climate control SUBARU FORESTER 2006 User Guide

Climate control
4-5
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„Heater operationT Defrosting or defogging the wind-
shield
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air flow control dial to the
“ ” position.
2. Turn the temperature control dial all the way to the right.
3. Set the fan speed control dial to the
highest speed.
If your vehicle is equipped with an air con-
ditioner, when the “ ” or “ ” posi-
tion is selected, the air conditioner com-
pressor automatically operates regardless
of the position of the air conditioner button
to defog the windshield quickly.
However, the air conditioner indicator light
does not come on at this time.
NOTEWarm air also comes out from the right
and left air outlets. To stop warm air
flow from these outlets, turn the corre-
sponding thumb-wheel down.
T
Heating and defrosting To direct warm air toward the floor and the
windshield:
1. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ”
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
most comfortable level.
3. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
If your vehicle is equipped with an air con-
ditioner, when the “ ” or “ ” posi-
tion is selected, the air conditioner com-
pressor automatically operates regardless
of the position of the air conditioner button
to defog the windshield quickly.
However, the air conditioner indicator light
does not come on at this time.
NOTEWarm air also comes out from the right
and left air outlets. To stop warm air
flow from these outlets, turn the corre-
sponding thumb-wheel down.
Continued operation with the air in-
let selection button in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows.
Switch to the OFF position as soon
as the outside dusty condition
clears.
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Climate control
THeating
To direct warm air toward the floor:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
“ ” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
most comfortable level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.NOTEWarm air also comes out from the right
and left air outlets. To stop warm air
flow from these outlets, turn the corre-
sponding thumb-wheel down. T
Bi-level heating
This setting allows you to direct air of dif-
ferent temperatures from the instrument
panel and foot outlets. The air from the
foot outlets is slightly warmer than from
the instrument panel outlets.
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the
“ ” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired temperature level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
Setting the temperature control dial fully
turned to the red area or blue area de-
creases the temperature difference be-
tween the air from the instrument panel outlets and the air from the foot outlets.
T
Ventilation
To force outside air through the instru-
ment panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ”
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the
way left.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the de-
sired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air
inlet selection button to the “ON” position.
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Climate control
4-7
„Air conditioner operationT Cooling or dehumidifying1) ON positionFor cooling and dehumidification of the
passenger compartment, performing the
following steps will allow air to flow
through the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the OFF position.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ”
position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the
“ON” position.
4. Set the temperature control dial to the
blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed.
T
Defrosting or defogging
To direct warm air to the windshield and
front door windows:
1. Set the air flow control dial to the
“ ” position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
red side.
3. Set the fan speed control dial at the
highest speed. The air conditioner compressor automati-
cally operates when the air flow control
dial set in the “ ” or “ ” position to
provide better defogging performance.
However, the air conditioner indicator light
does not come on at this time.Continued operation with the air in-
let selection button in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows.
Switch to the OFF position as soon
as the outside dusty condition
clears.
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4-8
Climate control
Automatic climate control system (if equipped)Although this climate control system can
be used as a full-automatic climate control
system, it can also, if desired, be used as
a semi-automatic climate control system.
When it is used as a full-automatic climate
control system, the outlet air temperature,
fan speed, air flow distribution, air inlet
control, and air conditioner compressor
operation are all automatically controlled
to maintain a constant, comfortable tem-
perature inside the vehicle.NOTEyOperate the automatic climate con-
trol system when the engine is run-
ning.
y When the engine coolant is cold, the
blower does not run.
y In the “AUTO” mode, when the air
temperature in the passenger compart-
ment is sufficiently cool, the air condi-
tioner compressor does not operate.
For efficient defogging or dehumidify-
ing in cold weather, press the “A/C”
button to operate the air conditioner
compressor.
y Even when cooling is not necessary,
setting the temperature much lower
than the current outlet air temperature turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor automatically and the “A/C” indica-
tor light on the control panel comes on.
„
Control panel1) Temperature control dial
2) Fan speed control dial
3) Air flow control dial
4) Rear window defogger button (Refer to
the “Rear window defogger button” in
chapter 3.)
5) Air inlet selection button
6) Air conditioner button„ To use as full-automatic cli-
mate control systemPlace the temperature control dial in the
position for your desired temperature, then set the other dials and buttons as de-
scribed in the following. The system’s
functions will then switch to AUTO mode
and be controlled automatically.
y
Air flow control dial: AUTO position
y Fan speed control dial: AUTO position
y Air inlet selection button: Press for at
least 1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
y Air conditioner button: Press for at least
1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
„ To use as semi-automatic cli-
mate control systemEach function can be individually set to
AUTO mode independently of the others.
Any function set to AUTO mode is con-
trolled automatically. Any function not set
to AUTO mode can be manually adjusted
as desired.
The temperature can be set within a range
of 65 to 85 °F (20 to 30 °C).
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Climate control
4-9
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„Fan speed control dialThe fan operates only with the ignition
switch in the ON position. The fan speed
control dial is used to select the AUTO
(automatic control) mode or to select the
desired fan speed. The dial’s positions
and their functions are as follows:
OFF: The fan does not operate.
AUTO: The fan speed is adjusted auto-
matically in accordance with the air tem-
perature inside and outside the passenger
compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. SUBARU recommends
using the AUTO position.
Other positions: The fan speed can be
adjusted in seven steps.NOTEWith the fan speed control dial in the AUTO position and the air flow control
dial in the “ ”, “ ”, or “ ” po-
sition, the fan does not operate during
engine warmup until the engine cool-
ant temperature exceeds approx. 122
°F
(50 °C).
„ Temperature control dialThis dial is used to set the desired interior
temperature. With the dial set to your de-
sired temperature, the system automati-
cally adjusts the temperature of air sup-
plied from the outlets such that the desired
temperature is achieved and maintained.
