VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 3
Scheme 3: VIN Code ID Explanation
Scheme 4
Scheme 4: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM
Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.
When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section. |
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
| CAUTION | Never mix different diameter tires. On loose or uneven surfaces, the ABS system may require longer stopping distances than conventional brake systems. Exercise caution when removing mud or snow from the wheels so as not to damage the ABS wiring or speed sensors. |
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See appropriate COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section below. |
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
| CAUTION | Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload. |
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle. |
COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)
| CAUTION | To avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C). |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C) |
| CAUTION | Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
ENGINE OIL
| CAUTION | Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil. |
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models). |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs. |
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
RADIATOR FAN & CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor or ensure the ignition switch is in the OFF position when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time when the ignition key is in the ON position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations. |
BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers the cost of repair or replacement of parts on vehicle that have been proven defective in material or workmanship under normal use for 36 months/36,000 miles. Warranty coverage also includes any adjustment services required on vehicle, even if there is no defect in material or workmanship, or as a direct result of the repair or replacement of a part under this warranty for the first 12, months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
POWERTRAIN COVERAGE
Upon expiration of the Basic New Car Warranty, this warranty covers the following powertrain components for repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship up to a maximum of 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
- Engine Cylinder block and internal parts, cylinder heads, valve train (including cam belts), oil pump, engine lubrication system, seals, gaskets, water pump, turbocharger (if equipped) and intake manifolds.
- Transmission Transmission cases and internal parts, differential, torque converter, flywheel, pressure plate, vacuum modulator, oil seals and gaskets.
- FWD Vehicles Axle shafts and joints (except boots), front hubs and bearings.
- 4WD Vehicles Transfer case and internal parts, drive shaft assembly (front and rear), rear differential case and internal parts, rear axle shafts and joints, rear hubs and bearings.
ANTI-CORROSION PERFORATION LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (rust-through) due to corrosion in normal use for unlimited mileage on 93 models.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM DEFECT WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warrants that the vehicle was designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of sale with all applicable U.S. emission standards. Covers any repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of genuine Subaru parts which would cause the vehicle not to meet these standards for 5 years or 50,000 miles from date of original retail delivery or first use, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warranty applies to all vehicles in states requiring periodic emissions test approved by the EPA. Covers all repairs, adjustments, or replacements if vehicle has been maintained in accordance with the prescribed scheduled maintenance instructions and fails to conform to applicable emission standards as judged by an EPA-approved emission test and such failure results or will result in the vehicle owner having to bear any penalty or other sanctions under local, state or federal law. Covers remedy of non-conformity which causes vehicle to fail EPA-approved emissions test, at manufacturer's option, for 5 years or 50,000 miles, which ever occurs first. After the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, this warranty will cover only repair, replacement or adjustment of the primary components which affect vehicle's emission performance. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Manufacturer warrants its emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform at the time of sale to all applicable requirements of the Federal EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Covers any repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of parts which would cause the vehicle not to meet these standards for 3 years or 50,000 miles, which ever occurs first. Primary emission system components are covered under this warranty for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES LIMITED WARRANTY
Warrants all Subaru parts and accessories purchased and installed in vehicle to be free of defects in material or workmanship under normal use. Covers any repairs or replacement of parts or accessories necessary to correct defects at manufacturer's option. Warranty begins on date of purchase and lasts for one year or for the remaining coverage period of the particular part under the Basic New Car Limited Warranty, whichever is longer.
