checking oil SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 2012 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SUBARU, Model Year: 2012, Model line: IMPREZA WRX STI, Model: SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 2012Pages: 463, PDF Size: 7.69 MB
Page 16 of 463

27
26
Getting
Started Instrument
Panel Gauges
Personalize Controls While
OperatingSafety / In Case
of Emergency Additional
Information
Impreza WRX Engine Compartment
1
1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Check your power steering fluid level
monthly. The power steering fluid expands
greatly as its temperature rises and
the fluid level differs according to fluid
temperature. Therefore, the reservoir tank
has two different checking ranges for
hot and cold fluid. Please refer to your
Owner’s Manual for details.
2. Air Cleaner Element This element filters intake air. Follow the
N B J O U F O B O D F H V J E F M J O F T J O Z P V S i 8 B S S B O U Z
B O E . B J O U F O B O D F w C P P L M F U 8 I F O
necessary, replace this element with a
genuine Subaru air cleaner.
3. Radiator Cap If your engine overheats, safely pull off the
road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.
/ F W F S B U U F N Q U U P S F N P W F U I F S B E J B U P S D B Q
until the engine has been shut off and has
fully cooled down. If steam is coming from
the engine compartment, turn the engine
off and move everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools. Please refer to your
Owner’s Manual for details. 4. Intercooler
The intercooler is positioned behind
the throttle body to cool intake air and
improve supercharging efficiency. (Intake
air passing through the turbocharger gets
very warm, which could result in lower
supercharging efficiency.) To prevent
damage to this important system, avoid
placing tools and other objects on
the intercooler.
5. Engine Oil Level Gauge Check the engine oil level at each fuel
stop. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and insert it again. Pull it out and check
the oil level. If it’s below the lower level,
add oil to bring the level up to the
upper level. (Use only engine oil of the
recommended grade and viscosity.
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual
for oil recommendations and other
important details.) 6. Engine Coolant Reservoir
Check your coolant level at each
fuel stop. Observe the coolant
level on the outside of the reservoir
while the engine is cool. If the level
J T D M P T F U P o P S M P X F S U I B O o U I F
i - 0 8 w M F W F M N B S L
B E E D P P M B O U U P
U I F i ' 6 - - w M F W F M N B S L * G U I F S F T F S W F
tank is empty, remove the radiator
cap and refill as required. Please
refer to your Owner’s Manual for
details.
7. Engine Oil Filler Cap Change your oil according to
the maintenance schedule in
Z P V S i 8 B S S B O U Z B O E . B J O U F O B O D F
# P P L M F U w : P V S F O H J O F P J M N V T U C F
changed more frequently when you
drive on dusty roads, frequently
make short trips, or when you drive
in extremely cold weather.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir Check your brake fluid level
monthly. Observe the fluid level on
the outside of the reservoir. If the
M F W F M J T C F M P X U I F i . * / w M F W F M N B S L
add the recommended brake fluid
' . 7 4 4 / P
G S F T I % 0 5 P S
C S B L F þ V J E
U P U I F i . " 9 w M F W F M
mark. Use only brake fluid from
a sealed container.
9. Battery When your vehicle does not start
due to a battery that has run down,
the vehicle may be jump-started by
connecting your battery to another
battery with jumper cables. Jump-starting is dangerous if
done incorrectly. Please refer
to your Owner’s Manual for
instructions. If you’re unsure
about how to jump-start your
vehicle, please consult a
competent mechanic.
10. Windshield Washer Tank It’s a good idea to check your washer fluid every time you stop
for fuel. If the level is low, fill the
windshield washer tank to the
neck of the reservoir with
windshield washer fluid. In cold
weather, use a freeze resistant
windshield washer fluid.
11. Main Fuse Box Your Impreza WRX has two fuse boxes. One is located under the
instrument panel, behind the
fuse box cover on the driver’s
seat side. The other is housed
in your engine compartment, as
shown here. Fuses are designed
to melt during an overload
situation in order to prevent
damage to the wiring harness and
electrical equipment. If any lights,
accessories or electrical controls
fail to operate properly, inspect
the corresponding fuse. If it has
blown, replace it in accordance
with the instructions in your
Owner’s Manual. The fuse puller
and spare fuses are located
in the main fuse box in the
engine compartment.
119
3
8
5
7
10
2
4
6
27
GetGttintigStartedInsItrument PanelGauGgesPerPsonalilizeConCtrotlslWhile OperatingSafSfetyt / /In ICasCeof EmergencyAddAdditiiional lInformation
While
Operating
Page 17 of 463

