Subaru Impreza WRX (2014 year). Instruction - part 20

9-8

In case of emergency/Flat tires

16. Store the flat tire in the spare tire
compartment. Put in the spacer and tight-
en the attaching bolt firmly.
Also store the jack, jack handle and wheel
nut wrench in their storage locations.

WARNING

Never place a tire or tire changing
tools in the passenger compartment
after changing wheels. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment
could strike occupants and cause
injury. Store the tire and all tools in
the proper place.

Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec.
models)

The tire pressure monitoring system pro-
vides the driver with the warning message
indicated by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel
when tire pressure is severely low.
The tire pressure monitoring system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven.
Also, this system may not react immedi-
ately to a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example, a blow-out caused running over
a sharp object).

WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, never

brake suddenly and keep driving
straight ahead while gradually redu-
cing speed. Then slowly pull off the
road to a safe place. Otherwise an
accident involving serious vehicle
damage and serious personal injury
could occur.

Check the pressure for all four tires
and adjust the pressure to the COLD
tire pressure shown on the vehicle
placard on the door pillar on the
driver’s side. If this light still illumi-
nates while driving after adjusting
the tire pressure, a tire may have
significant damage and a fast leak
that causes the tire to lose air
rapidly. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute. This indicates
the TPMS is unable to monitor all
four road wheels. Contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible
for tire and sensor replacement and/
or system resetting.

Do not inject any tire liquid or

aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as
this may cause a malfunction of the
tire pressure sensors.

If the light illuminates steadily after
blinking for approximately one min-
ute, promptly contact a SUBARU
dealer to have the system inspected.

Jump starting

WARNING

. Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID.

Do not let it come in contact with
the eyes, skin, clothing or the
vehicle.

If battery fluid gets on you,
thoroughly flush the exposed
area with water immediately. Get
medical help if the fluid has
entered your eyes.

If battery fluid is accidentally
swallowed, immediately drink a
large amount of milk or water,
and obtain immediate medical
help.

Keep everyone including chil-
dren away from the battery.

. The gas generated by a battery

explodes if a flame or spark is
brought near it. Do not smoke or
light a match while jump starting.

. Never attempt jump starting if the

discharged battery is frozen. It
could cause the battery to burst
or explode.

. Whenever working on or around

a battery, always wear suitable

eye protectors, and remove metal
objects such as rings, bands or
other metal jewelry.

. Be sure the jumper cables and

clamps on them do not have
loose or missing insulation.

Do not jump start unless cables
in suitable condition are avail-
able.

. A running engine can be danger-

ous. Keep your fingers, hands,
clothing, hair and tools away
from the cooling fan, belts and
any other moving engine parts.
Removing rings, watches and
ties is advisable.

. Jump starting is dangerous if it

done incorrectly. If you are un-
sure about the proper procedure
for jump starting, consult a com-
petent mechanic.

When your vehicle does not start due to a
run down (discharged) battery, the vehicle
may be jump started by connecting your
battery to another battery (called the
booster battery) with jumper cables.

In case of emergency/Jump starting

9-9

– CONTINUED –

9-10

In case of emergency/Jump starting

How to jump start

1. Make sure the booster battery is 12
volts and the negative terminal is
grounded.
2. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, do not let the two vehicles touch.
3. Turn off all unnecessary lights and
accessories.
4. Connect the jumper cables exactly in
the sequence illustrated.

(1) Connect one jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the discharged
battery.
(2) Connect the other end of the
jumper cable to the positive (+) term-
inal of the booster battery.
(3) Connect one end of the other
cable to the negative (−) terminal of
the booster battery.
(4) Connect the other end of the cable
to the strut mounting nut of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.

Make sure that the cables are not near
any moving parts and that the cable
clamps are not in contact with any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the
booster battery and run it at moderate
speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle
that has the discharged battery.
6. When finished, carefully disconnect
the cables in exactly the reverse order.

In case of emergency/Jump starting

9-11

9-12

In case of emergency/Engine overheating

Engine overheating

WARNING

Never 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 place.

If steam is coming from the
engine compartment

Turn off the engine and get everyone
away from the vehicle until it cools down.

If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment

NOTE

For details about how to check the
coolant level or how to add coolant,
refer to “Engine coolant” F11-12.

