engine SUBARU FORESTER 2005 SG / 2.G Repair Manual

7-30
Starting and operating
Dynamics Control system, it is important that win-
ter tires be used when driving on snow-covered oricy roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with
tires of the same size and brand). Furthermore, if
snow chains are to be used, they should be fitted
on the front wheels. When a vehicle is fitted with
snow chains, however, the effectiveness of the Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control system is reduced and
this should be taken into account when driving the
vehicle in such a condition. y
It is always important to reduce speed when ap-
proaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped
with Vehicle Dynamics Control. y All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the
same size, type, and brand; furthermore, the
amount of wear should be the same for all four
tires. If these precautions are not observed and
non-matching tires are used, it is quite possible
that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be
unable to operate correctly as intended.y Always turn off the engine before replacing a
tire as failure to do so may render the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system unable to operate correct-ly. „
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor
T Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator
light
The indicator light turns on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position; it turns off approximately
two seconds later. This indicator light flashes during
activation of the skid suppression function and is illu-
minated steadily during activation of the traction con-
trol function.
The following two situations could indicate a malfunc-
tion of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either
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Starting and operating
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should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer
carry out an inspection of that system at the first avail-
able opportunity. yThe indicator light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. y The indicator light does not turn off approximately
two seconds after the ignition key has been turned to
the ON position. T Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
This single light has the function of indicating malfunc-
tions in the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the
function of indicating that the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system is not operating. It comes on in the event
of a malfunction in the system and is illuminated when-
ever the system is not operating. V
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position and goes off several sec-
onds after engine startup.This lighting pattern indi-
cates that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is op-
erating normally.
The following situations could indicate a malfunction of
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if any should
occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out
an inspection of the system at the first available oppor-
tunity. y The warning light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. y The warning light turns on while the vehicle is being
driven. y When a malfunction has occurred in the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control electrical system, only the warning
light will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will still be
operating normally. y The warning light will also turn on when a problem
occurs with the ABS or Vehicle Dynamics Control
electronic control systems.
Because the Vehicle Dynamics Control system con-
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Starting and operating
trols each brake through the ABS, whenever the ABS
stops operating due to a malfunction in that electrical
system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control will also be-
come unable to control all four brakes. Thus Vehicle
Dynamics Control system operation halts and the
warning light turns on. Although both the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system and the ABS will be inoperable
in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehi-
cle using normal braking. The Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system and the ABS do not adversely affect oper-
ation of the vehicle in any way when they are inopera-
ble; however should such a situation occur, drive with
care and have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry
out an inspection of those systems at the first available
opportunity.
NOTE
When the warning light turns on and off in the fol-
lowing way, it indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is operating normally. y
Although turning on after the engine has been
started, the warning light quickly turns off and
stays off. y The warning light turns on when the vehicle is
being driven; it then turns off and stays off. V Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
This light comes on to indicate that the Vehicle Dy- namics Control system is in non-operation mode. This
does not constitute failure of the Vehicle DynamicsControl system.
NOTE y
The indicator light may stay on for a while after
the engine has been started, especially in cold
weather. This occurs because the engine has not
yet warmed up and is completely normal. The light
will turn off when the engine has reached a suit-
able operating temperature. y When an engine problem occurs and the mal-
function indicator lamp turns on, the indicator
light will also come on.
The following two situations could indicate malfunction
of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either
should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer
carry out an inspection of that system at the first avail-
able opportunity. y The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition
key is turned to the ON position. y The indicator light fails to turn off after the engine is
started, even when several minutes have passed to al-
low the engine to heat up sufficiently.

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Starting and operating
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„Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch
Pressing the switch to deactivate the Vehicle Dynam-
ics Control system can facilitate the following opera- tions: y a standing start on a steeply sloping road with a
snowy, gravel-covered, or otherwise slippery surface y extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck
in mud or deep snow
When the switch is pressed during engine operation,
the indicator light illuminates. The Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will be deactivated and the vehicle will
behave like a model not equipped with the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system. When the switch is pressed
again to reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem, the indicator light goes off.
With the Vehicle Dynamics Control system deactivat-
ed, traction and stability enhancement offered by Ve- hicle Dynamics Control system is unavailable. There-
fore you should not deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system except under above-mentioned situa-
tions.
NOTE y
When the switch has been pressed to deactivate
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system automatically reacti-
vates itself the next time the ignition key is turned
to the OFF position and the engine is restarted. y If the switch is held down for 10 seconds or
longer, the indicator light goes off, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is activated, and the sys-
tem ignores any further pressing of the switch. To
make the switch usable again, turn the ignition key
to the OFF position and restart the engine. y When the switch is pressed to deactivate the Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control system, the vehicle’s run-
ning performance is comparable with that of a ve-
hicle that does not have a Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system. Do not deactivate the Vehicle Dynam-
ics Control system except when absolutely neces-
sary.
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Starting and operating
Parking your vehicle „
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly
and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking
brake lever.
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly,
press the release button, then lower the lever while
keeping the button pressed.
When the parking brake is set while the engine is run-
ning, the parking brake warning light comes on. After
starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has
gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).
Never drive while the parking brake is set be-
cause this will cause unnecessary wear on the
brake linings. Before starting to drive, always
make sure that the parking brake has been fully
released.
„ Parking tips
When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an
upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a downgrade for manual
transmission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) position for
automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the park-
ing brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely
on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
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Starting and operating
they may burn easily if they come near hot en-
gine or exhaust system parts.y
Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in
the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the
passenger compartment, occupants in the ve-
hicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO)
contained in the exhaust gas. Hill holder (for manual transmission –
if equipped)
The Hill holder is a device to make starting on an uphill
grade easier.
On an uphill grade, when the clutch pedal is de-
pressed while the brake pedal is also depressed, brak-
ing power is maintained temporarily by the Hill holder
when the brake pedal is released. The driver is there-
fore able to start the vehicle the same way as on a lev-
el grade, just using the clutch and accelerator pedal.
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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 ......................... 8-6
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ..................... 8-6
Off road driving ............................................ 8-8
Winter driving ............................................... 8-10 Operation during cold weather ........................ 8-10
Driving on snowy and icy roads ...................... 8-11
Corrosion protection ........................................ 8-12
Snow tires .......................................................... 8-13
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-13
Rocking the vehicle .......................................... 8-14
Loading your vehicle ................................... 8-14 Vehicle capacity weight .................................... 8-16
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 .......................................... 8-23
When you do not tow a trailer .......................... 8-25
Trailer towing ................................................ 8-25 Warranties and maintenance ........................... 8-25
Maximum load limits ......................................... 8-26
Trailer hitches ................................................... 8-30
Connecting a trailer .......................................... 8-31 Trailer towing tips ............................................. 8-33

8-2
Driving tips
Driving tipsNew vehicle break-in driving – the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are de-
pendent on how you handle and care for your vehicle
while it is new. Follow these instructions during the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km):y
Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency.y Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. y Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, ex-
cept in an emergency. y Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when
brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new
ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. y Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. y Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always
accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed.
Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. y Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. y Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
y Keep the engine properly tuned.
y Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown
on the tire placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption.y Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
y Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
y Avoid carrying unnecessary cargo.

8-3
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
yNever inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled.y Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle.y Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except for the brief time needed to
drive the vehicle in or out of it.y Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If that
is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to
force fresh air into the vehicle. y Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. y If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.y
Keep the rear gate closed while driving to
prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from
the exhaust system for a short time after the en-
gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
Turbo model Non-turbo model
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: y Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. y Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. y Avoid racing the engine.
y Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.y Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
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