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2004 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 327

2004 Subaru Impreza Manual

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Driving tips dent. Your vehicle is equipped with "summer tires" as original equipment, which are inadequate for driving on slippery roads such as on snow-covered or icy roads. Compared with winter and all-season tires, summer tires give significantly less grip on snowy and icy road surfaces. Therefore, use of winter tires is strongly recommended when driving with such road conditions. When you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You must install four winter tires that are of the same size, construction, brand and load range and you should never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous handling characteristics. When you choose a tire, make sure that there is enough clearance between the tire and vehicle body. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle. damage the vehicle body or suspension. When driving with tire chains, drive at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). When a temporary spare tire is on a front wheel, replace the temporary spare tire with the rear tire on the same side of the vehicle, and then fit chains on the front tires. Always use the utmost care when driving with tire chains - overconfidence because you are driving with tire chains could easily lead to a serious accident. Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed below because of lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. " 225/45R17 tires for WRX-STi " Optional 215/45R17 tires for WRX ! Tire chains Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may require the use of tire chains, in which case put the chains on the front wheels only. Use only SAE class S type chains that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to ! Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth between "D" and "R" repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when 8-16

Section	Page
1. Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	28
Front seats	29
Fore and aft adjustment	30
Reclining the seatback	31
Seat cushion height adjustment (driver’s seat)	32
Head restraint adjustment (if equipped)	32
Active head restraint (if equipped)	33
Seat heater (if equipped)	34
Rear seats	35
Armrest (if equipped)	36
Headrest adjustment ‐ Wagon	38
Folding down the rear seat ‐ Wagon	39
Seatbelts	40
Seatbelt safety tips	40
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)	41
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)	42
Seatbelt warning light and chime	42
Fastening the seatbelt	42
Seatbelt maintenance	54
Front seatbelt pretensioners	54
System monitors	56
System servicing	56
Precautions against vehicle modification	57
Child restraint systems	58
Where to place a child restraint system	60
Choosing a child restraint system	61
Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt	62
Installing a booster seat	67
Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)	69
Top tether anchorages	73
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)	79
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints	79
SRS frontal airbag	83
SRS side airbag (if equipped)	91
SRS airbag system monitors	99
SRS airbag system servicing	100
Precautions against vehicle modification	101
2. Keys and doors	104
Keys	105
Key number	106
Door locks	106
Locking and unlocking from the outside	106
Locking and unlocking from the inside	107
Power door locking switches	108
Remote keyless entry system	109
Locking the doors	110
Unlocking the doors	111
Illuminated entry	111
Vehicle finder function	111
Sounding a panic alarm	112
Selecting audible signal operation	112
Replacing the battery	112
Replacing lost transmitters	113
Security system (if equipped)	117
System operation	117
Arming the system	118
Disarming the system	120
Valet mode	120
Passive arming	121
Child safety locks	124
Windows	125
Power windows	125
Trunk lid (Sedan)	128
To open and close the trunk lid from outside	128
To open the trunk lid from inside	129
To cancel the trunk lid release	129
Internal trunk lid release handle	129
Rear gate (Wagon)	132
Moonroof (if equipped)	134
Tilt function	134
Sliding function	134
Sun shades	136
3. Instruments and controls	138
Ignition switch	140
LOCK	140
ACC	141
ON	141
START	141
Key reminder chime	141
Ignition switch light (if equipped)	142
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)	142
Hazard warning flasher	143
Meters and gauges (WRX-STi)	144
Combination meter illumination	144
Cancelling sequential illumination of the combination meter	144
Speedometer	144
Odometer/Trip meter	145
Tachometer	146
Fuel gauge	146
Temperature gauge	147
Ambient temperature gauge	148
REV indicator light and buzzer (WRX-STi)	149
Setting the alarm-level engine speed	150
Deactivating the REV alarm system	151
Meters and gauges (Except WRX-STi)	152
Speedometer	152
Odometer/Trip meter	152
Tachometer	153
Fuel gauge	153
Temperature gauge	154
Ambient temperature gauge (if equipped)	155
Warning and indicator lights	156
Seatbelt warning light and chime	156
SRS airbag system warning light	157
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp	157
Charge warning light	158
Oil pressure warning light	158
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles)	159
Rear differential oil temperature warning light (WRX-STi)	159
ABS warning light	160
Brake system warning light	161
Door open warning lights	162
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles ‐ if equipped)	162
Intercooler water spray warning light (WRX-STi)	162
Selector lever position indicator (AT vehicles)	163
Turn signal indicator lights	163
High beam indicator light	163
Cruise control indicator light	163
Cruise control set indicator light	163
Driver’s control center differential auto indicator light (WRX-STi)	163
Driver’s control center differential indicator lights (WRX-STi)	164
Headlight indicator light (WRX-STi)	164
REV indicator light (WRX-STi)	164
Clock	165
Light control switch	166
Headlights	166
High/low beam change (dimmer)	167
Headlight flasher	167
Daytime running light system (except U.S. spec. WRX-STi)	168
Turn signal lever	168
Illumination brightness control	169
Illumination brightness control (WRX-STi)	170
Headlight beam leveler (U.S. spec. WRX-STi)	170
Parking light switch	171
Fog light switch (if equipped)	172
Wiper and washer	172
Windshield wiper and washer switches	174
Rear window wiper and washer switch ‐ Wagon	176
Rear window defogger switch	177
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped)	179
Intercooler water spray switch (WRX-STi)	180
Mirrors	181
Inside mirror	181
Outside mirrors	184
Tilt steering wheel	186
Horn	187
4. Climate control	190
Ventilator	191
Air flow selection	191
Center and side ventilators	192
Manual climate control system (if equipped)	193
Control panel	193
Heater operation	195
Air conditioner operation (if equipped)	198
Semi-automatic climate control system (if equipped)	200
Control panel	200
Operating method	203
Temperature sensors	207
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner	208
Cleaning ventilation grille	208
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight	208
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit	208
Checking air conditioning system before summer season	208
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions	209
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded	209
Refrigerant for your climate control system	209
Air filtration system (if equipped)	209
Replacing an air filter	210
5. Audio	214
Antenna system	215
Printed antenna	215
FM reception	215
