light SUBARU FORESTER 2006 Manual Online

Interior equipment
6-9
– CONTINUED –
NOTEWhen the lid of the center console is
closed, an opening remains between
the center console and the lid to allow
the power outlet in the center console
to be used. Pass the electrical appli-
ance’s cord through this opening.
Cigarette lighter socketA cigarette lighter socket can be found be-
hind the ashtray lid under the climate con-
trols. Push gently on the lid to open it. A
cigarette lighter plug is an optional acces-
sory. It is available from your SUBARU
dealer.
The cigarette lighter socket may also be
used as a power source for an in-car use
electrical appliance.
600478
600479
yThe electrical power socket locat-
ed on the lower part of the instru-
ment panel is originally designed
to use a genuine SUBARU ciga-
rette lighter plug. Do not use non-
genuine cigarette lighter plugs in
the socket. Doing so may cause a
short-circuit and overheating, re-
sulting in a fire.
y If the socket is ever used for a
plug-in accessory such as a cell
phone, that may damage the por-
tion of the socket’s internal mech-
anism that causes a cigarette
lighter plug to “pop out” after its
lighter element is heated. There-
fore, do not place a cigarette light-
er plug in a socket that has been
used, even once, to power a plug-
in accessory. Doing so may cause
the plug to stick and overheat,
creating a potential fire hazard.
y Do not place any foreign objects,
especially metal ones such as
coins or aluminum foil, into the
socket. That could cause a short
circuit.
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6-10
Interior equipment
„Use with a cigarette lighter (if
equipped)The cigarette lighter operates only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON” and
“ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the
knob and wait a few moments. It will auto-
matically spring up when ready for use.
„Using as an accessory power
outletElectrical power (12V DC) from the battery
is available at the socket when the ignition
switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” posi-
tion.
If you use the socket as an accessory
power outlet, take the following precau-
tions.
When the socket is not in use, always put
the cap on the socket to prevent any for-
eign object from entering it.
If the socket has been used for electrical
appliances, damage may have been done
to the internal mechanism that causes a
cigarette lighter to “pop out” after its ele-
ment has been heated. For that reason, a
cigarette lighter, even if it is a genuine
part, should not be used in the socket. If
you want to use the socket for a cigarette
lighter again, or to protect your purchaser
before you sell your vehicle, have your
SUBARU dealer replace the socket with a
new one.
To avoid being burned, never grasp
the lighter by the end with the heat-
ing element. Doing so could result
in injury and could also damage the
heating element.
600095
Do not hold the lighter pushed in,
because it will overheat.
yUse only in-car use electrical ap-
pliances which are designed for
12V DC and which consume less
than 120W. Overloading the sock-
et can cause a short circuit. Do
not use double adapters or more
than one electrical appliance.
yIf the plug on your electric appli-
ance is either too loose or too
tight for the socket, this can result
in a poor contact or cause the
plug to get stuck. Only use plugs
that fit properly.
y Use of an electric appliance in the
socket for a long period of time
while the engine is not running
can cause battery discharge.
y Before driving your vehicle, make
sure that the plug and the cord on
your electrical appliance will not
interfere with your shifting gears
and operating the accelerator and
brake pedals. If they do, do not
use the electrical appliance while
driving.
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Interior equipment
6-11
– CONTINUED –
AshtrayTo open the ashtray, push lightly on the lid
below the climate controls.
Fully close the lid after using it to help re-
duce residual smoke.
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, hold
the right and left sides of the ashtray and
pull it out.
NOTEParticles of ash and tobacco will accu-
mulate around the hinges of the ash-
tray’s inner lid. Clean them off using a
toothbrush or other narrow-ended im-
plement.
Floor matA retaining pin is located on the driver’s
side of the vehicle next to the fuel filler
door release.
The floor mat is secured using the built-in
grommet, by placing the grommet over the
pin and pushing downward.
600096
Do not use ashtrays as waste recep-
tacles or leave a lighted cigarette in
an ashtray. This could cause a fire.
600097
600480
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6-12
Interior equipment
Coat hookThe coat hook is attached to the rear left
passenger’s hand grip.
Cargo area cover (if equipped)The cargo area cover is provided for cov-
ering the cargo area and to protect its con-
tents from direct sunlight. This cover is de-
tachable to make room for additional car-
go.„Using the coverTo extend the cover, pull the end of the
cover out of the housing, then insert its
hooks into the catches as shown. To re-
wind it, unhook it from the catches and it
will rewind automatically. You should hold
on to the cover and guide it back into the
cover housing while it is rewinding.
Make sure the driver’s floor mat is
placed back in its proper location
and correctly secured on its retain-
ing pin. If the floor mat slips forward
and interferes with the movement of
the pedals during driving, it could
cause an accident.
