weight SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2003 2.G Owner's Manual

Driving tips
8-33
– CONTINUED –
CAUTION
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system,
brake system, or other systems when instal- ling a hitch or other trailer towing equipment. Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they
can cause damage to the axle housing, wheelbearings, wheels or tires.
WAGON including OUTBACK SPORT
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recom-
mended. A genuine SUBARU hitch is available from
your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure
the hitch is suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult
with a professional hitch supplier to assist you in
choosing an appropriate hitch for your vehicle. Be
sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer ’s instruc-
tions for installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bum-
per. The bumper is not designed to handle that typeof load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the
hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tight.
SEDAN
SUBARU does not offer accessory trailer hitches. Consult with a professional hitch supplier to assist
you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your ve-
hicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer
’s
instructions for installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bum-
per. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and
nuts are tight.
Connecting a trailer
Trailer brakes
If your trailer ’s total weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) exceeds 1,000 lbs (453 kg), the trailer
is required to be equipped with its own brake sys-
tem. Electric brakes or surge brakes are recom-
mended, and must be installed properly. Check thatyour trailer ’s brakes conform with Federal, state/
province and/or other applicable regulations. Your
SUBARU’ s brake system is not designed to be
tapped into the trailer ’s hydraulic brake system.
Please ask your SUBARU dealer and professional
trailer supplier for more information about the trail-er’ s brake system.

Driving tips
8-34
WARNING
Adequate size trailer brakes are required
when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. Do not directly connect your trailer ’s
hydraulic brake system to the hydraulic brake
system in your vehicle. Direct connectionwould cause the vehicle ’s brake performance
to deteriorate and could lead to an accident.
Trailer safety chains
In case the trailer hitch connector or hitch ball
should break or become disconnected, the trailer
could get loose and create a traffic safety hazard.
For safety, always connect the towing vehicle and
trailer with trailer safety chains. Pass the chains
crossing each other under the trailer tongue to pre-
vent the trailer from dropping onto the ground in
case the trailer tongue should disconnect from the
hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the chains taking
tight-turn situations into account; however, be care-
ful not to let them drag on the ground.
For more information about the safety chain connec-
tion, refer to the instructions for your hitch and trailer.
WARNING
Always use safety chains between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. Towing a trailer withoutsafety chains could create a traffic safety haz-ard if the trailer separates from the hitch due to coupling damage or hitch ball damage.
Side mirrors
After hitching a trailer to your vehicle, check that the
standard side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without significant blind spots. If significant blind spots occur with the vehicle ’s standard side
mirrors, use towing mirrors that conform with Fed-

Driving tips
8-36
safety’s sake, you should employ extra cau-
tion when towing a trailer and you should
never speed. You should also keep the follow-ing tips in mind:
Before starting out on a trip
Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are
apparent, do not tow the trailer. Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the
trailer attached. If the vehicle is tipped sharply up at
the front and down at the rear, check the total trailer
weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then
confirm that the load and its distribution are accept-able. Check that the tire pressures are correct.
Check that the vehicle and trailer are connected
properly. Confirm that
–the trailer tongue is connected properly to the
hitch ball.– the trailer lights connector is connected prop-
erly and trailer ’s brake lights illuminate when the
vehicle’ s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trail-
er’ s turn signal lights flash when the vehicle ’s turn
signal lever is operated.– the safety chains are connected properly. –
all cargo in the trailer is secured safety in posi-
tion.– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of
view without a significant blind spot.
Sufficient time should be taken to learn the “feel”
of the vehicle/trailer combination before starting out
on a trip. In an area free of traffic, practice turning, stopping and backing up.
Driving with a trailer
You should allow for considerably more stopping
distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing because it may result in skidding or jackknifing
and loss of control. Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accelerations. If
your vehicle has a manual transmission, always start
out in first gear and release the clutch at moderate
engine revolution. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes. Slow down before turning. Make a longer than
normal turning radius because the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. In a tight turn, the trailer could hit your vehicle. Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswindscan be due to weather conditions or the passing of

Driving tips
8-37
– CONTINUED –
large trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and slow down immediately but
gradually.When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-
tance is required because of the added weight and
length caused by attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
1) Left turn 2) Right turn
Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes
practice. When backing up with a trailer, never
accelerate or steer rapidly. When turning back, gripthe bottom of the steering wheel with one hand and
turn it to the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right for a right turn.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is in motion, stop towing the trailer and have
repairs performed immediately by the nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Driving on grades
Before going down a steep hill, slow down and
shift into lower gear (if necessary, use 1st gear) in
order to utilize the engine braking effect and prevent
overheating of your vehicle ’s brakes. Do not make
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.

Maintenance and service
11-50
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their ap-
pearance, performance, and safety. When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approxi-mately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque. Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts,
or tapered surface of the wheel. Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions
or curbs. Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and com-
pletely around the tire, otherwise the chains mayscratch the wheel. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genu-
ine SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels. Windshield washer fluid
Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop.
If the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the
reservoir. Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer
fluid is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-
freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it is diluted,
as indicated below.

Index
14-5
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) 8-17. . . . . . . . . . . .
Glovebox 6-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ) 8-17 . . . . . . . .
H
Hazard warning flasher 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlights 3-16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headrest adjustment (Wagon) 1-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head restraint adjustment (Front) 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater operation 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High beam indicator light 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High mount stop light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hose and connections 11-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Ignition switch 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated entry 2-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination brightness control 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside mirror 3-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light High beam 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift position 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Internal trunk lid release handle 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J
Jack and jack handle 9-24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump starting 9-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
KKey Interlock release 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number 2-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reminder chime 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 2-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Leather seat materials 10-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light control switch 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited slip differential (LSD) 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loading your vehicle 8-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LSD (Limited slip differential) 7-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Main fuse 11-59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance
Precautions 11-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule 11-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tools 9-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt 1-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index
14-8
Storage compartments 6-5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sun visors 6-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) 1-42
Synthetic leather upholstery 10-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T
Tachometer 3-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temperature gauge 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Temporary spare tire 9-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tie-down hooks 9-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tilt steering wheel 3-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 8-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressures and wear 11-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement 11-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotation 11-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 12-5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types 11-41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires and wheels 11-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Top tether anchorages 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 9-18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat-bed truck 9-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All wheels on the ground 9-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Hitch 8-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches 8-32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing
8-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing tips 8-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk lid 2-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release handle 2-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk light 11-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal Indicator lights 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever 3-18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U
Under-floor storage compartment 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . .
V
Valet mode 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vanity mirror 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Capacity weight 8-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification 12-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbols 4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ventilator 4-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W
Warning and indicator lights 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning lights ABS 3-13
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anti-lock Brake system 3-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .