Subaru Baja (2006 year). Instruction — part 22

9-22

In case of emergency

Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not
turning, immediately turn off the engine and contact
your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped,
turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn off the engine.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.
If the coolant level is below the “MIN” mark, add cool-
ant up to the “MAX” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add cool-
ant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap
and fill the radiator with coolant.

If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first
wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn
the cap counterclockwise slowly without pressing
down until it stops. Release the pressure from the ra-
diator. After the pressure has been fully released, re-
move the cap by pressing down and turning it.

Towing

Never tow AWD vehicles (both AT and MT) with
the front wheels raised off the ground while the
rear wheels are on the ground, or with the rear
wheels raised off the ground while the front
wheels are on the ground. This will cause the
vehicle to spin away due to the operation or de-
terioration of the center differential.

If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU

UB9064BA

9-23

In case of emergency

– CONTINUED –

dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the
following procedures for safety.

Towing and tie-down hooks

The towing hooks should be used only in an emergen-
cy (e.g., to free a stuck vehicle from mud, sand or
snow).

y Use only specified towing hooks and tie-
down hooks. Never use suspension parts or
other parts of the body for towing or tie-down
purposes.
y Never use the tie-down hook closest to the
muffler under the vehicle for towing purposes.
y To prevent deformation to the front bumper
and the towing hook, do not apply excessive
lateral load to the towing hooks.

1) Towing hook cover
2) Towing hook

The front towing hook is located on the inside of the
towing hook cover below the right-hand headlight.

UB9065BB

9-24

In case of emergency

1) Tie-down hook

1) Tie-down hook
2) Towing and tie-down hook

UB9070BB

UB9066CB

9-25

In case of emergency

– CONTINUED –

Vehicle with trailer hitch (if equipped)
1) Tie-down hook

T Towing hook cover removal procedure
The towing hook cover is secured by tabs that fit into
corresponding slots in the vehicle body.
To remove the cover:

1. Free the tabs on the towing hook cover by firmly
pressing the point indicated by an arrow with the palm
of your hand.

UB9010BB

UB9083BA

9-26

In case of emergency

2. Pull off the towing hook cover.

T Towing hook cover installation procedure

To reinstall the towing hook cover, push it in on both
sides while pushing it back to its original position.
Make certain that the tabs at the end of the cover are
securely inserted into the corresponding slots in the
vehicle’s body.

UB9084BA

UB9069BA

9-27

In case of emergency

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Using a flat-bed truck

This is the best way to transport your vehicle. Use the
following procedures to ensure safe transportation.
1. Shift the selector lever into the “P” position for au-
tomatic transmission vehicles or “1st” for manual
transmission vehicles.
2. Pull up the parking brake lever firmly.
3. Secure the vehicle onto the carrier properly with
safety chains. Each safety chain should be equally
tightened and care must be taken not to pull the chains
so tightly that the suspension bottoms out.

Towing with all wheels on the ground

y Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position while the vehicle is being towed be-
cause the steering wheel and the direction of
the wheels will be locked.
y Remember that the brake booster and power
steering do not function when the engine is not
running. Because the engine is turned off, it will
take greater effort to operate the brake pedal
and steering wheel.

UB9072AA

UB9071AA

9-28

In case of emergency

y If transmission failure occurs, transport your
vehicle on a flat-bed truck.
y Do not run the engine while the vehicle is be-
ing towed using this method. Transmission
damage could result if the vehicle is towed with
the engine running.
y For vehicles with automatic transmission,
the traveling speed must be limited to less than
20 mph (30 km/h) and the traveling distance to
less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds
and distances, transport your vehicle on a flat-
bed truck.

1. Check the transmission and differential oil levels
and add oil to bring it to the upper level if necessary.
2. Release the parking brake and put the transmis-
sion in neutral.
3. The ignition switch should be in the “ACC” position
while the vehicle is being towed.
4. Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.

10-2

Appearance care

Exterior care

Washing

y When washing the vehicle, the brakes may
get wet. As a result, the brake stopping dis-
tance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the
vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing
the brake pedal to heat up the brakes.
y Do not wash the engine compartment and ar-
eas adjacent to it. If water enters the engine air
intake, electrical parts or the power steering flu-
id reservoir, it will cause engine trouble or
faulty power steering respectively.

