warning lights SUBARU FORESTER 2006 Owners Manual

3
– CONTINUED –
Vehicle symbolsThere are some of the symbols you may
see on your vehicle.
Mark Name
CAUTION
Power door lock
Passenger’s windows lock
Fuel
Front fog lights
Parking lights
Hazard warning flasher
Cigarette lighter
Engine hood
Seat heater
Child restraint top tether an-
chorages
Child restraint lower anchor-
ages
Horn
Windshield wiper deicer
Wiper intermittent
Windshield washer
Windshield wiper mist (for
single wipe)
Rear window wiper
Rear window washer
Mark Name
Lights
Parking lights, tail lights, li-
cense plate light and instru-
ment panel illumination
Head lights
Headlight beam leveler
Illumination brightness
Fan speed
Instrument panel outlets
Instrument panel outlets and
foot outlets
Foot outlets
Windshield defroster and
foot outlets
Windshield defroster
Mark Name
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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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1-12
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
systems” section in this chapter.„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-
nation at 15-second intervals, and the
chime will sound while the warning light is
flashing.
Alternate flashing and steady illumination
of the warning lights and sounding of the
chime will continue until the driver fastens
the seatbelt.
NOTEyIf the driver unfastens the seatbelt af-
ter fastening, the seatbelt warning de-
vice operates as follows according to
the vehicle speed. y At speeds lower than approximate-
ly 9 mph (15 km/h)
The warning light will alternate be-
tween flashing and steady illumina-
tion at 15-second intervals. The
chime will not sound.
y At speeds higher than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h)
The warning light will alternate be-
tween flashing and steady illumina-
tion at 15-second intervals and the
chime will sound while the warning
light is flashing.
y It is possible to cancel the warning
operation that follows the 6-second
warning after turning ON the ignition
switch by unfastening and refastening
the driver’s seatbelt. When the ignition
switch is turned ON next time, howev-
er, the complete sequence of warning
operation resumes. For further details
about canceling the warning operation,
please contact your SUBARU dealer.
„ Fastening the seatbeltyNever use a belt that is twisted or
reversed. In an accident, this can
increase the risk or severity of in-
jury.yKeep the lap belt as low as possi-
ble on your hips. In a collision,
this spreads the force of the lap
belt over stronger hip bones in-
stead of across the weaker abdo-
men.ySeatbelts provide maximum re-
straint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat.
To reduce the risk of sliding under
the seatbelt in a collision, the
front seatbacks should be always
used in the upright position while
the vehicle is running. If the front
seatbacks are not used in the up-
right position in a collision, the
risk of sliding under the lap belt
and of the lap belt sliding up over
the abdomen will increase, and
both can result in serious internal
injury or death.
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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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3-10
Instruments and controls
nation at 15-second intervals, and the
chime will sound while the warning light is
flashing.
Alternate flashing and steady illumination
of the warning lights and sounding of the
chime will continue until the driver fastens
the seatbelt.NOTEyIf the driver unfastens the seatbelt af-
ter fastening, the seatbelt warning de-
vice operates as follows according to
the vehicle speed. y At speeds lower than approximate-
ly 9 mph (15 km/h)
The warning light will alternate be-
tween flashing and steady illumina-
tion at 15-second intervals. The
chime will not sound.
y At speeds higher than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h)
The warning light will alternate be-
tween flashing and steady illumina-
tion at 15-second intervals and the
chime will sound while the warning
light is flashing.
y It is possible to cancel the warning
operation that follows the 6-second
warning after turning ON the ignition
switch by unfastening and refastening
the driver’s seatbelt. When the ignition
switch is turned ON next time, howev-
er, the complete sequence of warning operation resumes. For further details
about canceling the warning operation,
please contact your SUBARU dealer.
„
SRS airbag system warn-
ing lightWhen the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position, the SRS airbag system
warning light will come on for approxi-
mately 6 seconds and go out. This shows
the SRS frontal airbag and SRS side air-
bag and seatbelt pretensioners are in nor-
mal operation.
„Front passenger’s frontal air-
bag ON and OFF indicators1) U.S.-spec. models
2) Canada-spec. models
If the warning light exhibits any of
the following conditions, there may
be a malfunction in the seatbelt pre-
tensioners and/or SRS airbag sys-
tem. Immediately take your vehicle
to your nearest SUBARU dealer to
have the system checked. Unless
checked and properly repaired, the
seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS
airbags will operate improperly (e.g.
SRS airbags may inflate in a very mi-
nor collision or not inflate in a se-
vere collision), which may increase
the risk of injury.
yFlashing or flickering of the warn-
ing lightyNo illumination of the warning
light when the ignition switch is
first turned to the “ON” positionyContinuous illumination of the
warning lightyIllumination of the warning light
while driving
12
12
100547
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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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7-4
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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