SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Maintenance and service
11-48
WARNING
All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construc-
tion, degree of wear, speed symbol, load indexand size. Mixing tires of different types, sizes or degrees of wear can result in damage to ve-
hicle’ s power train. Use of different types or
sizes of tires can also dangerously reduce
controllability and braking performance andcan lead to an accident. Use only radial tires. Do not use radial tires
together with belted bias tires and/or bias-plytires. Doing so can dangerously reduce con-
trollability, resulting in an accident.
Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example, to dam-
age, make sure the replacement wheels match the
specifications of the wheels that are fitted as stan-
dard equipment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.
WARNING
Use only those wheels that are specified for your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-tion and may cause the tires to rub against the wheel well housing during turns. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-dent.

Maintenance and service
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Wheel covers
Removing the wheel cover
Insert the wheel cover remover into the notch pro-
vided, and pry the wheel cover off.
Installing the wheel cover
Align the valve with the valve hole in the cover, then fit the cover on the wheel by tapping your hand
evenly around the circumference of the cover. NOTE When any of the wheels is removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always
check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driv-ing approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If anynut is loose, tighten it to the specified torque.

Maintenance and service
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Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their ap-
pearance, 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 approxi-mately 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 com-
pletely around the tire, otherwise the chains mayscratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genu-
ine SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
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 Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is diluted,
as indicated below.

Maintenance and service
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Washer Fluid
ConcentrationFreezing
Temperature
30% 50%
100%10.4 °F ( –12 °C)
–4 °F ( –20 °C)
–49 °F ( –45 °C)
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage. Replacement of windshield wiper blades
Grease, wax, insects, or other material on the wind-
shield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper
operation and streaking on the glass. If you cannot
remove the streaks after operating the windshield
washer or if the wiper operation is jerky, clean the
outer surface of the windshield (or rear window) andthe wiper blades using a sponge or soft cloth with a
neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaner. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with
clean water. The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse the windshield with water.
CAUTION
Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of the wiperblades.
If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after fol-
lowing this method, replace the wiper blades using
the following procedures:
1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.

Maintenance and service
11-52
1) Stopper
2. Remove the wiper blade assembly by holding its
pivot area and pushing it in the direction shown by
the arrow while depressing the wiper blade stopper.1) Metal support
3. Grasp the locked end of the blade rubber as-
sembly and pull it firmly until the stoppers on the
rubber are free of the metal support.

Maintenance and service
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1) Metal spines
4. If the new blade rubber is not provided with two
metal spines, remove the metal spines from the oldblade rubber and install them in the new blade rub-
ber.5. Align the claws of the metal support with the
grooves in the rubber and slide the blade rubber as-
sembly into the metal support until it locks.

Maintenance and service
11-54
1) Stopper
Be sure to position the claws at the end of the metal
support between the stoppers on the rubber as
shown. If the rubber is not retained properly, thewiper blade may scratch the windshield.
6. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper
arm. Make sure that it locks in place.
7. Slowly lower the arm in position. Battery
WARNING

Before beginning work on or near any bat-
tery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes,
matches, and lighters. Never expose a batteryto an open flame or electric sparks. Batteriesgive off a gas which is highly flammable andexplosive. For safety, in case an explosion does occur,
wear eye protection or shield your eyes when
working near any battery. Never lean over a
battery. Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin,
fabrics, or paint because battery fluid is a cor- rosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes, immediately flush the area
with water thoroughly. Seek medical help im-
mediately if acid has entered the eyes.If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed,
immediately drink a large amount of milk or
water, and seek medical attention immediately. To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings,
metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry.
Never allow metal tools to contact the positive

Maintenance and service
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battery terminal and anything connected to it WHILE you are at the same time in contactwith any other metallic portion of the vehicle
because a short circuit will result.Keep everyone including children away
from the battery. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash
hands after handling.
1) Cap
2) Upper level 3) Lower level
It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery
fluid level or periodically refill with distilled water.
However, if the battery fluid level is below the lower
level, remove the cap. Fill to the upper level with dis-
tilled water.
CAUTION
Never use more than 10 amperes when charg- ing the battery because it will shorten battery life.

Maintenance and service
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Fuses
CAUTION
Never replace a fuse with one having a higher
rating or with material other than a fuse be-
cause serious damage or a fire could result.
The fuses are designed to melt during an overload
to prevent damage to the wiring harness and electri-
cal equipment. The fuses are located in two fuseboxes.
One is located under the instrument panel behind the coin tray on the driver ’s seat side.

Maintenance and service
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To remove the coin tray, open the cover and pull the
coin tray out.The other one is housed in the engine compartment.