ECU SUBARU FORESTER 2009 SH / 3.G Owner's Manual

1-40Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
WARNING
Do not attach accessories to the
windshield, or fit an extra-wide mir-
ror over the rear view mirror. If the
SRS airbag deploys, those objects
could become projectiles that could
seriously injure vehicle occupants.
! Driver ’s SRS frontal airbag
The driver ’s SRS frontal airbag uses a
dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in
different ways depending on the severity
of impact.
Have the system inspected by your
SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS
airbag system warning light illuminates. NOTE
The driver
’s SRS side airbag, SRS
curtain airbag and seatbelt preten-
sioner are not controlled by the
SUBARU advanced frontal airbag sys-tem. ! Front passenger ’s SRS frontal air-
bag
The front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag
uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator
operates in different ways depending on
the severity of impact.
The total load on the seat is monitored by
the occupant detection system ’s weight
sensor located under the seat.
The system has another sensor that
monitors the tension of the front passen-
ger seatbelt. Using the total seat load and
seatbelt tension data from the sensors,
the occupant detection system determines
whether the front passenger ’s SRS frontal
airbag should or should not be inflated.
The occupant detection system may not
inflate the front passenger ’s SRS frontal
airbag even when the driver ’s SRS frontal
airbag deploys. This is normal.
Observe the following precautions. Failure
to do so may prevent the SUBARU
advanced frontal airbag system from
functioning correctly or cause the system
to fail. .
Do not apply any strong impact to the
front passenger ’s seat such as by kicking.
. Do not spill liquid on the front passen-
ger ’s seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off
immediately. . Do not remove or disassemble the front
passenger ’s seat.
. Do not install any accessory (such as
an audio amplifier) other than a genuine
SUBARU accessory under the front pas-senger ’s seat.
. Do not place anything (shoes, umbrel-
la, etc.) under the front passenger ’s seat.
. The front passenger ’s seat must not be
used with the head restraint removed. . Do not leave any article including a
child restraint system on the front passen- ger ’s seat or the seatbelt tongue and
buckle engaged when you leave yourvehicle. . Do not place a magnet near the
seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt retractor.. Do not use front seats with their back-
ward-forward position and seatback not
being locked into place securely. If any of
them are not locked securely, adjust them
again. For adjusting procedure, refer tothe “Front seats ”section in this chapter.
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or frontpassenger ’s occupant detection system
have failed, the SRS airbag system

.Ensure that the backward-forward po-
sition and seatback of front passenger ’s
seat are locked into place securely by
moving the seat back and forth.
If the ON indicator still remains illuminated
while the OFF indicator turns off after
taking relevant corre ctive actions de-
scribed above, relocate the child restraint
system to the rear seat and immediately
contact your SUBARU dealer for aninspection.
NOTE
When a child who has outgrown a child
restraint system or a small adult is
seated in the front passenger ’s seat,
the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
system may or may not activate the
front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag
depending on the occupant ’s seating
posture. If the front passenger ’s SRS
frontal airbag is activated (the ON
indicator remains i lluminated while
the OFF indicator turns off), take the
following actions. . Ensure that no article is placed on
the seat other than the occupant. . Ensure that there is no article left in
the seatback pocket.
If the ON indicator still remains illumi-
nates while the OFF indicator turns off despite the fact that the actions noted
above have been taken, seat the child/
small adult in the rear seat and im-
mediately contact your SUBARU dealer
for an inspection. Even if the system
has passed the dealer inspection, it is
recommended that on subsequent trips
the child/small adult always take the
rear seat.
Children who have outgrown a child
restraint system should always wear the
seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag
is deactivated or activated. !
Conditions in which front passen- ger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated
The front passenger ’s SRS frontal airbag
will be activated for deployment upon
impact when any of the following condi-
tions are met regarding the front passen-ger ’s seat.
. When the seat is occupied by an adult.
. When a heavy article is placed on the
seat.
When the front passenger ’s seat is occu-
pied by an adult, observe the following
precautions. Failure to do so may lessen
the load on the front passenger ’s seat,
deactivating the front passenger ’s SRS
frontal airbag despite the fact that the seat
is occupied by an adult. .
Do not allow the rear seat occupant to
lift the front passenger ’s seat cushion
using his/her feet. . Do not place any article under the front
passenger ’s seat, or squeeze any article
from behind and under the seat. This may
lift the seat cushion. . Do not squeeze any article between
the front passenger ’s seat and side trim/
pillar, door or center console box. This
may lift the seat cushion. ! If the passenger ’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator illuminates and the ON
indicator turns off even when the
front passenger ’s seat is occupied
by an adult
This can be caused by the adult incor-
rectly sitting in the front passenger ’s seat.
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK ”
position. Ask the front passenger to set
the seatback to the upright position, sit up
straight in the center of the seat cushion,
correctly fasten the seatbelt, position his/
her legs out forward, and adjust the seat to
the rearmost position. Turn the ignition
switch to the “ON ”position. If the OFF
indicator remains illuminated while the ON
indicator remains off, take the followingactions. . Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK ”
position. Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
1-43
– CONTINUED –

