Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Radiator cap

2017 Subaru Exiga radiator cap — what it does and how to look after it

Based on Subaru’s factory service information for FB‑series engines and the 2017 Exiga/Crossover 7 Owner’s Manual cooling section, this vehicle is fitted with a pressurised radiator cap on the radiator filler neck. Those technical sources describe a two‑way, spring‑loaded cap (typically around 108 kPa/1.1 bar) that manages system pressure and vacuum to keep coolant stable and the engine happy under the bonnet.

The radiator cap’s job is simple but critical. By holding pressure, it raises the boiling point of the coolant so the Exiga can handle hot days, stop‑start traffic, and steep climbs without boiling over. When the system heats up, excess pressure lifts the cap’s relief valve and sends a little coolant to the overflow bottle, when it cools, the cap’s vacuum valve draws coolant back, keeping the radiator full. If the cap’s seal, spring or valve goes weak, expect hard‑to‑trace overheating, coolant loss, or collapsed hoses.

As part of routine servicing, the cap deserves a quick once‑over. Subaru’s service literature calls for using the correct pressure rating and replacing any cap that fails a pressure test. In everyday terms, that means inspecting the rubber seals for nicks or flattening, checking the spring action, and looking for crusty deposits around the filler neck that hint at seepage.

Practical advice for owners:

• Only remove the cap when the engine is stone cold. Wrap it in a rag and crack it slowly to bleed pressure.
• Use a genuine or high‑quality equivalent cap matched to the specified pressure rating for the Exiga.
• Inspect at every service, many workshops replace caps preventively every 3–5 years or when doing a coolant change.
• If there’s repeated coolant loss, bubbling into the overflow, or hoses sucking flat after cool‑down, have the cap pressure‑tested.

When fitting a new cap, top up the radiator itself (not just the reservoir), set the overflow to the FULL mark, run the engine with the heater on to purge air, and recheck levels after a short drive. Coolant type and change intervals should follow the Owner’s Manual, pairing a fresh cap with the correct Subaru long‑life coolant is a smart reliability upgrade for Kiwi and Aussie conditions.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Exiga radiator caps

What pressure rating cap does a 2017 Subaru Exiga use?
Most Exiga/Crossover 7 models with the FB25 use a cap around 108 kPa (1.1 bar). The exact spec is printed on the cap itself and listed in Subaru’s cooling system service data, so it’s best to confirm against the vehicle.

How often should the radiator cap be replaced?
It should be inspected at every service and replaced if the seal is tired, the spring action is weak, or it fails a pressure test. Many technicians in Australia and New Zealand will renew the cap every 3–5 years, or whenever the coolant and hoses are being refreshed.

Is it safe to drive with a dodgy radiator cap?
Not really. A failing cap can cause overheating, coolant loss, or hose collapse as the car cools. If symptoms appear, park up, let it cool completely, and sort the cap before more expensive problems follow.