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Autopapyrus · Subaru Impreza 2.0 (2023)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/subaru/impreza/engine-oil-and-oil-filter-change/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Subaru Impreza 2.0 (2023): Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change

On the 2.0 (FB20 boxer engine), change the oil and filter every 15,000 km or once a year. Change them more often under severe conditions (city driving, heavy traffic, short trips). The filter is a spin-on type mounted on the underside of the engine. Do the job with the engine warm but not hot.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 30-45 minutes Steps: 14 Tools: floor jack and jack stands or a lift, drain plug wrench (usually 17 mm), oil filter wrench (strap type or cup type matching the filter size), torque wrench, funnel, drain pan of 5 L (5.3 qt) or larger, gloves, shop rags

Part

  • 🔩 0W-20 synthetic engine oil (API SP / ILSAC GF-6), about 4.4 L (4.6 US qt) with a filter change. Oil filter with M20x1.5 thread for the FB20 engine (genuine Subaru or aftermarket Mann, Bosch, Sakura, Fram), new drain plug crush washer
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Chilton and 9 more. See manuals →

Step by step

14 steps
  1. Warm up the engine for 3-5 minutes, shut it off, and wait 5-10 minutes. The oil should be warm but not scalding. Park the car on level ground.
  2. Raise the front of the car on a lift, or on a jack with jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
  3. If an underbody skid plate is installed, remove it. Remove the fasteners around the perimeter and hold the plate so it does not fall.
  4. Open the oil filler cap on the engine. This lets the oil drain faster.
  5. Place the drain pan under the car and remove the oil pan drain plug. Do not drop the plug into the drained oil. Let the oil drain for 5-10 minutes, until it stops dripping.
  6. While the oil drains, locate the oil filter. It is on the front underside, next to the oil pan. Position the pan under it, because the remaining oil will run out. Break the filter loose with the filter wrench and unscrew it.
  7. Wipe the filter mounting surface. Make sure the old rubber gasket did not stay on the engine, otherwise the new filter will leak.
  8. Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with fresh oil. To make installation easier, you can pour a little oil into the filter, but not to the top, because it sits at an angle.
  9. Spin the filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then tighten it about another 3/4 turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten it: use hand force, or follow the specification printed on the filter or its packaging.
  10. Clean the drain hole and the plug. Install a new crush washer and tighten the plug with a torque wrench. A reference value for this engine is 35-45 N·m (26-33 lb-ft); confirm the exact value in the manufacturer's service manual. Do not overtighten, because the threads in the aluminum oil pan strip easily.
  11. Pour in about 4 L (4.2 qt) of 0W-20 oil through a funnel and wait a couple of minutes for it to drain down into the pan. Check the level with the dipstick on level ground and top up to the mark. Do not exceed the upper mark.
  12. Close the filler cap. Start the engine for 30-60 seconds: the oil pressure light should go out immediately after startup. Inspect the filter and drain plug; there should be no leaks.
  13. Shut off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the level with the dipstick again. Top up if necessary. Reinstall the skid plate.
  14. Reset the oil change reminder (if your trim level has one) through the onboard computer menu. Take the used oil to a collection point.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The engine and oil are hot, so wear gloves and do not rush. Do not overfill the crankcase: excess oil is worse than a slight underfill. Do not use a thicker oil (5W-30, 10W-40) without need: 0W-20 is recommended for this engine. If the drain plug threads are stripped or the plug will not hold torque, do not try to tighten it harder; take the car to a repair shop.