coolant level SUBARU IMPREZA 2003 2.G Owners Manual

Starting and operating
7-8
mination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness moni-
tors are complete. A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL is not properly operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes
stored in vehicle ’s computer with the “CHECK
ENGINE ” warning light/MIL illuminated.
A state emission inspection may reject (not pass
or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readi- ness monitors “Not Ready ” is greater than three.
Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to
set the monitors and return for an emission re-in-spection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should con-
tact their Subaru Dealer for service. Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fullyclosed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside
mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passen-gers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”
position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights
after starting the engine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer
fluid and other fluid levels should be checked
daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

In case of emergency
9-18
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is
not turning, immediately turn the engine off and con-
tact your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has
dropped, turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add
coolant up to the “FULL” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add
coolant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radia- tor cap and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator,
first wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then
turn the cap counterclockwise slowly without press-
ing down until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been fully re-
leased, remove the cap by pressing down and turn-ing it. Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your
SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service.
Observe the following procedures for safety.
WARNING
Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with the front wheels raised off the groundwhile the rear wheels are on the ground, orwith the rear wheels raised off the groundwhile the front wheels are on the ground. This

11
11-1
– CONTINUED –
Maintenance schedule 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance precautions 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine hood 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 liter model 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 liter (Turbo) model 11-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the oil and oil filter 11-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Synthetic oil 11-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling fan, hose and connections 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the air cleaner element 11-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended spark plugs 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission oil 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-29
. . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the gear oil level 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended brake fluid 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended clutch fluid 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal free play 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance 11-37 . .
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch function 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch pedal free play 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-39 . . . . . . . .
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings 11-39 . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance and service

Maintenance and service
11-8
Engine compartment overview 2.5 liter model
1) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-25) or Differential
gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-29)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11-20)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-35)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-27)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-34)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-50)
7) Fuse box (page 11-56)
8) Battery (page 11-54)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-10)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-16)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-16)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-10)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-32)

Maintenance and service
11-9
– CONTINUED –
2.0 liter (Turbo) model
1) Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-25) or
Differential gear oil level gauge
(AT) (page 11-29)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11-20)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page
11-35)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-27)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page
11-34)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-50)
7) Fuse box (page 11-56)
8) Battery (page 11-54)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-10)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page
11-16)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-10)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-16)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-32)

Maintenance and service
11-16
Do not splash the engine coolant over
painted parts. The alcohol contained in the en- gine coolant may damage the paint surface.
Cooling fan, hose and connections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which
is thermostatically controlled to operate when the
engine coolant reaches a specific temperature.If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even
when the engine coolant temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the normal operating range, the cooling fan
circuit may be defective. Check the fuse and re-
place it if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, havethe cooling system checked by your SUBARU deal-
er.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there
may be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is rec-
ommended that the cooling system and connectionsbe checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
Engine coolant
Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the res-ervoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW”
level mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” level mark.
If the reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap
and refill as required.

Maintenance and service
11-18
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is underpressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is removed.
4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
Turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill to the radiator fill-
er neck. Do not pour the coolant too quickly, as this
may lead to insufficient air bleeding and trapped airin the system.

Maintenance and service
11-19
– CONTINUED –
Guideline of coolant quantity (including coolant in reser- voir tank):
Non-turbo models: MT. 7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
AT. 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
Turbo models: MT. 8.1 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt)
AT. 8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt)
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill engine coolant when
adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire. Do not splash the engine coolant over
painted parts. The alcohol contained in the en-gine coolant may damage the paint surface.
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank ’s
“FULL” level mark.
1) Rubber gaskets
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At

Maintenance and service
11-20
this time, make sure that the rubber gasket in the ra-
diator cap is correctly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than five min-utes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant coolsdown (122 to 140°F [50 to 60 °C]). If there is any loss
of coolant, add coolant to the radiator ’s filler neck
and to the reserve tank ’s “FULL” level.
10. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on
and tighten firmly. Air cleaner element
The air cleaner element functions as a filter screen.
When the element is perforated or removed, engine
wear will be excessive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is un-
necessary to clean or wash the element.
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner
element removed. The air cleaner element notonly filters intake air but also stops flames ifthe engine backfires. If the air cleaner elementis not installed when the engine backfires, youcould be burned.
Replacing the air cleaner element
Non-turbo models
Replace the air cleaner element according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet ”. Under extremely dusty conditions,
replace it more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts.

Index
14-4
Door locks 2-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door open warning lights 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
Drinking 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drugs 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign countries 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile phone 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pets 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tired or sleepy 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips 7-13, 8-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Snowy and icy roads 8-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E
Electrical system 12-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) 1-14 . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Compartment overview 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) 8, 8-3 . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood 11-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil 11-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 9-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior care 10-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F
Flat tires
9-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floor mat 6-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid level Automatic transmission 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 11-34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch 11-35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light switch 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding down the rear seat 1-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fore and aft adjustment 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Differential gear oil 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog light 11-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt pretensioners 1-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side marker light 11-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal light and parking light 11-64 . . . . . . . . . .
Front-wheel drive warning light 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economy hints 8-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filler lid and cap 7-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gauge 3-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirements 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses 11-56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and circuits 12-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .