Subaru Impreza 2003 User manual

Always wear your seatbelt.
2003 OWNER'S MANUAL
A1850BE
Issued:
Printed in USA
June 2002 A
TOKYO. JAPAN

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
and are registered trademarks of FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
copyright 2002 FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.
Foreword
Congratulations on choosing a SUBARU vehicle. This Owner’s
Manual has all the information necessary to keep your SUBARU in
excellent condition and to properly maintain the emission control
system for minimizing emission pollutants. We urge you to read
this manual carefully so that you may understand your vehicle and
its operation. For information not found in this Owner’s Manual,
such as details concerning repairs or adjustments, please contact
the dealer from whom you purchased your SUBARU or the nearest
SUBARU dealer.
The information, specifications and illustrations found in this manu-
al are those in effect at the time of printing. FUJI HEAVY INDUS-
TRIES LTD. reserves the right to change specifications and designs
at any time without prior notice and without incurring any obliga-
tion to make the same or similar changes on vehicles previously
sold. This Owner’s Manual applies to all models and covers all
equipment, including factory installed options. Some explanations,
therefore may be for equipment not installed in your vehicle.
Please leave this manual in the vehicle at the time of resale. The
next owner will need the information found herein.
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD., TOKYO, JAPAN

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
This manual describes the following vehicle types.
Sedan
Wagon and OUTBACK SPORT

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1
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Warranties
JWarranties for U.S.A.
All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru of Amer-
ica, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU
dealer in the United States come with the following
warranties:
DSUBARU Limited Warranty
DEmission Control Systems Warranty
DEmissions Performance Warranty
All warranty information, including details of cover-
age and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet”. Please read these warranties care-
fully.
JWarranties for Canada
All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru Canada,
Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU
dealer in Canada come with the following warran-
ties:
DSUBARU Limited Warranty
DAnti-Corrosion Warranty
DEmission Control Warranty
All warranty information, including details of cover-
age and exclusions, is in the Warranty and Service
Booklet. Please read these warranties carefully.
NOTE
This vehicle does not contain mer-
cury devices or parts.

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2
How to use this owner’s manual
JUsing your Owner’s manual
Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this
manual. To protect yourself and extend the service
life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this
manual. Failure to observe these instructions may
result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.
This manual is composed of fourteen chapters.
Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents,
so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter
contains the information you want.
Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
This chapter informs you how to use the seat and
seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS air-
bags.
Chapter 2: Keys and doors
This chapter informs you how to operate the keys,
locks and windows.
Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This chapter informs you about the operation of
instrument panel indicators and how to use the
instruments and other switches.
Chapter 4: Climate Control
This chapter informs you how to operate the climate
control.
Chapter 5: Audio
This chapter informs you how to operate your audio
system.
Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This chapter informs you how to operate interior
equipment.
Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This chapter informs you how to start and operate
your SUBARU.
Chapter 8: Driving tips
This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU
in various conditions and explains some safety tips
on driving.
Chapter 9: In case of emergency
This chapter informs you what to do if you have a
problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine
overheating.
Chapter 10: Appearance care
This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU
looking good.
Chapter 11: Maintenance and service
This chapter informs you when you need to take
your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled mainte-
nance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU
running properly.

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Chapter 12: Specifications
This chapter informs you about dimension and ca-
pacities of your SUBARU.
Chapter 13: Consumer information and Report-
ing safety defects
This chapter informs you about Uniform tire quality
grading standards and Reporting safety defects.
Chapter 14: Index
This is an alphabetical listing of all that’s in this
manual. You can use it to quickly find something you
want to read.
JSafety warnings
You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs
and NOTEs in this manual.
These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards
that could result in injury to you or others.
Please read these safety warnings as well as all oth-
er portions of this manual carefully in order to gain a
better understanding of how to use your SUBARU
vehicle safely.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situation in which se-
rious injury or death could result if the warn-
ing is ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situation in which inju-
ry or damage to your vehicle, or both, could
result if the caution is ignored.
NOTE
A NOTE gives information or suggestions how to
make better use of your vehicle.
JSafety symbol
You will find a circle with a slash through it in this
manual. This symbol means “Do not”, “Do not do

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4
this”, or “Do not let this happen”, depending upon
the context. Vehicle symbols
There are some of the symbols you may see on your
vehicle.
Mark Name
CAUTION
Power door lock and unlock
Passenger’s windows lock and unlock
Fuel
Front fog lights
Parking lights
Hazard warning flasher
Cigarette lighter

