2016 SUBARU WRX Owners Manual

Driving tips/Trailer towing
& GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
driver ’ s side doorjamb shows GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, and
any optional equipment. Therefore, the
GVW changes depending on the situation.
The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual
weight of your vehicle – including standard
equipment, fluids, emergency tools and
spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capacity weight.
In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Trailer towing Your vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to be used for trailer towing.
Therefore, never tow a trailer with your
vehicle.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that may result
from trailer towing, from any trailer towing
equipment or from any errors or omissions
in the instructions accompanying such
equipment. SUBARU warranties do not
apply to vehicle damage or malfunction
caused by trailer towing.8-12

If you park your vehicle in case of an
emergency ........................................................ 9-2
Temporary spare tire ........................................... 9-2
Maintenance tools ............................................... 9-3
Flat tires ............................................................... 9-4Changing a flat tire .............................................. 9-4
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(U.S.-spec. models) ........................................... 9-8
Jump starting ...................................................... 9-9How to jump start ................................................ 9-9
Engine overheating ............................................ 9-11If steam is coming from the engine
compartment .................................................... 9-11
If no steam is coming from the engine
compartment .................................................... 9-11 Towing ................................................................ 9-12 Towing and tie-down hooks. ............................... 9-12
Using a flat-bed truck. ........................................ 9-14
Towing with all wheels on the ground ................. 9-15
Electronic parking brake – if the electronic
parking brake cannot be released
(models with electronic parking brake
system) ............................................................ 9-16
Access key – if access key does not
operate properly ............................................. 9-16Locking and unlocking ....................................... 9-16
Switching power ................................................ 9-16
Starting engine .................................................. 9-17
Moonroof (if equipped) – if the moonroof
does not close ................................................ 9-18
If your vehicle is involved in an accident ........ 9-18In case of emergency
9

In case of emergency/If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency
If you park your vehicle in
case of an emergency
The hazard warning flasher should be
used in day or night to warn other drivers
when you have to park your vehicle under
emergency conditions.
Avoid stopping on the road. It is best to
safely pull off the road if a problem occurs.
The hazard warning flasher can be acti-
vated regardless of the ignition switch
position.
Turn on the hazard warning by pushing
the hazard warning flasher switch. Turn it
off by pushing the switch again. NOTE When the hazard warning flasher is on,
the turn signals do not work.
Temporary spare tire WARNINGWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute. This indicates
the tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) is unable to monitor all four
road wheels. Contact your SUBARU
dealer as soon as possible for tire
and sensor replacement and/or sys-
tem resetting.
CAUTION
. Never use any temporary spare
tire other than the original. Using
other sizes may result in severe
mechanical damage to the drive
train of your vehicle.
. Always conform to the following
instructions when using the tem-
porary spare tire. Otherwise, a
seriously dangerous situation
may occur.9-2

The temporary spare tire is smaller and
lighter than a conventional tire and is
designed for emergency use only. Re-
move the temporary spare tire and re-
install the conventional tire as soon as
possible because the spare tire is de-
signed only for temporary use.
Check the inflation pressure of the tem-
porary spare tire periodically to keep the
tire ready for use. The correct pressure is
as follows.
Mexico models: 33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3
kgf/cm 2
)
Other models: 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2
kgf/cm 2
)
When using the temporary spare tire, note
the following.
. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
. Do not put a tire chain on the temporary
spare tire. Because of the smaller tire size,
a tire chain will not fit properly.
. Do not use two or more temporary
spare tires at the same time.
. Do not drive over obstacles. This tire
has a smaller diameter, so road clearance
is reduced. 1) Tread wear indicator bar
2) Indicator location mark
. When the wear indicator appears on
the tread, replace the tire.
. The temporary spare tire must be used
only on a rear wheel. If a front wheel tire
gets punctured, replace the wheel with a
rear wheel and install the temporary spare
tire in place of the removed rear wheel.
. Always set the driver ’ s control center
differential to the manual mode and adjust
the initial LSD torque to the minimum. Maintenance tools Your vehicle is equipped with the following
maintenance tools.
. Jack
. Jack handle
. Screwdriver
. Towing hook (eye bolt)
. Wheel nut wrench In case of emergency/Maintenance tools
– CONTINUED –9-3

