check engine light SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 2012 User Guide

Black plate (139,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
NOTE. If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system itself mal-
functions, only this particular warning
light illuminates. Under these circum-
stances, the ABS (Anti-lock Brake
System) remains fully operational.
. The warning light illuminates when
the electronic control system of the
ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
malfunctions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably inoperative under any of the
following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
. The warning light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position.
. The warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is running.NOTEIf the warning light behavior is as
described in the following examples,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
may be considered to be operating
normally.
. The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns off
immediately and remains off.
. The warning light illuminates after the engine has started and turns off
while the vehicle is subsequently being
driven.
.
The warning light illuminates during
driving, but turns off immediately and
remains off.
! Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
The indicator light flashes during activa-
tion of the skid suppression function and
during activation of the traction control
function.
NOTE. The light may remain illuminated for
a short period of time after the engine
has been started, especially in cold
weather. This does not indicate the
existence of a problem. The light
should turn off as soon as the engine
has warmed up.
. The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the follow-
ing condition. Have your vehicle checked
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
. The light does not turn off even after
the engine has warmed up for several minutes after it was started.
&
Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF indicator
light/Traction Control
OFF indicator light (STI)
This light has the function of indicating the
following conditions.
.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system
has been deactivated (all models).
. Only the Traction control system has
been deactivated (STI).
The light illuminates under the following
conditions.
. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system
is not operating (all models).
. Only the Traction Control system is not
operating (STI).
STI:
This light illuminates in yellow for approxi-
mately 1 second when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON”position. After that,
the light changes to green and remains
illuminated in green for 1 second, and then
turns off. It indicates that the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system is operating
normally.
Instruments and controls
3-21
– CONTINUED –
3

Black plate (140,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
3-22
Instruments and controls
The indicator light shows the activated/deactivated conditions as follows.
Activated/deactivated status for each function
Traction Control Vehicle Dynamics
Control system ABS
Indicator light Turn off Activated Activated Activated
(Illuminates in
green)* Deactivated Activated Activated(Illuminates in
yellow) Deactivated Deactivated
Activated
*: STI only
For details about the Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, refer to
“Vehicle Dynamics Control system ”F 7-28. !
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF in-
dicator light (yellow)
. This light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF switch is pressed
(except STI).
. This light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control mode switch is pressed
for more than 2 seconds (STI).
. The light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system is deactivated.
NOTE. The light may remain illuminated for
a while after the engine has been
started, especially in cold weather. This
does not indicate the existence of a
problem. The light should turn off as
soon as the engine has warmed up.
. The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the follow-
ing conditions. Have your vehicle checked
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
. The light does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON ”
position.
. The light does not turn off even after
the lapse of several minutes (the engine

Black plate (142,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
3-24
Instruments and controls
&
Turn signal indicator
lights
These lights show the operation of the turn
signal or lane change signal.
If the indicator lights do not blink or blink
rapidly, the turn signal bulb may be burned
out. Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Refer to “Replacing bulbs ”F 11-39.&
High beam indicator
light
This light shows that the headlights are in
the high beam mode.
This indicator light also illuminates when
the headlight flasher is operated.&
Cruise control indica-
tor light
This light illuminates when the “CRUISE”
main switch is pressed to activate the
cruise control function.NOTE. If you press the “CRUISE ”main
switch button while turning the ignition
switch “ON ”, the cruise control func-
tion is deactivated and the cruise
control indicator light flashes. To re-
activate the cruise control function,
turn the ignition switch back to the “
Acc ”or “LOCK ”position, and then
turn it again to the “ON ”position.
. If this indicator light and the CHECK
ENGINE warning light/malfunction in-
dicator light flash simultaneously dur-
ing driving, have the vehicle checked
by your nearest SUBARU dealer.
&
Cruise control set in-
dicator light
This light illuminates when vehicle speed
has been set to use the cruise control
function.&
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates while the
front fog lights are illuminated.&
Headlight indicator
light
This indicator light illuminates when the
headlight switch is placed in the “
”or
“
” position.
& Driver ’s control center differ-
ential auto indicator light
(STI)This light functions while the ignition
switch is “ON ”. When illuminated, it
indicates that the driver ’s control center
differential is set to the auto mode. It turns
off when the driver ’s control center differ-
ential is set to the manual mode. For
details, refer to “Driver’s Control Center
Differential (DCCD) (STI) ”F 7-18.
! Driver ’s control center dif-
ferential auto [+] indicator
lightWhen the AUTO [+] mode is set, the
AUTO [+] indicator light illuminates.
For details, refer to “Driver ’s Control
Center Differential (DCCD) (STI) ”F 7-18.

