Parts for your 2014 Subaru Exiga-Radiator cap

2014 Subaru Exiga radiator cap: where it is, what it does, and how to look after it

For the 2014 Subaru Exiga (YA series), a radiator-cap is relevant and fitted — but not on the radiator neck itself. As shown in Subaru service literature for the YA Exiga (Cooling System section of the Factory Service Manual), the car uses a pressurised filler/header tank with a spring‑loaded pressure cap, while the radiator core has no cap. Subaru’s FAST parts catalogue also lists this part as a “radiator cap” even though it lives on the header tank, and the owner’s manual coolant procedure references the filler tank location. So, if someone asks for a “radiator cap” on this model, they’re talking about the pressure cap on the header tank under the bonnet.

That cap does a lot more than seal the system. It regulates system pressure, typically around 1.1 bar (108 kPa on most Subaru caps), which raises the boiling point of the coolant and helps prevent hot spots and cavitation. It also controls two‑way flow: as the engine heats up, the cap allows expanding coolant to vent to the overflow bottle, as it cools, it draws coolant back, keeping the system topped and air‑free. If the cap’s spring weakens or the seals harden, the Exiga can run hotter than it should, push coolant out, or suck air back in — all headaches that a healthy cap prevents.

As part of regular servicing on a 2014 Subaru Exiga, it’s smart to treat the radiator cap as a critical consumable:

• Inspect at least annually or every 15,000 km: look for cracked rubber, perished seals, corrosion on the seat, or a sticky valve.
• Pressure‑test during cooling system service: a cap tester will confirm the opening pressure and hold time.
• Replace proactively every 3–5 years or 60,000–100,000 km, or whenever there are signs of overheating, overflow bottle overfilling, or hoses collapsing on cool‑down.
• Match the spec: use the correct Subaru‑specified pressure rating stamped on the cap, mixing lower or higher ratings can cause boil‑over or undue stress on hoses and the heater core.

When working under the bonnet, only remove the cap stone‑cold. If a top‑up is needed, use the correct Subaru‑approved long‑life coolant (premix) and burp the system per the service manual to avoid airlocks. A good cap is cheap insurance — it keeps the Exiga’s temperatures steady on hot Aussie and Kiwi days, towing, or stuck in traffic.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Subaru Exiga actually have a radiator cap on the radiator?
Not on the radiator itself. This model uses a pressurised cap on the filler/header tank. Functionally it’s the same “radiator cap” people talk about, just mounted on the tank rather than the radiator neck. Only open it when the engine is completely cold.

What pressure rating cap should the Exiga use?
Most 2014 Exiga variants use a cap stamped around 108 kPa (1.1 bar). Always check the stamping on the original cap or verify by VIN in a Subaru parts catalogue. Running the wrong rating can lead to overheating or hose and heater‑core stress.

How often should the radiator cap be replaced?
A good rule is every 3–5 years or 60,000–100,000 km. Inspect it at each service and test during coolant changes. Replace sooner if there’s coolant loss, overflow bottle surging, or visible seal damage.