SUBARU FORESTER 2009 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

13-14Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
DC 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor ve-
hicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.

Index
14

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-23
Warning light ................................................. 3-15, 7-23
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-45
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-5
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner ..................................................... 4-7, 4-10
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-13
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-2
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-17
Aluminum wheel cleaning ............................................ 10-3
Aluminum wheels ...................................................... 11-38
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-23
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-7
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-14
Audio control button ................................................... 5-26
Audio set .................................................................... 5-5
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...................................... 3-34
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-8
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-26
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Capacities ............................................................. 12-4
Fluid .................................................................... 11-20
MANUAL mode ..................................................... 7-18
Selector lever ........................................................ 7-15
Shift lock release ................................................... 7-20
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-20 Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP)
................. 3-14
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-11
AUX unit operation ..................................................... 5-25
B Battery .................................................................... 11-43
Jump starting .......................................................... 9-9
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-10
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-28
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-8
Brake
Assist .................................................................... 7-22
Booster ....................................................... 7-22, 11-27
Fluid ................................................................... 11-25
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-30
Parking ....................................................... 7-31, 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
System .................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-28
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-28
Brake system ............................................................. 7-22
Warning light .......................................................... 3-16
Braking ..................................................................... 7-21
Tips ...................................................................... 7-21
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-30
Bulb Chart .................................................................... 12-9
Replacing ............................................................ 11-46

C Capacities................................................................. 12-4
Cargo area
Cover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ....................................................................... 6-3
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-13
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ...................................................... 11-9
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-13
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ...................................................................... 3-12
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-28
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-28
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-29
Engine oil level ...................................................... 11-8
Fluid level ............................... 11-20, 11-24, 11-25, 11-26
Gear oil level ........................................................ 11-22
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-22
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................................ 1-25
Lower and tether anchorages .................................. 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks ................................................................... 2-18 Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-5Seatbelt. ......................................................... 1-12, 3-9
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-21
Clutch Fluid ................................................................... 11-26
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
Coat hook. ................................................................. 6-11
Coin tray .................................................................... 6-7
Coolant ................................................................... 11-13
Coolant temperature high warning light. ......................... 3-13
Coolant temperature low indicator light .......................... 3-13
Cooling system ........................................................ 11-12
Corrosion protection ............................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-34
Indicator light ................................................. 3-20, 7-37
Set indicator light ............................................ 3-21, 7-38
Cup holder ................................................................. 6-7
Front passenger ’s.................................................... 6-7
Rear passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8 Index
14-3

14-4Index
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-25
Differential gear oil
Front ................................................................... 11-21
Rear .................................................................... 11-22
Dimensions ............................................................... 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ........................................ 2-16
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-22
Dome light .................................................................. 6-2
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light ................................................. 3-17
Drive belts. ............................................................... 11-18
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-17
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 7
Drinking ..................................................................... 6
Drugs ........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................................ 8-9
Tips................................................................ 7-14, 8-5
Tired or sleepy. ........................................................... 7
E
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........................................................... 3-16, 7-24
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-11
Engine
Compartment overview ........................................... 11-6 Coolant
............................................................... 11-13
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 5, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil ........................................................................ 11-8Overheating ........................................................... 9-11
Starting .................................................................. 7-7
Stopping ................................................................. 7-9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-4
Floor mat ................................................................... 6-11
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ......................................... 11-20
Brake .................................................................. 11-25
Clutch ................................................................. 11-26
Power steering ..................................................... 11-24
Fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Switch ................................................................... 3-27
Front Differential gear oil ................................................ 11-21
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-19
Seats ..................................................................... 1-2
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-50
Front fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Front seats Forward and backward adjustment ... ......................... 1-3
Reclining ................................................................ 1-3
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ........................ 1-4