If the dial is turned fully counterclockwise,
the system gives maximum cooling perfor-
mance. If the dial is turned fully clockwise,
the system gives maximum heating per- formance.
„
Air flow control dialThis dial has the following six positions.
The outlets from which air is supplied in
each position are as follows:
AUTO: The air flow control is adjusted au-
tomatically in accordance with the air tem-
perature inside and outside the passenger
compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. SUBARU recommends
using the AUTO position.
: Instrument panel outlets: Instrument panel outlets and foot out-
lets
: Foot outlets and windshield defroster
outlets (relatively little air from windshield
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Climate control
defroster outlets): Windshield defroster outlets and foot
outlets
: Windshield defroster outletsNOTEWhen the dial is placed in the “ ”
or “ ” position, the air conditioner
compressor operates automatically to
defog the windshield quickly. At the
same time, the air inlet selection is au-
tomatically set to “outside air” mode.„Air inlet selection buttonON position (Recirculation): Interior air
is recirculated inside the vehicle. Push the
air inlet selection button to the ON position
for fast cooling with the air conditioner or when driving on a dusty road. The indica-
tor light will come on.
OFF position (Outside Air):
Outside air
is drawn into the passenger compartment.
Push the air inlet selection button to the
OFF position when the interior has cooled
to a comfortable temperature and the road
is no longer dusty. The indicator light will
go off.
AUTO: When the air inlet selection button
is pressed for at least 1 second, the indi-
cator flashes twice. The air inlet control is
then adjusted automatically in accordance
with the air temperature inside and out-
side the passenger compartment, the in-
tensity of sunlight, and other factors.
Pressing the air inlet selection button can-
cels the “AUTO” mode. SUBARU recom-
mends using the AUTO position.
„ Air conditioner buttonThe button’s positions and their functions
are as follows:
ON: The air conditioner operates while the
fan is running.
Push the button to select this position. The
indicator light will come on.
OFF: The air conditioner does not oper-
ate.
Push the button again to select this posi-
tion. The indicator light will go off.
AUTO: When the button is pressed for at
least 1 second, the indicator flashes twice.
The air conditioner compressor operation
is then adjusted automatically in accor-
dance with the air temperature inside and
outside the passenger compartment, the
intensity of sunlight, and other factors.
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Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows.
Switch to the OFF position as soon
as the outside dusty condition
clears.
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Climate control
4-11
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Pressing the button cancels the “AUTO”
mode. SUBARU recommends using the
AUTO position.NOTEThe air conditioner’s compressor does
not operate with an outside tempera-
ture of 32°F (0 °C) or lower.„ Temperature sensors1) Interior air temperature sensor
2) Solar sensorThe automatic climate control system em-
ploys several sensors. These sensors are
delicate. If they are not treated properly
and become damaged, the system may
not be able to control the interior tempera-
ture correctly. To avoid damaging the sen- sors, observe the following precautions:
– Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows:
– Solar sensor: beside the windshield de-
froster grille.
– Interior air temperature sensor: near the
ignition switch.
– Outside temperature sensor: behind the
front grille.
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner„
Cleaning ventilation grilleAlways keep the front ventilation inlet
grille free of snow, leaves, or other ob-
structions to ensure efficient heating and
defrosting. Since the condenser is located
in front of the radiator, this area should be
kept clean because cooling performance
is impaired by any accumulation of insects
and leaves on the condenser.„Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlightAfter parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to al-
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Climate control
low outside air to circulate into the heated
interior. This results in quicker cooling by
the air conditioner. Keep the windows
closed during the operation of the air con-
ditioner for maximum cooling efficiency.„Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuitOperate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.„Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
sonCheck the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper op-
eration each spring. This check is best
performed by your SUBARU dealer.„Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditionsUnder certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.)
a small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate any problem with the air conditioning sys-
tem.
„
Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loadedTo improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is de-
signed to temporarily shut off during air
conditioner operation whenever the accel-
erator is fully depressed such as during
rapid acceleration or when driving on a
steep upgrade.„Refrigerant for your climate
control systemYour air conditioner uses ozone friendly
refrigerant HFC134a. Therefore, the
method of adding, changing or checking
the refrigerant is different from the method
for CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a
result of using the wrong refrigerant are
not covered under warranty.
Air filtration system (if equipped)If your vehicle’s air conditioning system is
equipped with an air filtration system, re-
place the filter element according to the
replacement schedule shown in the fol-
lowing. This schedule should be followed
to maintain the filter’s dust collection abili-
ty. Under extremely dusty conditions, the
filter should be replaced more frequently.
It is recommended that you have your fil-
ter checked or replaced by your SUBARU
dealer. For replacement, use only a genu-
ine SUBARU air filter kit.Replacement schedule:
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000
km) whichever comes first
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Climate control
4-13
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„Replacing an air filter
0
1. Remove the glove box.
1) Open the glove box.
2) Remove the nine screws securing the
glove box.
1) Air filter cover2. Remove the air filter cover.1) Air filter element
2) Arrow mark
3. Replace the air filter element with new
one.1) Air filter cover4. Reinstall the air filter cover.
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The arrow mark on the filter must
point UP.
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Climate control
5. Reinstall the glove box.
6. Close the glove box.1) Service label
2) Caution label7. LABEL installation1) Fill out the information on the service
label (small).
2) Attach the service label to the driver
side door pillar and the caution label to
the driver side end of the instrument
panel.
NOTEThe filter can influence the air condi-
tioning, heating and defroster perfor-
mance if not properly maintained.
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Contact your dealer if the following
occurs, even if it is not yet time to
change the filter:
– Reduction of the air flow through the vents.
– Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.
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