wheel SUBARU FORESTER 2005 SG / 2.G User Guide

1-69
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
– CONTINUED –
and chest.
C) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate im- mediately.
The SRS side airbag can function only when the igni-
tion switch is in the “ON” position.
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags
deploy independently of each other since each has its
own impact sensor. Also, the SRS side airbag deploys
independently of the frontal airbags in the steering
wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the ve-
hicle’s center pillars. If either sensor detects a certain
predetermined amount of force during a side impact
collision, the control module sends a signal to the side
airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, in-
structing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the
side airbag module produces gas, which instantly in-
flates the SRS side airbag. After deployment, the SRS
side airbag will deflate in a few seconds.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occu-
pies the seat on the side on which an impact is ap-
plied.
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly
loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will
be released. These occurrences are normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
Do not touch the SRS side airbag system com-
ponents around the front seatback with bare
hands right after deployment. Doing so can
cause burns because the components can be
very hot as a result of deployment.
The SRS side airbag is designed to deploy in the event
of an accident involving a moderate to severe side im-
pact collision. It is basically not designed to deploy in
lesser side impact. Also, it is basically not designed to
deploy in frontal or rear impacts because SRS side air-
bag deployment would not help the occupant in those
situations.
Each SRS side airbag is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis.
SRS side airbag deployment depends on the level of
force experienced in the passenger compartment dur-
ing a side impact collision. That level differs from one
type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing
on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself.

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
– CONTINUED –
„SRS airbag system servicing
yWhen discarding an airbag module or scrap-
ping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision,
consult your SUBARU dealer. y The SRS airbag has no user-serviceable
parts. Do not use electrical test equipment on
any circuit related to the SRS airbag system.
For required servicing of the SRS airbag, see
your nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with
or disconnecting the system’s wiring could re-
sult in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or
could make the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury. The wiring harnesses of
the SRS airbag system are covered with yellow
insulation and system connectors are yellow
for easy identification.
If you need service or repair in areas listed be-
low, we recommend that you have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in these areas. y
Under the center console
y Near the bottom of the radiator
y Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
y Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s
side and nearby areasy Each front seat and nearby area (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only)
y Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, re-
placement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are re-
placed, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags
must be inspected by a SUBARU dealer ten years af-
ter the date of manufacture, which is shown on the cer-
tification plate attached to the driver’s door jamb.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU deal-
er as soon as possible.y The front part of the vehicle was involved in an
accident in which the SRS frontal airbags did not
deploy.y The pad section of the steering wheel or front

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
passenger’s frontal airbag cover is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS
side airbags, contact your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible in the following cases.y
Either center pillar or a nearby area of the vehi-
cle was involved in an accident in which the SRS
side airbag did not deploy.y The fabric or leather of either front seatback is
cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged. „ Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
yTo avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any components or wiring of
the SRS airbag system.
This includes following modifications: yInstallation of custom steering wheels
y Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard y Installation of custom seats (for vehicles with SRS side airbags only)y
Replacement of seat fabric or leather (for
vehicles with SRS side airbags only) y Installation of additional fabric or leather
on the front seat (for vehicles with SRS side
airbags only)
y Installation of additional electrical/electronic
equipment such as a mobile two-way radio on
or near the SRS airbag system components
and/or wiring is not advisable. This could inter-
fere with proper operation of the SRS airbag
system.
Do not perform any of the following modifica-
tions. Such modifications can interfere with
proper operation of the SRS airbag system. y Attachment of any equipment (brush bar,
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than
genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the front
end. y Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure. y Installation of a tire of different size and con-
struction from the tires specified on the tire