NOTE

y Before having your vehicle washed in an auto-
matic car wash, retract the pillar mounted antenna
or remove the roof mounted antenna to prevent it
from being damaged.
y When having your vehicle washed in an auto-
matic car wash, make sure beforehand that the car
wash is of suitable type.

The best way to preserve your vehicle’s beauty is fre-

quent washing. Wash the vehicle at least once a
month to avoid contamination by road grime.

Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of luke-
warm or cold water. Do not wash the vehicle with hot
water and in direct sunlight.

Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree sap, and bird
droppings should be washed off by using a light deter-
gent, as required. If you use a light detergent, make
certain that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use strong
soap or chemical detergents. All cleaning agents
should be promptly flushed from the surface and not
allowed to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the remaining water
off with a chamois or soft cloth.

T Washing the underbody
Chemicals, salts and gravel used for deicing road sur-
faces are extremely corrosive, accelerating the corro-
sion of underbody components, such as the exhaust
system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan
and fenders, and suspension.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and inside of the
fenders with lukewarm or cold water at frequent inter-
vals to reduce the harmful effects of such agents.

Mud and sand adhering to the underbody components
may accelerate their corrosion.

10-3

Appearance care

– CONTINUED –

After driving off-road or muddy or sandy roads, wash
the mud and sand off the underbody.
Carefully flush the suspension and axle parts, as they
are particularly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do not
use a sharp-edged tool to remove caked mud.

NOTE

Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor har-
nesses, and other parts when washing suspen-
sion components.

T Using a warm water washer
y Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm) or more be-
tween the washer nozzle and the vehicle.
y Do not wash the same area continuously.
y If a stain will not come out easily, wash by hand.
Some warm water washers are of the high tempera-
ture, high pressure type, and they can damage or de-
form the resin parts such as mouldings, or cause wa-
ter to leak into the vehicle.

Waxing and polishing

Always wash and dry the vehicle before waxing and
polishing.
Use a good quality polish and wax and apply them ac-
cording to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wax or pol-
ish when the painted surface is cool.

Be sure to polish and wax the chrome trim, as well as
the painted surfaces. Loss of wax on a painted surface
leads to loss of the original luster and also quickens
the deterioration of the surface. It is recommended
that a coat of wax be applied at least once a month, or
whenever the surface no longer repels water.

If the appearance of the paint has diminished to the
point where the luster or tone cannot be restored,
lightly polish the surface with a fine-grained com-
pound. Never polish just the affected area, but include
the surrounding area as well. Always polish in only
one direction. A No. 2000 grain compound is recom-
mended. Never use a coarse-grained compound.
Coarser grained compounds have a smaller grain-size
number and could damage the paint. After polishing
with a compound, coat with wax to restore the original
luster. Frequent polishing with a compound or an in-
correct polishing technique will result in removing the
paint layer and exposing the undercoat. When in
doubt, it is always best to contact your SUBARU deal-
er or an auto paint specialist.

NOTE

Be careful not to damage brake hoses, sensor har-
nesses, and other parts when washing suspen-
sion components.

10-4

Appearance care

Cleaning aluminum wheels

y Promptly wipe the aluminum wheels clean of any
kind of grime or agent. If dirt is left on too long, it may
be difficult to clean off.
y Do not use soap containing grit to clean the wheels.
Be sure to use a neutral cleaning agent, and later rinse
thoroughly with water. Do not clean the wheels with a
stiff brush or expose them to a high-speed washing
device.
y Clean the vehicle (including the aluminum wheels)
with water as soon as possible when it has been
splashed with sea water, exposed to sea breezes, or
driven on roads treated with salt or other agents.

Cleaning front fog light lens

1. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Stop the engine and turn off the front fog lights.

1) Counter-clockwise
2) Light lens horizontal center line

3. Check that the front fog lights are not hot. Then,
grasp the protector and turn it approximately 10°
counter-clockwise.
4. Pull the protector off the front fog light.
5. Wash the lens with water.
6. Apply the protector to the lens at an angle of ap-
proximately 10° from the front fog light’s horizontal
center line. Then, turn the protector clockwise until it
stops. Finally, check that the protector’s horizontal
bars are parallel with the front fog light’s horizontal
center line.

UBA017BB

10-5

Appearance care

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Corrosion protection

Your SUBARU has been designed and built to resist
corrosion. Special materials and protective finishes
have been used on most parts of the vehicle to help
maintain fine appearance, strength, and reliable oper-
ation.

