cooling SUBARU WRX 2016 User Guide

Engine overheating WARNINGNever attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
is under pressure. Removing the
cap while the engine is still hot
could release a spray of boiling hot
coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe
location.
& If steam is coming from the
engine compartment . Turn off the engine and get everyone
away from the vehicle until it cools down.
. Contact an authorized SUBARU deal-
er.
& If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling
speed.
2. Open the engine hood to ventilate the engine compartment. Refer to “ Engine
hood ” F 11-9.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off
the engine and contact an authorized
SUBARU dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature
has dropped, turn off the engine.
If temperature gauge stays in the over-
heated zone, turn off the engine. Refer to
“ Temperature gauge ” F 3-11.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reserve
tank. If the coolant level is below the
“ LOW ” mark, add coolant up to the “ FULL ”
mark.
NOTE For details about how to check the
coolant level or how to add coolant,
refer to “ Engine coolant ” F 11-18.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve
tank, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Then remove the radiator cap and fill the
radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot
radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the
radiator cap, then turn the cap counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down
until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it. In case of emergency/Engine overheating
9-11

Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-4
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment .................................................... 11-5
When checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-5
Maintenance tips ................................................ 11-6Removing and reinstalling clips .......................... 11-6
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-9
Engine compartment overview ........................ 11-11STI................................................................... 11-11
Except STI ....................................................... 11-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 11-13Engine oil consumption .................................... 11-13
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-13
Changing the oil and oil filter ............................ 11-15
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-16
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-16
Cooling system ................................................ 11-17Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-17
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-18
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-19
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-21
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-21
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-22
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23 Continuously variable transmission fluid ...... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil ................................ 11-23Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23
Power steering fluid (STI) ............................... 11-24Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-24
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-25Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models) ................................. 11-26Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-26
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-27Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance ....... 1 1-28
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-28Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-28
Hill start assist system .................................... 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-29Breaking-in of new brake pads (models with
electronic parking brake system) .................... 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings
(models without electronic parking brake
system) ......................................................... 11-30
Parking brake stroke (models without
electronic parking brake system) ................ 11-30Maintenance and service
11

Maintenance and service/Maintenance precautions
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 preten-
sioner needs service, consult
your nearest SUBARU dealer.
NOTE SUBARU does not endorse the use of
non-SUBARU approved flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against
performing these services on a
SUBARU vehicle. Non-SUBARU ap-
proved flushing systems use chemi-
cals and/or solvents which have not
been tested or approved by SUBARU.
SUBARU warranties do not cover any
part of the vehicle which is damaged by
adding or applying chemicals and/or
solvents other than those approved or
recommended by SUBARU. & Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment WARNING. Always stop the engine and apply
the parking brake to prevent 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 has stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. When the ignition switch is in the
“ ON ” position, the cooling fan
may operate suddenly even
when the engine is stopped. If
your body or clothes come into
contact with a rotating fan, that
could result in serious injury. To
avoid risk of injury, perform the
following precautions.
– Models with push-button start
system:
Always turn the push-button
ignition switch to the “ OFF ”
position and confirm that the operation indicator on the
switch is turned off. Then take
the access key out from the
vehicle.
– Models without push-button
start system:
Always remove the key from
the ignition switch.
. 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.11-4

& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
CAUTION. Do not contact the drive belt
cover while checking the compo-
nents in the engine compart-
ment. Doing so may cause your
hand to slip off the cover and
result in an unexpected injury.
. Do not touch the oil filter until the
engine has cooled down comple-
tely. Doing so may result in a
burn or other injury. Note that the
oil filter becomes very hot when
the engine is running and re-
mains hot for some time after
the engine has stopped.
. Do not apply force on the fender
insulator by placing your hands on it, etc. Deformation of the
insulator and its mount may
occur.
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
while the engine is running WARNINGA running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, drive belt and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.Maintenance and service/Maintenance precautions
11-5

used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Cooling system WARNING. Never attempt to remove the
radiator cap until the engine has
been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the cool-
ant is under pressure, you may
suffer serious burns from a spray
of boiling hot coolant when the
cap is removed.
. Be careful of the rotating cooling
fan when the engine hood is
open. When the engine tempera-
ture is high, the cooling fan in the
engine compartment may oper-
ate when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ ON ” position, even
if the engine is stopped. Touch-
ing the cooling fan while it is
rotating may result in injury.
CAUTION
. Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top up the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
diluted with another brand or
type, the maintenance interval is
shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
& Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Refer to “ Temperature gauge ”
F 3-11. Maintenance and service/Cooling system
– CONTINUED –11-17