1-44Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
. Ensure that there are no articles,
books, shoes, or other objects trapped
under the seat, at the rear of the seat, or
on the side of the seat. . Ensure that the backward-forward po-
sition and seatback of front passenger ’s
seat are locked into place securely by
moving the seat back and forth. . Next, turn the ignition switch to the
“ ON ”position and wait 6 seconds to allow
the system to complete self-checking.
Following the system check, both indica-
tors turn off for 2 seconds. Now, the ON
indicator should illuminate while the OFF
indicator remains off.
If the OFF indicator still remains illumi-
nated while the ON indicator remains off,
ask the occupant to move to the rear seat
and immediately contact your SUBARU
dealer for an inspection. ! Effect vehicle modifications made
for persons with disabilities may
have on SUBARU advanced frontal
airbag system operation (U.S. only)
Changing or moving any parts of the front
seats, rear seat, seatbelts, front bumper,
front side frame, radiator panel, instrument
panel, combination meter, steering wheel,
steering column, tire, suspension or floor
panel can affect the operation of the
SUBARU advanced airbag system. If you have any questions, you may contact
the following SUBARU distributors:
of Columbia>
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Dealer Services Department
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Servco Subaru Inc., dba Subaru Hawaii
2850 Pukoloa Street, Suite 202, Honolulu,
HI 96819 808-839-2273 Shen
’s Corporation dba Prestige Automo-
bile
491, East Marine Drive, Route 1 Dededo, Guam 671-633-2698

Trebol Motors
P.O. Box 11204, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910 787-793-2828
There are currently no SUBARU distribu-
tors in any other U.S. territories. If you are
in such an area, please contact the SUBARU distributor or dealer from which
you bought your vehicle.

Keys..................................................................... 2-2
Key number plate ................................................ 2-2
Immobilizer .......................................................... 2-2
Security ID plate .................................................. 2-3
Security indicator light ........................................ 2-3
Key replacement ................................................. 2-4
Door locks ........................................................... 2-4
Locking and unlocking from the outside .. ............ 2-4
Locking and unlocking from the inside ................ 2-5
Battery drainage prevention function ................... 2-5
Power door locking switches ............................. 2-6
Key lock-in prevention function ........................... 2-6
Remote keyless entry system ............................ 2-7
Locking the doors ............................................... 2-8
Unlocking the doors ............................................ 2-8
Unlocking the rear gate ....................................... 2-9
Illuminated entry ................................................. 2-9
Vehicle finder function ......................................... 2-9
Sounding a panic alarm ....................................... 2-9
Selecting audible signal operation ....................... 2-9
Replacing the battery ......................................... 2-10 Replacing lost transmitters
................................ 2-10
Alarm system ..................................................... 2-14
System operation ............................................... 2-14
Activating and deactivating the alarm system ..... 2-14
If you have accidentally triggered the alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
Arming the system ............................................ 2-15
Disarming the system ........................................ 2-16
Valet mode ........................................................ 2-16
Passive arming .................................................. 2-16
Tripped sensor identification .............................. 2-17
Shock sensors (dealer option).. .......................... 2-18
Child safety locks .............................................. 2-18
Windows ............................................................. 2-19
Power windows ................................................. 2-19
Rear gate ............................................................ 2-21
Moonroof (if equipped) ...................................... 2-22
To open the moonroof ....................................... 2-23
To close the moonroof ....................................... 2-23
Anti-entrapment function .................................... 2-23
Sun shade ......................................................... 2-23 Keys and doors
2