In case of emergency/Flat tires
1) Jack handle
1) Under-floor storage compartment (if
equipped) (Refer to “ Under-floor storage
compartment ” F 6-12.)
2) Tool bucket
3) Spare tire 1) Wheel nut wrench
2) Screwdriver
3) Jack
4) Towing hook (eye bolt)
A jack handle is stored under the floor of
the trunk. A jack and a towing hook are
stored in the tool bucket that is located in
the recess of the spare tire wheel. A
screwdriver and a wheel nut wrench are
stored in the vinyl bag. These tools can
also be stored in the tool bucket.
NOTE For how to use the jack, refer to “ Flat
tires ” F 9-4. Flat tires If you have a flat tire while driving, never
brake suddenly; keep driving straight
ahead while gradually reducing speed.
Then slowly pull off the road to a safe
place.
& Changing a flat tire WARNING. Do not jack up the vehicle on an
incline or a loose road surface.
The jack can come out of the
jacking point or sink into the
ground and this can result in a
severe accident.
. Use only the jack provided with
your vehicle. The jack supplied
with the vehicle is designed only
for changing a tire. Never get
under the vehicle while support-
ing the vehicle with this jack.9-4

. Always turn off the engine before
raising the flat tire off the ground
using the jack. Never swing or
push the vehicle supported with
the jack. The jack can come out
of the jacking point due to a jolt
and this can result in a severe
accident.
1. Park on a hard, level surface, when-
ever possible, then stop the engine.
2. Set the parking brake securely and
shift the shift lever in reverse (MT models)
or the select lever to the “ P ” (Park)
position (CVT models).
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher
and have everyone get out of the vehicle.
4. Put wheel blocks at the front and rear
of the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire. 5. Take out the jack, jack handle and
wheel nut wrench.
The tools and the spare tire are stored
under the floor of the trunk. Refer to
“ Maintenance tools ” F 9-3.
NOTE Make sure that the jack is well lubri-
cated before using it.
6. Take out the tool bucket and turn the
attaching bolt counterclockwise, then take
the spare tire out.
NOTE If the spare tire provided in your vehicle
is a temporary spare tire, carefully read
“ Temporary spare tire ” F 9-2 and
strictly follow the instructions. 7. Loosen the wheel nuts using the wheel
nut wrench but do not remove the nuts.
Jack-up points
8. Place the jack under the side sill at the
front or rear jack-up point closest to the flat
tire. In case of emergency/Flat tires
– CONTINUED –9-5

In case of emergency/Flat tires
Turn the jackscrew by hand until the jack
head engages firmly into the jack-up point.
9. Insert the jack handle into the jack-
screw, and turn the handle until the tire
clears the ground. Do not raise the vehicle
higher than necessary. 10. Remove the wheel nuts and the flat
tire.
11. Before putting the spare tire on, per-
form the following steps.
. Clean the mounting surface of the
wheel and hub with a cloth. . Clean the threaded parts with a
cloth and check the conditions there.
CAUTIONIf the threaded part was damaged,
you should immediately contact
your SUBARU dealer.
12. Put on the spare tire. Replace the
wheel nuts. Tighten them by hand.
WARNINGDo not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts when the spare
tire is installed. This could cause the
nuts to become loose and lead to an
accident.
13. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise
to lower the vehicle.9-6

14. Use the wheel nut wrench to securely
tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torque, following the tightening order in the
illustration.
For the wheel nut tightening torque, refer
to “ Tires ” F 12-8. Never use your foot on
the wheel nut wrench or a pipe extension
on the wrench because you may exceed
the specified torque. Have the wheel nut
torque checked at the nearest automotive
service facility. Except STI
15. Store the flat tire in the spare tire
compartment. For except STI models, put
in the spacer and tighten the attaching bolt
firmly.
Also store the jack, jack handle and wheel
nut wrench in their storage locations.
WARNING
. Never place a tire or tire changing
tools in the passenger compart-
ment after changing wheels. In a
sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike occu-
pants and cause injury. Store
the tire and all tools in the proper
place. . When you store a flat tire, be sure
to set the rear seatback to the
upright position. If you fold down
the seatback, an accident or
injury may occur when the flat
tire suddenly moves. In case of emergency/Flat tires
– CONTINUED –9-7