Bar SUBARU FORESTER 2003 SG / 2.G Owner's Guide

7-3
Starting and operating
–CONTINUED –
emission control system working properly, and is a
way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continu-
ously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent
and other additives, you should never need to add any
fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the
air cleaner. Oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE
(Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain
alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the
proper operation of your SUBARU.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now produc-
ing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to re-
duce vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use of
reformulated gasoline.
If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should
ask your service station operators if their gasolines
contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have
been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your
vehicle as explained below. Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating
no lower than that specified in this manual. Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline. Methanol can be used
in your vehicle
ONLYif it does not exceed 5% of the
fuel mixture ANDif it is accompanied by sufficient
quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion in-
hibitors required to prevent damage to the fuel system.
Do not use fuel containing methanol EXCEPTunder
these conditions. If undesirable driveability problems are experienced
and you suspect they may be fuel related, try a differ-
ent brand of gasoline before seeking service at your
SUBARU dealer. Fuel system damage or driveability problems which
result from the use of improper fuel are not covered
under the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of
the vehicle. Fuels containing alcohol may
cause paint damage, which is not covered un-
der the SUBARU Limited Warranty.

7-6
Starting and operating

Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of
the vehicle. Fuels may cause paint damage,
which is not covered under the SUBARU Limit-
ed Warranty. Always use a genuine SUBARU fuel filler cap.
If you use the wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting, and your fuel tank and emis-
sion control system might be damaged.
State emission testing (U.S. only)
At state inspection time, remember to tell your in-
spection or service station in advance not to place
your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dyna-
mometer. Otherwise, serious transmission dam-
age will result.
Some states have started using dynamometers in
their state inspection programs in order to meet their
obligation under federal law to implement stricter vehi-
cle emission standards to reduce air pollution from
cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing
device that allows your car’s wheels to turn while the
car remains in one place. Depending on the severity of
a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt
either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission in-
spection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission
test consists of an emission inspector inserting an an-
alyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle
for a short period of time. States with more severe air
pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced
vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driv-
ing conditions on a dynamometer and permits more
accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution
than the basic emission test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

7-7
Starting and operating
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states using two-wheel dynamometers in their emis-
sion testing programs have EXEMPTEDSubaru AWD
vehicles from the portion of the testing program that in-
volves a two-wheel dynamometer.
There are some states that use four-wheel dynamom-
eters in their testing programs. When properly used,
that equipment will not damage an AWD Subaru vehi- cle.
Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be
jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be dis-
connected for state emission testing.
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must
NEVERbeperformedonasingletwo-wheeldy-
namometer. Attempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause
an accident or injuries to persons nearby.
Resultant vehicle damage due to improper test-
ing is not covered under the SUBARU Limited
Warranty and is the responsibility of the state inspection program or its contractors or licens-
ees.
The EPA has issued regulations for inspecting the On-
Board Diagnostic (OBD) system as part of the state
emissions inspection. The OBD system is designed to
detect engine and transmission problems that might
cause vehicle emissions to exceed allowable limits.
These inspections apply to all 1996 model year and
newer passenger cars and light trucks. Several states
plus the District of Columbia have opted to start the
OBD system inspection prior to the required EPA reg-
ulation effective date of January 1, 2002. Other states
will add OBD system inspection in 2002. The inspection of the OBD system consists of a vi-
sual operational check of the “CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an
examination of the OBD system with an electronic
scan tool while the engine is running A vehicle passes
the OBD system inspection if
proper the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL illu-
mination is observed, there is nostored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness moni-
tors are complete. A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the “CHECK
ENGINE” warning light/MIL is not properly operating

7-8
Starting and operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored
in vehicle’s computer with the
“CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/MIL illuminated. A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or
fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness
monitors “Not Ready” is greater than three. Under
this condition, the vehicle operator should be instruct-
ed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the
monitors and return for an emission re-inspection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact
their Subaru Dealer for service.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-
rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.

7-19
Starting and operating
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tion with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition
switch in the “ON” position, perform the following
steps:
To override the shift lock:
1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the
regular screwdriver.
4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.
5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selec-
tor lever from the “P” to the “N” position.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress
the brake pedal and start the engine.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the system repaired.
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7-22
Starting and operating
than normal and the braking distance will increase.
Disc brake pad wear warning indica- tors
The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the
disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads
are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc
brakes while braking, immediately have your vehicle
checked by your SUBARU dealer.ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which
may occur during sudden braking or braking on slip-
pery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of
steering control and directional stability caused by
wheel lock-up.
When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a
chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates.
The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving with an
ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a se-
rious accident.
The ABS system does not always decrease
stopping distance. You should always main-
tain a safe following distance from other vehi-
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7-24
Starting and operating
If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS
system may not be working properly.
When the warning light is on, the ABS function
shuts down; however, th
e conventional brake
system continues to operate normally. The warning light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. The warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it
does not go out even when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at
the first available opportunity by your SUBARU
dealer.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as described be-
low, the ABS system may be considered normal. The warning light comes on right after the en-
gine is started but goes out immediately, remain-
ing off. The warning light remains on after the engine
has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches about 8 mph (12 km/h).
The warning light comes on during driving, but
it goes out immediately and remains off.

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Starting and operating
light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat place. If
you cannot avoid parking the vehicle on a slope, use
chocks to prevent the vehicle from moving.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both warning lights go
out, the system is normal and no further action is nec-essary.
4. If both warning lights come on again and stay illu-
minated after the engine has been restarted, shut
down the engine again, apply the parking brake, and
check the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the “MIN” mark,
the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspect-
ed.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO
NOT drive the vehicle. Instead, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.

Driving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake sys-
tem may not be working properly. If the light re-
mains on, have the brakes inspected by a
SUBARU dealer immediately.
If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are
operating properly, do not drive the vehicle.
Have your vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km) ................................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ..................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .. 8-3
Catalytic converter ...................................... 8-4
Periodic inspections ................................... 8-5
Driving in foreign countries ........................ 8-5
Driving tips for AWD vehicles .................... 8-6
Off road driving ........................................... 8-7
Winter driving .............................................. 8-9 Operation during cold weather ...................... 8-9
Driving on snowy and icy roads .................... 8-11
Corrosion protection ...................................... 8-12
Snow tires ........................................................ 8-12
Tire chains ....................................................... 8-13
Rocking the vehicle ........................................ 8-13
Loading your vehicle .................................. 8-14 Vehicle capacity weight .................................. 8-15
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ......... 8-16
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............. 8-17
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ........................... 8-22 Connecting a trailer ........................................ 8-22
When you do not tow a trailer ........................ 8-24
Trailer towing ............................................... 8-25 Warranties and maintenance ......................... 8-25
Maximum load limits ....................................... 8-25
Trailer hitches ................................................. 8-30
Connecting a trailer ........................................ 8-31 Trailer towing tips ........................................... 8-32

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:
Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. Avoid racing the engine.
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.
Avoidfirehazards.Donotdriveorparkthe
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures. Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
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