600481
Never hang anything on the coat
hook that might obstruct the driv-
er’s view or that could cause injury
in sudden stops or in a collision.
And do not hang items on the coat
hook that weigh 2.2 lbs (1 kg) or
more.
600098
600099
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6-14
Interior equipment
Cargo tie-down hooksThe cargo area is equipped with four tie-
down hooks so that cargo can be secured
with a cargo net or ropes.
When using the hooks, raise them. When
not in use, lower the hooks.
Cargo area bars1) Cargo area barIn the cargo area, there are two bars (one
on each side) to which a net can be at-
tached.
Under-floor storage compart-mentThere are four trays in the storage com-
partment underneath the floor of the cargo
area. They can be used to store small
items.
The cargo tie-down hooks are de-
signed only for securing light cargo.
Never try to secure cargo that ex-
ceeds the capacity of the hooks. The
maximum load capacity is 44 lbs (20
kg) per a hook.
600103
Do not place objects with a total
weight exceeding 6.6 lbs (3 kg) on a
net attached to the cargo area bars.
1
600493
yAlways keep the lids closed while
driving to reduce the risk of injury
in the event of sudden stop or an
accident.
y Do not store spray cans, contain-
ers with flammable or corrosive
liquids or any other dangerous
items in the storage compartment.
600482
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7
Starting and operating
Fuel ...................................................................\
... 7-2
Fuel requirements .................................................. 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap .............................................. 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................... 7-5
Preparing to drive .............................................. 7-6
Starting the engine ............................................. 7-7
Manual transmission vehicle ................................. 7-7
Automatic transmission vehicle ............................ 7-7
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-8
Manual transmission ......................................... 7-9
Shifting speeds ....................................................... 7-9
Driving tips .............................................................. 7-10
Automatic transmission .................................... 7-10
Selector lever for automatic transmission ........... 7-11
Shift lock release .................................................... 7-14
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) ......................................................... 7-14
Power steering ................................................... 7-15
Braking ................................................................\
7-15
Braking tips ............................................................. 7-15
Brake system .......................................................... 7-15
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators .............. 7-16
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-16
ABS system self-check .......................................... 7-16
ABS warning light ................................................... 7-17
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system (if equipped) ....................................... 7-18
Steps to take if EBD system fails .......................... 7-18
Vehicle Dynamics Control system (if equipped) ..................................................... 7-19
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor .......... 7-21
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................. 7-23
Parking your vehicle .......................................... 7-24
Parking brake .......................................................... 7-24
Parking tips ............................................................. 7-24
Hill holder (Manual transmission – if equipped) ...................................................... 7-25
Cruise control ..................................................... 7-26
To set cruise control .............................................. 7-26
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-27
To turn off the cruise control ................................. 7-27
To change the cruising speed ............................... 7-28
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped) ..... 7-29
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7-2
Starting and operating
Starting and operating
Fuel„Fuel requirementsT Non-turbo models
The 2.5-liter non-turbo engine is designed
to operate using unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher.
T Turbo models
The 2.5-liter turbo engine is designed to
operate using premium unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not avail-
able, regular unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 87 AKI or higher may be
temporarily used. For optimum engine
performance and driveability, it is required
that you use premium grade unleaded
gasoline.NOTEBe sure to use premium unleaded gas-
oline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5-liter
turbo engine model. If other gasoline
(lower than 91 AKI) is used, knocking, reduced output and poor accelerator
response will result.
T
Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the
Research Octane and Motor Octane num-
bers and is commonly referred to as the
Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Using a gasoline with a lower octane rat-
ing can cause persistent and heavy
knocking, which can damage the engine.
Do not be concerned if your vehicle some-
times knocks lightly when you drive up a
hill or when you accelerate. See your
dealer or a qualified service technician if
you use a fuel with the specified octane
rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or
persistently.
T Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed
to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler
nozzle. Under no circumstances should
leaded gasoline be used because it will
damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.
T Gasoline for California-certified LEV
Your vehicle was certified to California’s
low emission vehicle (LEV) standards as
indicated on the underhood tune-up label,
it is designed to optimize engine and
emission performance with gasoline that meets the clean burning low-sulfur Califor-
nia gasoline specifications. If you live in
any other state than California, your vehi-
cle will operate on gasoline meeting Fed-
eral specifications. Gasoline sold outside
California is permitted to have higher sul-
fur levels, which may affect the perfor-
mance of your vehicle’s catalytic convert-
er and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor
or smell. SUBARU recommends that you
try a different brand of unleaded gasoline
having lower sulfur to determine if the
problem is fuel related before returning
your vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service.
