SUBARU FORESTER 2013 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

13-14Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capa-
city is 650 lbs. (1,400 750 (5 6
150) = 650 lbs)
5. Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in step 4. 6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your ve-hicle. Uniform tire quality grading standards
This information indicates the rela-
tive performance of passenger car
tires in the area of treadwear,
traction, and temperature resis-
tance. This is to aid the consumer
in making an informed choice in the
purchase of tires.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall be-
tween tread shoulder and maxi-
mum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tem-
perature A
The quality grades apply to new
pneumatic tires for use on passen-
ger cars. However, they do not
apply to deep tread, winter type
snow tires, space-saver or tempor-
ary use spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 12 inches
or less, or to some limited produc-
tion tires.
All passenger car tires must con-form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades. &
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under con-
trolled conditions on a specified
government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1-
1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate. & Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent the tire ’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on spe-

cified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
C may have poor traction perfor- mance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include accel-
eration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing, or peak traction charac-teristics.
& Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing thetire ’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified indoor labora-
tory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this
tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or ex-
cessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possi-
ble tire failure. Reporting safety defects (U.S.A.)
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a
crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately in-
form the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying Subaru of
America, Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehi-
cles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between
you, your dealer, or Subaru of
America, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call
the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-
424-9153); go to http://www.safe-
rcar.gov; or write to: Administrator,
NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave-
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-15
– CONTINUED –

13-16Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
nue, SE, West Building, Washing-
ton, DC 20590. You can also
obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.

Index
14

14-2Index
A Abbreviation ................................................................... 3
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-23
Warning light ......................................................... 3-19
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-45
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-6
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-11
Airflow selection Automatic climate control system ............................... 4-6
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-21
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-37
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-3
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-23
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-8
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-11
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-17
Audio Antenna system ....................................................... 5-3
Auxiliary input jack ................................................. 5-29
Bluetooth
®audio .................................................... 5-40
CD player operation ............................................... 5-22
Control button ........................................................ 5-37
FM/AM radio operation ........................................... 5-13 iPod
®operations
.................................................... 5-32
Power and audio controls ......................................... 5-9
Satellite radio operations ......................................... 5-18
Set ........................................................................ 5-4
USB storage device operations ................................ 5-32
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .............................. 3-36, 3-38
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-6
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-31
Warning light .......................................................... 3-21
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Fluid ........................................................... 11-20, 12-9
MANUAL mode ...................................................... 7-19
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-17
Select lever ........................................................... 7-16
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-17
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-20
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-13
Auxiliary input jack ...................................................... 5-29
BBattery .................................................................... 11-43
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-5
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-12
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-10
Bluetooth
®audio ........................................................ 5-40
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-28
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-9
Brake Assist .................................................................... 7-22
Booster ....................................................... 7-22, 11-25

Fluid............................................................ 11-23, 12-9
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-28
Parking ........................................................ 7-29, 11-29
Pedal .................................................................. 11-26
System ................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal
Free play ............................................................. 11-26
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-26
Brake system ............................................................ 7-22
Warning light ......................................................... 3-20
Braking ..................................................................... 7-22
Tips...................................................................... 7-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-28
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-15
Replacing ............................................................. 11-45
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-14
Light ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-15
Cargo tray ................................................................. 10-6
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Changing
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-11
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-17 CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
light ....................................................................... 3-15
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-26
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-26
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-27
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-27
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-14
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-20
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-23
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-24
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-22
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-37
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-9
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-21
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-19
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-22
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-28
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-25
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-19
Chime Key........................................................................ 3-5Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cigarette lighter .......................................................... 6-10
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Ventilation grille ..................................................... 4-10
Climate control system ................................................. 4-2
Automatic ................................................................ 4-6
Manual ................................................................... 4-8
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch
Fluid ............................................................ 11-24, 12-9
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
Coat hook ................................................................. 6-13
Coin tray ..................................................................... 6-7
Compass .......................................................... 3-36, 3-38
Console ...................................................................... 6-5
Continuously variable transmission
Fluid ..................................................................... 12-9
Coolant ............................................................ 11-14, 12-9
Temperature high warning light ................................ 3-16
Temperature low indicator light. ................................ 3-16
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-13
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-32
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-24
Set indicator light ........................................... 3-25, 7-32
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-8
Front passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s..................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-30
Defogger ................................................................... 3-44
Defrosting ................................................................. 4-10
Deicer ...................................................................... 3-44 Differential gear oil
Front ........................................................... 11-21, 12-8
Rear ........................................................... 11-22, 12-8
Dimensions ................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ......................................... 2-17
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-23
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-50
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light. ................................................. 3-21
Step light ............................................................. 11-50
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-18
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-21
AWD models ........................................................... 8-5
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 8
Drinking. .................................................................... 7
Drugs ........................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 8
Snowy and icy roads .............................................. 8-10
Tips ......................................................... 7-14, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ........................................................... 7
Winter .................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-11
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-20, 7-24
Warning ................................................................ 3-20
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-13

