SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Starting and operating
7-30
To temporarily cancel the cruise con- trol
There are four ways to cancel the cruise control tem- porarily: Depress the brake pedal.
Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction. (if
so equipped) Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission
vehicles only). Shift the selector lever into the “N” position (auto-
matic transmission vehicles only).
To resume the cruise control after it has been tem- porarily canceled and with vehicle speed of about
20 mph (32 km/h) or more, push the control lever
upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME ” direction to return
to the original cruising speed automatically.
To turn off the cruise control
There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: Push the main switch again.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position (but only when the vehicle is completely stopped).
To change the cruising speed
To increase the speed (by control lever)
Push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RE-
SUME” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches
the desired speed. Then, release the control lever.
The vehicle speed at that moment will be memo-
rized and treated as the new set speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle
speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8
km/h), the set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6
km/h) each time by pressing the control lever up-
ward in the “ACCEL, RESUME ” direction quickly
within 0.5 second.
To increase the speed (by accelerator pedal)
1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the
vehicle to the desired speed.
2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET,
COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is
set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed
without depressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTE
If the difference between the actual vehicle speed when the control lever is pushed down-ward and the speed last time you set is less than

Starting and operating
7-31
– CONTINUED –
4 mph (6.8 km/h), the vehicle speed will be low-
ered by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs becausethe cruise control system unit regards this lever
operation as that intended to decrease the ve-hicle speed.
To decrease the speed (by control lever)
Push the control lever downward in the “SET,
COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reach-
es the desired speed. Then, release the control le-
ver. The vehicle speed at that moment will be mem-
orized and treated as the new set speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle
speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8
km/h), the set speed can be lowered 1 mph (1.6
km/h) each time by pressing the control lever down-
ward in the “SET, COAST ” direction quickly within
0.5 second.
To decrease the speed (by brake pedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control
temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to the desired speed,
press the control lever downward in the “SET,
COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is
set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed
without depressing the accelerator pedal.

Starting and operating
7-32

8
8-1
– CONTINUED –
New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8-3 . . . .
Catalytic converter 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic inspections 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips for AWD vehicles 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road driving 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . .
OUTBACK SPORT 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation during cold weather 8-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving on snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrosion protection 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snow tires 8-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking the vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading your vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) 8-17 . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) 8-18 . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitch (if equipped) 8-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When you do not tow a trailer 8-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranties and maintenance 8-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maximum load limits 8-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer hitches 8-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a trailer 8-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips

Driving tips
8-2
New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are
dependent on how you handle and care for your ve-
hicle while it is new. Follow these instructions duringthe first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergen-
cy. Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration,
except in an emergency. Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or
when brake pads or brake linings are replaced withnew ones. Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Al-
ways accelerate gently until you reach the desired
speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as longas possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure
shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver ’s side. Low pressure will
increase tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in proper align-
ment. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Driving tips
8-3
– CONTINUED –
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Always properly maintain the engine ex-
haust system to prevent engine exhaust gasfrom entering the vehicle. Never run the engine in a closed space,
such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. Ifthat is unavoidable, then use the ventilationfan to force fresh air into the vehicle. Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructionsto ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. If at any time you suspect that exhaust
fumes are entering the vehicle, have the prob-lem checked and corrected as soon as pos- sible. If you must drive under these condi-tions, drive only with all windows fully open.
Keep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from enteringthe vehicle.
NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound comingfrom the exhaust system for a short time afterthe engine has been shut off. This sound is nor-mal.

Driving tips
8-4
Catalytic converter
Turbo models
Non-turbo models
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust
system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and
NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner ex-haust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the
vehicle. Avoid racing the engine.

Driving tips
8-5
– CONTINUED –
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle
is moving. Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and re-
paired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention
treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.
WARNING
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), becausethe catalytic converter operates at very hightemperatures. Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot. Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all
times, always have the recommended maintenance
services listed in the maintenance schedule in the“
Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ” performed at
the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving tips
8-6
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another coun-
try:Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer
to the “Fuel requirement ” section in chapter 7.)
Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country. Driving tips for AWD vehicles
All wheel drive distributes the engine power to all
four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction
when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered
roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and rear wheels,
SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction dur-
ing acceleration and added engine braking forceduring deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle
differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle
and it contains some features unique to AWD. For

Driving tips
8-7
– CONTINUED –
safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the
AWD system, you should keep the following tips inmind: An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper
roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two
wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in han-
dling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sud-
den braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope
or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed
and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles. When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the
same size, construction, brand, and load range as
the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other
sizes, circumference or construction may result in se-
vere mechanical damage to the drive train of your ve-
hicle and may affect ride, handling, braking,
speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance
between the body and tires. It also may be danger-
ous and lead to loss of vehicle control. If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat
tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire
stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes may result in
severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your
vehicle. Always check the cold tire pressure before start-
ing to drive. The recommended tire pressure is pro-
vided on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver
’s side.
Tire chains should always be placed on the front
wheels only. There are some precautions that you must ob-
serve when towing your vehicle. For detail informa-
tion, see the “Towing” section in chapter 9.
WARNING
Always maintain a safe driving speed ac-
cording to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under othersimilar conditions. Always use the utmost care in driving –
overconfidence because you are driving an allwheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.