Fuel........................................................................... 7-2
Economy hints ......................................................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge .................................................................... 3-8
Requirements .......................................................... 7-2
Fuses ...................................................................... 11-44
Fuses and circuits ...................................................... 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .............................. 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .......................... 8-13
H
Hazard warning flasher ........................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment
Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rearseat ................................................................. 1-7
Headlight
Beam lever ........................................................... 3-26
Flasher ................................................................. 3-25
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Headlights ........................................................ 3-24, 11-47
Heater operation (manual climate control system) ............ 4-5
High beam indicator light ............................................ 3-20
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-25
Hill start assist (MT vehicles) .............................. 7-33, 11-29
Hill start assist warning light ................................ 3-17, 7-34
Horn ......................................................................... 3-38
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-12 I
Ignition switch
............................................................. 3-3
Light ...................................................................... 3-5
Illuminated entry .......................................................... 2-9
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-26
Immobilizer ................................................................. 2-2
Indicator light (security indicator light) ................. 2-3, 3-19
Indicator light Coolant temperature low .......................................... 3-13
Cruise control ................................................ 3-20, 7-37
Cruise control set ........................................... 3-21, 7-38
Front fog light ......................................................... 3-21
Headlight ............................................................... 3-21
High beam ............................................................. 3-20
Immobilizer ............................................................. 2-3
Security .......................................................... 2-3, 3-19
Selector lever/Gear position ..................................... 3-20
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-20
Traction control system OFF .................................... 3-18
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ......................... 3-19, 7-28
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .................. 3-18, 7-27
Information display ...................................................... 3-22
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-33
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
J
Jack handle ............................................................... 9-17
Jump starting .............................................................. 9-9 Index
14-5

14-6Index
K Key Number .................................................................. 2-2
Reminder chime. ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement ........................................................... 2-4
Keyless entry system ................................................... 2-7
Keys .......................................................................... 2-2
L
Leather seat materials ................................................ 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-51
Light Cargo area .............................................................. 6-3
Control switch ........................................................ 3-24
Dome ..................................................................... 6-2
Front fog ............................................................... 3-27
Ignition switch .......................................................... 3-5
License plate ........................................................ 11-51
Map ....................................................................... 6-3
Rear combination .................................................. 11-50
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-11
Low fuel warning light ........................................... 3-8, 3-17
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-14
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
M
Main fuse ................................................................. 11-45
Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-19 Tools
..................................................................... 9-17
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine warning light)... 3-12 Manual
Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-13
Transmission oil ................................................... 11-19
Map light .................................................................... 6-3
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-16
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-5
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-33
Moonroof ................................................................... 2-22
N
New vehicle break-in driving ......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-6
Oil filter ..................................................................... 11-9
Oil level Engine .................................................................. 11-8
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-21
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-19
Rear differential .................................................... 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-13
On-pavement and off-road driving .................................. 8-6
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-35
Outside temperature indicator ...................................... 3-22
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-6
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-11

P ParkingBrake ................................................................... 7-31
Brake stroke ......................................................... 11-30
Tips...................................................................... 7-32
Parking your vehicle ................................................... 7-31
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-2
Power
Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-21
Steering fluid ........................................................ 11-24
Windows ............................................................... 2-19
Precautions against vehicle modification ............... 1-22, 1-60
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-7
RRear Combination lights ................................................. 11-50
Gate ............................................................. 2-21, 9-16
Seats ..................................................................... 1-6
Rear differential Gear oil ............................................................... 11-22
Rear seat Center table ............................................................ 6-6
Folding down ........................................................... 1-9
Reclining ................................................................. 1-9
Rear turn signal ........................................................ 11-50
Rear window
Defogger button ..................................................... 3-31 Wiper and washer switch
......................................... 3-30
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-41
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 11-21
Brake fluid ........................................................... 11-26
Clutch fluid .......................................................... 11-27
OIL grade and viscosity ... 11-11, 11-12, 11-20, 11-22, 11-23
Power steering fluid .............................................. 11-25
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-18
Refueling .................................................................... 7-3
Remote engine start system ......................................... 7-9
Remote keyless entry system ........................................ 2-7
Replacement Brake pad and lining ............................................. 11-29
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-39
Replacing
Air cleaner element ............................................... 11-16
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ....................... 2-10
Lost transmitters (remote keyless entry system) . ........ 2-10
Replacing bulbs ....................................................... 11-46
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-51
Dome light ........................................................... 11-51
Door step light ..................................................... 11-51
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-50
Headlight ............................................................. 11-47
License plate light ................................................. 11-51
Map light ............................................................. 11-51
Position light ........................................................ 11-50
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-50
Rocking the vehicle .................................................... 8-11
Roof rail .................................................................... 8-13 Index
14-7

