Subaru Impreza WRX (2014 year). Instruction

Maintenance and service

Tire replacement ..............................................

11-29

Wheel replacement...........................................

11-30

Aluminum wheels.............................................

11-31

Windshield washer fluid ..................................

11-31

Replacement of wiper blades ..........................

11-32

Windshield wiper blade assembly .....................

11-33

Windshield wiper blade rubber (type A and type

B) ..................................................................

11-34

Rear window wiper blade assembly (5-door

models)..........................................................

11-35

Rear window wiper blade rubber (5-door

models)..........................................................

11-35

Battery...............................................................

11-37

Fuses ................................................................

11-38

Installation of accessories ..............................

11-39

Replacing bulbs ...............................................

11-39

Headlights (models with HID headlights)...........

11-39

Headlights (models without HID headlights)......

11-40

Front turn signal light ......................................

11-42

Front fog light (if equipped)..............................

11-42

Rear combination lights ...................................

11-43

Backup light (5-door) .......................................

11-45

License plate light ...........................................

11-46

Map light .........................................................

11-46

Dome light and cargo area light .......................

11-47

Trunk light .......................................................

11-47

High-mounted stop light (4-door)......................

11-48

Other bulbs .....................................................

11-48

Maintenance schedule

The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”.

For details of your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”.

Maintenance precautions

When maintenance and service are re-
quired, 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 opera-
tion. 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 per-
formed on a single two-wheel
dynamometer or similar appara-
tus. 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 vehi-
cle. 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 experi-
enced 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

Maintenance and service/Maintenance schedule

11-3

– CONTINUED –

11-4

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
pretensioner needs service, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU deal-
er.

Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment

WARNING

. Always stop the engine and set

the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent 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,
the cooling fan may operate
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.

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, belts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.

Engine hood

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 in-
jury.

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 approxi-
mately 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
the hood forcibly to close it. It could
deform the metal.

Maintenance and service/Engine hood

11-5

11-6

Maintenance and service/Engine compartment overview

Engine compartment overview

Turbo models except STI

Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-17)

Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT)
(page 11-16)

Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-19)

Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-18)

Fuse box (page 11-38)

Battery (page 11-37)

Windshield washer tank (page 11-31)

Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-12)

10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-12)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-13)

STI

Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-17)

Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-19)

Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-18)

Fuse box (page 11-38)

Battery (page 11-37)

Windshield washer tank (page 11-31)

Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-12)

Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)

10) Radiator cap (page 11-12)
11) Air cleaner case (page 11-13)

Maintenance and service/Engine compartment overview

11-7

11-8

Maintenance and service/Engine oil

Engine oil

NOTE

. The engine oil consumption rate is
not stabilized, and therefore cannot be
determined until the vehicle has tra-
veled at least several thousand miles
(kilometers). Even after break-in, when
the vehicle is used under severe driv-
ing conditions such as those men-
tioned in the Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet, engine oil is consumed
or deteriorated more quickly than un-
der 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 fre-
quently. Please refer to the Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet for more de-
tails.
. 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 deal-
er.

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.

Notch

Upper level

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 vis-
cosity.

. 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

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. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally 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

CAUTION

. If you change your own oil, be

sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal.

. Do not dispose of used engine oil

by placing it in the trash, or by
pouring it onto the ground, into
sewers, or into any body of water.
Check with your local govern-

ment office for the proper dis-
posal options available to you.

Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty 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.

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.

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.

7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench.
8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a

Maintenance and service/Engine oil

11-9

– CONTINUED –

11-10

Maintenance and service/Engine oil

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

Amount of

rotation

Black

15208AA100

1 rotation

Blue

15208AA12A

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.

Recommended grade and
viscosity

CAUTION

Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended 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 en-
gine.

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 recom-

mended 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 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
f o r a n y r e a s o n , u s e o n l y
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”
F3-10.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.

