trailer SUBARU FORESTER 2006 Owners Manual

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)
ProCarManuals.com

7-20
Starting and operating
In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding
on a slippery road surface and/or during
cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system ad-
justs the engine’s output and the wheels’
respective braking forces to help maintain
traction and directional control.
yTraction Control Function
The traction control function is designed to
prevent spinning of the driving wheels on
slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to
maintain traction and directional control.
Activation of this function is shown by
steady illumination of the Vehicle Dynam-
ics Control operation indicator light.
y Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed
to help maintain directional stability by suppressing the wheels’ tendency to slide
sideways during steering operations. Acti-
vation of this function is shown by flashing
of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light.
NOTEy
Slight twitching of the brake pedal
may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system operates; a small de-
gree of vehicle or steering wheel shak-
ing may also be noticed in this situa-
tion. These are normal characteristics
of Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
and are no cause for alarm.
y When driving off immediately after
starting the engine, a short-lived oper-
ation noise may be noticed coming
from the engine compartment. This
noise is generated as a result of a
check being performed on the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system and is nor-
mal.
y Depending on the timing of activa-
tion of the brakes, certain situations
may occur just after driving off where
the brake pedal seems to exhibit a jolt-
ing motion. This too is a consequence
of the Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tional check and is normal.
y In the circumstances listed in the fol-
lowing, the vehicle may be more unsta- ble than it feels to the driver. The Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control System may
therefore operate. Such operation does
not indicate a system fault.
y on gravel-covered or rutted roads
y on unfinished roads
y when the vehicle is towing a trailer
y when the vehicle is fitted with
snow tires or winter tires
y Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will cause operation of
the steering wheel to feel slightly dif-
ferent compared to that for normal con-
ditions.
y Even if the vehicle is equipped with a
Vehicle Dynamics Control system, it is
important that winter tires be used
when driving on snow-covered or icy
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 effective-
ness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is reduced and this should be
taken into account when driving the ve-
hicle in such a condition.
y It is always important to reduce
speed when approaching a corner,
even if the vehicle is equipped with Ve-
hicle Dynamics Control.
– Keep the tire pressure at the
proper level as shown on the
placard attached to the vehi-
cle’s door pillar.
– Use only the special temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire.
With a temporary spare tire, the
effectiveness of the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is re-
duced and this should be taken
into account when driving the
vehicle in such a condition.
ProCarManuals.com

Starting and operating
7-29
TTo decrease the speed (by brake
pedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to release
cruise control temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to the de-
sired speed, press the control lever down-
ward in the “SET/COAST” direction once.
Now the desired speed is set and the ve-
hicle will keep running at that speed with-
out depressing the accelerator pedal.
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped)The self-leveling suspension adjusts the
vehicle body position automatically to
keep it level at all times irrespective of the
number of occupants and the amount of
cargo.
The self-leveling system is incorporated in
the rear suspension shock absorber and
operates only when the vehicle is in mo-
tion. Owing to the self-leveling suspension, the
vehicle body is adjusted to the proper po-
sition after several drive trips, even if the
rear of the vehicle is lowered by loaded
cargos or a coupled trailer.
If cargos are unloaded all at once, the ve-
hicle height may become higher than the
normal level. This is because that the hy-
draulic pressure in the self-leveling sus-
pension was increased for leveling the
body when the cargos were loaded. In
such a case, the vehicle height will return
to the original level after several driving
trips.
NOTEIf the rear axle is loaded excessively,
the vehicle body may not be adjusted
to the proper position.
700054
700055
ProCarManuals.com

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) ........ 8-2
Catalytic converter ............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections .......................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries .............................. 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ........................... 8-5
Off road driving .................................................. 8-6
Winter driving ..................................................... 8-7
Operation during cold weather .............................. 8-7
Driving on snowy and icy roads ............................ 8-9
Corrosion protection .............................................. 8-10
Snow tires ............................................................... 8-10
Tire chains ............................................................... 8-10
Rocking the vehicle ................................................ 8-11
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-11
Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... 8-12
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-12
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ..................... 8-13
Trailer hitch (if equipped) .................................. 8-16
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-16
When you do not tow a trailer ............................... 8-17
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-18
Warranties and maintenance ................................. 8-18
Maximum load limits .............................................. 8-18 Trailer hitches ......................................................... 8-21
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-22
Trailer towing tips ................................................... 8-23
ProCarManuals.com

8-12
Driving tips
NOTEFor better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.„Vehicle capacity weight
The load capacity of your vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. The maximum load you can carry
in your vehicle is shown on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver’s side door
pillar. It includes the total weight of the
driver and all passengers and their be-
longings, any optional equipment such as
a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
„GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)The certification plate attached to the driv-
er’s side door jamb shows GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle, fu-
el, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation. The GVWR
equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle – including standard equipment,
fluids, emergency tools and spare tire as-
sembly) plus the vehicle capacity weight.
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
800220
800221
D00000
ProCarManuals.com