Black plate (7,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 2
Ventilator .............................................................. 4-2
Airflow selection ................................................. 4-2
Center and side ventilators .................................. 4-3
Manual climate control system (if
equipped) .......................................................... 4-3
Control panel ...................................................... 4-3
Heater operation ................................................. 4-5
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-7
Automatic climate control system (if
equipped) .......................................................... 4-8
Control panel ...................................................... 4-8
To use as full-automatic climate control system .............................................................. 4-8
To use as semi-automatic climate control system .............................................................. 4-8
Fan speed control dial ......................................... 4-9
Temperature control dial ...................................... 4-9
Airflow control dial .............................................. 4-9
Air inlet selection button .................................... 4-10 Air conditioner button
........................................ 4-11
Temperature sensors ......................................... 4-11
Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner ...................................................... 4-12
Cleaning ventilation grille ................................... 4-12
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight ........................................................... 4-12
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit .............................................................. 4-12
Checking air conditioning system before summer season ............................................................ 4-12
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions ................. 4-12
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded .............................................. 4-13
Refrigerant for your climate control system ... ..... 4-13
Air filtration system........................................... 4-13
Replacing an air filter ......................................... 4-13
Climate control
4

Black plate (180,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
4-12
Climate control
properly and become damaged, the sys-
tem may not be able to control the interior
temperature correctly. To avoid damaging
the sensors, observe the following pre-
cautions.
– Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows.
– Solar sensor: beside the windshield
defroster grille.
– Interior air temperature sensor: near
the ignition switch.
– Outside temperature sensor: behind
the front grille.
Operating tips for heater and
air conditioner& Cleaning ventilation grilleAlways keep the front ventilation inlet grille
free of snow, leaves, or other obstructions
to ensure efficient heating and defrosting.
Since the condenser is located in front of
the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired
by any accumulation of insects and leaves
on the condenser.&Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlightAfter parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to
allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency.
&
Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuitOperate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.&Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
sonCheck the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Have the air con-
ditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.&Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditionsUnder certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning

Black plate (13,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 2
Fuel ...................................................................... 7-3
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-8
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-9
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-10
Remote engine start system (dealer option) .............................................................. 7-10
Starting your vehicle .......................................... 7-10
Remote start safety features ............................... 7-11
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-11
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-11
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-11
Service mode ..................................................... 7-11
Remote engine start transmitter programming and programmable feature option ..................... 7-12
System maintenance .......................................... 7-12
Manual transmission –6 speeds (STI) ............. 7-14
Selecting reverse gear ........................................ 7-15
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-15
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-16
Manual transmission –5 speeds (except
STI) ................................................................... 7-16
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-17
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-17
Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD)
(STI) .................................................................. 7-18
To change mode of driver ’s control center
differential ....................................................... 7-18
Auto mode ........................................................ 7-19
Manual mode ..................................................... 7-20
Temporary release ............................................. 7-21
SI-DRIVE (STI).................................................... 7-22
Intelligent (I) mode ............................................. 7-22
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-22
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-23
SI-DRIVE selector .............................................. 7-23
Limited slip differential (LSD) (STI) .................. 7-24
Power steering ................................................... 7-24
Braking ............................................................... 7-24
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-24
Brake system .................................................... 7-25
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-25
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-26
ABS system self-check...................................... 7-26
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-26
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system ............................................................. 7-26
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions ..... ..... 7-27
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-28
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor..... ..... 7-29
Vehicle Dynamics Control mode switch (STI) . ..... 7-29
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch (except STI) ................................................................. 7-30
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(U.S.-spec. models). ........................................ 7-32
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-33
Starting and operating
7

