Subaru Impreza 2011 Service Guide
Maintenance and service
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.......................... 11-7
Non-turbo models .............................................. 11-7
Turbo models except STI .................................... 11-8
STI..................................................................... 11-9
Engine oil.......................................................... 11-10
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-10
Changing the oil and oil filter............................ 11-11
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-13
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-13
Cooling system ................................................ 11-13
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-14
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-14
Air cleaner element.......................................... 11-17
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-17
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-19
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-20
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-20
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-21
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-21
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-22
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-22
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (AT mod els) ........... 11-23
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-23
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-24
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-24
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-25
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-26
Clutch fluid (MT models)................................. 11-26
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid............................... 11-27
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-28
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-28
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-28
Clutch pedal (MT models)............................... 11-29
Checking the clutch function............................ 11-29
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................. 11-29
Hill start assist system (MT models – if
equipped) ...................................................... 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-30
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ... . ... 11-30
Parking brake stroke ....................................... 11-31
11
Maintenance and service
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-31
Types of tires ................................................... 11-31
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(if equipped)................................................... 11-31
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-33
Tire pressures and wear ................................... 11-33
Wheel balance.................................................. 11-35
Wear indicators ................................................ 11-35
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-36
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-36
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-37
Wheel replacement ........................................... 11-37
Aluminum wheels............................................. 11-38
Windshield washer fluid .................................. 11-38
Replacement of wiper blades.......................... 11-39
Windshield wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-40
Windshield wiper blade rubber (type A and
type B)........................................................... 11-41
Rear window wiper blade assembly .................. 11-42
Rear window wiper blade rubber....................... 11-42
Battery .............................................................. 11-44
Fuses ................................................................ 11-45
Main fuse.......................................................... 11-46
Installation of accessories .............................. 11-46
Replacing bulbs............................................... 11-47
Headlights (models with HID headlights)........... 11-47
Headlights (models without HID headlights)...... 11-47
Front turn signal light ...................................... 11-50
Front fog light (if equipped).............................. 11-50
Rear combination lights ................................... 11-51
Back-up light (5-door) ...................................... 11-52
License plate light ........................................... 11-53
Map light ......................................................... 11-53
Dome light and cargo area light ....................... 11-54
Trunk light ....................................................... 11-55
High mount stop light (4-door) (except LED
[Light Emitting Diode] type)............................ 11-55
Other bulbs ..................................................... 11-55
Maintenance and service 11-3
Maintenance schedule
The scheduled maintenance items required to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
For details of your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Maintenance precautions
When maintenance and service are required, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service
by yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this
section on general maintenance and
service for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle operation. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
WARNING
. Testing of an All-Wheel Drive
model must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel
dynamometer or similar apparatus. Attempting to do so will
result in transmission damage
and in uncontrolled vehicle
movement and may cause an
accident or injuries to persons
nearby.
. Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
. Always be very careful to avoid
injury when working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, battery
acid.
. Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experienced in servicing vehicles.
. Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
. Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support the
vehicle.
. Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
. Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
. Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
. Wear adequate eye protection to
– CONTINUED –
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 seatbelt pretensioner system, or attempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inoperative. NEVER use a circuit
tester for this wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt
pretensioner needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU dealer.
& Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly 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 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.
Maintenance and service 11-5
& When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
while the engine is running
WARNING
A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, be lts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.
Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
position.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
3. Release the secondary hood release
by moving the lever between the front
grille and the hood toward the left.
4. Lift up the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lower the hood to a height of approximately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
2. After closing the hood, be sure the
hood is securely locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position. Do not push
thehoodforciblytocloseit.Itcould
deform the metal.
– CONTINUED –
11-6 Maintenance and service
WARNING
Always check that the hood is
properly locked before you start
driving. If it is not, it might fly open
while the vehicle is moving and
block your view, which may cause
an accident and serious bodily injury.
Maintenance and service
11-7
Engine compartment overview
& Non-turbo models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT)
(page 11-21) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-23)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge
(AT) (page 11-22)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-45)
7) Battery (page 11-44)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-10)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-10)
13) Air cleaner case (page 11-17)
– CONTINUED –
11-8 Maintenance and service
& Turbo models except STI
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT)
(page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
5) Fuse box (page 11-45)
6) Battery (page 11-44)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-10)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-10)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-17)
Maintenance and service
11-9
& STI
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
2) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
3) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
4) Fuse box (page 11-45)
5) Battery (page 11-44)
6) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
7) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-10)
8) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
9) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-10)
10) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
11) Air cleaner case (page 11-17)
11-10 Maintenance and service
Engine oil
NOTE
. The engine oil consumption rate is
not stabilized, and therefore cannot be
determined until the vehicle has traveled at least several thousand miles
(kilometers). Even after break-in, when
the vehicle is used under severe driving conditions such as those mentionedintheWarrantyandMaintenance Booklet, engine oil is consumed
or deteriorated more quickly than under 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 frequently. Please refer to the Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet for more details.
