ABS SUBARU FORESTER 2006 Owners Manual

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24

TWarning and indicator lightMark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-9
SRS airbag system
warning light 3-10

or Front passenger’s
frontal airbag ON indi-
cator light
3-10
or Front passenger’s
frontal airbag OFF in-
dicator light
3-10
CHECK ENGINE
warning light/Malfunc-
tion indicator lamp 3-11
Charge warning light 3-12
Oil pressure warning
light 3-12
AT OIL temperature
warning light (AT vehi-
cles) 3-12
or ABS warning light 3-12
or Brake system warning
light 3-14
Door open warning
light 3-15
All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (AT vehicles) 3-15
Low fuel warning light 3-15
Turn signal indicator
lights 3-16
High beam indicator
light 3-16
Security indicator light
(if equipped) 2-3
Cruise control indica-
tor light (if equipped) 3-16
Cruise control set indi-
cator light (if equipped) 3-17
Vehicle Dynamics
Control operation indi-
cator light (if equipped) 3-16
Mark Name Page
Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light/
Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF indicator
light (if equipped)
3-13
Mark Name Page
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3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .................................................... 3-3
LOCK ....................................................................... 3-3
ACC .......................................................................... 3-4
ON ............................................................................ 3-4
START ...................................................................... 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................... 3-5
Ignition switch light (if equipped) ......................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) .............. 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ...................................... 3-6
Meters and gauges ............................................. 3-6
Speedometer ........................................................... 3-6
Odometer/Trip meter .............................................. 3-6
Tachometer ............................................................. 3-7
Fuel gauge ............................................................... 3-7
Temperature gauge ................................................ 3-8
Outside temperature indicator .............................. 3-8
Warning and indicator lights ............................. 3-9
Seatbelt warning light and chime .......................... 3-9
SRS airbag system warning light .......................... 3-10
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators .............................................................. 3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
lamp ....................................................................... 3-11
Charge warning light .............................................. 3-12
Oil pressure warning light ..................................... 3-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (ATvehicles) .......................................................... 3-12
ABS warning light ................................................... 3-12 Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
(if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
indicator light (if equipped) ................................. 3-13
Brake system warning light ................................... 3-14
Door open warning lights ...................................... 3-15
Low fuel warning light ............................................. 3-15
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) ......... 3-15
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light (if equipped) ................................................. 3-16
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) ................... 3-16
Turn signal indicator lights .................................... 3-16
High beam indicator light ....................................... 3-16
Cruise control indicator light ................................. 3-16
Cruise control set indicator light .......................... 3-17
Clock .................................................................... 3-17
Light control switch ........................................... 3-18
Headlights ............................................................... 3-18
High/low beam change (dimmer) .......................... 3-18
Headlight flasher ..................................................... 3-19
Daytime running light system ............................... 3-19
Turn signal lever ................................................. 3-20
Illumination brightness control ......................... 3-20
Headlight beam leveler (Canada-spec. 2.5XT) ............................................................... 3-21
Parking light switch ........................................... 3-21
Front fog light button ......................................... 3-21
Wiper and washer ............................................... 3-22
Windshield wiper and washer switches ............... 3-23
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Instruments and controls
3-9
– CONTINUED –
AT vehicles
1) U.S.-spec. models
2) Canada-spec. modelsThe outside temperature indicator is locat-
ed below the odometer/trip meter. The in-
dicator can indicate an outside tempera-
ture ranging from –22 to 122 °F (–30 to
50° C).
The indicator can give a false reading un-
der any of the following conditions:
y When there is too much sun.
y During idling; while running at low
speeds in a traffic jam; when the engine is
restarted immediately following a shut-
down.
y When the actual outside temperature
falls outside the specified indicator range.
Warning and indicator lightsSeveral of the warning and indicator lights
come on momentarily and then go out
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the “ON” position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the igni-
tion switch to the “ON” position. The fol-
lowing lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON in-
dicator light
Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-
function indicator lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT
vehicles)
ABS warning light
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
(if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light (if equipped)
Brake system warning light
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehi-
cles)
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation in-
dicator light (if equipped) Cruise control indicator light (if
equipped)
Cruise control set indicator light (if
equipped)
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a
burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the
corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer
for repair.
„ Seatbelt warning light
and chimeYour vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt
warning device at the driver’s seat, as re-
quired by current safety standards. There
is a seatbelt warning light in the combina-
tion meter.
If the driver has not yet fastened the seat-
belt when the ignition switch is turned to
the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning
light will flash for 6 seconds, to warn that
the seatbelt is unfastened. If the driver’s
seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also
sound simultaneously.
If the driver’s seatbelt is still not fastened
6 seconds later, the warning light will re-
main lit for 15 seconds. If the driver’s seat-
belt is still not fastened even 15 seconds
later (21 seconds after turning ON the ig-
nition switch), the warning lights will alter-
nate between flashing and steady illumi-
12
300576
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3-12
Instruments and controls
ble.
yStop towing a trailer as soon as possi-
ble.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and come on steadily after
several driving trips. You should have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.„ Charge warning light If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good con-
dition but the light remains on, contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer immediate-
ly.„Oil pressure warning
lightIf this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil
is at the proper level but the light remains
on, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.