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Mark Name
Engine hood
Trunk lid (Sedan)
Seat heater
Horn
Windshield wiper deicer
Wiper intermittent
Windshield wiper and washer
Rear window wiper and washer
Lights
Mark Name
Parking lights, tail lights, license plate light
and instrument panel illumination
Head lights
Illumination brightness
Fan speed
Instrument panel outlets
Instrument panel outlets and foot outlets
Foot outlets
Windshield defroster and foot outlets
Windshield defroster

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Mark Name
Rear window defogger/Outside mirror
defogger
Air recirculation
Outside air
Engine oil
Washer
Safety precautions when driving
JSeatbelt and SRS airbag
WARNING
DAll persons in the vehicle should fasten
their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to
move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious in-
jury becomes greater in the event of a sudden
stop or accident.
DTo obtain maximum protection in the event
of an accident, the driver and all passengers
in the vehicle should always wear seatbelts
when the vehicle is moving. The SRS (Supple-
mental Restraint System) airbag does not do
away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In
combination with the seatbelts, it offers the
best combined protection in case of a serious
accident.
Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance
of severe injury or death in a crash even when
the car has the SRS airbag.
DThe SRS airbags deploy with considerable
speed and force. Occupants who are out of
proper position when the SRS airbag deploys
could suffer very serious injuries. Because

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the SRS airbag needs enough space for de-
ployment, the driver should always sit upright
and well back in the seat as far from the steer-
ing wheel as practical while still maintaining
full vehicle control and the front passenger
should move the seat as far back as possible
and sit upright and well back in the seat.
Carefully read the sections “Seatbelts”and “SRS air-
bag”in chapter 1 of this owner’s manual for instruc-
tions and precautions concerning the seatbelt sys-
tem and SRS airbag system.
JChild safety
WARNING
DNever hold a child on your lap or in your
arms while the vehicle is moving. The passen-
ger cannot protect the child from injury in a
collision, because the child will be caught be-
tween the passenger and objects inside the
vehicle.
DWhile riding in the vehicle, infants and small
children should always be placed in the REAR
seat in an infant or child restraint system
which is appropriate for the child’s age, height
and weight. If a child is too big for a child re-
straint system, the child should sit in the
REAR seat and be restrained using the seat-
belts. According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating
positions. Never allow a child to stand up or
kneel on the seat.
DPut children aged 12 and under in the REAR
seat properly restrained at all times in a child
restraint device or in a seatbelt. The SRS air-
bag deploys with considerable speed and
force and can injure or even kill children, es-
pecially if they are 12 years of age and under
and are not restrained or improperly re-
strained. Because children are lighter and
weaker than adults, their risk being injured
from deployment is greater.
DNEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING
CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE
CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
DAlways use the child safety locks whenever
a child rides in the rear seat. Serious injury
could result if a child accidentally opened the
door and fell out. Refer to the “Child safety

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
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locks”section in chapter 2.
DAlways lock the passenger’s windows using
the lock switch when children are riding in the
vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child operating the power
window. Refer to the “Windows”section in
chapter 2.
DNever leave unattended children in the ve-
hicle. They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny
days, temperature in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to them.
DHelp prevent young children from locking
themselves in the trunk. When leaving the ve-
hicle, either close all windows and lock all
doors or cancel the inside trunk lid release.
Also make certain that the trunk is closed. On
hot or sunny days, the temperature in a trunk
could quickly become high enough to cause
death or serious heat-related injuries includ-
ing brain damage, particularly for small chil-
dren.
Carefully read the sections “Child restraint systems”,
“SRS airbag”, and “Seatbelts”in chapter 1 of this
owner’s manual for instructions and precautions
concerning the child restraint system, seatbelt sys-
tem and SRS airbag system.
JEngine exhaust gas
(carbon monoxide)
WARNING
DNever inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled.
DAlways properly maintain the engine ex-
haust system to prevent engine exhaust gas
from entering the vehicle.
DNever run the engine in a closed space,
such as a garage, except for the brief time
needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.
DAvoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If
that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation
fan to force fresh air into the vehicle.
DAlways keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions
to ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly.

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–CONTINUED –
DIf at any time you suspect that exhaust
fumes are entering the vehicle, have the prob-
lem checked and corrected as soon as pos-
sible. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with all windows fully open.
DKeep the trunk lid or rear gate closed while
driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
JDrinking and driving
WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reac-
tion and impairs your perception, judgment
and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking –
even if you drink just a little –it will increase
the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal
accident, injuring or killing yourself, your pas-
sengers and others. In addition, if you are in-
jured in the accident, alcohol may increase
the severity of that injury.
Please don’t drink and drive.
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes
of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differ-
ently, you may have consumed too much alcohol to
drive safely even if the level of alcohol in your blood
is below the legal limit. The safest thing you can do
is never drink and drive. However if you have no
choice but to drive, stop drinking and sober up
completely before getting behind the wheel.
JDrugs and driving
WARNING
There are some drugs (over the counter and
prescription) that can delay your reaction time
and impair your perception, judgment and at-
tentiveness. If you drive after taking them, it
may increase your, your passengers’and oth-
er persons’risk of being involved in a serious
or fatal accident.
If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor
or pharmacist or read the literature that accompa-
nies the medication to determine if the drug you are
taking can impair your driving ability. Do not drive
after taking any medications that can make you
drowsy or otherwise affect your ability to safely oper-
ate a motor vehicle. If you have a medical condition
that requires you to take drugs, please consult with

