2018 SUBARU WRX recommended oil

(371,1)
北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.NOTEEngine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Starting and stopping the en-
gine&General precautions when
starting/stopping engine
WARNING
.Never start the engine from out-
side the vehicle. It may result in
an accident.
.Do not start the engine near dry
foliage, paper, or other flammable
substances. The exhaust pipe
and exhaust emissions can cre-
ate a fire hazard at high tempera-
tures.
.Do not leave the engine running
in locations with poor ventilation,
such as a garage and indoors.
The exhaust gas may enter the
vehicle or indoors, and it may
result in carbon monoxide poi-
soning.
CAUTION
.Do not stop the engine while
driving. Otherwise, the catalyst
may overheat and burn.
.When starting the engine, be sureto sit in the driver’s seat (except
when using the remote engine
start system).
NOTE.Avoid rapid acceleration immedi-
ately after the engine has started. In
addition, always avoid rapid racing.
.Until the engine is warmed up suffi-
ciently, the engine speed is maintained
high. The engine speed will gradually
drop as the engine warms up.
.On rare occasions, it may be difficult
to start the engine depending on the
fuel used and the driving condition
(repeated short trips when the engine
is not warmed up sufficiently). In such
cases, it is recommended to switch to a
different brand of fuel.
.On rare occasions, transient knock-
ing may be heard from the engine when
the accelerator is operated rapidly such
as a rapid start-up and a rapid accel-
eration. This is not a malfunction.
.The engine starts more easily when
the headlights, air conditioner and rear
window defogger are turned off.
.It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine
7-9
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北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling, how-
ever, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure to
reduce your speed and maintain an ample
distance from other vehicles.
.Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recommended
tire pressure is provided on the tire
placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side.
.Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle
under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of the follow-
ing items than that specified in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
–Engine oil
–Brake fluid
–Rear differential gear oil
–Manual transmission oil (MT mod-
els)
–Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models)
–Front differential gear oil (CVT
models)
.There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to“Towing”
F9-21.
Driving precautionWater entering the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle
and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to
drive through rushing water; regardless of
its depth, it can wash away the ground
from under your tires, resulting in possible
loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.
Winter driving&Operation during cold weath-
erCarry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares,
a small shovel and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold tem-
peratures reduce battery capacity. The
battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen, use
hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of
the vehicle.
Driving tips/Driving precaution
8-6

(499,1)
北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
Maintenance schedule.......................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions..................................... 11-3
Before 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................................................... 11-6
Removing and reinstalling clips............................ 11-6
Engine hood.......................................................... 11-9
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-11
STI...................................................................... 11-11
Except STI.......................................................... 11-12
Engine oil............................................................. 11-13
Engine oil consumption...................................... 11-13
Checking the oil level.......................................... 11-13
Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity..................... 11-15
Synthetic oil........................................................ 11-16
Cooling system................................................... 11-16
Cooling fan, hose and connections..................... 11-17
Engine coolant.................................................... 11-17
Air cleaner element............................................. 11-18
Replacing the air cleaner element........................ 11-19
Spark plugs......................................................... 11-21
Recommended spark plugs................................. 11-21
Drive belts........................................................... 11-21Manual transmission oil......................................11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity..................... 11-22
Continuously variable transmission fluid..........11-22
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil....................................11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity..................... 11-23
Power steering fluid (STI)...................................11-23
Checking the fluid level...................................... 11-23
Recommended fluid............................................ 11-24
Brake fluid............................................................11-24
Checking the fluid level...................................... 11-24
Recommended brake fluid.................................. 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models).....................................11-25
Checking the fluid level...................................... 11-25
Recommended clutch fluid................................. 11-26
Brake booster......................................................11-26
Brake pedal..........................................................11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play..................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ......... 11-27
Clutch pedal (MT models)...................................11-27
Checking the clutch function .............................. 11-27
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................... 11-28
Hill start assist system.......................................11-28
Replacement of brake pad andlining................11-28
Breaking-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)........................................................... 11-29
Maintenance and service
11