3-1
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) ........ 3-6
Hazard warning flasher ................................ 3-7
Meters and gauges ....................................... 3-7 Speedometer ..................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-7
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-8
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-9
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-10
Outside temperature indicator ......................... 3-11
Warning and indicator lights ....................... 3-12 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 3-13
SRS airbag system warning light .................... 3-13
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................. 3-13
Charge warning light ........................................ 3-14
Oil pressure warning light ................................ 3-15
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(AT vehicles) ................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light ............................................. 3-15
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light (if equipped) ................... 3-16
Brake system warning light ............................. 3-18
Door open warning lights ................................. 3-19 Low fuel warning light ...................................... 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) ... 3-19
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-20
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) ............. 3-20
Turn signal indicator lights .............................. 3-21
High beam indicator light ................................. 3-21
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped) .... 3-21
Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped) .................................................... 3-21
Clock .............................................................. 3-22
Light control switch ...................................... 3-23 Headlights ......................................................... 3-23
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-24
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-24
Daytime running light system ......................... 3-25
Turn signal lever ........................................... 3-25
Illumination brightness control ................... 3-26
Parking light switch ...................................... 3-27
Fog light button (if equipped) ...................... 3-27
Wiper and washer ......................................... 3-28 Windshield wiper and washer switches ......... 3-29
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 3-31
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) ........ 3-32
Rear window defogger button ..................... 3-33
Mirrors ............................................................ 3-35 Inside mirror ...................................................... 3-35
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-37
Tilt steering wheel ......................................... 3-39

3-3
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
Instruments and controlsIgnition switch
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC,
ON and START. „LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel
when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key. T
Automatic transmission vehicles
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3-4
Instruments and controls
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position. T
Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
y Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, prevent-
ing steering control. And when the engine is
turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer.y
Before leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key from the ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child to remain in
the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure
could result in injury to a child or others. They
could operate the power windows, the sunroof
or other controls or even make the vehicle
move.
„ ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, ac-
cessory power outlet, etc.) can be used. „ ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started. „ START
The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released
(after the engine has started), the key automatically
returns to the “ON” position.
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3-12
Instruments and controls
y
When the actual outside temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several 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
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica- tor 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 vehicles)
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator 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

3-18
Instruments and controls
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably
faulty under the following condition. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. y
The light does not go out even after the lapse of sev-
eral minutes (the engine has warmed up) after the en-
gine has started. „ Brake system warning light
yDriving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake sys-
tem may not be working properly. If the light re-
mains on, have the brakes inspected by a
SUBARU dealer immediately. y If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are
operating properly, do not drive the vehicle.
Have your vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
This light has the following three functions: T Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake applied
while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It goes
out when the parking brake is fully released. T
Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid level has
dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid res-
ervoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position and
with the parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should come on while
driving (with the parking brake fully released and with
the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn brake pads.
If this occurs, immediately stop the vehicle at the near-
est safe place and check the brake fluid level. If the flu-
id level is below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir, do not
drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed to the near-
est SUBARU dealer for repair. T Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) sys-
tem warning (for vehicles with EBD)
The brake system warning light also illuminates 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 conventional braking
system will still function. However, the rear wheels will
be more prone to locking when the brakes are applied
harder than usual and the vehicle’s motion may there-
(U.S.) (Canada)

3-19
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
fore 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 illu-
minated 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 inspect-
ed.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO
NOT drive the vehicle. Instead, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. „Door open warning lights
The 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 [about 2.3 US gal (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp
gal)]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 US gal (15 liters, 3.3 Imp gal). „ All-Wheel Drive warning light
(AT vehicles)
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.

3-20
Instruments and controls
The All-Wheel Drive indicator light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes
out after the engine has started. T
For vehicles with Vehicle Dynamics Control
system
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of dif-
ferent diameters or with the air pressure excessively
low in any of its tires. T For vehicles without Vehicle Dynamics Control
system
This light comes on when All-Wheel Drive is disen-
gaged and the drive mechanism is switched to Front
Wheel Drive for maintenance or similar purposes.
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of dif-
ferent diameters or with the air pressure excessively
low in any of its tires. „ Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light (if equipped)
This light comes on when the ignition switch is ON and
goes out about 2 seconds later.
It blinks when the skid suppression function is activat-
ed. It illuminates when only the traction control func-
tion is operating. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably
faulty under any of the following conditions. Have your
vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately. y
The light does not come on when the ignition switch
is turned to the “ON” position. y The light does not go out even after a period of
about 2 seconds after the ignition switch has been
turned to the “ON” position. „ Shift position indicator (AT vehicles)
This indicator shows the position of the shift lever.
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