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
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your doctor.
Never drive if you are under the influence of any illic-
it mind-altering drugs. For your own health and well-
being, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the
first place and to seek treatment if you are addicted
to those drugs.
JDriving when tired or sleepy
WARNING
When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction
will be delayed and your perception, judgment
and attentiveness will be impaired. If you drive
when tired or sleepy, your, your passengers’
and other persons’chances of being involved
in a serious accident may increase.
Please do not continue to drive but instead find a
safe place to rest if you are tired or sleepy. On long
trips, you should make periodic rest stops to refresh
yourself before continuing on your journey. When
possible, you should share the driving with others.
JModification of your vehicle
CAUTION
Your vehicle should not be modified. Modifica-
tion could affect its performance, safety or
durability, and may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from modification
may not be covered under warranties.
JMobile phones and driving
CAUTION
Do not use a hand-held phone while driving; it
may distract your attention from driving and
can lead to an accident. If you use a hand-held
phone, pull off the road and park in the safe
place before using your phone. In some
States/Provindes, only hands-free phones
may legally be used while driving.

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JDriving with pets
Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and
distract your attention from driving. In a collision or
sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be
thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or
your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt un-
der these situations. It is also for their own safety
that pets should be properly restrained in your
vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling har-
ness which can be secured to the rear seat with a
seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured
to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the
carrier’s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers
in the front passenger’s seat. For further information,
consult your veterinarian, local animal protection so-
ciety or pet shop.
JTire pressures
Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of
each tire (including the spare) at least once a month
and before any long journey.
Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use
a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the
values shown on the tire placard.
Refer to the “Tires and wheels”section in chapter 11
for detailed information.
WARNING
Driving at high speeds with excessively low
tire pressures can cause the tires to deform
severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp
increase in temperature could cause tread
separation, and destruction of the tires. The
resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to
an accident.
JCalifornia proposition 65 warning
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.

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–CONTINUED –
1
Table of contents
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Keys and doors
Instruments and controls
Climate control
Audio
Interior equipment
Starting and operating
Driving tips
In case of emergency
Appearance care
Maintenance and service
Specifications
Index
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects

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Illustrated index
JExterior
1) Engine hood (page 11-5)
2) Headlight switch (page 3-16)
3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-62)
4) Wiper switch (page 3-22)
5) Roof rails (page 8-18)
6) Door locks (page 2-3)
7) Tire pressure (page 11-42)
8) Flat tires (page 9-5)
9) Tire chains (page 8-14)
10) Front fog light switch (page
3-20)
11) Tie-down eyes (page 9-18)
12) Towing eye (page 9-18)

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15
–CONTINUED –
1) Rear window defogger switch
(page 3-25)
2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page
7-4)
3) Child safety locks (page 2-21)
4) Towing eye (page 9-18)
5) Trunk (page 2-25)
6) Rear gate (page 2-30)

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JInterior
BPassenger compartment area
1) Lower anchorage for child
restraint system (page 1-36)
2) Seatbelt (page 1-12)
3) Parking brake lever (page
7-26)
4) Front seat (page 1-2)
5) Rear seat (page 1-8)

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–CONTINUED –
1) Cup holder (page 6-7)
2) Center console (page 6-6)
3) Glove compartment (page 6-5)
4) Cigarette lighter (page 6-9)
5) Ashtray (page 6-12)

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JInstrument panel
1) Door locks (page 2-3)
2) Light control lever (page 3-16)
3) Combination meter (page 3-6)
4) Wiper control lever (page 3-21)
5) Hazard warning flasher switch
(page 3-6)
6) Audio (page 5-1)
7) Gear shift lever (MT) (page
7-11)/Selector lever (AT) (page
7-14)
8) Outside mirror switch (page
3-29)
9) Climate control (page 4-1)
10) Cruise control (page 7-28)
11) Horn (page 3-32)
12) SRS airbag (page 1-42)
13) Tilt steering (page 3-31)
14) Fuse box (page 11-56)
15) Hood lock release (page 11-5)
16) Power window (page 2-22)