AT OIL TEMPerature
warning light (AT vehi-
cles)The AT oil temperature warning light
comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position and goes out
after the engine has started.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is un-
necessary to stop the vehicle, but avoid
driving up steep grades or in stop and go
traffic.
T Automatic transmission control
system warning
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indicate that the automatic trans-
mission control system is not working
properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately.

ABS warning light The ABS warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion and goes out after approximately two
seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system
is working properly.
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
If the warning light behaves as fol-
lows, the ABS system may not work
properly.
When the warning light is on, the
ABS function shuts down; however,
the conventional brake system con-
tinues to operate normally.
yThe warning light does not come
on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position.
(U.S.)
(Canada)
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Instruments and controls
3-13
– CONTINUED –
With a vehicle equipped with an EBD sys-
tem, the ABS warning light comes on to-
gether with the brake system warning light
if the EBD system becomes faulty. For fur-
ther details of the EBD system fault warn-
ing, refer to “Brake system warning light”.NOTEIf the warning light behavior is as de-
scribed in the following, the ABS sys-
tem may be considered normal.
yThe warning light comes on right af-
ter the engine is started but goes out
immediately, remaining off.
y The warning light remains on after
the engine has been started, but it goes
out when the vehicle speed reaches
approximately 8 mph (12 km/h).
y The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately
and remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery
voltage such as when the engine is jump
started, the ABS warning light may come
on. This is due to the low battery voltage
and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged,
the light will go out.

Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light (if
equipped)/Vehicle Dy-
namics Control OFF indicator
light (if equipped)This warning light has the function of indi-
cating faults in the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system and the function of indicating
that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
has been deactivated.
It comes on in the event of a fault in the
system and is on when the system is not
operating.
This warning light comes on when the ig-
nition switch is turned to the “ON” position
and goes out after the engine has started.
It indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is in normal operation. T
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably inoperative under any of the fol-
lowing conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immediate-
ly.
y The warning light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position.
y The warning light comes on while the
vehicle is running.
y If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system itself becomes
faulty, the warning light only comes on. At
this time, the ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem) remains fully operational.
y The warning light comes on when the
electronic control system of the ABS/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control system becomes
faulty.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system
provides its ABS control through the elec-
trical circuit of the ABS system. Accord-
ingly, if the ABS is inoperative, the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system becomes un-
able to provide ABS control. As a result,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system also
becomes inoperative, causing the warning
light to come on. Though both the Vehicle
Dynamics Control and ABS systems are
inoperative in this case, the ordinary func-
y
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).
y The warning light comes on dur-
ing driving.
If any of these conditions occur,
have the ABS system repaired at the
first available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.
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Instruments and controls
3-15
– CONTINUED –
minates if a malfunction occurs in the EBD
system. In that event, it comes on together
with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be malfunctioning if
the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are ap-
plied harder than usual and the vehicle’s
motion may therefore become somewhat
harder to control.
If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat
place.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights go out, the EBD system
may be faulty.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights come on again
and stay illuminated 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 in-
spected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the
“MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. In-
stead, have the vehicle towed to the near-
est SUBARU dealer for repair.

