wheel SUBARU IMPREZA 2003 2.G Owner's Manual

Starting and operating
7-11
– CONTINUED –
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
7-13
– CONTINUED –
2.5 liter models (non-turbo)
mph (km/h)
RSTS, OUTBACK
1st29 (46)28 (45)
2nd48 (77)47 (75)
3rd68 (110)66 (106)
2.0 liter models (turbo)mph (km/h)
WRX
1st35 (56)
2nd61 (98)
3rd87 (140)
WARNING
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the
vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceedingthe Maximum Allowable Speed for the gearwhich is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine
over-revving and this in turn can result inengine damage.In addition, sudden application of engine
brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slip-pery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a
consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased.
Driving tips
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch ped- al and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade. Either of those actions maycause clutch damage.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever.This may cause wear on the transmission compo-nents.
When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to
slow traffic, turning corners, or driving up steep hills,
downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to

Starting and operating
7-16
With the brake pedal depressed, move the lever along the gate.Move the lever along the gate.
The selector lever has seven positions. P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is mechanically
locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first set the parking
brake fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not
hold the vehicle with only the transmission. A shift interlock function is employed in the automat-
ic transmission system to ensure safe starting of thevehicle.
To shift the selector lever from the
“P” to the any oth-
er position, you have to depress the brake pedal ful-ly when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is
started.
If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position
with the brake pedal depressed, refer to the “Shift
lock release ” section in this chapter.
R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the ve-
hicle completely then move the lever to the “R” posi-
tion.
N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled engine.
In this position the wheels and transmission are not
locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral;
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest
incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on.

Starting and operating
7-19
– CONTINUED –
NOTE
In order to prevent over-revving during decelera-
tion of the vehicle, the transmission will remain
in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle isin excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for
the gear to which the selector lever has beenmoved.
WARNING
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the
vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure toobserve this precaution can lead to engine
over-revving and this in turn can result inengine damage.In addition, sudden application of engine
brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slip- pery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a
consequence, control of the vehicle may belost and the risk of an accident increased.
Driving tips
Always apply the foot or parking brake when the
vehicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R”
position. Always set the parking brake when parking your
vehicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the trans-mission. Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on
an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1”
position. Use the brake instead.
The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the
vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away
from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indi-
cate a fault.
Shift lock release
If the selector lever does not move from the “P” posi-
tion with the brake pedal depressed and the ignitionswitch in the “ON” position, perform the following
steps:
To override the shift lock:
1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the
regular screwdriver.

Starting and operating
7-21
– CONTINUED –
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
– CONTINUED –
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
– CONTINUED –
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
8-2
New vehicle break-in driving –
the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are
dependent on how you handle and care for your ve-
hicle while it is new. Follow these instructions duringthe first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergen-
cy. Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration,
except in an emergency. Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or
when brake pads or brake linings are replaced withnew ones. Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Al-
ways accelerate gently until you reach the desired
speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as longas possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure
shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver ’s side. Low pressure will
increase tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in proper align-
ment. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Driving tips
8-6
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another coun-
try:Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer
to the “Fuel requirement ” section in chapter 7.)
Comply with all regulations and requirements of
each country. Driving tips for AWD vehicles
All wheel drive distributes the engine power to all
four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction
when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered
roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and rear wheels,
SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction dur-
ing acceleration and added engine braking forceduring deceleration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle
differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle
and it contains some features unique to AWD. For

Driving tips
8-7
– CONTINUED –
safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the
AWD system, you should keep the following tips inmind: 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 the door 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 9.
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 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.