Most common causes of corrosion

The most common causes of corrosion are:
1. The accumulation of moisture retaining dirt and de-
bris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective coatings
caused by gravel and stone chips or minor accidents.

Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle when:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dust control chemicals,
or used in coastal areas where there is more salt in the
air, or in areas where there is considerable industrial
pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity, especially
when temperatures range just above freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of the vehicle remains
for a long time, even though other parts of the vehicle
may be dry.
4. High temperatures will cause corrosion to parts of
the vehicle which cannot dry quickly due to lack of

proper ventilation.

To help prevent corrosion

Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent corrosion of the
body and suspension components. Also, wash the ve-
hicle promptly after driving on any of the following sur-
faces:
y roads that have been salted to prevent them from
freezing in winter
y mud, sand, or gravel
y coastal roads

After the winter has ended, it is recommended that the
underbody be given a very thorough washing.

Before the beginning of winter, check the condition of
underbody components, such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, suspension, steer-
ing system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of them are
found to be rusted, they should be given an appropri-
ate rust prevention treatment or should be replaced.
Contact your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind of
maintenance and treatment if you need assistance.

Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you
find them.

Check the interior of the vehicle for water and dirt ac-

10-6

Appearance care

cumulation under the floor mats because that could
cause corrosion. Occasionally check under the mats
to make sure the area is dry.

Keep your garage dry. Do not park your vehicle in a
damp, poorly ventilated garage. In such a garage, cor-
rosion can be caused by dampness. If you wash the
vehicle in the garage or put the vehicle into the garage
when wet or covered with snow, that can cause damp-
ness.

If your vehicle is operated in cold weather and/or in ar-
eas where road salts and other corrosive materials are
used, the door hinges and locks, and hood latch
should be inspected and lubricated periodically.

Cleaning the interior

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate control
panel, audio equipment, instrument panel, center con-
sole, combination meter panel, and switches. (Do not
use organic solvents.)

Seat fabric

Remove loose dirt, dust or debris with a vacuum
cleaner. If the dirt is caked on the fabric or hard to re-
move with a vacuum cleaner, use a soft blush then
vacuum it.
Wipe the fabric surface with a tightly wrung cloth and
dry the seat fabric thoroughly. If the fabric is still dirty,
wipe using a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water
then dry thoroughly.

If the stain does not come out, try a commercially-
available fabric cleaner. Use the cleaner on a hidden
place and make sure it does not affect the fabric ad-
versely. Use the cleaner according to its instructions.

NOTE

When cleaning the seat, do not use benzine, paint
thinner, or any similar materials.

10-7

Appearance care

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Leather seat materials

The leather used by SUBARU is a high quality natural
product which will retain its distinctive appearance and
feel for many years with proper care.
Allowing dust or road dirt to build up on the surface can
cause the material to become brittle and to wear pre-
maturely. Regular cleaning with a soft, moist, natural
fiber cloth should be performed monthly, taking care
not to soak the leather or allow water to penetrate the
stitched seams.
A mild detergent suitable for cleaning woolen fabrics
may be used to remove difficult dirt spots, rubbing with
a soft, dry cloth afterwards to restore the luster. If your
SUBARU is to be parked for a long time in bright sun-
light, it is recommended that the seats and headrests
be covered, or the windows shaded, to prevent fading
or shrinkage.
Minor surface blemishes or bald patches may be treat-
ed with a commercial leather spray lacquer. You will
discover that each leather seat section will develop
soft folds or wrinkles, which is characteristic of genu-
ine leather.

Synthetic leather upholstery

The synthetic leather material used on the SUBARU
may be cleaned using mild soap or detergent and wa-

ter, after first vacuuming or brushing away loose dirt.
Allow the soap to soak in for a few minutes and wipe
off with a clean, damp cloth. Commercial foam-type
cleaners suitable for synthetic leather materials may
be used when necessary.

NOTE

Strong cleaning agents such as solvents, paint
thinners, window cleaner or gasoline must never
be used on leather or synthetic interior materials.

Climate control panel, audio panel, in-

strument panel, console panel, switch-
es, combination meter, and other plas-
tic surfaces

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the climate control
panel, audio equipment, instrument panel, center con-
sole, combination meter panel, and switches.

NOTE

Do not use organic solvents such as paint thin-
ners or gasoline, or strong cleaning agents that
contain those solvents.