1. Keep the engine running at idling
speed.

2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine
compartment. Refer to “Engine hood”
F11-5.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off
the engine and contact your authorized
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” F3-10.
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.
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.

Towing

If towing is necessary, it is best done by
your SUBARU dealer or a commercial
towing service. Observe the following
procedures for safety.

WARNING

Never tow AWD models with the
front wheels raised off the ground
while the rear wheels are on the
ground, or with the rear wheels
raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will
cause the vehicle to spin away due
to the operation or deterioration of
the center differential.

Towing and tie-down hooks

The towing hooks should be used only in
an emergency (e.g., to free a stuck vehicle
from mud, sand or snow).

CAUTION

. Use only the specified towing

hook and tie-down hook. Never
use suspension parts or other
parts of the body for towing or
tie-down purposes.

. To prevent deformation to the

front bumper and the towing
hook, do not apply excessive
lateral load to the towing hook.

Front towing hook:
1. Take the towing hook out of the tool
bucket and take the screwdriver out of the
tool bag. Take the jack handle out of the
cargo area.

2. Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver
with vinyl tape or cloth so that it will not
scratch the bumper. Insert the flat-head
screwdriver into the cutout of the cover
and pry open the cover.

3. Screw the towing hook into the

threaded hole until its threads can no
longer be seen.

4. Tighten the towing hook securely
using the jack handle.

After towing, remove the towing hook from
the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket.
Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.

WARNING

. Do not use the towing hook

except when towing your vehicle.

. Be sure to remove the towing

hook after towing. Leaving the
towing hook mounted on the
vehicle could interfere with prop-
er operation of the SRS airbag
system in a frontal collision.

In case of emergency/Towing

9-13

– CONTINUED –

9-14

In case of emergency/Towing

Rear towing hook:

1. Take the towing hook out of the tool
bucket and take the screwdriver out of the
tool bag. Take the jack handle out of the
trunk (4-door) or cargo area (5-door).

2. Pry off the cover on the rear bumper
using a screwdriver, and you will find a
threaded hole for attaching the towing
hook.

3. Screw the towing hook into the thread
hole until its thread can no longer be seen.

4. Tighten the towing hook securely
using the jack handle.

After towing, remove the towing hook from

the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket.
Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.

WARNING

Do not use the towing hook except
when towing your vehicle.

Front tie-down hooks:

The front tie-down hooks are located
between each of the front tires and the
front bumper.

Rear tie-down hooks:

The rear tie-down hooks are located near
each of the jack-up reinforcements.

WARNING

Use the rear tie-down hooks only for
downward anchoring. If they are
used to anchor the vehicle in any
other direction, cables may slip off
the hooks, possibly causing a dan-
gerous situation.

Using a flat-bed truck

This is the best way to transport your
vehicle. Use the following procedures to
ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the shift lever into the “1st”
position.
2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier
properly with safety chains. Each safety
chain should be equally tightened and
care must be taken not to pull the chains
so tightly that the suspension bottoms out.

CAUTION

If your vehicle has a front under-
spoiler and rear underspoiler (both
optional), be careful not to scrape
them when placing the vehicle on
the carrier and when removing the
vehicle from the carrier.

Towing with all wheels on the
ground

1. Release the parking brake and put the
transmission in the neutral position.
2. The ignition switch should be in the
“Acc” position while the vehicle is being
towed.
3. Take up slack in the towline slowly to
prevent damage to the vehicle.

In case of emergency/Towing

9-15

– CONTINUED –

9-16

In case of emergency/Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be unlocked

WARNING

. Never turn the ignition switch to

the “LOCK” position while the
vehicle is being towed because
the steering wheel and the direc-
tion of the wheels will be locked.

. Remember that the brake booster

and power steering do not func-
tion when the engine is not
running. Because the engine is
turned off, it will take greater
effort to operate the brake pedal
and steering wheel.

CAUTION

. If transmission failure occurs,

transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.

. Do not run the engine while being

towed using this method. Trans-
mission damage could result if
the vehicle is towed with the
engine running.

Rear gate – if the rear gate

cannot be unlocked

In the event that you cannot open the rear
gate by operating the rear gate opener
button, you can open it from inside the
cargo area.

