicle from moving.
. Always let the engine cool down.
Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after
the engine has stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. When the ignition switch is in the
“ ON ” position, the cooling fan
may operate suddenly even
when the engine is stopped. If
your body or clothes come into
contact with a rotating fan, that
could result in serious injury. To
avoid risk of injury, perform the
following precautions.
– Models with push-button start
system:
Always turn the push-button
ignition switch to the “ OFF ”
position and confirm that the operation indicator on the
switch is turned off. Then take
the access key out from the
vehicle.
– Models without push-button
start system:
Always remove the key from
the ignition switch.
. Before performing any servicing
on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system (a
dealer option) temporarily place
that system in the service mode
to prevent it from unexpectedly
starting the engine.11-4

& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
CAUTION. Do not contact the drive belt
cover while checking the compo-
nents in the engine compart-
ment. Doing so may cause your
hand to slip off the cover and
result in an unexpected injury.
. Do not touch the oil filter until the
engine has cooled down comple-
tely. Doing so may result in a
burn or other injury. Note that the
oil filter becomes very hot when
the engine is running and re-
mains hot for some time after
the engine has stopped.
. Do not apply force on the fender
insulator by placing your hands on it, etc. Deformation of the
insulator and its mount may
occur.
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
while the engine is running WARNINGA running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, drive belt and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.Maintenance and service/Maintenance precautions
11-5

Engine oil CAUTION. If the level gauge is not pulled out
easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then pull it out. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
& Engine oil consumption Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance
intervals:
. When the engine is new and within the
break-in period
. When the engine oil is of lower quality
. When the incorrect oil viscosity is used . When engine braking is employed
. When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds
. When the engine is operated under
heavy loads
. When the engine idles for long periods
of time
. When the vehicle is operated in stop
and go and/or heavy traffic situations
. When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions
. When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently
Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil
more frequently. If your oil consumption
rate is greater than 1 quart every 1,200
miles or 1 liter every 2,000 kilometers,
contact your SUBARU dealer who may
perform a test under controlled conditions.
& Checking the oil level 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine. If you check the oil level
just after stopping the engine, wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan before checking the level. STI
1) Oil level gauge
2) Oil filler capMaintenance and service/Engine oil
– CONTINUED –11-13