warning SUBARU FORESTER 2009 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code
which specifies the maximum load
a tire can carry at the speed
indicated by its speed symbol, at
maximum inflation pressure.
For example,“90 ”means 1,323 lbs
(600 kg), “89 ”means 1,278 lbs (580
kg).
WARNING
Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting
a load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire ’s rated
load.
(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire ’s capability
to travel at established and prede-
termined speeds.
For example, “V ” means 149 mph
(240 km/h)
WARNING
. Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle.
Putting a speed rated tire on
any vehicle does not mean
the vehicle can be operated
at the tire ’s rated speed.
. The speed rating is void if
the tires are worn out, da-
maged, repaired, retreaded,
or otherwise altered from
their original condition. If
tires are repaired, re-
treaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be sui-
table for original equipment
tire designed loads andspeeds.
! Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of
four groups. Here is a brief review
of the TIN with a breakdown of its
individual elements.
(1) Manufacturer ’s Identification
Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the
week, starting with “01 ”to represent
the first full week of the calendar
year; the second two figures repre-
sent the year. For example, 0101
means the 1st week of 2001.
! Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall. ! Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which this tire may be
inflated. For example, “300 kPa
(44 PSI) MAX. PRESS ”
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-3
– CONTINUED –

13-4Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
!Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum
permissible weight load for this tire.
For example, “MAX. LOAD 580 kg
(1279 LBS) @ 300 kPa (44 PSI)
MAX. PRESS. ”
WARNING
Maximum load rating applies
only to the tire, not to the
vehicle. Putting a load rated
tire on any vehicle does not
mean the vehicle can be
loaded up to the tire ’s rated
load.
! Construction type
Applicable construction of this tire.
For example, “TUBELESS STEEL
BELTED RADIAL ”
! Construction
The generic name of each cord
material used in the plies (both
sidewall and tread area) of this tire.
For example, “PLIES: TREAD 2 STEEL + 2 POLYESTER SIDE-
WALL 2 POLYESTER
”
! Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
For details, refer to the “Uniform tire
quality grading standards ”section in
this chapter.

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.safercar.gov; or write
to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-13
– CONTINUED –

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

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