tow SUBARU IMPREZA 2002 2.G User Guide

Instruments and controls
3-22
To turn the wipers off, return the lever to the “OFF”
position.
Wiper intermittent time control (if equipped)
HB2023BA
When the wiper switch is in the “” position, turn
the dial to adjust the operating interval of the wiper. Operating interval can be adjusted continuously
from the shortest interval to the longest.
Two click stop positions of the dial may help you to
aim at your desired interval.
Mist (for a single wipe)
HG3011BA
For a single wipe of the wipers, pull the lever toward
you. The wipers operate until you release the lever.

Instruments and controls
3-25
– CONTINUED –
To turn on the defogger, push the switch. To turn it
off, push the switch again.The indicator light located on the switch lights up
while the rear window defogger is operating. NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the outside mir-
ror defogger, the outside mirror defogger oper- ates while the rear window defogger is operating.
CAUTION
Do not use sharp instruments or window
cleaner containing abrasives to clean the in-
ner surface of the rear window. They may
damage the conductors printed on the win-
dow. To prevent the battery from being dis-
charged, do not operate the defogger continu-
ously for any longer than necessary. Mirrors
Always check that the inside and outside mirrors are
properly adjusted before you start driving.
Inside mirror
HB4003BC
1) Tab
The inside mirror has a day and night position. Pull
the tab at the bottom of the mirror toward you for the
night position. Push it away for the day position. The
night position reduces glare from headlights.

Climate control
4-6
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “” position.
3. Turn the temperature control dial all the way to the right.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the highestspeed.
If your vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner, when the “
” position is selected, the air condi-
tioner automatically operates regardless of the posi-
tion of the air conditioner button. NOTE
Warm air also comes out from the right and left
air outlets. To stop warm air flow from these out- lets, turn the corresponding knob clockwise.
Heating and defrosting
HG4024AA
To direct warm air toward the floor and the wind- shield:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the “
”
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the most com-
fortable level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desiredspeed. NOTE
Warm air also comes out from the right and left
air outlets. To stop warm air flow from these out- lets, turn the corresponding knob clockwise.
Heating
HG4025AA

Climate control
4-7
– CONTINUED –
To direct warm air toward the floor:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the “”
position
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the most com-
fortable level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desired speed. NOTE
Warm air also comes out from the right and left
air outlets. To stop warm air flow from these out-lets, turn the corresponding knob clockwise.
Bi-level heating
HG4026AA
This setting allows you to direct air of different tem-
peratures from the instrument panel and foot outlets.
The air from the foot outlets is slightly warmer than
from the instrument panel outlets.
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the “
”
position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “
” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the desired
temperature level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desiredspeed.
Setting the temperature control dial fully turned to
the red area or blue area decreases the temperature
difference between the air from the instrument panel
outlets and the air from the foot outlets.

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
8-7
– CONTINUED –
AWD system, you should keep the following tips in mind: 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 thedoor 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 8.
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 other similar 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.

Driving tips
8-8
Off road driving
WARNING
Always maintain a safe driving speed ac-
cording to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharpturn, 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.
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT
Your AWD vehicle is neither a conventional off-road
vehicle nor an all terrain vehicle. It is a passenger
car designed primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities in
situation in which driving surfaces a relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to exces-
sive stress which might result in damage not eligible for repair under warranty. If you do take your
SUBARU off road, you should review the common
sense precautions in the next section (applicable to
the OUTBACK SPORT) for general guidance. Butplease keep in mind that your vehicle
’s off-road ca-
pabilities are more limited than those of the OUT-
BACK SPORT.
Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles,
or roads flooded with water. Water 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. OUTBACK SPORT
Because of the AWD feature and higher ground
clearance, your Subaru can be driven on ordinary
roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an
AWD SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a
conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain ve-
hicle. If you do take your Subaru off-road, certain
common sense precautions such as the following should be taken: Make certain that you and all of your passengers
are wearing seat belts. Carry some emergency equipment, such as a
towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first

Driving tips
8-21
– CONTINUED –
F) Front of vehicle
1) T30 torx head screw
2) Front arrow label
3) Front crossbar
4) 100LBS load label
5) Lower clamp
6) Roof rail end support
7) Joint line
8) 3 inches (76 mm)
9) Front arrow label
1. Before placing the crossbar on the roof rails,
make sure that the T-30 torx head screw is
removed from the top of each crossbar end support.
2. Rotate the lower clamp on the bottom of each
end support downward approximately 90 °.
3. With the front direction arrow label on the top
right side of the crossbar pointing toward the front of
the vehicle, carefully place the crossbar across the
top of the vehicle so that the crossbar end supports
rest on the top of the roof rails approximately 3
inches (76 mm) rearward from the seam (joint)
between the front roof rail support and the roof rail.
4. Rotate (raise) the lower clamp up to the bottom of
the roof rail and loosely tighten the T-30 torx head
screw with the torx wrench provided, through the
top of the end support and into the threaded insert
in the lower clamp on each end of the crossbar. NOTE It may be necessary to squeeze the lower clamp and the end support together to compress thepads and gain a better alignment of the pieces
while trying to start the screw. Use care not tocrossthread the screw in the insert.
5. Adjust the alignment of the crossbar on the roof
rails, and if available, use a T-30 torx
bit and
torque wrench and tighten the T-30 torx head
screws to 30 to 35 inch lbs. (3.4 to 4.0 N-m, 0.35 to
0.41 kg-m) of torque (or tighten securely with thetorx wrench provided).

Driving tips
8-23
– CONTINUED –
checked, and retightened if necessary to 35 inch
lbs. (4.0 N-m, 0.41 kg-m), as outlined in Step #5above. Trailer hitch (if equipped) The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class 1 rated
load. A maximum of
2,000 lbs. (906 kg) gross trailer
weight and a maximum of 200 lbs. (90 kg) gross
tongue weight are permissible for the trailer hitch.
When you tow a trailer, follow the instructions in the next section “Trailer towing ”.
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum weight specified
for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting inserious personal injuries. Permissible trailerweight changes depending on the situation.Refer to the next section “Trailer towing ” for
possible recommendations and limitations. Trailer brakes are required when the towing
load exceeds 1,000 lbs. (453 kg). Be sure yourtrailer has safety chains and that each chainwill hold the trailer ’s maximum gross weight.
Towing trailers without safety chains could create a traffic safety hazard if the trailer sepa- rates from the hitch due to coupling damageor hitch ball damage. Be sure to check the hitch pin and safety pin

Driving tips
8-24
for positive locking placement before towing a
trailer. If the ball mount comes off the hitch re-
ceiver, the trailer could get loose and create atraffic safety hazard.Use only the ball mount supplied with this
hitch. Use the hitch only as a weight carrying
hitch. Do not use with any type of weight dis- tributing hitch.
Connecting a trailer
1. Remove the receiver cover from the hitch receiv-
er tube. Then insert the ball mount into the hitch re- ceiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the hitch re-
ceiver tube so that the pin passes through the ballmount.
HB8018BA
3. Insert the safety pin into the hitch pin securely.
HB8019BA