T
MMT
Some gasoline contains an octane-en-
hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy-
clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). If
you use such fuels, your emission control
system performance may deteriorate and
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-
function indicator lamp may turn on. If this
happens, return to your authorized
SUBARU Dealer for service. If it is deter-
mined that the condition is caused by the
type of fuel used, repairs may not be cov-
ered by your warranty.
T Gasoline for cleaner air
Your use of gasoline with detergent addi-
tives will help prevent deposits from form-
Use of a fuel which is low in quality
or use of an inappropriate fuel addi-
tive may cause engine damage.
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7-4
Starting and operating
1) Open
2) Close2. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
3. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
4. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while
tightening.
5. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
If you spill any fuel on the painted surface,
rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the
painted surface could be damaged.NOTE
yYou will see the “ ”
sign in the fuel gauge. This indicates
that the fuel filler door (lid) is located
on the right side of the vehicle.
y If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light may come on. Refer to
the “Warning and indicator lights” sec-
tion located in chapter 3.
(Turbo model only) Promptly put fuel in
the tank whenever the low fuel warning
light comes on. Engine misfires as a re-
sult of an empty tank could cause dam-
age to the engine.
y Gasoline vapor is highly flamma-
ble. Before refueling, always first
stop the engine and make sure
that there are no lighted ciga-
rettes, open flames or electrical
sparks in the adjacent area.
1 2
700330
y
When opening the cap, do not re-
move the cap quickly. Fuel may be
under pressure and spray out of
the fuel filler neck especially in
hot weather, which may cause in-
jury.
300121
yNever add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause dam-
age to the fuel system.
y Make sure that the cap is tight-
ened until it clicks to prevent fuel
spillage in the event of an acci-
dent.
y 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.
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7-6
Starting and operating
The EPA has issued regulations for in-
specting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD)
system as part of the state emissions in-
spection. The OBD system is designed to
detect engine and transmission problems
that might cause vehicle emissions to ex-
ceed allowable limits. These inspections
apply to all 1996 model year and newer
passenger cars and light trucks. Over 30
states plus the District of Columbia have
implemented the OBD system inspection.
yThe inspection of the OBD system con-
sists of a visual operational check of the
“CHECK ENGINE” warning light/malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (MIL) and an examina-
tion of the OBD system with an electronic
scan tool while the engine is running
y A vehicle passes
the OBD system in-
spection if proper the “CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/MIL illumination is observed,
there is no stored diagnostic trouble
codes, and the OBD system readiness
monitors are complete. y
A vehicle fails
the OBD inspection if the
“CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL is
not properly operating or there is one or
more diagnostic trouble codes stored in
vehicle’s computer with the “CHECK EN-
GINE” warning light/MIL illuminated.
y 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 one. Under this
condition, the vehicle operator should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to set the monitors and return for an
emission re-inspection.
y Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
Preparing to driveYou should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 infla-
tion.
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 mirrors.
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” position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.NOTEEngine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Resultant vehicle damage due to im-
proper testing is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty and
is the responsibility of the state in-
spection program or its contractors
or licensees.
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Starting and operating
7-7
– CONTINUED –
Starting the engine„Manual transmission vehicle1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and
shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold the
clutch pedal to the floor while starting the
engine.
The starter motor will only operate when
the clutch pedal is pressed fully to the
floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po-
sition and check the operation of the warn-
ing and indicator lights. Refer to the
“Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately af-
ter the engine has started. If the engine does not start, try the follow-
ing.
1) Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
position and wait for at least 10 sec-
onds. After checking that the parking
brake is firmly set, turn the ignition
switch to the “START” position while de-
pressing the accelerator pedal slightly
(about a quarter of the full stroke). Re-
lease the accelerator pedal as soon as
the engine starts.
2) If this fails to start the engine, turn the
ignition switch back to the “OFF” posi-
tion and wait for at least 10 seconds.
Then fully depress the accelerator ped-
al and turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position. If the engine starts,
quickly release the accelerator pedal.
3) If this fails to start the engine, turn the
ignition switch again to the “OFF” posi-
tion. After waiting for 10 seconds or
longer, turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position without depressing
the accelerator pedal.
4) If the engine still refuses to start, con-
tact your nearest SUBARU dealer for
assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have gone off after the engine has
started. The fuel injection system auto-
matically lowers the idle speed as the en-
gine warms up.
NOTEThe engine may be difficult to start
when the battery has been disconnect-
ed and reconnected (for maintenance
or other purposes). This difficulty is
caused by the electronically controlled
throttle’s self-diagnosis function. To
overcome it, keep the ignition switch in
the “ON” position for approximately 10
seconds before starting the engine.„ Automatic transmission vehi-
cle1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N”
position (preferably “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when
the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po-
sition and check the operation of the warn-
ing and indicator lights. Refer to the
“Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately af-
ter the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, try the follow-
ing.
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than ten sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or
more before trying again.
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