check engine SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2003 2.G Owners Manual

11
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Driving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and
distract your attention from driving. In a collision or
sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be
thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or
your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt un-der these situations. It is also for their own safety
that pets should be properly restrained in your
vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling har-
ness which can be secured to the rear seat with a
seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured
to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the
carrier’ s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers
in the front passenger ’s seat. For further information,
consult your veterinarian, local animal protection so-ciety or pet shop.
Tire pressures
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of
each tire (including the spare) at least once a month
and before any long journey.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use
a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the
values shown on the tire placard. Refer to the “Tires and wheels ” section in chapter 11
for detailed information.WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp
increase in temperature could cause tread
separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead toan accident.
California proposition 65 warning
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-ductive harm.

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Warning and indicator light
Mark
NamePage
Seatbelt warning light3-10
AIRBAGSRS airbag system warn- ing light3-11
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicatorlamp3-11
Charge warning light3-12
Oil pressure warning light3-12
AT OIL temperature warn- ing light (if equipped)3-13
orABS warning light3-13
orBrake system warning light3-14
Door open warning light3-14
MarkNamePage
Front-wheel drive warning light (if equipped)3-15
Turn signal indicator lights3-15
High beam indicator light3-15
Security system indicator light (if equipped)2-14

3
3-1
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Ignition switch 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOCK 3-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACC 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
START 3-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key reminder chime 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) 3-4 . . . . . .
Hazard warning flasher 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meters and gauges 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 3-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer/Trip meter 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 3-7
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Fuel gauge 3-8
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Temperature gauge 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ambient temperature gauge (if equipped) 3-9 . . . .
Warning and indicator lights 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt warning light and chime 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charge warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil pressure warning light 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system warning light 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles – if equipped) 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) 3-15
. . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal indicator lights 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High beam indicator light 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock 3-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light control switch 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 3-16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/low beam change (dimmer) 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlight flasher 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime running light system 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal lever 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination brightness control 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light switch 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch (if equipped) 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiper and washer 3-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and washer switches 3-22 . . . . . . .
Rear window wiper and washer switch – Wagon 3-24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear window defogger switch 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-27
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Inside mirror 3-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside mirrors 3-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-32
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Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls
3-10
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition
switch is initially turned to the “ON” position. This
permits checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the seatbelt warning light will come on and the
reminder chime will sound for about six seconds to
remind the driver to fasten the seatbelt.

Instruments and controls
3-11
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The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after sixseconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off by buckingthe driver’s side seatbelt or turn off automatically
after six seconds. SRS airbag system warning light AIRBAG
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for about six seconds and go out. This shows theSRS airbag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and
seatbelt pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illumi-
nated even after a period of about 6 seconds from
when the ignition has been turned on, it may indi-
cate that the SRS airbag system or SRS side airbag
system (if equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner sys-
tem is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you are driving, have your vehicle checked/re-paired by your SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible. Continued vehicle operation withouthaving the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could cause seri- ous damage, which may not be covered byyour vehicle ’s warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the en-
gine is running, it may indicate that there is a prob-
lem or potential problem somewhere in the emission
control system. If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, an emission con-
trol system malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-12
NOTE This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause
of the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indi-
cator lamp coming on could be a loose or missing
fuel filler cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering with the seal-
ing of the cap. Tightening the cap will not make the
CHECK ENGINE warning light turn off immediately. It
may take several driving trips. If the light does not go
out, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU
dealer immediately. If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire
condition has been detected which may damage
the emission control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emission control
system, you should do the following: Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible. The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blink-ing and come on steadily after several driving trips.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, itmay indicate that the charging system is not work-
ing properly. If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken or if the belt is in good condi-
tion but the light remains on, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately. Oil pressure warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and
the lubricating system is not working properly.If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first
safe opportunity and check the engine oil level. If
the oil level is low, add oil immediately. If the engine
oil is at the proper level but the light remains on,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

Instruments and controls
3-14
The warning light comes on right after the
engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. The warning light remains on after the engine
has been started, but it goes out when the
vehicle speed reaches about 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving, but
it goes out immediately and remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery voltage
such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS
warning light may come on. This is due to the low
battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged, the lightwill go out. Brake system warning light
WARNING
Driving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake
system may not be working properly. If thelight remains on, have the brakes inspected
by a SUBARU dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the ve-
hicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
This light has the following two functions: Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It
goes out when the parking brake is fully released.
Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid level has
dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid
reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position
and with the parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should come on
while driving (with the parking brake fully releasedand with the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it
could be an indication of leaking of brake fluid or
worn brake pads. Have your vehicle checked by a
SUBARU dealer immediately. Door open warning lights
The door open warning light comes on if any door or
the rear gate is not fully closed.
(U.S.)
(Canada)

4
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Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air flow selection 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center and side ventilators 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control system 4-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control panel 4-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater operation 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air conditioner operation (if equipped) 4-9 . . . . . . . .
Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning ventilation grille 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight 4-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant
circuit 4-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking air conditioning system before summer season 4-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions 4-12 . . .
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerant for your climate control system 4-12 . .
Air filtration system (if equipped) 4-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate control

Climate control
4-12
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperatureweather conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high relative hu-
midity, low temperatures, etc.) a small amount of wa-
ter vapor emission from the air outlets may be not-
iced. This condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning system. Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air
conditioner compressor is designed to temporarily
shut off during air conditioner operation whenever
the accelerator is fully depressed such as duringrapid acceleration or when driving on a steepupgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant
HFC134a. Therefore, the method of adding, chang-
ing or checking the refrigerant is different from the
method for CFC12 (Freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong refrigerant are not covered under
warranty.

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Fuel 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel requirements 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission vehicle 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission vehicle 7-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine during cold weather
below –4 °F ( –20 °C) 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting a flooded engine 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting speeds 7-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving tips 7-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 7-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever for automatic transmission 7-15 . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear viscous limited slip differential
(LSD) (WRX) 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-23 . . . . . .
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS system self-check 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parking your vehicle 7-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 7-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking tips 7-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (if equipped) 7-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To set cruise control 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To temporarily cancel the cruise control 7-30 . . . . . .
To turn off the cruise control 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To change the cruising speed 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and operating