check engine SUBARU BAJA 2003 1.G Owner's Guide

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controlled to operate when the engine coolant reaches a specific tem-
perature.If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when the engine
coolant temperature gauge exceeds the normal operating range, the
cooling fan circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and replace it if
necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may be a leak in the
engine cooling system. It is recommended that the cooling systemand connections be checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant Checking the coolant level
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
HBB004FB
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the
engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” level mark, add
coolant up to the “FULL” level mark. If the reserve tank is empty, re-
move the radiator cap and refill as required.

Maintenance and service11-15
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HG0115
Rubber gaskets
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the radiator, reinstall the caps
and check that the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap are in the
proper position. Changing the coolant
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has
been shut off and has cooled down completely. Since the coolantis under pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a spray ofboiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
Change the engine coolant using the following procedures according
to the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let”. 1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the drain plug and loosen the drainplug.

Maintenance and service11-21
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Manual transmission oil
Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
OM-H0210
Upper level Lower level
HBB004DB
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is below
the lower level, add oil through the dipstick hole to bring the level upto the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

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SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Automatic transmission fluidChecking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as its temperature
rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore,
there are two different scales for checking the level of hot fluid andcold fluid on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without warming up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we recommend checking the fluid level when
the fluid is at operating temperature. n Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temperature of the
transmission fluid up to normal operating temperature; 158 to 176 °F
(70 to 80 °C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P”
position, and run the engine at idling speed.

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Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)Checking the oil level
Check the differential oil level monthly.
HBA010BB
Lower level Upper levelHBB004EB
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level on it. If it is belowthe lower level, add oil to bring the level up to the upper level.
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and additives. Never use
different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5

Maintenance and service11-27
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SAE viscosity No. and Applicable Temperature
OM-H0205
Power steering fluid
Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
When power steering fluid is being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together. Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank.
The power steering fluid expands greatly as its temperature rises; the
fluid level differs according to fluid temperature. Therefore, the reser-
voir tank has two different checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run: Check that the oillevel is between “HOT MIN ” and “HOT MAX ” on the surface of the
reservoir tank.

Maintenance and service11-31
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Recommended clutch fluid
FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as described below, have it
checked by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal several times, applying
the same pedal force each time. The distance the pedal travels should
not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine. The pedal should
move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine and keep the pedal
depressed for 30 seconds. The pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to check the brake booster.
Brake booster operates properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each
depression.

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Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and reserve distance according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Checking the brake pedal free play
OM-H0224
0.04 —
0.12 in
(1.0 — 3.0 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal several times.
Lightly press the brake pedal down with one finger to check the free
play with a force of less than 2 lb (10 N, 1 kg).
If the free play is not within proper specification, contact your
SUBARU dealer. Checking the brake pedal reserve distance
OM-H0225
More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lb (294 N, 30 kg)

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and measure the distance between the upper surface of the pedal
pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than the specification, or when the
pedal does not operate smoothly, contact with your SUBARU dealer.
Clutch pedal (Manual transmission vehicles)
Check the clutch pedal free play and reserve distance according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Checking the clutch function
Check the clutch engagement and disengagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there are no abnormal noises
when the clutch pedal is depressed, and that shifting into 1st or re-
verse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to check that the en-gine and transmission smoothly couple without any sign of slippage. Checking the clutch pedal free play
OM-H0224
0.16 —
0.51 in
(4.0 — 13.0 mm)
Lightly press the clutch pedal down with your finger until you feel re-
sistance, and check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper specification, contact your
SUBARU dealer.

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Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged easily. Handle them
carefully to maintain their appearance, performance, and safety. When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to
change a flat, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving
approximatly 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the
specified torque. Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface
of the wheel. Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or curbs.
Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely around the tire,
otherwise the chains may scratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center cap is replaced, be
sure to replace them with genuine SUBARU parts designed for aluminumwheels.
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid because it could cause paint damage.
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop. If the level is low, fill
the fluid up to the neck of the reservoir.Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid is unavailable use
clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-freeze type windshield
washer fluid. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl
alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temperature varies
according to how much it is diluted, as indicated below.