Subaru Baja (2006 year). Instruction — part 26

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Maintenance and service

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ible, the tire is worn beyond the acceptable limit
and must be replaced immediately. With a tire
in this condition, driving at high speeds in wet
weather can cause the vehicle to hydroplane.
The resulting loss of vehicle control can lead to
an accident.

NOTE

For safety, inspect the tire tread regularly and re-
place the tires before their tread wear indicators
become visible.

„ Tire rotation

„

Tire

„

Rotation

Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To maximize the
life of each tire and ensure that the tires wear uniform-
ly, it is best to rotate the tires every 7,500 miles
(12,500 km). Rotating the tires involves switching the
front and rear tires on the right-hand side of the vehicle
and similarly switching the front and rear tires on the
left-hand side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept
on its original side of the vehicle.)
Replace any damaged or unevenly worn tire at the
time of rotation. After tire rotation, adjust the tire pres-
sures and make sure the wheel nuts are correctly
tightened.

After driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km),
check the wheel nuts again and retighten any nut that
has become loose.

„ Tire replacement

„

Tire

„

Replacement

The wheels and tires are important and integral parts
of your vehicle’s design; they cannot be changed arbi-
trarily. The tires fitted as standard equipment are opti-
mally matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and
were selected to give the best possible combination of
running performance, ride comfort, and service life. It
is essential for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire placard and to
have a speed symbol and load index matching those

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Maintenance and service

shown on the tire placard.

Using tires of a non-specified size detracts from con-
trollability, ride comfort, braking performance, speed-
ometer accuracy and odometer accuracy. It also cre-
ates incorrect body-to-tire clearances and inappropri-
ately changes the vehicle’s ground clearance.

All four tires must be the same in terms of manufactur-
er, brand (tread pattern), construction, and size. You
are advised to replace the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equipment.

For safe vehicle operation, SUBARU recommends re-
placing all four tires at the same time.

y All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), construc-
tion, degree of wear, speed symbol, load index
and size. Mixing tires of different types, sizes or
degrees of wear can result in damage to the ve-
hicle’s power train. Use of different types or siz-
es of tires can also dangerously reduce control-
lability and braking performance and can lead
to an accident.
y Use only radial tires. Do not use radial tires
together with belted bias tires and/or bias-ply

tires. Doing so can dangerously reduce control-
lability, resulting in an accident.

„ Wheel replacement

„

Wheel

„

Replacement

When replacing wheels due, for example, to damage,
make sure the replacement wheels match the specifi-
cations of the wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available from
SUBARU dealers.

Use only those wheels that are specified for
your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-
tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub against the
wheel well housing during turns. The resulting
loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-
dent.

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Maintenance and service

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Aluminum wheels

Aluminum wheels

Aluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety.

y When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque.
y Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel.
y Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs.
y Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the
wheel.
y When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
SUBARU parts designed for aluminum wheels.

Windshield washer fluid

Windshield

Washer fluid

Never use engine coolant as washer fluid be-
cause it could cause paint damage.

Check the level of the washer fluid at each fuel stop. If
the level is low, fill the fluid up to the neck of the reser-
voir.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield washer fluid
is unavailable use clean water.
In areas where water freezes in winter, use an anti-

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Maintenance and service

freeze type windshield washer fluid. SUBARU Wind-
shield Washer Fluid contains 58.5% methyl alcohol
and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temper-
ature varies according to how much it is diluted, as in-
dicated in the following table.

In order to prevent freezing of washer fluid, check the
freezing temperatures in the table above when adjust-
ing the fluid concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different
concentration from the one used previously, purge the
old fluid from the piping between the reservoir tank
and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a cer-
tain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of
the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the out-
side temperature, it may freeze and block the nozzles.

Adjust the washer fluid concentration appropri-
ately for the outside temperature. If the concen-

tration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid
may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir
tank.

Washer Fluid Concentration

Freezing Temperature

30%

10.4°F (–12°C)

50%

–4°F (–20°C)

100%

–49°F (–45°C)

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Maintenance and service

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Replacement of windshield wiper
blades

Replacement

Windshield wiper blades

Grease, wax, insects, or other materials on the wind-
shield or the wiper blade results in jerky wiper opera-
tion and streaking on the glass. If you cannot remove
the streaks after operating the windshield washer or if
the wiper operation is jerky, clean the outer surface of
the windshield (or rear window) and the wiper blades
using a sponge or soft cloth with a neutral detergent or
mild-abrasive cleaner. After cleaning, rinse the wind-
shield and wiper blades with clean water. The wind-
shield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the
windshield with water.

Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or
a solvent, such as paint thinner or benzene.
This will cause deterioration of the wiper
blades.

If you cannot eliminate the streaking even after follow-
ing this method, replace the wiper blades using the fol-
lowing procedures:
1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.

1) Stopper

2. Remove the wiper blade assembly by holding its
pivot area and pushing it in the direction shown by the
arrow while depressing the wiper blade stopper.

1

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Maintenance and service

1) Metal support

3. Grasp the locked end of the blade rubber assembly
and pull it firmly until the stoppers on the rubber are
free of the metal support.

1) Metal spines

4. If the new blade rubber is not provided with two
metal spines, remove the metal spines from the old
blade rubber and install them in the new blade rubber.