1. Remove the access cover at the
bottom-center of the rear gate trim.
2. Locate the rear gate open lever behind
the rear gate trim panel.

CAUTION

Never operate the rear gate open
lever with fingers because doing so
may cause an injury. Always use a
flat-head screwdriver or a similar
tool.

3. Slide the lever to the right position
using a flat-head screwdriver to open the
rear gate.

Exterior care .......................................................

10-2

Washing.............................................................

10-2

Waxing and polishing .........................................

10-3

Cleaning aluminum wheels .................................

10-3

Corrosion protection..........................................

10-4

Most common causes of corrosion .....................

10-4

To help prevent corrosion...................................

10-4

Cleaning the interior..........................................

10-5

Seat fabric .........................................................

10-5

Leather seat materials........................................

10-5

Synthetic leather upholstery...............................

10-5

Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument

panel, console panel, and switches ..................

10-5

Navigation monitor (if equipped) ........................

10-6

Appearance care

10-2

Appearance care/Exterior care

Exterior care

Washing

CAUTION

. When washing the vehicle, the

brakes may get wet. As a result,
the brake stopping distance will
be longer. To dry the brakes,
drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly depressing the
brake pedal to heat up the
brakes.

. Do not wash the engine compart-

ment and area adjacent to it. If
water enters the engine air in-
take, electrical parts or the power
steering fluid reservoir, it will
cause engine trouble or a mal-
function of power steering.

. Do not use any organic solvents

when washing the surface of the
bulb assembly cover. However, if
a detergent with organic solvents
is used to wash the cover sur-
face, completely rinse off the
detergent with water. Otherwise,
the cover surface may be da-
maged.

. For 5-door models, since your

vehicle is equipped with a rear

w i p e r, a u t o m a t i c c a r - w a s h
brushes could become tangled
around it, damaging the wiper
arm and other components. Ask
the automatic car-wash operator
not to let the brushes touch the
wiper arm or to fix the wiper arm
on the rear window glass with
adhesive tape before operating
the machine.

NOTE

When having your vehicle washed in
an automatic car wash, make sure
beforehand that the car wash is of
suitable type.

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s
beauty is frequent washing. Wash the
vehicle at least once a month to avoid
contamination by road grime.

Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash
the vehicle with hot water and in direct
sunlight.

Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree
sap, and bird droppings should be washed
off by using a light detergent, as required.
If you use a light detergent, make certain
that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use
strong soap or chemical detergents. All

cleaning agents should be promptly
flushed from the surface and not allowed
to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly
with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the
remaining water off with a chamois or soft
cloth.

Washing the underbody

Chemicals, salts and gravel used for
deicing road surfaces are extremely cor-
rosive, accelerating the corrosion of un-
derbody components, such as the exhaust
system, fuel and brake lines, brake
cables, floor pan and fenders, and sus-
pension.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and in-
side of the fenders with lukewarm or cold
water at frequent intervals to reduce the
harmful effects of such agents.

Mud and sand adhering to the underbody
components may accelerate their corro-
sion.
After driving off-road or on muddy or
sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off
the underbody. Carefully flush the suspen-
sion and axle parts, as they are particu-
larly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do
not use a sharp-edged tool to remove
caked mud.

CAUTION

. Be careful not to damage brake

hoses, sensor harnesses, and
other parts when washing sus-
pension components.

. Be careful not to flush the engine

bottom for a long time. It may
cause damage of some electrical
parts.

Using a warm water washer

. Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm)
or more between the washer nozzle and
the vehicle.
. Do not wash the same area continu-
ously.
. If a stain will not come out easily, wash
by hand. Some warm water washers are
of the high temperature, high pressure
type, and they can damage or deform the
resin parts such as moldings, or cause
water to leak into the vehicle.

Waxing and polishing

Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing and polishing.
Use a good quality polish and wax and
apply them according to the manufac-
turer’s instructions. Wax or polish when
the painted surface is cool.

Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim,
as well as the painted surfaces. Loss of
wax on a painted surface leads to loss of
the original luster and also quickens the
deterioration of the surface. It is recom-
mended that a coat of wax be applied at
least once a month, or whenever the
surface no longer repels water.