Door open warning lightsThe door open warning light comes on if
any door or the rear gate is not fully
closed.
Always make sure this light is out before
you start to drive.„Low fuel warning light The low fuel warning light comes on when
the tank is nearly empty [approximately
2.3 US gal (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp gal)]. It only
operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.NOTEThis light does not go out unless the
tank is replenished up to an internal
fuel quantity of approximately 4.0 US
gal (15 liters, 3.3 Imp gal).
„All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (AT vehicles)The All-Wheel Drive indicator light comes
on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes out after the en-
gine has started.
T For vehicles with Vehicle Dynamics
Control system
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven
with tires of different diameters or with the
air pressure excessively low in any of its
tires.
T For vehicles without Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system
This light comes on when All-Wheel Drive
is disengaged and the drive mechanism is
switched to Front Wheel Drive for mainte-
nance or similar purposes.Continued driving with the AWD
warning light flashing can lead to
powertrain damage. If the AWD
warning light flashes, promptly park
in a safe place then check whether
all four tires are the same diameter
and whether any of the tires has a
puncture or has lost air pressure for
some other reason.
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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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7-16
Starting and operating
„Disc brake pad wear warning
indicatorsThe disc brake pad wear warning indica-
tors 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, imme-
diately have your vehicle checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-tem)The ABS system prevents the lock-up of
wheels which may occur during sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfac-
es. 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).
„ABS system self-checkYou may feel a slight shock in the brake
pedal and hear the operating sound of
ABS from the engine compartment just af-
ter the vehicle is started. This is caused by
an automatic functional test of the ABS
system being carried out and does not in-
dicate any abnormal condition.
700040
Always use the utmost care in driv-
ing – overconfidence because you
are driving with an ABS equipped
vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.
yThe ABS system does not always
decrease stopping distance. You
should always maintain a safe fol-
lowing distance from other vehi-
cles.
y When driving on badly surfaced
roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or
over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be longer
for a vehicle with the ABS system
than one without. When driving
under these conditions, therefore,
reduce your speed and leave am-
ple distance from other vehicles.
y When you feel the ABS system
operating, you should maintain
constant brake pedal pressure.
Do not pump the brake pedal
since doing so may defeat the op-
eration of the ABS system.
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Starting and operating
7-17
„ABS warning light1) U.S.-spec. models
2) Canada-spec. modelsThe ABS warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion and goes out after approximately two
seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system
is working properly.
When driving with an insufficient battery
voltage such as when the engine is jump
started, the ABS warning light may come
on. This is due to the low battery voltage
and does not indicate a malfunction.
When the battery becomes fully charged,
the light will go out.
NOTEIf the warning light behavior is as de-
scribed in the following, the ABS sys-
tem may be considered normal.
yThe warning light comes on right af-
ter the engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off.
y
The warning light remains on after
the engine has been started, but it goes
out when the vehicle speed reaches
approximately 8 mph (12 km/h).
y The warning light comes on during
driving, but it goes out immediately
and remains off.
1
2
700333
If the warning light behaves as fol-
lows, the ABS system may not be
working properly.
When the warning light is on, the
ABS function shuts down; however,
the conventional brake system con-
tinues to operate normally.
yThe warning light does not come
on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position.
y 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).
y The warning light comes on dur-
ing driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system
repaired at the first available oppor-
tunity by your SUBARU dealer.
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7-18
Starting and operating
Electronic Brake Force Dis-
tribution (EBD) system (if equipped)The EBD system maximizes the effective-
ness of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of
the braking force. It functions by adjusting
the distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s
loading condition and speed.
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ABS system and uses some of the ABS
system’s components to perform its func-
tion of optimizing the distribution of brak-
ing force. If any of the ABS components
used by the EBD function fails, the EBD
system also stops working.
When the EBD system is operating, you
may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction.
„Steps to take if EBD system
fails1) U.S.-spec. models
2) Canada-spec. modelsIf a malfunction occurs in the EBD system,
the system stops working and the brake
system warning light and ABS warning
light come on simultaneously.
The EBD system may be faulty if the brake
system warning light and ABS warning
light illuminate simultaneously during driv-
ing.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are ap-
plied harder than usual and the vehicle’s motion may therefore become somewhat
harder to control.
If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat
place.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights go out, the EBD system
may be faulty.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights come on again
and stay illuminated 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 in-
spected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the
“MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. In-
stead, have the vehicle towed to the near-
est SUBARU dealer for repair.
1
2 1
2
700334
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