Installation of accessories	216
Audio set	216
Type A audio set	216
Type B audio set	217
In-dash 6 CD auto changer 1 (Optional audio unit ‐ if equipped)	217
Type A audio set (if equipped)	218
Radio operation	218
Compact disc player operation	223
CD changer control (If optional in-dash CD changer is connected)	225
Type B audio set (if equipped)	229
Radio operation	229
Cassette player operation	235
Built in CD changer operation	239
In-dash 6 CD auto changer 1 (if equipped)	244
Loading and unloading compact discs	244
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc (CD)	247
6. Interior equipment	250
Interior light	251
Dome light	251
Cargo area light (if equipped)	251
Map light (if equipped)	252
Sun visors	253
Center visor	253
Vanity mirror (if equipped)	254
Storage compartments	254
Glove box	255
Center console	255
Coin tray	256
Cup holder	256
In instrument panel	256
In center console	257
Accessory power outlet	258
In the cargo area (if equipped)	258
Cigarette lighter socket	259
Use with a cigarette lighter	260
Using as an accessory power outlet	260
Ashtray	261
Floor mat (if equipped)	262
Coat hook	263
Cargo area cover (if equipped)	264
Using the cover	264
To remove the cover	264
Stowage of the cover	265
To install the cover housing	265
Cargo tie-down hooks (if equipped)	266
Under-floor storage compartment (if equipped)	267
7. Starting and operating	270
Fuel	271
Fuel requirements	271
Fuel filler lid and cap	273
State emission testing (U.S. only)	276
Preparing to drive	278
Starting the engine	278
Manual transmission vehicle	278
Automatic transmission vehicle	279
Starting the engine during cold weather below －4°F ( －20°C)	279
Starting a flooded engine	280
Stopping the engine	280
Manual transmission ‐ 6 speed (WRX-STi)	281
Selecting reverse gear	281
Shifting speeds	282
Driving tips	283
Manual transmission ‐ 5 speed (except WRX-STi)	284
Shifting speeds	284
Driving tips	286
Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) (WRX-STi)	287
Auto mode	287
Manual mode	288
Temporary release	290
Automatic transmission	290
Selector lever for automatic transmission	291
Shift lock release	295
Limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped)	296
Power steering	297
Braking	297
Braking tips	297
Brake system	298
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators	298
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)	299
ABS system self-check	299
ABS warning light	300
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system	301
Steps to take if EBD system fails	302
Parking your vehicle	303
Parking brake	303
Parking tips	304
Cruise control	306
To set cruise control	306
To temporarily cancel the cruise control	308
To turn off the cruise control	309
To change the cruising speed	309
8. Driving tips	312
New vehicle break-in driving ‐ the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)	313
Fuel economy hints	313
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)	314
Catalytic converter	315
Periodic inspections	317
Driving in foreign countries	317
Driving tips for AWD vehicles	318
Off road driving	319
All AWD models except OUTBACK SPORT and vehicles with 17 inch tires	320
OUTBACK SPORT	320
Winter driving	322
Operation during cold weather	322
Driving on snowy and icy roads	324
Corrosion protection	325
Snow tires	325
Tire chains	327
Rocking the vehicle	327
Loading your vehicle	328
Vehicle capacity weight	330
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)	331
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)	332
Trailer hitch (if equipped)	336
Connecting a trailer	336
When you do not tow a trailer	339
Trailer towing	340
Warranties and maintenance	340
Maximum load limits	340
Trailer hitches	345
Connecting a trailer	346
Trailer towing tips	348
9. In case of emergency	352
If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency	353
Temporary spare tire	354
Flat tires	356
Changing a flat tire	356
Jump starting	365
How to jump start	365
Engine overheating	367
If steam is coming from the engine compartment	367
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment	367
Towing	368
Towing and tie-down hooks	369
Using a flat-bed truck	371
Towing with all wheels on the ground	372
Rear gate ‐ if the rear gate cannot be unlocked	373
Moonroof ‐ if the moonroof cannot be closed	374
Maintenance tools	375
Jack and jack handle	375
10. Appearance care	378
Exterior care	379
Washing	379
Waxing and polishing	380
Cleaning aluminum wheels	380
Corrosion protection	381
Most common causes of corrosion	381
To help prevent corrosion	382
Cleaning the interior	383
Seat fabric	383
Leather seat materials	383
Synthetic leather upholstery	383
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, and switches	384
11. Maintenance and service	386
Maintenance schedule	388
Maintenance precautions	388
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment	389
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running	390
Engine hood	390
Engine compartment overview	393
Engine oil	396
Checking the oil level	396
Changing the oil and oil filter	397
Recommended grade and viscosity	401
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions	403
Synthetic oil	403
Cooling system	403
Cooling fan, hose and connections	404
Engine coolant	404
Air cleaner element	408
Replacing the air cleaner element	408
Spark plugs	411
Recommended spark plugs	412
Drive belts	412
Manual transmission oil	413
Checking the oil level	413
Recommended grade and viscosity	415
Automatic transmission fluid	416
Checking the fluid level	416
Recommended fluid	417
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)	418
Checking the oil level	418
Recommended grade and viscosity	418
Rear differential gear oil	419
Checking the gear oil level	419
Recommended grade and viscosity	420
Power steering fluid	421
Checking the fluid level	421
Recommended fluid	422
Brake fluid	422
Checking the fluid level	422
Recommended brake fluid	423
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)	423
Checking the fluid level	423
Recommended clutch fluid	424
Brake booster	425
Brake pedal	425
Checking the brake pedal free play	425
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance	426
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)	426
Checking the clutch function	426
Checking the clutch pedal free play	427
Replacement of brake pad and lining	427
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings	428
Parking brake stroke	429
Tires and wheels	429
Types of tires	429
Tire inspection	430
Tire pressures and wear	430
Wheel balance	433
Wear indicators	434
Tire rotation	435
Tire replacement	435
Wheel replacement	436
Wheel covers	437
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)	438
Intercooler water spray	438
Windshield washer fluid	439
Replacement of windshield wiper blades	440
Battery	443
Fuses	445
Main fuse	448
Installation of accessories	448
Replacing bulbs	449
Headlights (U.S. spec. WRX-STi)	451
Headlight (Except U.S. spec. WRX-STi)	451
Front turn signal light bulbs	454
Parking light	455
Front fog light	458
Rear combination lights	459
License plate light	461
Dome light, map light and cargo area light	462
Trunk light	463
High mount stop light	463
12. Specifications	466
Specifications	467
Dimensions	467
Engine	468
Electrical system	468
Capacities	469
Tires	470
Wheel alignment	470
Fuses and circuits	471
Fuse panel located behind the coin tray	471
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment	473
Bulb chart	474
Vehicle identification	475
13. Consumer information and Reporting safety defects	476
Uniform tire quality grading standards	477
Treadwear	477
Traction AA, A, B, C	477
Temperature A, B, C	478
Reporting safety defects (USA)	479