If the appearance of the paint has dimin-
ished to the point where the luster or tone
cannot be restored, lightly polish the
surface with a fine-grained compound.
Never polish just the affected area, but
include the surrounding area as well.
Always polish in only one direction. A
No. 2000 grain compound is recom-
mended. Never use a coarse-grained
compound. Coarse-grained compounds
have a smaller grain-size number and
could damage the paint. After polishing
with a compound, coat with wax to restore
the original luster. Frequent polishing with
a compound or an incorrect polishing
technique will result in removing the paint
layer and exposing the undercoat. When
in doubt, it is always best to contact your
SUBARU dealer or an auto paint specia-
list.

CAUTION

Do not use any agents with organic

solvents on the surface of the bulb
assembly cover. However, if a polish
or wax with organic solvents is
applied to the cover surface, com-
pletely wipe off the polish or wax.
Otherwise, the cover surface may be
damaged.

NOTE

Be careful not to block the windshield
washer nozzles with wax when waxing
the vehicle.

Cleaning aluminum wheels

. Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels
clean of any kind of grime or agent. If dirt
is left on too long, it may be difficult to
clean off.
. Do not use soap containing grit to
clean the wheels. Be sure to use a neutral
cleaning agent, and later rinse thoroughly
with water. Do not clean the wheels with a
stiff brush or expose them to a high-speed
washing device.
. Clean the vehicle (including the alumi-
num wheels) with water as soon as
possible when it has been splashed with
sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or
driven on roads treated with salt or other
agents.

Appearance care/Exterior care

10-3

10-4

Appearance care/Corrosion protection

Corrosion protection

Your SUBARU has been designed and
built to resist corrosion. Special materials
and protective finishes have been used on
most parts of the vehicle to help maintain
fine appearance, strength, and reliable
operation.

Most common causes of
corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion
are:
1. The accumulation of moisture retain-
ing dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor accidents.

Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle
when:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dust
control chemicals, or used in coastal
areas where there is more salt in the air,
or in areas where there is considerable
industrial pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity,
especially when temperatures range just
above freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of the

vehicle remains for a long time, even
though other parts of the vehicle may be
dry.
4. High temperatures will cause corro-
sion to parts of the vehicle which cannot
dry quickly due to lack of proper ventila-
tion.

To help prevent corrosion

Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent
corrosion of the body and suspension
components. Also, wash the vehicle
promptly after driving on any of the
following surfaces.
. roads that have been salted to prevent
them from freezing in winter
. mud, sand, or gravel
. coastal roads

After the winter has ended, it is recom-
mended that the underbody be given a
very thorough washing.

Before the beginning of winter, check the
condition of underbody components, such
as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, suspension, steering
system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of
them are found to be rusted, they should
be given an appropriate rust prevention
treatment or should be replaced. Contact
your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind

of maintenance and treatment if you need
assistance.

Repair chips and scratches in the paint as
soon as you find them.

Check the interior of the vehicle for water
and dirt accumulation under the floor mats
because that could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to
make sure the area is dry.
Keep your garage dry. Do not park your
vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated
garage. In such a garage, corrosion can
be caused by dampness. If you wash the
vehicle in the garage or put the vehicle
into the garage when wet or covered with
snow, that can cause dampness.

If your vehicle is operated in cold weather
and/or in areas where road salts and other
corrosive materials are used, the door
hinges and locks, trunk lid lock, and hood
latch should be inspected and lubricated
periodically.

Cleaning the interior

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate
control panel, audio equipment, instru-
ment panel, center console, combination
meter panel, and switches. (Do not use
organic solvents.)

Seat fabric

Remove loose dirt, dust or debris with a
vacuum cleaner. If the dirt is caked on the
fabric or hard to remove with a vacuum
cleaner, use a soft brush then vacuum it.
Wipe the fabric surface with a tightly
wrung cloth and dry the seat fabric
thoroughly. If the fabric is still dirty, wipe
using a solution of mild soap and luke-
warm water then dry thoroughly.

If the stain does not come out, try a
commercially-available fabric cleaner. Use
the cleaner on a hidden place and make
sure it does not affect the fabric adversely.
Use the cleaner according to its instruc-
tions.

