change wheel SUBARU IMPREZA WRX 2005 2.G Owners Manual

3-2
Instruments and controls
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-31
Headlight flasher .............................................. 3-31
Daytime running light system (except U.S.-spec. WRX-STi) ......................... 3-32
Turn signal lever ........................................... 3-32
Illumination brightness control ................... 3-33
Illumination brightness control (WRX-STi) .................................................. 3-34
Headlight beam leveler (U.S.-spec. WRX-STi) ................................ 3-34
Parking light switch ..................................... 3-35
Fog light button (if equipped) ..................... 3-36
Wiper and washer ......................................... 3-36 Windshield wiper and washer switches ......... 3-38
Rear window wiper and washer switch – Wagon .......................................................... 3-40
Rear window defogger button ..................... 3-41
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) ........ 3-43
Intercooler water spray switch (WRX-STi) .................................................. 3-44
Mirrors ........................................................... 3-45 Inside mirror ...................................................... 3-45
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-48
Tilt steering wheel ........................................ 3-50
Horn ............................................................... 3-51

7-20
Starting and operating
lights and control dial are linked; when the dial is
turned to change the differential-action limiting factor
(front/rear torque-distribution ratio), the illumination
position of the indicator lights change accordingly.
Turn the dial forward to increase the differential-action
limiting factor. If the white line on the dial reaches the
frontmost position, the center differential will be almost
completely locked and the “LOCK” indicator light will come on.
Turn the dial rearward to reduce the differential-action
limiting factor. If the white line on the dial reaches the
rearmost position, the factor will be minimal and the
“ ” indicator light will come on.
y
Do not turn the control dial when a wheel slip-
page occurs. Wait until the wheelspin has been
brought under control or select the auto mode. y When the vehicle has been fitted with a tem-
porary spare tire or is to be towed, turn the con-
trol dial fully rearward (to minimize the differen-
tial-action limiting factor) or select the auto
UG7035BA
UG7036BA

8-34
Driving tips
F: Front of vehicle
The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution
of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with
more weight in the back than in the front; approximate-
ly 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front
and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distrib-
ute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and
right sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a
change in weight distribution while driving.
If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load
is taken off the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to skid, espe-
cially during braking or when vehicle speed is
reduced during cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
„ Trailer hitches
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
Never drill the frame or under-body of your ve-
hicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you
do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may
enter the passenger compartment through the
drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon mon-
oxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is
dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drill-
ing the frame or under-body of your vehicle
could cause deterioration of strength of your
vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled
hole.
F
60% 40% 50%
50%
HS8021BB

8-38
Driving tips
when towing a trailer and you should never
speed. You should also keep the following tips
in mind:
T Before starting out on a trip
y Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-hitch mount-
ing are in good condition. If any problems are appar-
ent, do not tow the trailer. y Check that the vehicle sits horizontally with the trail-
er 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 con-
firm that the load and its distribution are acceptable.y Check that the tire pressures are correct.
y 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 properly
and trailer’s brake lights illuminate when the vehi-
cle’s brake pedal is pressed, and that the trailer’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 position.
– the side mirrors provide a good rearward field of view without a significant blind spot.
y 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. T Driving with a trailer
y You should allow for considerably more stopping
distance when towing a trailer. Avoid sudden braking
because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and
loss of control. y 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 en-
gine revolution. y Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and rapid lane
changes. y Slow down before turning. Make a longer than nor-
mal 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. y Crosswinds will adversely affect the handling of
your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Crosswinds
can be due to weather conditions or the passing of
large tracks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the
steering wheel and slow down immediately but gradu-
ally. y When passing other vehicles, considerable dis-

11 -5 3
Maintenance and service
– CONTINUED –
After driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km),
check the wheel nuts again and retighten any nut that
has become loose. „Tire replacement
The wheels and tires are important and integral parts
of your vehicle’s design; they cannot be changed arbi-
trarily. The tires fitted as standard equipment are opti-
mally matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and
were selected to give the best possible combination of
running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It
is essential for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire placard and to
have a speed symbol and load index matching those
shown on the tire placard.
Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from con-
trollability, ride comfort, braking performance, speed-
ometer accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also cre-
ates incorrect body-to-tire clearances and inappropri-
ately changes the vehicle’s ground clearance.
All four tires must be the same in terms of manufactur-
er, brand (tread pattern), construction, and size. You
are advised to replace the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equipment.
For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU recommends re- placing all four tires at the same time.
y
All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construc-
tion, degree of wear, speed symbol, load index
and size. Mixing tires of different types, sizes or
degrees of wear can result in damage to vehi-
cle’s power train. Use of different types or sizes
of tires can also dangerously reduce controlla-
bility and braking performance and can lead to
an accident.y Use only radial tires. Do not use radial tires
together with belted bias tires and/or bias-ply
tires. Doing so can dangerously reduce control-
lability, resulting in an accident.
„ Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example, to damage,
make sure the replacement wheels match the specifi-
cations of the wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available from
SUBARU dealers.

11 - 5 4
Maintenance and service
Use only those wheels that are specified for
your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-
tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub against the
wheel well housing during turns. The resulting
loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
NOTE
When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, alwayscheck the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving
approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is
loose, tighten it to the specified torque.
Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety. y
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 approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque.y Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel.y Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs. y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the
wheel.y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.

12-2
Specifications
SpecificationsSpecifications
These specifications are subject to change without notice. „
Dimensions
in (mm)
*1: Measured with vehicle empty
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission
ItemSedanWagon
2.5-liter
non-turbo2.0-liter turbo2.5-liter turbo2.5-liter non-turbo2.0-liter turbo
RS, RS sport packageWRXWRX-STiRSOUTBACK SPORTWRX
Drive systemAWD
Transmission typeATMTATMTMTATMTATMTATMT
Overall length173.8 (4,415)
Overall widthSedan68.5 (1,740)–
Wagon–66.7 (1,695)67.3 (1,710)66.7 (1,695)
Overall heightWithout
roofrail56.7 (1,440)56.3
(1,430)57.7 (1,465)58.1 (1,475)57.7 (1,465)
With roofrail–58.5 (1,485)58.9 (1,495)58.5 (1,485)
Wheel base99.4 (2,525)100
(2,540)99.4 (2,525)
TreadFront58.5 (1,485)58.7
(1,490)57.7 (1,465)57.5 (1,460)57.7 (1,465)
Rear58.1 (1,475)58.3 (1,480)58.9
(1,495)57.3 (1,455)
Ground clearance *15.9 (150)6.1 (155)5.7 (145)5.9 (150)6.3 (160)6.1 (155)