Match case Limit results 1 per page

8-16

Driving tips

dent.

Your vehicle is equipped with “summer tires” as origi-

nal equipment, which are inadequate for driving on

slippery roads such as on snow-covered or icy roads.

Compared with winter and all-season tires, summer

tires give significantly less grip on snowy and icy road

surfaces. Therefore, use of winter tires is strongly rec-

ommended when driving with such road conditions.

When you choose to install winter tires on your vehi-

cle, be sure to use the correct tire size and type. You

must install four winter tires that are of the same size,

construction, brand and load range and you should

never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this

may result in dangerous handling characteristics.

When you choose a tire, make sure that there is

enough clearance between the tire and vehicle body.

Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of

the type of tires on your vehicle.

Tire chains

Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may require the

use of tire chains, in which case put the chains on the

front wheels only. Use only SAE class S type chains

that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to

damage the vehicle body or suspension.

When driving with tire chains, drive at speeds below

19 mph (30 km/h).

When a temporary spare tire is on a front wheel, re-

place the temporary spare tire with the rear tire on the

same side of the vehicle, and then fit chains on the

front tires.

Always use the utmost care when driving with tire

chains — overconfidence because you are driving

with tire chains could easily lead to a serious accident.

Tire chains cannot be used on tires listed below

because of lack of clearance between the tires

and vehicle body.

225/45R17 tires for WRX-STi

Optional 215/45R17 tires for WRX

Rocking the vehicle

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand,

or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and

move the selector lever back and forth between “D”

and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the

best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when