29
28
Getting
Started Instrument
Panel Gauges
Personalize Controls While
OperatingSafety / In Case
of Emergency Additional
Information
Impreza WRX STI Engine Compartment
1
1. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Check your power steering fluid level
monthly. The power steering fluid expands
greatly as its temperature rises and
the fluid level differs according to fluid
temperature. Therefore, the reservoir tank
has two different checking ranges for
hot and cold fluid. Please refer to your
Owner’s Manual for details.
2. Air Cleaner Element This element filters intake air. Follow the
N B J O U F O B O D F H V J E F M J O F T J O Z P V S i 8 B S S B O U Z
B O E . B J O U F O B O D F w C P P L M F U 8 I F O
necessary, replace this element with a
genuine Subaru air cleaner.
3. Radiator Cap If your engine overheats, safely pull off the
road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.
/ F W F S B U U F N Q U U P S F N P W F U I F S B E J B U P S D B Q
until the engine has been shut off and has
fully cooled down. If steam is coming from
the engine compartment, turn the engine
off and move everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools. Please refer to your
Owner’s Manual for details. 4. Intercooler
The intercooler is positioned behind
the throttle body to cool intake air and
improve supercharging efficiency. (Intake
air passing through the turbocharger gets
very warm, which could result in lower
supercharging efficiency.) To prevent
damage to this important system, avoid
placing tools and other objects on
the intercooler.
5. Engine Oil Level Gauge Check the engine oil level at each fuel
stop. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean,
and insert it again. Pull it out and check
the oil level. If it’s below the lower level,
add oil to bring the level up to the
upper level. (Use only engine oil of the
recommended grade and viscosity.
Please refer to your Owner’s Manual
for oil recommendations and other
important details.) 6. Engine Coolant Reservoir
Check your coolant level at each
fuel stop. Observe the coolant
level on the outside of the reservoir
while the engine is cool. If the level
J T D M P T F U P o P S M P X F S U I B O o U I F
i - 0 8 w M F W F M N B S L
B E E D P P M B O U U P
U I F i ' 6 - - w M F W F M N B S L * G U I F S F T F S W F
tank is empty, remove the radiator
cap and refill as required. Please
refer to your Owner’s Manual for
details.
7. Engine Oil Filler Cap Change your oil according to
the maintenance schedule in
Z P V S i 8 B S S B O U Z B O E . B J O U F O B O D F
# P P L M F U w : P V S F O H J O F P J M N V T U C F
changed more frequently when you
drive on dusty roads, frequently
make short trips, or when you drive
in extremely cold weather.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir Check your brake fluid level
monthly. Observe the fluid level on
the outside of the reservoir. If the
M F W F M J T C F M P X U I F i . * / w M F W F M N B S L
add the recommended brake fluid
' . 7 4 4 / P
G S F T I % 0 5 P S
C S B L F þ V J E
U P U I F i . " 9 w M F W F M
mark. Use only brake fluid from
a sealed container.
9. Battery When your vehicle does not start
due to a battery that has run down,
the vehicle may be jump-started by
connecting your battery to another
battery with jumper cables. Jump-starting is dangerous if
done incorrectly. Please refer
to your Owner’s Manual for
instructions. If you’re unsure about
how to jump-start your vehicle,
please consult a competent
mechanic.
10. Windshield Washer Tank It’s a good idea to check your washer fluid every time you stop
for fuel. If the level is low, fill the
windshield washer tank to the
neck of the reservoir with
windshield washer fluid. In cold
weather, use a freeze resistant
windshield washer fluid.
11. Main Fuse Box Your Impreza WRX STI has two fuse boxes. One is located under
the instrument panel, behind
the fuse box cover on the driver’s
seat side. The other is housed
in your engine compartment, as
shown here. Fuses are designed
to melt during an overload
situation in order to prevent
damage to the wiring harness and
electrical equipment. If any lights,
accessories or electrical controls
fail to operate properly, inspect
the corresponding fuse. If it has
blown, replace it in accordance
with the instructions in your
Owner’s Manual. The fuse puller
and spare fuses are located in
the main fuse box in the
engine compartment.
11
9
3
8
5
7
10
2
4
6
29
GetGttintigStartedInsItrument PanelGauGgesPerPsonalilizeConCtrotlslWhile OperatingSafSfetyt / /In ICasCeof EmergencyAddAdditiiional lInformation
While
Operating
Page 180 of 463

Black plate (134,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
3-16
Instruments and controls
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and illuminate steadily after
several driving trips. You should have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.&
Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good
condition but the light remains illuminated,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.&
Oil pressure warning
light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is
at the proper level but the light remains illuminated, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
For details about checking the engine oil
level or adding the engine oil, refer to
“Engine oil
”F 11-8.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light illumi-
nated. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.&
Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (STI)
CAUTION
Reduce vehicle speed and park the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as
possible if the R.DIFF TEMP light
illuminates. Continued driving with
this light illuminated can damage
the rear differential and other parts
of the powertrain.
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear
differential oil temperature is too hot.
At this time, the driver ’s control center
differential will automatically cancel the current torque-distribution ratio setting and
adopt its minimum ratio.
If the light illuminates while driving, reduce
vehicle speed and stop the vehicle at the
nearest safe place. Park the vehicle for
several minutes. After the light turns off,
you can start driving.
If the light does not turn off, contact the
nearest SUBARU dealer for service.
NOTE.
If the tire pressures are not correct
and/or the tires are not all the same
size and brand, the rear differential will
be heavily loaded when the vehicle is
driven, resulting in an abnormally high
oil temperature.
. The rear differential oil will deterio-
rate if its temperature increases en-
ough for the rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light to illuminate. It is
advisable to have the rear differential
oil replaced as soon as possible.&
Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.-spec.
models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will illuminate for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure
Page 213 of 463