EngineCompartment overview ........................................... 11-7
Coolant ........................................................ 11-14, 12-9
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil................................................................ 11-9, 12-5 Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting ................................................................... 7-7
Stopping ................................................................. 7-9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-6
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-12
Fluid level Automatic transmission .......................................... 11-20
Brake .................................................................. 11-23
Clutch .................................................................. 11-24
Power steering ..................................................... 11-22
Fog light Bulb ................................................................... 12-15
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Switch .................................................................. 3-32
Folding mirror switch .................................................. 3-44
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-21, 12-8
Fog light ..................................................... 3-32, 12-15
Fog light indicator light ............................................ 3-25
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-20
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-48
Front seats .................................................................. 1-2 Forward and backward adjustment
............................ 1-3
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-5
Power seat ............................................................. 1-4
Reclining ................................................................ 1-3
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ........................ 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-2
Consumption indicator ............................................. 3-26
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge ................................................................... 3-10
Requirements ................................................. 7-2, 12-4
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-44
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-11
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-13
H
Hands-free system. ..................................................... 5-42
Hazard warning flasher .......................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rear seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight
Beam leveler. ......................................................... 3-31
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-45
Bulb wattage ........................................................ 12-15
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Flasher .................................................................. 3-30 Index
14-5

14-6Index
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
HID headlights ...................................................... 1, 11-45
High beam indicator light ............................................ 3-24
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-30
Hill start assist (MT models) ............................... 7-31, 11-27
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
HomeLink
®................................................................ 3-38
Hook Cargo tie-down ...................................................... 6-15
Coat ..................................................................... 6-13
Shopping bag ........................................................ 6-13
Towing and tie-down ............................................... 9-14
Horn ......................................................................... 3-47
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-14
I
Ignition switch .............................................................. 3-3
Light ....................................................................... 3-5
Illuminated entry .......................................................... 2-9
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-31
Immobilizer. ................................................................. 2-3
Indicator light (security indicator light) ....................... 3-23
Indicator light
Coolant temperature low ......................................... 3-16
Cruise control ........................................................ 3-24
Cruise control set ................................................... 3-25
Front fog light ........................................................ 3-25
Headlight .............................................................. 3-25
High beam ............................................................ 3-24
Immobilizer. ........................................................... 3-23
Security ................................................................ 3-23 Select lever/Gear position
........................................ 3-24
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-24
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-24
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ................................. 3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .. ........................ 3-22
Information display ...................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-36
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
iPod
®operations ........................................................ 5-32
J
Jack and jack handle ................................................... 9-5
Jack-up point .............................................................. 9-6
Jump starting ............................................................. 9-10
K
Key............................................................................ 2-2 Number .................................................................. 2-2
Reminder chime ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement. .......................................................... 2-3
Keyless entry system ................................................... 2-7
L
Leather seat materials ................................................. 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-49
Light Backup ............................................................... 11-48
Cargo area .................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Daytime running ..................................................... 3-30
Dome ............................................................ 6-2, 11-50

Door step............................................................. 11-50
Front fog ............................................................... 3-32
Front side marker ................................................. 12-15
Ignition switch .......................................................... 3-5
License plate ........................................................ 11-49
Map ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50 Parking ................................................................ 11-48
Rear combination .................................................. 11-48
Stop light ............................................................. 11-48
Tail light ............................................................... 11-48
Turn signal ................................................... 3-31, 11-48
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-12
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-21
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-18
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
M Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-19
Tools ...................................................................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) ... 3-15 Manual
Climate control system ............................................. 4-8
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-13
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-19, 12-8
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-18
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-6 Mirror defogger
.......................................................... 3-44
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-36
Moonroof ................................................................... 2-24
N
New vehicle break-in driving ......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-8
Oil filter ................................................................... 11-11
Oil level
Engine .................................................................. 11-9
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-21
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-19
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-17
On-road and off-road driving ...................................... 9, 8-6
Outside
Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-44
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-43
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-27
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-6
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-13
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-29
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-29
Light ................................................................... 11-48
Tips ...................................................................... 7-29
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4 Index
14-7