2-2Keys and doors
Keys
1) Master key (black)
2) Submaster key (black)
3) Valet key (gray)
4) Key number plate
5) Security ID plate
Three types of keys are provided for your vehicle:
Master key, submaster key and valet key.
The master key and submaster key fit all
locks on your vehicle. . Ignition switch
. Driver ’s door
. Glove box
The valet key fits only the ignition switch
and driver ’s door lock. You can keep the glove box locked when you leave your
vehicle and valet key at a parking facility.
CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or
key case to either key. If it bangs
against your knees while you are
driving, it could turn the ignition
switch from the ON position to the
Acc or OFF position, thereby stop-
ping the engine.
& Key number plate
The key number is stamped on the key
number plate attached to the key set.
Write down the key number and keep it in
another safe place, not in the vehicle. This
number is needed to make a replacement
key if you lose your key or lock it inside thevehicle. Immobilizer
The immobilizer system is designed to
prevent an unauthorized person from
starting the engine. Only keys registered
with your vehicle
’s immobilizer system can
be used to operate your vehicle. Even if
an unregistered key fits into the ignition
switch and can be turned to the “START ”
position, the engine will automatically stop
after several seconds.
Each immobilizer key contains a trans-
ponder in which the key ’s ID code is
stored. When a key is inserted into the
ignition switch and turned to the “ON ”
position, the transponder transmits thekey ’s ID code to the immobilizer system ’s
receiver. If the transmitted ID code
matches the ID code registered in the
immobilizer system, the system allows the
engine to be started. Since the ID code is
transmitted and acted upon almost in-
stantly, the immobilizer system does not
impede normal starting of the engine.
If the engine fails to start, pull out the key
once before trying again. Refer to the“ Ignition switch ”section in chapter 3.
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This

device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void theuser’s authority to operate the equip-
ment. NOTE
To protect your vehicle from theft,
please pay close attention to the fol-
lowing security precautions: . Never leave your vehicle unattended
with its keys inside. . Before leaving your vehicle, close all
windows and lock the doors and reargate.. Do not leave spare keys or any
record of your key number in thevehicle.
CAUTION
. Do not place the key under direct
sunlight or anywhere it may
become hot. .
Do not get the key wet. If the key
gets wet, wipe it dry with a cloth
immediately.
& Security ID plate
1) Key number plate
2) Security ID plate
The security ID is stamped on the security
ID plate attached to the key set. Write
down the security ID and keep it in
another safe place, not in the vehicle.
This number is needed to make a replace-
ment key if you lose your key or lock it
inside the vehicle.
This number is also needed for replace-
ment or repair of the engine control unit,
integrated unit, and combination meter. &
Security indicator light
The security indicator light deters potential
thieves by indicating that the vehicle is
equipped with an immobilizer system. It
begins flashing (approximately once every
3 seconds) approximately 60 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned from the“ON ”position to the “Acc ”or “LOCK ”
position or immediately after the key is
pulled out.
If the security indicator light does not flash,
the immobilizer system may be faulty. If
this occurs, contact your SUBARU dealer
as soon as possible.
In case an unauthorized key is used (e.g.
an imitation key), the security indicator
light illuminates. Keys and doors
2-3
– CONTINUED –