Maintenance and service/Cooling system
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “ Fuses ” F 11-42 and “ Fuses and
circuits ” F 12-10.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
& Engine coolant! Checking the coolant level
1) “ FULL ” level mark
2) “ LOW ” level mark
Check 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
coolant up to just below the filler neck as
shown in the following illustration.
STI
1) Fill up to this level Except STI
1) Fill up to this level
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.11-18

*4: You may use this type of manual transmission oil. However, using this type of oil will detract from driveability and fuel efficiency.
& Fluids Fluid
Fluid type* 1
Fluid capacity* 2
Remarks* 3
Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models) Consult your SUBARU dealer. 13.1 US qt (12.4 liters, 10.9 Imp qt) “ Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid ” F 11-23
Brake fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid –“ Brake fluid ” F 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models) FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid – “ Clutch fluid (MT models) ” F 11 -
26
Power steering fluid (STI) · SUBARU ATF
· “ Dexron III ” Type Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
· IDEMITSU ATF HP 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt) “ Power steering fluid (STI) ”
F 11-24
*1: Use one of the indicated types of fluid.
*2: The indicated fluid quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors.
*3: For more details about maintenance and service, refer to the indicated section.
& Engine coolant Vehicle model Coolant capacity Coolant type
STI 8.2 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant
Except STI MT models 8.7 US qt (8.2 liters, 7.2 Imp qt)
CVT models 8.9 US qt (8.4 liters, 7.4 Imp qt)
The indicated coolant quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors. For more details about maintenance and service, refer to “ Cooling system ” F 11-17. Specifications/Specifications
– CONTINUED –12-7

Specifications/Fuses and circuits
& Fuse panel located in the engine compartment! STI
A) Main fuse Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
1 30A
. ABS unit
. Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol unit
2 25A
. Main fan (cooling fan)
3 25A
. Sub fan (cooling fan)
4
Empty
5
25A
. Audio
6
30A
. Headlight (low beam)
7
15A
. Headlight (high beam)
8 20A
. Back-up
9 15A
. Horn
10 25A
. Rear window defogger
. Mirror heater
11 15A
. Fuel pump
12 10A
. Transmission control
unit
13 7.5A
. Engine control unit
14 15A
. Turn and hazard warn-
ing flasher
15 15A
. Tail and illumination re-
lay
16 7.5A
. Alternator12-12

Specifications/Fuses and circuits
! Except STI
A) Main fuse Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
1 30A
. ABS unit
. Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol unit
2 25A
. Main fan (cooling fan)
3 25A
. Sub fan (cooling fan)
4
Empty
5
25A
. Audio
6
30A
. Headlight (low beam)
7
15A
. Headlight (high beam)
8 20A
. Back-up
9 15A
. Horn
10 25A
. Rear window defogger
. Mirror heater
11 15A
. Fuel pump
12 20A
. Transmission control
unit
13 7.5A
. Engine control unit
14 15A
. Turn and hazard warn-
ing flasher
15 15A
. Tail and illumination re-
lay
16 7.5A
. Alternator12-14

14-4 Index
Automatic ................................................................ 4-5
Manual ................................................................... 4-6
Clock ........................................................ 3-48, 3-62, 3-76
Clutch
Fluid ............................................................ 11-26, 12-7
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
Coat hook ................................................................. 6-11
Command list ........................................................... 5-110
Compass ....................................................... 3- 104, 3-105
Console ...................................................................... 6-5
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) ..................... 7-23
Fluid .................................................................... 11-23
Coolant ............................................................ 11-18, 12-7
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-17
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-52
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-35
Set indicator light ........................................... 3-35, 7-53
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-6
Front passenger ’ s .................................................... 6-6
Rear passenger ’ s..................................................... 6-7
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-97
Defogger .................................................................. 3-112
Defrosting ................................................................... 4-9
Deicer ..................................................................... 3-112
Differential gear oil
Front ........................................................... 11-23, 12-6
Rear ............................................................ 11-23, 12-6
Dimensions ............................................................... 12-2 Disarming the alarm system ......................................... 2-29
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-36
Dome light .................................................................. 6-2
Door
Locks ..................................................................... 2-5
Open warning light. ................................................. 3-25
Double trip meter ......................................................... 3-9
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-22
Driver ’ s Control Center Differential ................................ 7-19
Auto indicator light .................................................. 3-35
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-36
Driving
All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-25
AWD vehicles ......................................................... 8-5
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 7
Drinking. .................................................................... 5
Drugs ........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ............................................... 8-8
Tips ................................................. 7-18, 7-28, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ...........................................................
6
Winter .................................................................... 8-6
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-12
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-8
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-22, 7-37
Electronic parking brake .............................................. 7-44
Automatic release function by accelerator pedal ......... 7-46
Hill Holder ............................................................. 7-46