Maintenance and service/Cooling system

11-11

– CONTINUED –

11-12

Maintenance and service/Cooling system

Refer to “Fuses” F11-38 and “Fuse panel
located in the engine compartment” F12-
12.
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

WARNING

Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor 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 boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.

“FULL” level mark

“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.

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

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

It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.

The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

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 ele-
ment, 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 perfo-
rated 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”. Un-
der extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts.

1. Use a screwdriver to undo the clips on
the air intake duct, then remove the air
intake duct.

Maintenance and service/Air cleaner element

11-13

– CONTINUED –

11-14

Maintenance and service/Spark plugs

Connector

Clip

2. Unplug the connector that is attached
to the top of the air cleaner case.
3. Unsnap the two clips holding the air
cleaner case cover.

4. Open the air cleaner case and remove
the air cleaner element.
5. Clean the inside of the air cleaner case
and case cover with a damp cloth and
install a new air cleaner element.

6. If the air cleaner case has been
removed, insert the three projections on
the air cleaner case into the slits on the air
cleaner case cover.
7. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Spark plugs

It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your
SUBARU dealer.

The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the “Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let”.

Recommended spark plugs

For the recommended spark plugs, refer
to “Electrical system” F12-3.

Drive belts

Power steering oil pump pulley

Front side belt

Alternator pulley

Air conditioner compressor pulley

Rear side belt

Crank pulley

22 lbf (98 N, 10 kgf)

CAUTION

The front side belt, which runs in
conjunction with the following com-
ponents, must be used within the
specified deflection.

. Power steering oil pump pulley
. Alternator pulley

. Crank pulley
Check the deflection of the front
side belt and if there is any loosen-
ess, cracks, wear or unusual noise
on the front side belt, contact your
SUBARU dealer.

Continuing to use the vehicle with
the belt outside of the specification
may cause the engine to malfunc-
tion and the above components to
malfunction.

To check the deflection of the front side
belt, place a straightedge (ruler) across
two adjacent pulleys (alternator pulley and
crank pulley) and apply a force of 22 lbf
(98 N, 10 kgf) midway between the pulleys
by using a spring scale. The belt deflec-
tion should be the amount specified. If the
front side belt is loose, cracked or worn,
contact your SUBARU dealer.

in (mm)

Deflection

New belt

Used belt

0.28 – 0.35

(7.0 – 9.0)

0.35 – 0.43

(9.0 – 11.0)

The rear side belt is a stretch-type belt,
therefore the deflection does not need to
be checked. If there are cracks or wear
confirmed on the belts and a squeaking
noise is heard from them, contact your

SUBARU dealer.

Maintenance and service/Drive belts

11-15

11-16

Maintenance and service/Manual transmission oil

Manual transmission oil

Checking the oil level

NOTE

For STI models, there is no transmis-
sion oil level gauge. Consult your
SUBARU dealer to check the oil level.

Except STI

Check the oil level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,
and insert it again.

Upper level

Lower level

3. Pull out the level gauge again and
check the oil level on it. If it is below the
lower level, add oil through the level
gauge hole to bring the level up to the
upper level.

CAUTION

Be careful not to spill manual trans-
mission oil when adding it. If oil
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off.

Recommended grade and
viscosity

Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission and rear differential
gear oil” F12-6.

Rear differential gear oil

There is no rear differential gear oil level
gauge. To check the rear differential gear
oil level, we recommend that you consult
your SUBARU dealer for inspection.

Recommended grade and
viscosity

Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to
“Manual transmission and rear differential
gear oil” F12-6.

Power steering fluid

Checking the fluid level

The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level
differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, the reservoir tank has two
different checking ranges for hot and cold
fluids.

Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
and stop the engine.

2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir
tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level is
between “HOT MIN” and “HOT MAX” on
the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between
“COLD MIN” and “COLD MAX” on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN” line, add the recom-
mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the “MIN” and “MAX” line.

If the fluid level is extremely low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

Maintenance and service/Rear differential gear oil

11-17

– CONTINUED –

Subaru Impreza WRX (2014 year). Instruction - part 21