14-8Index
S Safety Precautions when driving ............................................. 4
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Seat
Fabric ................................................................... 10-5
Heater .................................................................... 1-6
Seat height adjustment ................................................. 1-4
Seatbelt ......................................................................... 4
Maintenance .......................................................... 1-19
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-19
Safety tips ............................................................. 1-10
Warning light and chime ................................... 1-12, 3-9
Seatbelts .................................................................. 1-10
Security ID plate .......................................................... 2-3
Security indicator light. .......................................... 2-3, 3-19
Selector lever ............................................................ 7-15
Position indicator ................................................... 3-20
Shift lock release ....................................................... 7-20
Shock sensors ........................................................... 2-18
Shopping bag hook .................................................... 6-11
Snow tires ........................................................ 8-10, 11-31
Snowy and icy roads .................................................... 8-9
Sounding a panic alarm ................................................ 2-9
Spark plugs .............................................................. 11-18
Specifications ............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer ............................................................... 3-6
SPORT mode ............................................................ 7-20
SPORT mode indicator light ........................................ 3-20 SRS
Curtain airbag ........................................................ 1-49
Frontal airbag ......................................................... 1-38
Side airbag ............................................................ 1-49
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)... 4, 1-34
SRS airbag system Monitors ................................................................ 1-59
Servicing ............................................................... 1-59
Warning light .......................................................... 3-11
Starting the engine ...................................................... 7-7
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-6
Steering wheel Power ................................................................... 7-21
Tilt ........................................................................ 3-36
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-37
Stopping the engine ..................................................... 7-9
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-4
Sun shade ................................................................. 2-23
Sun visors .................................................................. 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-34
Synthetic leather upholstery ......................................... 10-5
T
Tachometer ................................................................. 3-7
Temperature warning light AT OIL TEMP ......................................................... 3-14
Temporary spare tire .................................................... 9-2
Tether (child restraint system) .............................. 1-29, 1-32
Tie-down hooks .......................................................... 9-12
Tilt steering wheel. ...................................................... 3-36

TireChains .................................................................. 8-11
Inspection ............................................................ 11-33
Pressures and wear .............................................. 11-33
Replacement ........................................................ 11-37
Rotation ............................................................... 11-36
Types .................................................................. 11-31
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) .......................................... 3-14, 7-30, 9-8, 11-31
Tires ......................................................................... 12-5
Tires and wheels. ...................................................... 11-31
Top tether anchorages ........................................ 1-29, 1-32
Towing ...................................................................... 9-12
All wheels on the ground ........................................ 9-15
Flat-bed truck ........................................................ 9-15
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 9-12
Weight.................................................................. 8-16
Traction Control system OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-18
Trailer
Connecting ............................................................ 8-14
Hitch .................................................................... 8-14
Hitches ................................................................. 8-19
Towing .................................................................. 8-16
Towing tips ............................................................ 8-21
Turn signal Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-20
Lever .................................................................... 3-26 U
Under-floor storage compartment
.................................. 6-14
V
Valet mode ................................................................ 2-16
Vanity mirror ............................................................... 6-4
Vehicle Capacity weight ...................................................... 8-12
Identification ........................................................ 12-10
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light .................................................. 7-28
OFF switch ............................................................ 7-29
Operation indicator light ................................... 3-18, 7-27
System .................................................................. 7-26
Warning light .................................................. 3-18, 7-28
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
W
Warning and indicator lights .......................................... 3-9
Warning light
ABS.............................................................. 3-15, 7-23
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-17
Anti-lock Brake System ........................................... 3-15
AT OIL TEMP ......................................................... 3-14
Brake system ......................................................... 3-16
Charge .................................................................. 3-13
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-12
Coolant temperature high ........................................ 3-13
Door open ............................................................. 3-17
Hill start assist ............................................... 3-17, 7-33 Index
14-9