1

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5. Align the claws of the metal support with the
grooves in the rubber and slide the blade rubber as-
sembly into the metal support until it locks.

1) Stopper

6. Be sure to position the claws at the end of the metal
support between the stoppers on the rubber as shown.
If the rubber is not retained properly, the wiper blade
may scratch the windshield.
7. Install the wiper blade assembly to the wiper arm.
Make sure that it locks in place.
8. Lower the wiper arm slowly while holding it with
your hand.

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Maintenance and service

Battery

Battery

y Before beginning work on or near any bat-
tery, be sure to extinguish all cigarettes, match-
es, and lighters. Never expose a battery to an
open flame or electric sparks. Batteries give off
a gas which is highly flammable and explosive.
y For safety, in case an explosion does occur,
wear eye protection or shield your eyes when
working near any battery. Never lean over a bat-
tery.
y Do not let battery fluid contact eyes, skin,
fabrics, or paint because battery fluid is a cor-
rosive acid. If battery fluid gets on your skin or
in your eyes, immediately flush the area with
water thoroughly. Seek medical help immedi-
ately if acid has entered the eyes.
If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, imme-
diately drink a large amount of milk or water,
and seek medical attention immediately.
y To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings,
metal watchbands, and other metal jewelry.
Never allow metal tools to contact the positive
battery terminal and anything connected to it
WHILE you are at the same time in contact with

any other metallic portion of the vehicle be-
cause a short circuit will result.
y Keep everyone including children away from
the battery.
y Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area.
y Battery posts terminals and related accesso-
ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. Wash hands after
handling.

It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery fluid
level or periodically refill with distilled water.

Never use more than 10 amperes when charg-
ing the battery because it will shorten battery
life.

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Maintenance and service

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Fuses

Fuses

Never replace a fuse with one having a higher
rating or with material other than a fuse be-
cause serious damage or a fire could result.

The fuses are designed to melt during an overload to
prevent damage to the wiring harness and electrical
equipment. The fuses are located in two fuse boxes.
One is located under the instrument panel behind the
coin tray on the driver’s seat side.

The other one is housed in the engine compartment.

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Maintenance and service

1) Fuse puller
2) Spare fuses

The fuse puller and spare fuses are stored in the main
fuse box cover in the engine compartment.

1) Good
2) Blown

If any lights, accessories or other electrical controls do
not operate, inspect the corresponding fuse. If a fuse
has blown, replace it.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position and
turn off all electrical accessories.
2. Remove the cover.
(For behind the coin tray: open the coin tray and pull it
horizontally to remove it.)
3. Determine which fuse may be blown. The back side
of each fuse box cover and the “Fuses and circuits”
section in chapter 12 in this manual show the circuit for

1

2

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1

2

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Maintenance and service

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each fuse.

1) Fuse puller

4. Pull out the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. Inspect the fuse. If it has blown, replace it with a
spare fuse of the same rating.
6. If the same fuse blows again, this indicates that its
system has a problem. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for repairs.

Main fuse

Main fuse

Main fuse box

The main fuses are designed to melt during an over-
load to prevent damage to the wiring harness and
electrical equipment. Check the main fuses if any elec-
trical component fails to operate (except the starter
motor) and other fuses are good. A melted main fuse
must be replaced. Use only replacements with the
same specified rating as the melted main fuse. If a
main fuse blows after it is replaced, have the electrical
system checked by your nearest SUBARU dealer.

1

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Maintenance and service

Installation of accessories

Accessories

Always consult your SUBARU dealer before installing
fog lights or any other electrical equipment in your ve-
hicle. Such accessories may cause the electronic sys-
tem to malfunction if they are incorrectly installed or if
they are not suited for the vehicle.

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Replacing bulbs

7

6

1

4

2

3

5

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Maintenance and service

Wattage

Bulb No.

1)

Headlight

BAJA-S

12V-65/
55W

9007
(HB5)

BAJA-B

Low beam

12V-55W H1

High beam

12V-60W 9005

(HB3)

2)

Front turn signal light

12V-27W 1156NA

(Amber)

3)

Map light

12V-8W

–

4)

Dome light

12V-8W

–

5)

Door step light

12V-3.4W –

6)

Front turn signal light/
parking and front side
marker light

12V-27/
8W

1157NA
(Amber)

7)

Front fog light

12V-51W 9006

(HB4)

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Maintenance and service

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14

12

13

8

9 10 11

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Maintenance and service

Replace any bulb only with a new bulb of the
specified wattage. Using a bulb of different
wattage could result in a fire.

„ Headlight

„

Headlights

„

Replacing bulbs

„

Headlight

Halogen headlight bulbs become very hot while
in use. If you touch the bulb surface with bare
hands or greasy gloves, finger prints or grease
on the bulb surface will develop into hot spots
and cause the bulb to break. If there are finger
prints or grease on the bulb surface, wipe them
away with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol.

NOTE

If headlight aiming is required, consult your
SUBARU dealer for proper adjustment of the head-
light aim.

Wattage

Bulb No.

8)

License plate light

12V-5W

168

9)

Cargo light

12V-13W 912

10)

High mount stop light

12V-13W 912

11)

Backup light

12V-21W 7440

12)

Brake rear turn signal/
tail light

12V-21/
5W

7443

13)

Tail light

12V-5W

168

14)

Sports activity lights

12V-55W H3