. 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 dealer.
& Checking the oil level
Check 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 level
4. 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 viscosity.
. 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
Maintenance and service 11-11
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. Otherwise, you may be injured accidentally 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
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty 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.
NOTE
Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a properlytrained expert. It is recommended that
you have this service performed by
your SUBARU dealer.
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.
Turbo models
Non-turbo models
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.
– CONTINUED –
11-12 Maintenance and service
Turbo models
Non-turbo models
7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench.
8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a
thin coat of engine oil to the seal.
9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of
the bottom of engine and install the oil
filter by hand turning. Be careful not to
twist or damage the seal.
10. Tighten the oil filter by the amount
indicated in the following table after the
seal makes contact with the bottom of
engine.
Oil filter color Part number
Black
Blue 15208AA12A
15208AA100 1 rotation
Amount of
rotation
7/8
rotation
CAUTION
. Never over tighten the oil filter
because that can result in an oil
leak.
. Thoroughly wipe off any engine
oil that has spilled over the
exhaust pipe and/or under-cover.
If spilled oil is not promptly
wiped up, the oil could cause a
fire.
11. Reinstall under cover.
12. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
For the oil capacity (guideline), refer to
“Engine oil” F12-5.
The oil quantity indicated above is only
guideline.
The necessary quantity of oil depends on
the quantity of oil that has been drained.
The quantity of drained oil differs slightly
depending on the temperature of the oil
and the time the oil is left flowing out. After
refilling the engine with oil, therefore, you
must use the level gauge to confirm that
the level is correct.
13. Start the engine and make sure that no
oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber
seal and drain plug.
14. Run the engine until it reaches the
normal operating temperature. Then stop
the engine and wait a few minutes to allow
the oil drain back. Check the oil level
again and if necessary, add more engine
oil.
CAUTION
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.
Maintenance and service 11-13
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil” F12-5.
NOTE
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the engine.
& Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil” F12-5. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the required
engine oil for optimum engine performance. Conventional oil may be 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 coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
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
– CONTINUED –
11-14 Maintenance and service
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 following conditions occur,
the cooling fan circuit may be defective.
. For turbo models, the engine coolant
temperature gauge exceeds the normal
operating range. Refer to “Temperature
gauge (turbo models)” F3-11.
. For non-turbo models, the coolant
temperature high warning light blinks or
illuminates in RED. Refer to “Coolant
temperature low indicator light (non-turbo
models)/Coolant temperature high warning light (non-turbo models)” F3-17.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “Fuses” F11-45 and “Fuse panel
located in the engine compartment” F12-
14.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, 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
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coo lant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
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
as required.
Maintenance and service 11-15
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 radiator 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 boiling 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
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coo lant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
Always add genuine SUBA RU coolant
and genuine SUBARU cooling system
conditioner whenever the coolant is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add
genuine SUBARU cooling system conditioner using the following procedures
according to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.
NOTE (Turbo models only)
The cap (without tabs) on top of the
radiator does not need to be removed.
To add coolant, remove the cap (with
tabs) on the coolant tank on top of the
engine.
– CONTINUED –
11-16 Maintenance and service
4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models
1) Fill up to this level
Turbo models
1) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough
room to add genuine SUBARU cooling
system conditioner in the radiator. Add
genuine SUBARU cooling system conditioner until the coolant level reaches the
filler neck. Do not pour the coolant too
quickly, as this may lead to insufficient air
bleeding and trapped air in the system.
NOTE
For the guidelines of coolant quantity
(including coolant in the reservoir
tank), refer to “Engine coolant” F12-
10.
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
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.
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s “FULL” level mark.
7. Put the radiator cap b ack on and
tighten firmly. At this time, make sure that
the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is
Maintenance and service 11-17
correctly in place.
8. Start and race the engine at 2,000 to
3,000 rpm for 5 to 6 times within 40
seconds.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the
coolant cools down (122 to 1408F [50 to
608C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and to
the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters
intake air but also stops flames if
the engine backfires. If the air
cleaner element is not installed
when the engine backfires, you
could be burned.
CAUTION
When replacing the air cleaner element, use a genuine SUBARU air
cleaner element. If it is not used,
there is the possibility of causing a
negative effect to the engine.
The air cleaner element functions as a
filter screen. When the element is perforated or removed, engine wear will be
excessive and engine life shortened.
It is not necessary to clean or wash the air
cleaner element.
& Replacing the air cleaner
element
Replace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts.
! Non-turbo models
1) Connector
2) Clip
3) Clamp
4) Air intake boot
5) Clip
1. Unplug the connector that is attached
to the top of the air cleaner case.
2. Detach the connector cable from the
clip on the right side on the air cleaner
– CONTINUED –
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