Maintenance Information Subaru XT I

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

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

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

1. Short Trips In Freezing Temperatures
2. Towing Or Commercial Use
3. Driving On Rough Or Muddy Road
4. Driving In Salty Or Other Corrosive Materials Areas
5. Severe Dust Conditions
6. Driving In High Humidity Or Mountainous Areas

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt at 60,000 mile intervals.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS

Tire specifications are imprinted on the tire side wall. The recommended cold tire inflation pressures are listed on a label attached to the left center pillar. These pressures provide the best combination of ride comfort, tire wear and stability under normal conditions.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 58-72 ft. lbs. (78-98 N.m). Always tighten wheel lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

Battery is located in the engine compartment. All 1985-88 vehicles are delivered with maintenance-free battery and water need never be added. Under normal conditions, battery type 75D23R-MF in 1987-88 vehicles and all battery types delivered with post-1988 vehicles are maintenance-free and do not require additional water. However, under severe conditions it is advisable to check battery fluid to ensure adequate fluid level in the battery. Use only distilled water to fill battery cell should it become necessary to add water to battery. For some models, battery charge condition can be checked by a visual test indicator on top of battery. A Blue signal implies adequate charge level exist and a White or Red signal indicates charging is required.

RADIATOR FAN & CAP

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES & FUSIBLE LINKS

CYBRID POWER STEERING SYSTEM

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Beginning with 1989 model year, this basic warranty coverage has been extended to 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 7500 miles of operation (12 months/12,000 miles for 1989-91 models). Warranty begins on date vehicle is delivered to first retail purchaser or first put in use, whichever occurs first.

POWERTRAIN COVERAGE

For 1988 model year only, 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 36 months or 36,000 miles from original in-service date, whichever comes first.

1. 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.
2. Transmission Transmission cases and internal parts, differential, torque converter, flywheel, pressure plate, vacuum modulator, oil seals and gaskets.
3. FWD Vehicles Axle shafts and joints, front hubs and bearings.
4. 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 36 months or 36,000 miles (5 years/60,000 miles for 1989-91 models) from date of delivery or first use, whichever occurs first.

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 from date of original retail delivery or first use, whichever occurs first. After the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first, this warranty will cover only repair, replacement or adjustment of the following primary components which affect vehicle's emission performance.

1. Feedback Control System
2. Electric Choke System
3. Turbocharger
4. Ignition Spark Advance System
5. Evaporative Canister
6. Vapor Separators
7. PCV Valve
8. Catalytic Converter(s)
9. Catalyst Material
10. Oxygen Sensor
11. Fuel Filler Neck Restrictor
12. Vacuum And Temperature Sensitive Valves And Switches
13. Hoses, Clamps, Brackets, Pipes, Gaskets, Silencers And Connectors

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 U.S. 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 5 years or 50,000 miles from date of original delivery or first put in use, whichever occurs first. Warranty period on 1990-91 model has been changed to 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

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.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The electrical system is protected against shorts by fuses that are designed to fail to prevent damage to the wire harness. The fuse block is located under the instrument panel. If a fuse is blown, locate the cause before replacing the fuse. Spare fuses are contained in the fuse block. Electrical system is further protected by fusible links which will melt to prevent fire and damage in case of a system overload. If an electrical failure has occurred and the fuses are in good conditions, check the fusible links and replace as necessary. Always use fuses and fusible links with the correct amperage rating.

Scheme 7

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 15 Amp - Heater Fan Motor
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Heater Fan Motor
3. 3 - 15 Amp (1985-86) - Stoplight, Interior Light, 15 Amp (1987-91) - Stoplight, Interior Light, High-Mounted Stoplight
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Parking Light
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Hazard Switch, Horn Switch, Clock, Trunk Compartment Light
6. 6 - 15 Amp - License Plate, Tail, Glove Box & Instrument Gauge Illumination Lights
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Left Headlight
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Right Headlight, High Beam Indicator
9. 9 - 15 Amp - Charge Indicator Light
10. 10 - 15 Amp (1985-87) - Turn Signal, Back-Up Lights, Transfer Solenoid (4WD Auto. Trans. Vehicles) 15 Amp (1988-91) - Turn Signal, Back-Up Lights, Automatic Transmission Control Unit
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Ignition Coil, Fuel Pump Relay, Multi-Point Fuel Injection Ignition Relay
12. 12 - 15 Amp (1985-87) - Gauges, Power Windows Relay, Kickdown Solenoid 15 Amp (1988-91) - Gauges, Power Windows Relay
13. 13 - 15 Amp - Radio
14. 14 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Remote Controlled Rear-View Mirror
15. 15 - 15 Amp - Radiator Cooling Fan Motor
16. 16 - 20 Amp - Windshield Wiper & Washer Switch
17. 17 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
18. 18 - 15 Amp - Power Door Lock
19. 19 - 15 Amp - Air Control Solenoid (Pneumatic Suspension)
20. 20 - 15 Amp - Cruise Control Unit
21. 21 - Blank

1. 1 - 15 Amp - Heater Fan Motor
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Heater Fan Motor
3. 3 - 15 Amp - Stoplight, Interior Light, High-Mounted Stoplight
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Parking Light
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Hazard Switch, Horn Switch, Clock, Trunk Compartment Light
6. 6 - 15 Amp - License Plate, Tail, Glove Box & Instrument Gauge Illumination Lights
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Left Headlight
8. 8 - 15 Amp - Right Headlight, High Beam Indicator
9. 9 - 15 Amp - Charge Indicator Light
10. 10 - 15 Amp - Turn Signal, Back-Up Lights, Automatic Transmission Control Unit
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Ignition Coil, Fuel Pump Relay, Multi-Point Fuel Injection Ignition Relay
12. 12 - 15 Amp - Gauges, Power Windows Relay
13. 13 - 15 Amp - CYBRID Power Steering Control Unit
14. 14 - 15 Amp - Radio
15. 15 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Remote Controlled Rear-View Mirror
16. 16 - 20 Amp - Windshield Wiper & Washer Switch
17. 17 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
18. 18 - 15 Amp - Power Door Lock, Air Control Solenoid
19. 19 - 15 Amp - Cruise Control Unit
20. 20 - 15 Amp - Sub Condenser Fan Motor
21. 21 - 20 Amp/15 Amp (2.7L XT6) - Radiator Fan/Front Foglight, Air Conditioner