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
Page 224 of 463

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
Page 369 of 463

Black plate (21,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 2
Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Engine hood....................................................... 11-5
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-6
Turbo models except STI.................................... 11-6
STI..................................................................... 11-7
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-8
Checking the oil level ......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter .............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-10
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-10
Cooling system ................................................ 11-11
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-11
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-12
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-13
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-13
Spark plugs...................................................... 11-14
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-14
Drive belts........................................................ 11-15
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-15
Checking the oil level....................................... 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-16
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Power steering fluid........................................ 11-17
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-17
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-17
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-18
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-18
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-18
Clutch fluid....................................................... 11-19
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-19
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-19
Brake booster.................................................. 11-20
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-20
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-20
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-21
Clutch pedal ..................................................... 11-21
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-21
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-21
Hill start assist system.................................... 11-22
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....... 11-22
Parking brake stroke....................................... 11-23
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-23
Types of tires................................................... 11-23
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped) ...................................................... 11-24
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-25
Tire pressures and wear .................................. 11-25
Wheel balance ................................................. 11-27
Wear indicators ............................................... 11-28
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-28
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-29
Maintenance and service
11
Page 372 of 463

Black plate (334,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
11-4
Maintenance and service
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
erative. NEVER use a circuit
tester for this wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt
pretensioner needs service, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU deal-
er.
& Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving.
. Always let the engine cool down.
Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after
the engine is stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. Always remove the key from the
ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is in the “ON ”position,
thecoolingfanmayoperate
suddenly even when the engine
is stopped.
. Before performing any servicing
on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system (a
dealer option) temporarily place
that system in the service mode
to prevent it from unexpectedly
starting the engine.
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
CAUTION
Do not contact the belt cover while
checking the components in the
engine compartment. Doing so may
cause your hand to slip off the belt
cover and result in an unexpected
injury.
Page 376 of 463

Black plate (338,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
11-8
Maintenance and service
Engine oilNOTE. The engine oil consumption rate is
not stabilized, and therefore cannot be
determined until the vehicle has tra-
veled at least several thousand miles
(kilometers). Even after break-in, when
the vehicle is used under severe driv-
ing conditions such as those men-
tionedintheWarrantyandMainte-
nance Booklet, engine oil is consumed
or deteriorated more quickly than un-
der normal driving conditions. If you
drive your vehicle under these severe
conditions, you should check the oil
level at least at every second fuel fill-up
time, and change the oil more fre-
quently. Please refer to the Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet for more de-
tails.
. If the oil consumption rate seems
abnormally high after the break-in
period, for example more than 1 quart
per 1,200 miles or 1 liter per 2,000
kilometers, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.
& Checking the oil levelCheck the engine oil level at each fuel
stop.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.2. Pull out the level gauge that has the
“
”symbol on top, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.
3. Be sure the level gauge is correctly
inserted until it stops.
1) Notch
2) Upper level
3) Lower level4. Pull out the level gauge again and
check the oil level on it. If it is below the
lower level, add oil to bring the level up to
the upper level.
CAUTION
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
Page 377 of 463

Black plate (339,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
. If the level gauge is not pulled out
easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then pull it out. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.
If you check the oil level just after stopping
the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking
the level.
Just after driving or while the engine is
warm, the engine oil level reading may be
in a range between the upper level and
the notch mark. This is caused by thermal
expansion of the engine oil.
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not
add any additional oil above the upper
level when the engine is cold.
& Changing the oil and oil filter
CAUTION
. If you change your own oil, be
sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal.
. Do not dispose of used engine oil
by placing it in the trash, or by
pouring it onto the ground, into
sewers, or into any body of water.
Check with your local govern- ment office for the proper dis-
posal options available to you.
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be
changed more frequently than listed in
the maintenance schedule when driving
on dusty roads, when short trips are
frequently made, or when driving in
extremely cold weather.
1. Warm up the engine by letting the
engine idle for approximately 10 minutes
to ease draining the engine oil.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Drain out the engine oil by removing
the drain plug while the engine is still
warm. The used oil should be drained into
an appropriate container and disposed of
properly.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself with
hot engine oil.
5. Wipe the seating surface of the drain
plug with a clean cloth and tighten it
securely with a new sealing washer after
the oil has completely drained out.
6. Remove the under cover.7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench.
8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a
Maintenance and service
11-9
– CONTINUED –
11
Page 380 of 463

Black plate (342,1)
北米Model "A1130BE-A" EDITED: 2011/ 6/ 7
11-12
Maintenance and service
& Engine coolant! Checking the coolant level
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.1) “FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level markCheck the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reservoir 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.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the cap and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil- ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
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. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.
The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.