Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction

engine has cooled down comple-
tely. Doing so may result in a
burn or other injury. Note that the
oil filter becomes very hot when
the engine is running and re-
mains hot for some time after
the engine has stopped.

& 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, drive belt and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.

Engine hood

CAUTION

. When you open the engine hood,

do not stand the wiper blades up.
Furthermore, while the hood is
open, do not operate the wind-
shield wipers. Doing so could
result in damage to the engine
hood and wiper blades.

. Be extremely careful not to catch

fingers or other objects when
closing the engine hood.

. Do not push the hood forcibly to

close it. It could deform the
metal.

. Be extremely careful opening the

engine hood when the wind is
strong. The engine hood could
close suddenly, possibly causing
injuries from slamming.

. Do not install accessories other

than genuine SUBARU parts to
the engine hood. If the engine
hood becomes too heavy, the
stay may not be able to support
holding it open.

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.

Maintenance and service/Engine hood

– CONTINUED –

11-5

Maintenance and service/Engine hood

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, release the hood prop
from its retainer and put the end of the
hood prop into the slot in the hood.

To close the hood:
1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the
hood prop from the slot in the hood and
return the prop to its retainer.
2. Lower the hood to a height of approxi-
mately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
3. 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.

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.

11-6

Engine compartment overview

Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid reservoir
(MT) (page 11-16)

Fuse box (page 11-35)

Battery (page 11-34)

Windshield washer tank (page 11-28)

Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-11)

Radiator cap (page 11-11)

Engine oil filter (page 11-9)

Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)

10) Air cleaner case (page 11-12)

Maintenance and service/Engine compartment overview

11-7

Maintenance and service/Engine oil

Engine oil

CAUTION

. If the level gauge cannot be

pulled out easily, twist the level
gauge right and left, then gently
pull it out. Otherwise, you may be
injured accidentally straining
yourself.

. 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.

& 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 tempera-
ture. 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)
. When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)
. When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of time)
. When towing a trailer (Crosstrek mod-
els)
. When the engine idles for extended
periods of time
. When the vehicle is operated in stop
and go and/or heavy traffic situations
. When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions
. When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently

Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil
more frequently. Different drivers in the
same car may experience different results.
If your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.

& Locations of the oil level

gauge, oil filler cap and oil
filter

Oil level gauge

Oil filler cap

Oil filter

& Checking the oil level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
turn the ignition switch to the

“LOCK”/

“OFF” position. If you check the oil level
just after turning the ignition switch to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position, wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil pan
before checking the level.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,
and insert it again.
3. Be sure the level gauge is correctly

11-8

inserted until it stops.

Full level

Low level

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9
Imp qt) from low level to full level

4. Pull out the oil level gauge again.
5. Check the oil levels on both sides of
the level gauge. The engine oil level must
be judged by the lowest of the two levels.
If the oil level is below the low level mark,
add oil so that the full level is reached.

CAUTION

. Be careful not to touch the en-

gine oil filter when removing the
oil filler cap. Doing so may result
in a burn, a pinched finger, or
may cause some other injury.

. 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 cannot be

pulled out easily, twist the level
gauge right and left, then gently
pull it out. Otherwise, you may be
injured accidentally straining
yourself.

To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.

NOTE

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

“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.

NOTE

. Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a well-trained
expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Fully trained mechanics are on standby
at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the
special tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also,
used oils are properly disposed of.

. If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations and
dispose of waste oil properly.

Maintenance and service/Engine oil

– CONTINUED –

11-9

Maintenance and service/Cooling system

& Recommended grade and

viscosity

CAUTION

Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.

Refer to

“Engine oil” F12-4.

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

” F12-4. 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

& Safety precautions

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.

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

11-10

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 coolant temperature high
warning light blinks or illuminates in RED,
the cooling fan circuit may be defective.
Refer to

“Coolant temperature low indica-

tor light/Coolant temperature high warning
light

” F3-17.

Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to

“Fuses” F11-35 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

“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
coolant up to just below the filler neck as
shown in the following illustration.

Maintenance and service/Cooling system

– CONTINUED –

11-11

Maintenance and service/Air cleaner element

Fill up to this level

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.

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.

11-12

& 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.

Connector

Clip

Clamp

Air intake boot

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 of the air cleaner
case.

