2016 SUBARU WRX manual transmission

Abbreviation Meaning
INT Intermittent
LATCH Lower anchors and tethers for
children
LED Light emitting diode
LSD Limited slip differential
MIL Malfunction indicator light
MMT Methylcyclopentadienyl man-
ganese tricarbonyl
MT Manual transmission
OBD On-board diagnostics
RON Research octane number
SI-DRIVE SUBARU Intelligent Drive
SRF Steering responsive fog lights
system
SRS Supplemental restraint sys-
tem
TIN Tire identification number
TPMS Tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem Vehicle symbols These are some of the symbols you may
see on your vehicle.
For warning and indicator lights, refer to
“ Warning and indicator lights ” F 21.Mark Name
WARNING
CAUTIONSafety precautions when
driving & Seatbelt and SRS airbag WARNING. All persons in the vehicle should
fasten their seatbelts BEFORE
the vehicle starts to move. Other-
wise, the possibility of serious
injury becomes greater in the
event of a sudden stop or acci-
dent.
. To obtain maximum protection in
the event of an accident, the
driver and all passengers in the
vehicle should always wear seat-
belts when the vehicle is moving.
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) airbag does not do away
with the need to fasten seatbelts.
In combination with the seat-
belts, it offers the best combined
protection in case of a serious
accident.
Not wearing a seatbelt increases
the chance of severe injury or
death in a crash even when the
vehicle has the SRS airbag.
– CONTINUED –3

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
& SI-DRIVE indicator (if
equipped)
1) Sport (S) mode
2) Intelligent (I) mode
3) Sport Sharp (S#) mode
This indicator shows the current SI-DRIVE
mode.
For details of SI-DRIVE mode, refer to “ SI-
DRIVE (STI) ” F 7-29 or “ SI-DRIVE (except
STI: CVT models) ” F 7-31. & Shift-up indicator (STI)
While driving, this indicator appears and
informs the driver about the upshift timing
for fuel-efficient driving.
The shift-up indicator can be activated or
deactivated.
Refer to “ Gear Position Indicator Setting
(MT models) ” F 3-47. & Select lever/gear position in-
dicator (CVT models)
1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Select lever/gear position indicator
This indicator shows the position of the
select lever.
For models with manual mode, when the
manual mode is selected, the gear posi-
tion indicator (which shows the current
gear selection) and the upshift/downshift
indicator light up. Refer to “ Continuously
variable transmission ” F 7-23.
For models with SI-DRIVE, the upshift/
downshift indicators are switched off while
the Sport Sharp (S#) mode is selected.3-34

Fuel ...................................................................... 7-3Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-5
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-8
Starting and stopping the engine (models
without push-button start system) .................. 7-9Starting engine .................................................... 7-9
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system) .............................. 7-12Safety precautions ............................................. 7-12
Operating range for push-button start
system ............................................................. 7-12
Starting engine ................................................... 7-12
Stopping engine ................................................. 7-14
When access key does not operate properly ....... 7-14
Remote engine start system (dealer
option) .............................................................. 7-14Models with “ keyless access with push-button
start system ” ................................................... 7-15
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote
start ................................................................. 7-16
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start
shutdown ......................................................... 7-16
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the
vehicle ............................................................. 7-16
System maintenance .......................................... 7-16
Manual transmission .......................................... 7-17
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-18
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-18 Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/
DCCD) (STI) ..................................................... 7-19To change mode of driver ’ s control center
differential ....................................................... 7-20
Auto mode ........................................................ 7-20
Manual mode ..................................................... 7-21
Temporary release ............................................. 7-23
Continuously variable transmission ................. 7-23Select lever ....................................................... 7-24
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-26
Shift lock function ............................................. 7-27
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-28
SI-DRIVE (STI) .................................................... 7-29Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-29
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-30
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-30
SI-DRIVE selector .............................................. 7-30
SI-DRIVE (except STI: CVT models) ................. 7-31Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-31
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-31
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-32
SI-DRIVE switches ............................................. 7-32
Limited slip differential (LSD) (STI) .................. 7-33
Power steering ................................................... 7-33
STI .................................................................... 7-33
Except STI ......................................................... 7-34
Braking ............................................................... 7-35
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-35
Brake system .................................................... 7-35
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-36Starting and operating
7