(501,1)
北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
Maintenance scheduleU.S. models
The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the“Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet”. For details, read the
separate“Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”.
Canada models
The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the“Warranty and Service
Booklet”. For details, read the separate
“Warranty and Service Booklet”.
Other models
Some items of your vehicle are required to
be serviced at scheduled intervals. For
details about your maintenance schedule,
read the separate“Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”.NOTEYou can set a reminder to be displayed
when a scheduled maintenance item is
almost due. For details, refer to“Main-
tenance settings”F3-59.
Maintenance precautionsWhen maintenance and service are re-
quired, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service by
yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this sec-
tion on general maintenance and service
for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera-
tion. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
WARNING
.Testing of an All-Wheel Drive
model must NEVER be performed
on a single two-wheel dynam-
ometer or similar apparatus. At-
tempting to do so will result in
transmission damage and in un-
controlled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries
to persons nearby.
.Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
.Always be very careful to avoidinjury when working on the vehi-
cle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, battery
acid.
.Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experi-
enced in servicing vehicles.
.Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
.Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support the
vehicle.
.Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
.Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
.Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
.Wear adequate eye protection to
guard against getting oil or fluids
–CONTINUED–
Maintenance and service/Maintenance schedule
11-3
11

(502,1)
北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
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 tes-
ter for this wiring. If your SRS
airbag or seatbelt pretensioner
needs service, consult your near-
est SUBARU dealer.
NOTESUBARU 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 con-
tact with a rotating fan, that could
result in serious injury. To avoid
risk of injury, perform the follow-
ing precautions.
–Models with push-button start
system:
Always turn the push-button
ignition switch to the“OFF”
position and confirm that theoperation indicator on the
switch is turned off. Then take
the access key fob 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.
Maintenance and service/Maintenance precautions
11-4

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北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
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 consumptionSome engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance in-
tervals:
.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
(repeatedly)
.When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)
.When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of time)
.When the engine idles for extended
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. Different drivers in the same
car may experience different results. If
your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.
&Checking the oil level1. 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 cap
–CONTINUED–Maintenance and service/Engine oil
11-13
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北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
CAUTION
.For models except STI, be careful
not to touch the engine oil filter
when removing the oil filler cap.
Doing so may result in a burn, a
pinched finger, or may cause
some other injury.
.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.
To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.
For models STI, just after driving or while
the engine is warm, the engine oil level
reading may be in a range between the
upper level and the notch mark. This is
caused by thermal expansion of the
engine oil.
NOTETo prevent overfilling the engine oil, do
not add any additional oil above the
upper level when the engine is cold.&Changing the oil and oil filterChange the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be
changed more frequently than listed in
the maintenance schedule when driving
on dusty roads, when short trips are
frequently made, or when driving in ex-
tremely cold weather.NOTE.Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a well-trained
expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Fully trained mechanics are on standby
at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the
special tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also, used
oils are properly disposed of.
.If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations and
dispose of waste oil properly.
&Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to“Engine oil”F12-4.NOTEEngine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.
–CONTINUED–
Maintenance and service/Engine oil
11-15
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(519,1)
北米Model "A1700BE-B" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 11
Spark plugsIt may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have the
spark plugs replaced by your SUBARU
dealer.
Have the spark plugs replaced according
to the maintenance schedule in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.&Recommended spark plugsFor the recommended spark plugs, refer to
“Electrical system”F12-8.
Drive beltsNOTEFor models except STI, it is unneces-
sary to check the deflection of the drive
belt periodically because this engine is
equipped with an automatic belt ten-
sion adjuster. However, have the belt
replaced according to the maintenance
schedule in the“Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If the drive belt is loose, cracked or
worn, contact your SUBARU dealer.
STI
1) Power steering oil pump pulley
2) Front side belt
3) Alternator pulley
4) Air conditioner compressor pulley
5) Rear side belt
6) Crank pulley
A) 22 lbf (98 N, 10 kgf)
CAUTION
The front side belt, which runs in
conjunction with the following com-
ponents, must be used within the
specified deflection.
.Power steering oil pump pulley
.Alternator pulley
.Crank pulley
Check the deflection of the front side
–CONTINUED–
Maintenance and service/Spark plugs
11-21
11