steering SUBARU IMPREZA 2003 2.G User Guide

Instruments and controls
3-3
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The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position.
Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, pre-venting steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort
than usual to steer.

Instruments and controls
3-4
ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, cig-
arette lighter, etc.) can be used. ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started. START
The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is re-
leased (after the engine has started), the key auto-
matically returns to the “ON” position.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position while the engine is running.
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver ’s door
opens and the key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” posi-
tions. The chime stops when the key is removed
from the ignition switch.
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)
If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position
even when the selector lever is in the “P” position:
1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
2. Remove the cover under the steering column us-
ing a phillips screwdriver.

Instruments and controls
3-31
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cator light located on the switch lights up while the
outside mirror defogger is operating.
The defogger will automatically shut off after about
15 minutes. If the mirror clears before that time,
push the switch to turn it off. It also turns off when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK”
position. If defrosting or defogging is desired when
you restart your vehicle, you have to push the switch
to turn it on again. NOTE While the outside mirror defogger is operating, the rear window defogger also operates.
CAUTION
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not operate the defogger continuously for
any longer than necessary. Tilt steering wheel1. Adjust the seat position. Refer to the
“Front seat ”
section (chapter 1).
2. Push the tilt lock lever down.
3. Move the steering wheel to the desired level.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel inplace.
5. Make sure that the steering wheel is securelylocked by moving it up and down.

Instruments and controls
3-32
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel tilt position while driving. This may cause loss of vehicle
control and result in personal injury.Horn
To sound the horn, push the horn pad.

7
7-1
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Fuel 7-2
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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
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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
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Braking tips 7-22
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Brake system 7-22
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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
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Parking brake 7-26
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Parking tips 7-26
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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

Starting and operating
7-11
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Stopping the engine
The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the
power steering and the brake booster, makingsteering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the
“LOCK” position on the ignition switch, caus-
ing the steering wheel to lock. Manual transmission
The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed
5-forward and 1-reverse speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever knob.
When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first re-
turn the shift lever to the neutral position then shift
into reverse gear.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal,
move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the
clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission

Starting and operating
7-21
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Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (WRX)
The LSD provides optimum distribution of power ac-
cording to the difference in revolutions between the
right and left rear wheels that may be caused by
certain driving conditions, thereby improving driving
stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery
roads.
CAUTION
Never start the engine while a tire on one
side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid
continued spinning at high speed as thiscould adversely affect the LSD. If a different size rear tire is temporarily
used (as in an emergency), it will adversely af-fect the LSD. Always replace it with a regularsize tire as soon as possible. Power steering The power steering system operates only when the
engine is running.If you lose power steering assist because the en-gine stops or the system fails to function, you can
steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and be- fore it has warmed up, you may hear a noisecoming from areas adjacent to the power steer-
ing pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steering systemtrouble.
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully
locked position left or right for more than five
seconds. This may damage the power steer- ing pump.

Starting and operating
7-23
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much harder than normal and the braking distance
will increase. Disc brake pad wear warning indica- tors
The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the
disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake
pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, immediately have your
vehicle checked by your SUBARU dealer. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking
on slippery road surfaces. This helps prevent the
loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up.
When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a
chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates. The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driving
– over-
confidence because you are driving with an
ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to aserious accident.

Starting and operating
7-27
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When parking on a hill, always turn the steering
wheel. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the
front wheels should be turned away from the curb.When facing downhill, the front wheels should be
turned into the curb.
WARNING
Never leave unattended children or pets in
the vehicle. They could accidentally injure
themselves or others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny
days, the temperature in a closed vehiclecould quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to people. Do not park the vehicle over flammable ma-
terials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags,

Driving tips
8-9
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aid kit and portable phone or citizens band radio. Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by
driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. Slow down and employ extra caution at all times.
When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit
of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive
either straight up or straight down the slopes. A ve-
hicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it
can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down
slopes that are too steep. Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at
higher speeds. Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering
wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injureyour hands. Instead drive with your fingers andthumbs on the outside of the rim. If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and
ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and completely through the stream. The water
should be shallow enough that it does not reach the
vehicle’ s undercarriage. 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. Never attempt to drive through
rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash
away the ground from under your tires, resulting in
possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.
Always check your brakes for effectiveness im-
mediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do
this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake
pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry outthe brake discs and brake pads. Do not drive or park over or near flammable mate-
rials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may
burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the engine stops.
This could create a fire hazard. After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, pa-
per, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped
on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these ma-
terials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a
mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and
make certain that it is not piled higher than the seat-
backs. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured car-
go could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause
injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Thoseloads raise the vehicle ’s center of gravity and make