Manual transmission
This manual transmission is a completely
synchromesh, 6-forward-speed and 1-re-
verse-speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift
lever knob. 1) Slider
You must raise the slider and hold it in that
position before you can move the shift
lever to the “ R ” position.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually
let up on the clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the
transmission in neutral, release the clutch
pedal momentarily, and then try again. WARNING. Do not drive the vehicle with the
clutch disengaged (i.e., when the
clutch pedal is depressed) or
with the shift lever in the neutral
position. Engine braking has no
effect in either of these condi-
tions and the risk of an accident
is consequently increased.
. Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,
release the clutch pedal) sud-
denly when starting the vehicle.
By doing so the vehicle might
unexpectedly accelerate or the
transmission could malfunction.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmis-
sion to try shifting into reverse when
the vehicle is moving. Starting and operating/Manual transmission
– CONTINUED –7-17

Starting and operating/Manual transmission
& Shifting speeds! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-
omy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table. Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th to 6th 50 (80)
! Shift-up indicator (STI)
The shift-up indicator appears to inform the driver about the upshift timing.
The shift-up indicator can be activated or
deactivated. For details, refer to “ Shift-up
indicator (STI) ” F 3-34.
! Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear. The tachometer ’ s needle will
enter the red area if these speeds are
exceeded.
With the exception of cases where sudden
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer ’ s
needle inside the red area. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
excessive engine wear and poor fuel
economy.
Gear STI
mph (km/h) Except STI
mph (km/h)
1st 31 (50) 31 (49)
2nd 51 (82) 55 (88)
WARNING
When shifting down a gear, ensure
that the vehicle is not travelling at a
speed exceeding the Maximum Al-
lowable Speed for the gear which is
about to be selected. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to engine over-revving and this in turn
can result in engine damage.
In addition, sudden application of
engine brakes when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can
lead to wheel locking; as a conse-
quence, control of the vehicle may
be lost and the risk of an accident
increased.
NOTE Never exceed the posted speed limit.
& Driving tips Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to
hold your vehicle at a standstill on an
upgrade. Either of those actions may
cause clutch damage.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the
shift lever. This may cause wear on the
transmission components.
When it is necessary to reduce vehicle
speed due to slow traffic, turning corners,
or driving up steep hills, downshift to a
lower gear before the engine starts to
labor.
On steep downgrades, downshift the
transmission to 5th, 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear7-18

– When a temporary spare tire
is installed
– When your vehicle is towed
– When the vehicle is stopped
with the manual mode se-
lected
NOTE . A higher initial LSD torque setting
gives the vehicle greater traction when
driving straight ahead but makes cor-
nering more difficult. Remember this
when adjusting the initial LSD torque.
In general, higher initial LSD torque
settings assist driving on slippery
roads and lower settings for non-slip-
pery roads. When the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud, setting the initial LSD
torque to the maximum will help to free
the vehicle.
. The setting of the initial LSD torque
will remain even when the auto mode is
selected or the ignition switch is turned
to the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position. How-
ever, the initial LSD torque will be
minimized when the battery is discon-
nected and reconnected.
. During cornering or when making
turns (especially when going into the
garage), the rotational difference be-
tween the front and rear wheels may cause a braking effect accompanied by
vibration and noise. This does not
indicate a problem. The phenomenon
will disappear when setting the initial
LSD torque to the minimum.
In the auto mode, it controls the initial
LSD torque automatically. While in the
auto mode, this phenomenon some-
times occurs depending on the driving
condition, however, it does not indicate
a problem.
. Use the center differential indicator
only as a rough indication of the initial
LSD torque.
. If you operate the center differential
control switch while quickly accelerat-
ing or turning a tight corner, you may
feel slight shocks. This is due to
differential action by the center differ-
ential and does not indicate a problem.
& Temporary release When the driver stops the vehicle and
pulls the parking brake lever after manu-
ally setting the initial LSD torque, the LSD
torque is temporarily minimized. However
the indicator on the combination meter
continues to show the driver ’ s selected
initial LSD torque. When the driver re-
leases the parking brake lever, the initial
LSD torque set by the driver is restored. Continuously variable trans-
mission The continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. It also has a manual mode.
WARNINGDo not shift from the “ P ” or “ N ”
position into the “ D ” or “ R ” position
while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to jump forward or backward.
CAUTION. Shift into the “ P ” or “ R ” position
only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.
. Do not race the engine for more
than 5 seconds in any position
except the “ N ” or “ P ” position
when the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.
. Never move the vehicle rearwardStarting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
– CONTINUED –7-23

