Winter 2004 Forward to a Friend


Quick Stops



Lock and Run • Safe Passage Through Parking Lots • Know Your Limits - The Subaru Powertrain Limited Warranty • Subaru Accessories - Hood Protectors

The People Behind Customer Service • Tie It Up • A Key to Starting



Thanks to Drive reader Laura-Lee Stratton of Nashua, New Hampshire, for this caution.

On my way to our lake house, I stopped at the post office and left my Baja running with the AC on low for my three cats (who were in their carriers). I only planned to
be in the post office for one minute but didn't want anyone stealing them. So I LOCKED the door and took the remote door opener, thinking I could leave the Baja running and open the door when I got back. Wrong.

You can't use the remote with the vehicle running. Anyway, the cats are fine and I learned my lesson.

As is noted in the owner's manual: "The keyless entry system does not operate when the key is inserted in the ignition switch."

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To help avoid problems when parking
in lots:
  • Obey traffic signs
  • Stay in traffic lanes – even when the lot is not full
  • Focus on driving, not the shopping you're about to do
  • Pay attention to pedestrians
  • Drive slowly
  • Use turn signals

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Most owners are aware that the Subaru New Car Limited Warranty's coverage is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. You may not be aware that the powertrain has an even longer warranty, with the Subaru Powertrain Limited Warranty covering major powertrain components for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The powertrain components covered by the Powertrain Limited Warranty include*:
 
  • Engine block and all internal parts
  • Cylinder heads and valve trains
  • Oil pump, oil pan
  • Timing belts or gears and covers
  • Water pump
  • Flywheel
  • Intake manifolds
  • Oil seals and gaskets
  • Torque converter
  • Electronic transmission control unit
  • Transaxle seals and gaskets
  • Axle shafts and constant velocity joints (except boots)**
  • Propeller shaft
 * Some restrictions apply. For complete Subaru Warranty information, refer to your Warranty and Maintenance Booklet or contact your local Subaru dealer.

** Axle shaft and/or CVJ damage due to broken, torn, split or damaged boots, allowing the intrusion of road abrasive material, is not coverable under warranty.

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Hood protectors for turbocharged Impreza and Forester models have been introduced recently. Hood protectors are installed to help guard the hood from stone chips and bugs. They are made of durable impact modified acrylic, and wrap around the front edge of the hood.

The designs of the hood protectors for turbocharged Impreza and Forester models take into account the need to maintain airflow to the intake scoops on the hood. To that end, the flip-up portions of the protector on the trailing edges have been removed so they can offer protection without having a detrimental effect on airflow or performance.

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John Mergen of the Customer/Dealer Service Department has been with Subaru of America nine years.
Education: Degree in Sociology

Capabilities: Excellent communications skills, quick thinking, ability to multitask, able to retain lots of information

Role in CDS: John is a member of the e-contact team and is charged primarily with answering customer e-mail requests for information. Other trained professionals in CDS handle vehicle, dealer and service issues.

Most interesting e-mail: "I drove three-and-a-half hours, all over town, to the airport, to the office, at 70 mph, stopping and going, over smooth and bumpy roads, and when I got home I realized that a juice glass my husband had left on the roof was still there – INTACT!! What a great car. What a smooth ride.

Most common question: When will you have a larger vehicle?

Answer: Our senior management has indicated that in 2005, Subaru will bring an all-new, seven-passenger vehicle to market.

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Thanks to Drive reader Rose O'Brien of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, for this tip.

The advice regarding Roof Rail and Crossbars (Fall 2003) is good, up to a point. The picture shows a whitewater kayak supposedly correctly loaded. What was not shown, nor was it advised, was that ANYTIME you attach something to the roof racks, every attempt should be made to attach the item to the frame itself. On a kayak or a canoe, we'd use bow and stern lines.

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Sometimes a vehicle's key won't turn in the ignition when trying to start the engine. If turning the key is difficult, slightly rotate the steering wheel to the right and left as you turn the key until it moves freely.

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