warning light SUBARU IMPREZA 2003 2.G Owner's Manual

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
3-13
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CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the oil pres- sure warning light on. This may cause serious engine damage.
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid
temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary
to stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep
grades or in stop and go traffic.
Automatic transmission control system warn- ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system
is not working properly. Contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after about two seconds.This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.
CAUTION
If the warning light behaves as follows, the
ABS system may not work properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS func-
tion shuts down; however, the conventional
brake system continues to operate normally.
The warning light does not come on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion. The warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON” position, but
it does not go out even when the vehiclespeed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as shown below, the ABS system may be considered normal.
(U.S.) (Canada)

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)

Instruments and controls
3-15
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Always make sure this light is out before you start to drive. Front-wheel drive warning light
(for AT vehicles – if equipped)
This light comes on when All Wheel Drive is disen-
gaged and the drive mechanism is switched to FrontWheel Drive for maintenance or similar purposes. Shift position indicator (AT vehicles)
This indicator shows the position of the shift lever. Turn signal indicator lights
These lights show the operation of the turn signal or
lane change signal.
If the indicator lights do not blink or blink rapidly, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out. Replace thebulb as soon as possible. Refer to the “Replacing
bulbs” section in chapter 11.
High beam indicator light
This light shows that the headlights are in the highbeam mode.This indicator light also comes on when the head-
light flasher is operated. Clock
1) “S”
button
2) “H” button 3) “M”
button
To set the hour, press the “H” button. To set the min-
utes, press the “M” button. To reset the minutes the
“00” with a radio time signal, push the “S” button.
CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to set the
time while driving, as an accident from inade-quate attention to the road could result.

Instruments and controls
3-16
Light control switchThe light switch operates only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
WARNING
To prevent battery discharge resulting from
accidentally leaving your lights on when your
vehicle is parked, the light switch operatesonly when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position. In any other position, the vehicle ’s
lights will be out.
If you park your vehicle on a roadside at night,use the hazard warning flasher to alert theother drivers.
Headlights
To turn on the headlights, turn the knob on the end
of the turn signal lever.
first position
Parking lights, instrument panel illumination, tail
lights and license plate light are on.
second position
Headlights, parking lights, instrument panel illumina-
tion, tail lights, and license plate light are on.

Instruments and controls
3-18
CAUTION
Do not hold the lever in the flashing position for more than just a few seconds.
Daytime running light system
The low beam headlights will automatically come on
at reduced brightness when the engine has started,
under the following conditions: The parking brake is fully released.
The light switch is in the “OFF” or “p ” position.
The automatic transmission selector lever is set at
other than the “P” position.
WARNING
The tail lights, parking lights, and side marker
lights are not turned on by the daytime run-ning light system. The light switch must al-ways be turned to the “a ” position when it
is dark outside. Turn signal lever
1) Right turn
2) Left turn
3) Lane change for right
4) Lane change for left
To activate the right turn signal, push the turn signal
lever up. To activate the left turn signal, push the
turn signal lever down. When the turn is finished, the
lever will return automatically. If the lever does not
return after cornering, return the lever to the neutralposition by hand.
To signal a lane change, push the turn signal lever

Climate control
4-6
(Outside air): Outside air is drawn into the
passenger compartment.
WARNING
Continued operation in the position may
fog up the windows. Switch to the posi-
tion as soon as the outside dusty condition clears.
Heater operation
Defrosting or defogging the windshield
To direct warm air to the windshield and front door windows:
1. Set the air inlet selection lever to the “
”
position.
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 “
” or “” position is selected, the
air conditioner compressor automatically operates
regardless of the position of the air conditioner but-
ton to defog the windshield quickly.
However, the air conditioner indicator light does not
come on at this time. 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.

Interior equipment
6-10
lighter plug. Do not use non-genuine cigarette lighter plugs in the socket. Doing so may
cause a short-circuit and overheating, result-ing in a fire.If the socket is ever used for a plug-in ac-
cessory such as a mobile phone, that may
damage the portion of the socket ’s internal
mechanism that causes a cigarette lighter plug to “pop out ” after its lighter element is
heated. Therefore, do not place a cigarettelighter plug in a socket that has been used,
even once, to power a plug-in accessory. Do- ing so may cause the plug to stick and over- heat, creating a potential fire hazard. Do not place any foreign objects, especially
metal ones such as coins or aluminum foil,into the socket. That could cause a short cir-cuit.
Use with a cigarette lighter
The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” and “ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the knob andwait a few moments. It will automatically spring up
when ready for use.
WARNING
To avoid being burned, never grasp the lighter
by the end with the heating element. Doing so
could result in injury and could also damage the heating element.

7
7-1
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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