2-4Keys and doors
NOTE
Even if the security indicator light
flashes irregularly or its fuse blows
(the light does not flash if its fuse is
blown), the immobilizer system will
function normally. &Key replacement
Your key number plate and security ID
plate will be required if you ever need a
replacement key made. Any new key must
be registered for use with your vehicle ’s
immobilizer system before it can be used.
Up to four keys can be registered for use
with one vehicle.
For security, all the keys registered with
your vehicle ’s immobilizer system will
have their ID codes erased and re-
registered when a new key is made.
Therefore, all of your vehicle ’s keys must
be presented when a new key is regis-
tered. Any key that is not re-registered
when a new key is made cannot be used
after the other keys are re-registered. For
information on replacement keys and on
the registration of keys with your immo-
bilizer system, contact your SUBARU
dealer. NOTE
A vehicle that is equipped with the
remote engine start system as a dealer
option can register up to three keys for
use with one vehicle.
Door locks &
Locking and unlocking from
the outside
To lock the driver ’s door from the outside
with the key, turn the key toward the rear.
To unlock the door, turn the key toward thefront.
Pull the outside door handle to open an
unlocked door.

2-10Keys and doors
the audible signal off.
Do the following to deactivate the audible
signal. You can also use the same steps
to restore the function.
1. Sit in the driver ’s seat and shut all
doors and the rear gate.
2. Hold down the UNLOCK side of the
power door locking switch.
3. While holding down the “UNLOCK ”
side of the power door locking switch, pull
the key out and re-insert it into the ignition
switch at least 6 times within 10 seconds
after Step 2.
4. Open and close the driver ’s door once
within 10 seconds after Step 3.
5. The turn signal lights flash 3 times to
indicate completion of the setting.
You may have the above settings done by
your SUBARU dealer.
& Replacing the battery
CAUTION
Do not let dust, oil or water get on or
in the transmitter when replacing
the battery.
When the transmitter battery begins to get
weak, transmitter range will begin to
decrease. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
To replace the battery:
1. Open the transmitter case using a flat-
head screwdriver.
2. Remove the old battery from the
holder.
1) Negative (
) side facing up
3. Replace with a new battery (type
CR2025 or equivalent) making sure to
install the new battery with the negative( ) side facing up.
4. Refit the removed half of the transmit-
ter case.
After the battery is replaced, the trans-
mitter must be synchronized with the
keyless entry system ’s control unit.
Press either the “
”or “”button six
times to synchronize the unit. & Replacing lost transmitters
If you lose a transmitter or want to
purchase additional transmitters (up to
four can be programmed), you should re-
program all of your transmitters for secur-