3. Loosen the screw on the clamp and
pull the air intake boot out of the air
cleaner case.
4. Unsnap the two clips holding the air
cleaner case (rear).

5. Open the air cleaner case and remove
the air cleaner element.
6. Clean the inside of the air cleaner case
(both front and rear) with a damp cloth and
install a new air cleaner element.

7. To install the air cleaner case (rear),
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case (rear) into the slits on the
air cleaner case (front).
8. Install in the reverse order of removal.

Maintenance and service/Air cleaner element

11-13

Maintenance and service/Spark plugs

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

”.

CAUTION

Make sure the cables are replaced in
the correct order.

& Recommended spark plugs

For the recommended spark plugs, refer
to

“Electrical system” F12-7.

Drive belts

It is unnecessary to check the deflection of
the drive belt periodically because your
engine is equipped with an automatic belt
tension adjuster. However, replacement of
the belt should be done according to the
maintenance schedule in the

“Warranty

and Maintenance Booklet

”. Consult your

SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If the drive belt is loose, cracked or worn,
contact your SUBARU dealer.

Manual transmission oil

It is not necessary to check the transmis-
sion oil level. Check that there are no
cracks, damage or leakage. However, the
oil inspection should be performed ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule in
the

“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

& 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, front differential
and rear differential gear oil

” F12-6.

11-14

Continuously variable trans-
mission fluid

It is not necessary to check the transmis-
sion fluid level. Check that there are no
cracks, damage or leakage. However, the
fluid inspection should be performed
according to the maintenance schedule
in the

“Warranty and Maintenance Book-

let

”. Consult your SUBARU dealer for

details.

Front differential gear oil
(CVT models)

It is not necessary to check the gear oil
level. Check that there are no cracks,
damage or leakage. However, the oil
inspection should be performed according
to the maintenance schedule in the

“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

& 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, front differential
and rear differential gear oil

” F12-6.

CAUTION

Using a differential gear oil other
than the specified oil may cause a
decline in vehicle performance.

Rear differential gear oil

It is not necessary to check the gear oil
level. Check that there are no cracks,
damage or leakage. However, the oil
inspection should be performed according
to the maintenance schedule in the

“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

& 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, front differential
and rear differential gear oil

” F12-6.

CAUTION

Using a differential gear oil other
than the specified oil may cause a
decline in vehicle performance.

Maintenance and service/Continuously variable transmission fluid

11-15

Maintenance and service/Brake fluid

Brake fluid

& Checking the fluid level

WARNING

. Never let brake fluid contact your

eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.

. Brake fluid absorbs moisture

from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.

. If the vehicle requires frequent

refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.

CAUTION

. When adding brake fluid, be care-

ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.

. Never splash the brake fluid over

painted surfaces or rubber parts.

Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.

. Be careful not to spill brake fluid

when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.

“MAX” level line

“MIN” level line

The brake fluid level must be checked in
this area.

Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Be sure to check the fluid level
for the brake system at the front part of
the reservoir (shaded area in the illustra-

tion). For MT models, this reservoir is
used for both the brake and clutch
systems and has chambers for each
system.

If the fluid level is below

“MIN”, add the

recommended brake fluid to

“MAX”. Use

only brake fluid from a sealed container.

& Recommended brake fluid

Refer to

“Fluids” F12-7.

CAUTION

Never use different brands of brake
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.

11-16

Clutch fluid (MT models)

& Checking the fluid level

WARNING

Never let clutch fluid contact your
eyes because clutch fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately flush
them thoroughly with clean water.
For safety, when performing this
work, wearing eye protection is
advisable.

CAUTION

. Clutch fluid absorbs moisture

from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause improper clutch
operation.

. If the vehicle requires frequent

refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.

. When clutch fluid is added, be

careful not to allow any dirt into
the tank.

. Never splash the clutch fluid over

painted surfaces or rubber parts.

Alcohol contained in the clutch
fluid may damage them.

. Be careful not to spill clutch fluid

when adding it. If clutch fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.

. The fluid level for the clutch

system must be checked at the
inboard side of the reservoir. It
cannot be checked at the out-
board side of the reservoir.

“MAX” level line

“MIN” level line

The clutch fluid level must be checked in
this area.

Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Because this reservoir is used
for both the brake and clutch systems and
has chambers for each system, be sure to
check the fluid level for the clutch system
at the inboard side of the reservoir
(shaded area in the illustration). If the fluid
level is below

“MIN”, add the recom-

mended clutch fluid to

“MAX”.

Use only clutch fluid from a sealed
container.

& Recommended clutch fluid

Refer to

“Fluids” F12-7.

CAUTION

Never use different brands of clutch
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.

Maintenance and service/Clutch fluid (MT models)

11-17

Maintenance and service/Brake booster

Brake booster

If the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following, have it checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the ignition switch in the

“LOCK”/

“OFF” position, depress the brake pedal
several times, applying the same pedal
force each time. The distance the pedal
travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move
slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for
approximately one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake
booster operates properly if the pedal
stroke decreases with each depression.

Brake pedal

Check the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the

“Warranty and

Maintenance Booklet

”.

& Checking the brake pedal

free play

0.02

– 0.11 in (0.5 – 2.7 mm)

Turn the ignition switch to the

“LOCK”/

“OFF” position and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull
the brake pedal up with one finger to
check the free play with a force of less
than 2 lbf (10 N, 1 kgf).
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-

er.

& Checking the brake pedal

reserve distance

More than 2.56 in (65 mm)

Depress the pedal with a force of approxi-
mately 66 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf) and measure
the distance between the upper surface of
the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than
the specification, or when the pedal does
not operate smoothly, contact with your
SUBARU dealer.

11-18

Clutch pedal (MT models)

Check the clutch pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the

“Warranty and

Maintenance Booklet

”.

& Checking the clutch function

Check the clutch engagement and disen-
gagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there
are no abnormal noises when the clutch
pedal is depressed, and that shifting into
1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal
slowly to check that the engine and
transmission smoothly couple without
any sign of slippage.

& Checking the clutch pedal

free play

0.16

– 0.43 in (4.0 – 11.0 mm)

Lightly depress the clutch pedal down with
your finger until you feel resistance, and
check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.

Hill start assist system

Ensure that the Hill start assist system
operates properly under the following
circumstances.
1. Stop the vehicle on an uphill grade by
depressing the brake pedal (all models)
and clutch pedal (MT models only), with
the engine running.
2. Make sure that the vehicle does not
move backward for several seconds after
the brake pedal is released.
3. Then make sure the vehicle starts
climbing the grade by following the normal
starting procedures.

If the Hill start assist system does not
operate as described above, contact your
SUBARU dealer.

Maintenance and service/Clutch pedal (MT models)

11-19

Maintenance and service/Replacement of brake pad and lining

Replacement of brake pad
and lining

The disc brakes have audible wear
indicators on the brake pads. If the brake
pads wear close to their service limit, the
wear indicator makes a very audible
scraping noise when the brake pedal is
applied.

If you hear this scraping noise each time
you apply the brake pedal, have the brake
pads serviced by your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.

CAUTION

If you continue to drive despite the
scraping noise from the audible

brake pad wear indicator, it will
result in the need for costly brake
rotor repair or replacement.

& Breaking-in of new brake

pads and linings

When replacing the brake pad or lining,
use only genuine SUBARU parts. After
replacement, the new parts must be
broken in as follows.

! Brake pad and lining
While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40
mph (50 to 65 km/h), step on the brake
pedal lightly. Repeat this five or more
times.
! Parking brake lining
1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).
2. With the parking brake release button
pushed in, pull the parking brake lever
SLOWLY and GENTLY (pulling with a
force of approximately 33.7 lbf [150 N,
15.3 kgf]).
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately
220 yards (200 meters) in this condition.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking
brake to cool down. Repeat this proce-
dure.
5. Check the parking brake stroke. If the

parking brake stroke is out of the specified
range, adjust it by turning the adjusting nut
located on the parking brake lever.

Parking brake stroke:

– 8 notches / 45 lbf (200 N, 20.4 kgf)

WARNING

A safe location and situation should
be selected for break-in driving.

CAUTION

Pulling the parking brake lever too
forcefully may cause the rear
wheels to lock. To avoid this, be
certain to pull the lever up slowly
and gently.

11-20

Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction - part 32