8-16
Driving tips
Trailer hitch (if equipped)The trailer hitch is designed to tow a Class
1 rated load.
When you tow a trailer, follow the instruc-
tions in the next section “Trailer towing”.
„Connecting a trailer1. Remove the receiver cover from the
hitch receiver tube. Then insert the ball
mount into the hitch receiver tube.
2. Insert the hitch pin into the hole on the hitch receiver tube so that the pin passes
through the ball mount.
3. Insert the safety pin securely into the
hitch pin.
4. Pull the ball mount to make sure it does
not come off the hitch receiver.
y
Never exceed the maximum
weight specified for the trailer
hitch. Exceeding the maximum
weight could cause an accident
resulting in serious personal inju-
ries. Permissible trailer weight
changes depending on the situa-
tion. Refer to the next section
“Trailer towing” for possible rec-
ommendations and limitations.yTrailer brakes are required when
the towing load exceeds 1,000 lbs
(453 kg). Be sure your trailer has
safety chains and that each chain
will hold the trailer’s maximum
gross weight. Towing trailers
without safety chains could create
a traffic safety hazard if the trailer
separates from the hitch due to
coupling damage or hitch ball
damage.
yBe sure to check the hitch pin and
safety pin for positive locking
placement before towing a trailer.
If the ball mount comes off the
hitch receiver, the trailer could get
loose and create a traffic safety
hazard.yUse only the ball mount supplied
with this hitch. Use the hitch only
as a weight carrying hitch. Do not
use with any type of weight dis-
tributing hitch.
800226
800227
ProCarManuals.com

Driving tips
8-17
1) Hitch ball installation point
2) Hooks for safety chains5. Use only a hitch ball that is appropriate
for the ball mount and your trailer. The
hitch ball must be securely installed on the
ball mount.
6. Connect your trailer to the hitch ball.
7. Connect the trailer and the hitch with
safety chains that will hold the trailer’s
maximum gross weight. The chains
should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping onto the
ground in case it should disconnect from
the hitch ball. Allow sufficient slack in the
chains taking tight-turn situations into ac-
count; however, be careful not to let them
drag on the ground.
Hitch harness connector8. Connect the hitch wire harness’s black
four-pin wire connector to the towing trail-
er’s wire harness
9. Confirm proper function of the hitch
wire harness by individually activating the
brake, right turn signal, left turn signal,
stop, and parking lights on the trailer.NOTEAlways disconnect the trailer wire har-
ness before launching or retrieving a
watercraft.
„When you do not tow a traileryRemove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube.
y Place the dust cap over the fou-pin con-
nector of the hitch wire harness to protect
against possible damage.
y Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal grease.
1 2
800228
Do not connect safety chains to part
of the vehicle other than the safety
chain hooks.
800210
ProCarManuals.com

8-18
Driving tips
Trailer towingYour vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safe-
ty and satisfaction depend upon proper
use of correct equipment and cautious op-
eration of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in pur-
chasing a hitch and other necessary tow-
ing equipment appropriate for your vehi-
cle. In addition, be sure to follow the in-
structions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for in-
juries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any er-
rors or omissions in the instructions ac-
companying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.„Warranties and maintenanceSUBARU warranties do not apply to vehi-
cle damage or malfunction caused by trail-
er towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a
trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load. (Refer
to “Maintenance schedule under severe
driving conditions” in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving.
„
Maximum load limits
T Total trailer weightTotal trailer weightThe total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum weight shown in the following
table.
Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following. Ex-
ceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
yAdequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
yBefore towing a trailer, check the
trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are acceptable.
800211
ProCarManuals.com

Driving tips
8-19
– CONTINUED –
TGross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)Gross Vehicle WeightThe Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-
bined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.
Certification labelGVWR is shown on the certification plate
located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Model Conditions Maximum
total trailer weight
MT models When towing a trailer without
brakes. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with
brakes. 2,400 lbs
(1,087 kg)
AT models When towing a trailer without
brakes. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with
brakes. 2,400 lbs
(1,087 kg)
When towing a
trailer on a long
uphill grade con-
tinuously for over
5 miles (8 km)
with an outside
temperature of
104° F (40 °C) or
above. 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
800009
D00000
ProCarManuals.com

8-20
Driving tips
TGross Axle Weight (GAW) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)Gross Axle WeightThe total weight applied to each axle
(GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and
rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating
passengers and luggage inside the vehi-
cle. The front and rear GAWR are also
shown on the certification plate.
To check both GVWR and GAWR and to
confirm that the total weight and weight
distribution are within safe driving limits,
you should have your vehicle and trailer
weighed at a commercial weighing sta-
tion.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.
T
Tongue load
Tongue loadEnsure that the trailer tongue load is from
8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight
and does not exceed the maximum value
of 200 lbs (90 kg).
1) Jack
2) Bathroom scaleThe tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the illustra-
tion above. When weighing the tongue
load, be sure to position the towing cou-
pler at the height at which it would be dur-
ing actual towing, using a jack as shown.
800229
800214
1 2
800230
ProCarManuals.com