transmission oil SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2002 2.G Owners Manual

Instruments and controls
3-12
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)

Starting and operating
7-26
running, the parking brake warning light comes on.
After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning
light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Referto the “Warning and indicator lights ” section (chap-
ter 3).
When parking your vehicle, always set the parking
brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for
an upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a downgrade for
manual transmission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park)
position for automatic transmission vehicles. Always
set the parking brake firmly when parking your ve-
hicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
HG7006AA
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.
HG7007AA
When facing downhill, the front wheels should be
turned into the curb.
CAUTION
If your vehicle has a front underspoiler and rear underspoiler (both optional), pay atten-tion to blocks and other obstructions on the ground when parking. The underspoilers could be damaged by contact with them.

Driving tips
8-10
it more prone to tip over. If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or
mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and
move the selector lever back and forth between “D”
and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the
best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels
when trying to free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely slippery, you
can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle withthe transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and
AT). Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than
those specified in this manual. Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-
driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads
will necessitate more frequent replacement of engine
oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified
in the maintenance schedule described in the “War -
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Remember that damage done to your Subaru while
operating it off-road and not using common sense
precautions such as those listed above is not eligi-ble for warranty coverage. Winter driving
HG8001AA

Operation during cold weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire
chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, asmall shovel, and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures
reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in
good condition to provide enough power for cold
winter starts.
Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for
cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder
starting.

Driving tips
8-37
– CONTINUED –
sudden downshifts. When driving uphill in hot weather, the air condi-
tioner may turn off automatically to protect the
engine from overheating. When driving uphill in hot weather, pay attention to
the water temperature gauge pointer (for all
vehicles) and AT OIL TEMP warning light (for AT
vehicles) since the engine and transmission are rel-
atively prone to overheating under these conditions.
If the water temperature gauge pointer approaches
the OVERHEAT zone or the AT OIL TEMP warning
light illuminates, immediately switch off the air condi-
tioner and stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place. Refer to the “Engine overheat ” section in chapter 9,
and “Warning and indicator lights ” section in chap-
ter 3. If your vehicle has a automatic transmission, avoid
using the accelerator pedal to stay stationary on an
uphill slope instead of using the parking brake or
foot brake. That may cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Also, if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, avoid driving with the gearselector lever in “D” when towing a heavy trailer to
prevent fluid overheating.
Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. You should not park on a hill or slope. But if parkingon a hill or slope cannot be avoided, you shouldtake the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under boththe vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release the
regular brakes slowly until the blocks absorb theload.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then apply the
parking brake; slowly release the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (manual transmis- sion) or
“P” (automatic transmission) and shut off the
engine.

In case of emergency
9-19
– CONTINUED –
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with safety chains. Each of safety chain should be
equally tightened and care must be taken not to pull
the chains so tightly that the suspension bottomsout.
CAUTION
If your vehicle has a front underspoiler and rear underspoiler (both optional), be carefulnot to scrape them when placing the vehicleon the carrier and when removing the vehicle
from the carrier.
Towing with all wheels on the ground
HG9001AA
1. Check the transmission and differential oil levels
and add oil to bring it to the upper level if necessary.
2. Release the parking brake and put the transmis-sion in neutral.
3. The ignition switch should be in the “ACC” posi-
tion while the vehicle is being towed.
4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position while the vehicle is being towed be-
cause the steering wheel and the direction ofthe wheels will be locked. Remember that the brake booster and pow-
er steering do not function when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off,
it will take greater effort to operate the brakepedal and steering wheel.

11
11-1
– CONTINUED –
Maintenance schedule 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance precautions 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine hood 11-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment overview 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.5 liter model 11-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 liter (Turbo) model 11-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil 11-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the oil and oil filter 11-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-11 . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system 11-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hose and connections 11-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant 11-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air cleaner element 11-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the air cleaner element 11-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark plugs 11-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended spark plugs 11-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive belts 11-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission oil 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the oil level 11-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission fluid 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) 11-26 . . . . . Checking the oil level 11-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-26 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear differential gear oil 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the gear oil level 11-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended grade and viscosity 11-28 . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended fluid 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended brake fluid 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the fluid level 11-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended clutch fluid 11-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pedal 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal free play 11-33 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance 11-34 . .
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch function 11-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the clutch pedal free play 11-35 . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement of brake pad and lining 11-35 . . . . . . . .
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings 11-36 . . .
Parking brake stroke 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 11-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire inspection 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressures and wear 11-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance and service

Maintenance and service
11-7
– CONTINUED –
Engine compartment overview 2.5 liter model
HGB004BB
1) Manual transmission oil level gauge
(MT) (page 11-23) or Differential
gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-26)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11-18)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-31)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-24)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-46)
7) Fuse box (page 11-51)
8) Battery (page 11-50)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

Maintenance and service
11-8
2.0 liter (Turbo) model
HGB005BB
1) Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-23)
2) Air cleaner element (page
11-18)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page
11-31)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-30)
5) Windshield washer tank (page 11-46)
6) Fuse box (page 11-51)
7) Battery (page 11-50)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page
11-14)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-29)
1110

Maintenance and service
11-23
– CONTINUED –
Manual transmission oil Checking the oil level
Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and stop theengine.
HGB001DB
Non-turbo model
1) Yellow handle
HGB001JA
Turbo model
HGB034BB
1) Upper level 2) Lower level

Maintenance and service
11-24
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and insert it again.
3. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level
on it. If it is below the lower level, add oil through thedipstick hole to bring the level up to the upper level. Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base oils and ad-
ditives. Never use different brands together.
Oil grade: API classification GL-5
OM-H0205
SAE viscosity No. and Applicable
Temperature Automatic transmission fluid
Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands largely as
its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according
to fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two differ-ent scales for checking the level of hot fluid andcold fluid on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without
warming up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we rec-
ommend checking the fluid level when the fluid is at
operating temperature.
Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
Check the fluid level monthly.
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the tem-
perature of the transmission fluid up to normal oper-
ating temperature; 140 to 176 °F (60 to 80 °C) is nor-
mal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set theparking brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at id-
ling speed.