7. Perform parts 5 and 6 of the procedure
for each of the remaining digits of the
transmitter code beginning with the sec-
ond digit (counting from the left) and
finishing with the eighth digit. NOTE .When you finish entering the eighth
digit, an electronic tone will sound for
30 seconds.. If the interval between one push of
the switch and the next exceeds 5
seconds, an error will occur. In this
event, perform the procedure again
beginning with part 4. If an error occurs
six times, perform the procedure again
starting with part 3.
8. Before the electronic tone stops
sounding, use the power door lock switch
to reenter the transmitter code beginning
with the leftmost digit. NOTE
If you do not start entering the number
using the lock switch before the elec-
tronic tone stops sounding, an error
will occur. In this event, perform the
procedure again beginning with part 3.
9. When you have finished entering the
code a second time, an electronic tone will
sound for 1 second and automatic door
locking and unlocking operation will take place once to indicate completion of
registration, provided the code entered
the second time is identical to that entered
the first time.
NOTE
If the code entered the second time is
not identical to the code entered the
first time, an error will occur. In this
event, perform the procedure again
beginning with part 5. If an error occurs
five times, perform the procedure again
starting with part 3.
10. If you wish to program another trans-
mitter code into the system (up to four
transmitter codes can be programmed into
the system), perform the procedure begin-
ning with part 4. When you have finished
programming all of the necessary trans-
mitter codes into the system, remove the
key from the ignition switch.
11. Test every registered transmitter to
confirm correct operation. ! Deleting old transmitter codes
The control unit of the keyless entry
system has four memory locations to store
transmitter codes, giving it the ability to
operate with up to four transmitters. When
you lose a transmitter, the lost transmit-ter ’s code remains in the memory. For
security reasons, lost transmitter codes should be deleted from the memory.
To delete old transmitter codes, program
four transmitter codes into the system. If
you have only one current transmitter,
program it four times. If you have two
current transmitters, program each one
twice. If you have three current transmit-
ters, program two of them once and the
third one twice. This process will leave
only current transmitter codes in thesystem
’s memory.
NOTE
Make sure no one else is operating
their keyless entry system within range
of your vehicle when programming
transmitters. If someone else were to
operate their remote transmitter while
you are programming your transmit-
ters, it is possible that their transmitter
code will be programmed into your
system, allowing them unauthorized
access to your vehicle. Keys and doors
2-13

2-16Keys and doors
flashing rapidly. After rapid flashing for 30
seconds (standby time), the indicator
lights will then flash slowly (twice approxi-
mately every 2 seconds), indicating that
the system has been armed for surveil-lance. NOTE . The system can be armed even if the
engine hood, the windows and/or
moonroof (if equipped) are open. Al-
ways make sure that they are fully
closed before arming the system.. The 30-second standby time can be
eliminated if you prefer. Have it per-
formed by your SUBARU dealer.. The system is in the standby mode
for a 30-second period after locking the
doors with the remote transmitter. The
security indicator light will flash at
short intervals during this period.. If any of the following actions are
done during the standby period, the
system will not switch to the surveil-
lance state.
–Doors are unlocked using the
remote transmitter. – Any door (including the rear
gate) is opened.– Ignition switch is turned to the
“ ON ”position. &
Disarming the system
Briefly press the “
”button (for less than
2 seconds) on the remote transmitter. The driver ’s door will unlock, an electronic
chirp will sound twice, the turn signal
lights will flash twice. The flashing of the
security indicator light will then change
slowly (once approximately every 3 sec-
onds from twice approximately every 2
seconds), indicating that the alarm system
has been disarmed. NOTE
After disarming the alarm system,
briefly press the “
”button a second
time within 5 seconds to unlock all
other doors and the rear gate. ! Emergency disarming
If you cannot disarm the system using the
transmitter (i.e. the transmitter is lost,
broken or the transmitter battery is too
weak), you can disarm the system without
using the transmitter.
The system can be disarmed as follows. . Turn the ignition switch from the
“ LOCK ”to the “ON ”position with a
registered key.
& Valet mode
When you choose the valet mode, the
alarm system does not operate. In valet mode, the remote transmitter is used only
for locking and unlocking the doors and
rear gate and panic activation.
To enter the valet mode, change the
setting of your vehicle
’s alarm system for
deactivation mode. Refer to “Activating
and deactivating the alarm system ”in this
section. The security indicator light will
continue to flash once every 3 seconds
indicating that the system is in the valetmode.
To exit valet mode, change the setting of
your vehicle ’s alarm system for activation
mode. Refer to “Activating and deactivat-
ing the alarm system ”in this section.
& Passive arming
When passive arming mode has been
programmed by the dealer, arming of the
system is automatically accomplished
without using the remote transmitter. Note
that in this mode, DOORS MUST BE
MANUALLY LOCKED. ! To enter the passive mode
If you wish to program the passive arming
mode, have it done by your SUBARU
dealer.