Subaru BRZ (2019 year). Manual - part 22

342

4-1. Maintenance and care

BRZ_U

■

When removing dirt or dust from the Alcantara

®

 areas

Remove dirt or dust from the Alcantara

®

 areas by lighting brushing with a

soft brush. If this does not remove the dirt or dust, remove it using adhesive
tape.

CAUTION

■

When soaking up spilled liquids

Do not press down too firmly with the cloth, tissue paper etc., as doing so
may cause the liquid to further penetrate the material, making soaking up
the liquid more difficult.

If the Alcantara

®

 upholstery surface becomes uneven,

lightly brush it with a soft brush.
Allow the surface to dry completely.

■

Oil stains
You will need the following items:

● A cloth that has been dampened with benzene
● A dry cloth

Using a dry cloth or tissue paper, wipe away as much of the
oil as possible to prevent the stained area from expanding.
After patting the area from the outside to the inside from
multiple angles using the cloth dampened with benzene,
soak up the oil and benzene that floats up by patting the
area with a dry cloth.
If the Alcantara

®

 upholstery surface becomes uneven,

lightly brush it with a soft brush.

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

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4-2. Maintenance

Maintenance requirements

■

Repair and replacement

It is recommended that genuine SUBARU parts be used for repair to ensure
performance of each system. If non-SUBARU parts are used in replacement
or if a repair shop other than a SUBARU dealer performs repairs, warranty
coverage may be affected.

To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance is essential. It is the owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. SUBARU recommends the following maintenance.

■

General maintenance
Should be performed on a daily basis. This can be done by your-
self or by a SUBARU dealer.

■

Scheduled maintenance
Should be performed at specified intervals according to the
maintenance schedule.

For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet” (except for Canada) or “Warranty and
Service Booklet” (for Canada).

■

Do-it-yourself maintenance
You can perform some maintenance procedures yourself. 
Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance may affect war-
ranty coverage.

The use of SUBARU Service Manuals is recommended.

For details about warranty coverage, see the separate “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet” (except for Canada) or “Warranty and Service
Booklet” (for Canada).

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4-2. Maintenance

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■

Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a SUBARU dealer

●

SUBARU technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date
with the latest service information. They are well informed about the
operations of all systems on your vehicle.

●

Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has
been performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise
while your vehicle is under warranty, your SUBARU dealer will promptly
take care of it.

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4-2. Maintenance

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WARNING

■

If your vehicle is not properly maintained

It could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.

■

Warning in handling of battery

●

Before beginning work on or near any battery, be sure to extinguish all cig-
arettes, matches, and lighters. Never expose a battery to an open flame or
electric sparks. Batteries give off a gas which is highly flammable and
explosive.

●

For safety, in case an explosion does occur, wear eye protection or shield
your eyes when working near any battery. Never lean over a battery.

●

Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin, fabrics, or paint because battery
fluid is a corrosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or in your eyes,
immediately flush the area with water thoroughly. Seek medical help
immediately if acid has entered the eyes. 
If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a large amount
of milk or water, and seek medical attention immediately.

●

To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings, metal watchbands, and other
metal jewelry. Never allow metal tools to contact the positive battery termi-
nal and anything connected to it WHILE you are at the same time in con-
tact with any other metallic portion of the vehicle because a short circuit
will result.

●

Keep everyone including children away from the battery.

●

Charge the battery in a well ventilated area.

●

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer. Wash hands after handling.

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4-2. Maintenance

BRZ_U

General maintenance

Engine compartment

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 approved flushing systems use chemicals and/or sol-
vents 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.

Items

Check points

Battery

Check the connections. 

 (

→P. 363)

Brake fluid

At the correct level?  (

→P. 361)

Engine coolant

At the correct level? (

→P. 359)

Engine oil

At the correct level? (

→P. 356)

Exhaust system

No fumes or strange sounds?

Radiator/condenser/hoses

Not blocked with foreign matter?
 

(

→P. 361)

Washer fluid

At the correct level? (

→P. 367)

Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet” (except for Canada) or “Warranty and Service Booklet” (for
Canada). It is recommended that any problem you notice should be
brought to the attention of your SUBARU dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

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4-2. Maintenance

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Vehicle interior

Items

Check points

Accelerator pedal

• Moves smoothly (without uneven 

pedal effort or catching)?

Automatic transmission “Park” 
mechanism

• Can the vehicle be held securely 

on an incline with the select lever 
in P?

Brake pedal

• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clear-

ance and correct amount of free 
play?

Brakes

• Not pull to one side when 

applied?

• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?

Clutch pedal

• Moves smoothly?

Head restraints

• Move smoothly and lock 

securely?

Indicators/buzzers

• Function properly?

Lights

• Do all the lights come on?

Parking brake

• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on 

an incline?

Seatbelts

• Does the seatbelt system oper-

ate smoothly?

• Are the belts undamaged?

Seats

• Do the seat controls operate 

properly?

Steering wheel

• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

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4-2. Maintenance

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Vehicle exterior

Items

Check points

Door/trunk lid

• Operate smoothly?

Engine hood

• The lock system works properly?

Fluid leaks

• Is there any leakage after park-

ing?

Tire

• Inflation pressure is correct?
• Tire surfaces not worn or dam-

aged?

• Tires rotated according to the 

maintenance schedule?