Black plate (254,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
7-4
Starting and operating
system performance may deteriorate and
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-
function indicator light may turn on. If this
happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is
determined that the condition is caused
by the type of fuel used, repairs may not
be covered by your warranty.
! Gasoline for cleaner air
Your use of gasoline with detergent
additives will help prevent deposits from
forming in your engine and fuel system.
This helps keep your engine in tune and
your emission control system working
properly, and is a way of doing your part
for cleaner air. If you continuously use a
high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never
need to add any fuel system cleaning
agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with
materials called oxygenates. Use of these
fuels can also help keep the air cleaner.
Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol
(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in
your vehicle, but should contain no more
than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are
now producing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. SUBARU approves the use of
reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains,
you should ask your service station
operators if their gasolines contain deter-
gents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emis-
sions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels
suited for your vehicle as explained in the
following description.
.
Fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that specified
in this manual.
. Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is
sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline.
Methanol can be used in your vehicle
ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel
mixture ANDif it is accompanied by
sufficient quantities of the proper cosol-
vents and corrosion inhibitors required to
prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not
use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT
under these conditions.
. If undesirable driveability problems are
experienced and you suspect they may be
fuel related, try a different brand of gaso-
line before seeking service at your
SUBARU dealer.
. Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the use of
improper fuel are not covered under the
SUBARU Limited Warranty.
CAUTION
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be sure
to wipe off any spilled fuel quickly.
Paint damage caused by spilled fuel
is not covered under the SUBARU
Limited Warranty.&
Fuel filler lid and cap! Refueling
Only one person should be involved in
refueling. Do not allow others to approach
the area of the vehicle near the fuel filler
pipe while refueling is in progress.
Be sure to observe any other precautions
that are posted at the service station.

Black plate (256,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
7-6
Starting and operating
3. Set the fuel filler cap on the cap holder
inside the fuel filler lid.
WARNING
. When refueling, insert the fuel
nozzle securely into the fuel filler
pipe. If the nozzle is lifted or not
fully inserted, its automatic stop-
ping mechanism may not func-
tion, causing fuel to overflow the
tank and creating a fire hazard. .
Stop refueling when the auto-
matic stop mechanism on the
fuel nozzle activates. If you con-
tinue to add fuel, temperature
changes or other conditions
may cause fuel to overflow from
the tank and create a fire hazard.
4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
5. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while
tightening.
6. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
If you spill any fuel on the painted surface,
rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the
painted surface could be damaged.
NOTE. You will see the “
”sign in the fuel
gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle.
. If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator
light may illuminate. Refer to “CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction in- dicator light
”F 3-15.
CAUTION
. Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
. After refueling, turn the cap to the
right until it clicks to ensure that
it is fully tightened. If the cap is
not securely tightened, fuel may
leak out while the vehicle is being
driven or fuel spillage could
occur in the event of an accident,
creating a fire hazard.
. Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be
sure to wipe off any spilled fuel
quickly. Paint damage caused by
spilled fuel is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
. Always use a genuine SUBARU
fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting and your fuel tank
and emission control system
may be damaged. It could also
lead to fuel spillage and a fire.
. Immediately put fuel in the tank

Black plate (257,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the en-
gine.
State emission testing (U.S.
only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive model
must NEVER be performed on a
single two-wheel dynamometer. At-
tempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.
CAUTION
. At state inspection time, remem-
ber to tell your inspection or
service station in advance not to
place your SUBARU AWD vehicle
on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.
. Resultant vehicle damage due to
improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or
its contractors or licensees.
California and a number of federal states
have Inspection/Maintenance programs to inspect your vehicle
’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’ s registration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’ s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have implemented emission inspec-
tion of the OBDII system.
. The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the “CHECK ENGINE ”warning light/mal-
function indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with an
electronic scan tool.
. A vehicle
passes the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“CHECK ENGINE ”warning light is ob-
served, there are no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBDII readiness
monitors are all complete.Starting and operating
7-7
– CONTINUED –
7

Black plate (258,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
7-8
Starting and operating
. A vehicle
fails the OBDII inspection if
the “CHECK ENGINE ”warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle’ s computer.
. A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors “NOT
READY ”is greater than one. If the
vehicle’ s battery has been recently re-
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
not ready for the emission test. Under this
condition, the vehicle driver should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to reset the readiness monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle ’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector
not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.
Preparing to driveYou should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 (4-door)
and rear gate (5-door) are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers 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 warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.NOTEEngine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.