: With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the select lever button
in.
: Shift while pressing the select lever
button in.
: Shift without pressing the select lever
button.
The select lever has four positions, “ P ” ,
“ R ” , “ N ” , “ D ” and it also has an “ M ” position
for using the manual mode.
NOTE For some models, to protect the engine
while the select lever is in the “ P ” or
“ N ” position, the engine is controlled
so that the engine speed may not
become too high even if the accelerator
pedal is depressed hard. ! P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine. In this position, the
transmission is mechanically locked to
prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first apply the
parking brake firmly, then shift into the “ P ”
position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the mechanical friction of the transmis-
sion.
To shift the select lever from the “ P ”
position to any other position, you should
depress the brake pedal fully then move
the select lever. This prevents the vehicle
from lurching when it is started.
! R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle. To
shift from the “ N ” to “ R ” position, stop the
vehicle completely then move the lever to
the “ R ” position while pressing the select
lever button in.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position, movement
of the select lever from the “ N ” to “ R ”
position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal,
and then it becomes impossible. For
details, refer to “ Shift lock function ” F 7-27. ! N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled
engine. In this position, the transmission is
neutral, meaning that the wheels and
transmission are not locked. Therefore,
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline unless the parking brake
or foot brake is applied.
Avoid coasting with the transmission in
neutral. Engine braking has no effect in
this condition.
WARNINGDo not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the “ N ” (neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in-
creased.
NOTE If the select lever is in the “ N ” position
when you stop the engine for parking,
you may not subsequently be able to
move it to the “ R ” and “ P ” positions. If
this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the “ ON ” position. You will then be able
to move the select lever to the “ P ”
position.Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
– CONTINUED –7-25

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
! D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically and con-
tinuously into a suitable gear according to
the vehicle speed and the acceleration
you require. Also, while driving up and
down a hill, the transmission assists and
controls the driving performance and
engine braking while corresponding to
the road grade.
When more acceleration is required in the
“ D ” position, depress the accelerator
pedal fully to the floor and hold that
position. The transmission will automati-
cally downshift. If the Intelligent (I) mode
or the Sport (S) mode has been selected,
the transmission will operate like a con-
ventional automatic transmission. When
you release the pedal, the transmission
will return to the original gear position.
If one of the shift paddles behind the
steering wheel is operated while driving in
the “ D ” position, the transmission will
temporarily switch to the manual mode.
In this mode, you can shift into any gear
position using the shift paddles. For de-
tails about the manual mode, refer to
“ Selection of manual mode ” F 7-26. Once
the vehicle speed stabilizes, the transmis-
sion will switch from the manual mode
back to the “ D ” position for normal driving. & Selection of manual mode
With the vehicle either moving or station-
ary, move the select lever from the “ D ”
position to the “ M ” position to select the
manual mode. 1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Gear position indicator
When the manual mode is selected, the
gear position indicator and upshift indica-
tor and/or downshift indicator on the
combination meter appear.
The gear position indicator shows the
currently selected gear in the following
range.
. 1st-to-8th-gear range (when the Sport
Sharp (S#) mode is selected)
. 1st-to-6th-gear range (in other situa-
tions)
The upshift and downshift indicators show
when a gear shift is possible. When the
upshift indicator “
” appears, upshifting is
possible. When the downshift indicator7-26