• Wheel nuts are not loose?

Windshield wipers

• The wiper blades should not show 

any signs of cracking, splitting, 
wear, contamination or deforma-
tion.

• The wiper blades should clear the 

windshield without streaking or 
skipping.

WARNING

■

If the engine is running

Turn the engine off and ensure that there is adequate ventilation before per-
forming maintenance checks.

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4-2. Maintenance

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Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs

Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which
include OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system moni-
tors the operation of the emission control system.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere
in the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/
M test and may need to be repaired. Contact your SUBARU
dealer to service the vehicle.

■

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
● When the battery is disconnected or discharged

Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are
erased. 
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes
may not be completely set.

● When the fuel tank cap is loose

The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.

■

When the malfunction indicator lamp goes off after several
driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.

■

If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your SUBARU dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-test-
ing.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Do-it-yourself service precautions

If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.

Items

Parts and tools

Battery condition

(

→P. 363)

• Warm  water
• Baking soda
• Grease
• Conventional wrench

(for terminal clamp bolts)

• Distilled water

Brake fluid level

(

→P. 361)

• FMVSS No.116 fresh DOT 3 or 

DOT 4 brake fluid

• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding 

brake fluid)

Engine coolant level

(

→P. 359)

• SUBARU Super Coolant or simi-

lar high-quality ethylene glycol-
based non-silicate, non-amine, 
non-nitrite and non-borate coolant 
with long-life hybrid organic acid 
technology. 
SUBARU Super Coolant is pre-
mixed with 50% coolant and 
50% deionized water.

• Funnel (used only for adding 

engine coolant)

Engine oil level

(

→P. 356)

• SUBARU approved engine oil or 

equivalent

• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used 

only for adding engine oil)

Fuses

(

→P. 392)

• Fuse with same amperage rating 

as original

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Items

Parts and tools

Light bulbs

(

→P. 400)

• Bulb with same number and watt-

age rating as original

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Radiator and condenser

(

→P. 361)



Tire inflation pressure  (

→P. 377) • Tire pressure gauge

• Compressed air source

Washer fluid

(

→P. 367)

• Water washer fluid containing anti-

freeze (for winter use)

• Funnel

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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WARNING

The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.

■

When working in the engine compartment

●

Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.

●

Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.

●

Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.

●

Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.

●

Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.

■

When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille

Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system: Be sure the
engine switch is off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric
cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or
the coolant temperature is high. (

→P. 361)

Vehicles with a keyless access with push button start system: Be sure the
push-button ignition switch is off. With the push-button ignition switch in
“ON” mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air
conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (

→P. 361) 

■

Safety glasses

Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.

CAUTION

■

If you remove the air cleaner element

Driving with the air cleaner element removed may cause excessive engine
wear due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine
compartment.

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Engine hood

Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the engine
hood.

Pull the engine hood release
lever.

The engine hood will pop up
slightly.

Push the auxiliary catch lever
to the left and lift the engine
hood.

Hold the hood open by insert-
ing the supporting rod into the
slot.

When holding the supporting
rod, hold it by the grip portion.

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

Grip

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WARNING

■

Pre-driving check

Check that the engine hood is fully closed and locked. 
If the engine hood is not locked properly it may open while the vehicle is in
motion and cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

■

When opening the engine hood

●

Do not lift up or operate the wipers. Doing so may cause the engine hood
and wipers to contact, scratching the engine hood.

●

Use caution when opening the engine hood in windy weather as it may
close suddenly in strong wind.

●

Do not attach any accessories other than genuine SUBARU products to
the engine hood. Such additional weight on the engine hood may cause it
to be too heavy to be supported by the supporting rod when opened.

■

When closing the engine hood

Do not apply excessive weight or force when closing the engine hood as
doing so may result in damage.

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Engine compartment

Battery

(

→P. 363)

Engine oil level dipstick

(

→P. 356)

Brake fluid reservoir

(

→P. 361)

Engine oil filler cap

(

→P. 357)

Washer fluid tank

(

→P. 367)

Electric cooling fans
Condenser (

→P. 361)

Radiator

(

→P. 361)

Engine coolant reservoir

(

→P. 359)

Fuse box

(

→P. 392)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Engine oil

With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.

■

Checking the engine oil

Park the vehicle on level ground. After warming up the engine
and turning it off, wait more than five minutes for the oil to
drain back into the bottom of the engine.

Hold a rag under the end and
pull the dipstick out.

Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check
the oil level.

When checking the oil, look at both sides of the dipstick and use the
lower measurement to determine the level of oil.

Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.

Low
Full

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3 

STEP 

4 

STEP 

5 

STEP 

6 

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Adding engine oil

If the oil level is below or near
the low level mark, add engine
oil of the same type as already in
the engine.

Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.

Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.

Engine oil 

selection

→P. 490

Oil quantity

(Low 

→ Full)

1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 Imp. qt.)

Items

Clean funnel

■

Engine oil consumption

Some engine oil will be consumed while driving. The rate of consumption
can be affected by such factors as transmission type, driving style, terrain
and temperature. Under the following conditions, oil consumption can be
increased and thus require refilling between maintenance intervals:

●

When the engine is new and within the break-in period

●

When the engine oil is of lower quality

●

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used

●

When engine braking is employed (repeatedly)

STEP 

1 

STEP 

2 

STEP 

3