NOTE

When cleaning the seat, do not use
benzine, paint thinner, or any similar
materials.

Leather seat materials

The leather used by SUBARU is a high
quality natural product which will retain its
distinctive appearance and feel for many
years with proper care.
Allowing dust or road dirt to build up on the
surface can cause the material to become
brittle and to wear prematurely. Regular
cleaning with a soft, moist, natural fiber
cloth should be performed monthly, taking
care not to soak the leather or allow water
to penetrate the stitched seams.
A mild detergent suitable for cleaning
woolen fabrics may be used to remove
difficult dirt spots, rubbing with a soft, dry
cloth afterwards to restore the luster. If
your SUBARU is to be parked for a long
time in bright sunlight, it is recommended
that the seats and head restraints be
covered, or the windows shaded, to
prevent fading or shrinkage.
Minor surface blemishes or bald patches
may be treated with a commercial leather
spray lacquer. You will discover that each
leather seat section will develop soft folds
or wrinkles, which is characteristic of
genuine leather.

Synthetic leather upholstery

The synthetic leather material used on the
SUBARU may be cleaned using mild soap
or detergent and water, after first vacuum-
ing or brushing away loose dirt. Allow the
soap to soak in for a few minutes and wipe
off with a clean, damp cloth. Commercial
foam-type cleaners suitable for synthetic
leather materials may be used when
necessary.

NOTE

Strong cleaning agents such as sol-
vents, paint thinners, window cleaner
or gasoline must never be used on
leather or synthetic interior materials.

Climate control panel, audio
panel, instrument panel,
console panel, and switches

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate
control panel, audio equipment, instru-
ment panel, center console, combination
meter panel, and switches.

CAUTION

. Do not use organic solvents such

as paint thinners or fuel, or
strong cleaning agents that con-
tain those solvents.

Appearance care/Cleaning the interior

10-5

– CONTINUED –

10-6

Appearance care/Cleaning the interior

. Do not use chemical solvents

that contain silicone on the vehi-
cle audio system, electrical com-
ponents of the air-conditioner or
any switches. If silicone adheres
to these parts, it may cause
damage to electrical compo-
nents.

Navigation monitor (if
equipped)

To clean the navigation monitor, wipe it
with a silicone cloth or with a soft cloth. If
the navigation monitor is extremely dirty,
clean it with a soft cloth moistened with
neutral detergent then carefully wipe off
any remaining detergent.

NOTE

. Do not spray neutral detergent di-
rectly onto the monitor. Doing so could
damage the monitor’s components.
. Do not wipe the monitor with a hard
cloth. Doing so could scratch the
monitor.
. Do not use cleaning fluid that con-
tains thinner, gasoline, or any other
volatile substance. Such cleaning fluid
could erase the lettering on the
switches at the bottom of the monitor.

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

Instruction transmission oil ..................................

11-16

Checking the oil level .......................................

11-16

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................

11-16

Rear differential gear oil ..................................

11-17

Recommended grade and viscosity ..................

11-17

Power steering fluid ........................................

11-17

Checking the fluid level....................................

11-17

Recommended fluid .........................................

11-18

Brake fluid........................................................

11-18

Checking the fluid level....................................

11-18

Recommended brake fluid ...............................

11-19

Clutch fluid.......................................................

11-19

Checking the fluid level....................................

11-19

Recommended clutch fluid...............................

11-20

Brake booster ..................................................

11-20

Brake pedal ......................................................

11-21

Checking the brake pedal free play ..................

11-21

Checking the brake pedal reserve distance.......

11-21

Clutch pedal .....................................................

11-21

Checking the clutch function............................

11-21

Checking the clutch pedal free play..................

11-22

Hill start assist system....................................

11-22

Replacement of brake pad and lining ............

11-22

Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .......

11-23

Parking brake stroke .......................................

11-23

Tires and wheels..............................................

11-24

Types of tires...................................................

11-24

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if

equipped) ......................................................

11-24

Tire inspection.................................................

11-25

Tire pressures and wear ..................................

11-26

Wheel balance .................................................

11-28

Wear indicators ...............................................

11-28

Tire rotation direction mark ..............................

11-29

Tire rotation.....................................................

11-29

Maintenance and service

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