ECO mode SUBARU FORESTER 2009 SH / 3.G Owner's Guide

NOTE
The transmission may downshift to 2nd
or 1st gear, depending on the way the
accelerator pedal is pressed to accel-
erate the vehicle again. !While going down a hill
When you are descending a hill or any
other slope while braking with the“ SPORT ”mode selected, the transmission
may downshift to 3rd or 2nd gear depend-
ing on how hard you depress the brake
pedal, causing engine braking to work.
Reacceleration for a short time will cause
the transmission to upshift normally.
NOTE . A 4th-to-3rd automatic downshift
will not occur at speeds above 50
mph (80 km/h) and a 3rd-to-2nd auto-
matic downshift will not occur at
speeds above 24 mph (38 km/h).. Automatic downshifts to 3rd or 2nd
may occur even when driving on a level
road depending on conditions, such as
how hard you depress the brake pedal. & Selector lever reverse inhi-
biting function
This function prevents accidental move-
ment of the selector lever to the “R ”
position while the vehicle is moving. The function becomes operational when
the vehicle reaches a speed of approxi-
mately 5 mph (8 km/h). Once operational,
it prevents the selector lever from being
moved from the
“N ” position to the “R ”
position. When the vehicle speed drops
below 5 mph (8 km/h), the function is
canceled. The selector lever can then be
moved to the “R ”and “P ”positions.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the “LOCK ”position, movement of the
selector lever from the “N ”position to the
“ R ” position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal and
then becomes impossible. Also, the se-
lector lever cannot be moved to the “R ”
position after it has been placed in the “P ”
position and then placed again in the “N ”
position.
When the movement of the selector lever
from the “N ” position to the “R ” position
has become impossible, turn the ignition
switch back to the “ON ”position then
move the selector lever to the “P ”position.
Pressing the selector lever release button
also makes it possible to move the
selector lever to the “P ” position at this
time. !
Selector lever release button
If you inadvertently have turned the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK ”position with the
selector lever in the “N ”position, proceed
as follows. To remove the shift lock
release cover, refer to the “Shift lock
release ”section in this chapter. Then, with
a screwdriver inserted into the hole, move
the selector lever to the “P ”position. If the
selector lever reverse inhibiting function
fails, have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest SUBARU dealer. Starting and operating
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shift is not possible. .If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.. You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the selector lever twice in rapid suc-cession.. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving.. If the temperature of the automatic
transmission fluid becomes too high,the “AT OIL TEMP ”warning light will
illuminate and upshifts to 4th gear will
not be possible. Immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe place and let the
engine idle until the warning light turnsoff.
& Maximum speeds
WARNING
When down shifting, ensure that the
vehicle is not travelling at a speed
exceeding the Maximum Allowable
Speed for the gear which is about to
be selected. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to engine over-
revving and this in turn can result in
engine damage. In addition, sudden application of
engine braking caused by down
shifting when the vehicle is travel-
ling on a slippery surface can lead
to wheel locking; as a consequence,
control of the vehicle may be lost
and the risk of an accident in-creased.
The following tables show the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear.
When down shifting, it is important to
confirm that the current vehicle speed is
not in excess of the Maximum Allowable
Speed of the gear which is about to beselected.
Non-turbo models mph (km/h)
Gear
position Manual mode
“D ”position
1 30 (48)
2 63 (101) 3 99 (160) Turbo models
mph (km/h)
Gear
position Manual mode
“D ”position
1 36 (58) 28 (45)
2 66 (106) 65 (105)
3 107 (172) 106 (170)
NOTE
In order to prevent over-revving during
deceleration of the vehicle, the trans-
mission will remain in the current gear
if the speed of the vehicle is in excess
of the Maximum Allowable Speed for
the gear to which the selector lever has
been moved. & Driving tips
. On a road surface where there is a risk
of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or
gravel-covered road), you can pull away
from a standstill (safely and easily) by first
selecting the 2nd gear of the manualmode. . Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the “D ”or
“ R ”position.
. Always set the parking brake when
parking your vehicle. Do not hold the
vehicle with only the transmission. . Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary Starting and operating
7-19
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vehicle is being driven; it then turns off
and stays off. !Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF in-
dicator light
This light illuminates to indicate that the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system is in
non-operation mode. This does not con-
stitute failure of the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system. NOTE . The indicator light may stay on for a
while after the engine has been started,
especially in cold weather. This occurs
because the engine has not yet
warmed up and is completely normal.
The light will turn off when the engine
has reached a suitable operating tem-perature.. When an engine problem occurs
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator lamp turns on,
the indicator light will also illuminate.
The following two situations could indicate
malfunction of the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system; if either should occur,
have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry
out an inspection of that system at the first
available opportunity. . The indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position..
The indicator light fails to turn off after
the engine is started, even when several
minutes have passed to allow the engine
to heat up sufficiently.
& Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF switch
Pressing the switch to deactivate the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system can
facilitate the following operations: .a standing start on a steeply sloping
road with a snowy, gravel-covered, or
otherwise slippery surface . extrication of the vehicle when its
wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow
When the switch is pressed during engine
operation, the “
”indicator light on the combination meter illuminates. The Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control system will be
deactivated and the vehicle will behave
like a model not equipped with the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system. When the
switch is pressed again to reactivate the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the
“
”
indicator light turns off.
With the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
deactivated, traction and stability en-
hancement offered by Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is unavailable. Therefore
you should not deactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system except under
above-mentioned situations.
NOTE . When the switch has been pressed
to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system, the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system automatically reacti-
vates itself the next time the ignition
switch is turned to the “LOCK ”position
and the engine is restarted.. If the switch is held down for 10
seconds or longer, the indicator light
turns off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is activated, and the system
ignores any further pressing of the
switch. To make the switch usable
again, turn the ignition switch to the“ LOCK ”position and restart the en-Starting and operating
7-29
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Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-5
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-6
Non-turbo models .............................................. 11-6
Turbo models ..................................................... 11-7
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-8
Checking the oil level ......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter .............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-11
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .......................................... 11-12
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-12
Cooling system ................................................ 11-12
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-12
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-13
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-16
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-18
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-18
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-19
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-20
Automatic transmission fluid .......................... 11-20
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-20 Recommended fluid
......................................... 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) .......... 11-21
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-22
Rear differential gear oil .................................. 11-22
Checking the gear oil level ............................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-25
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-26
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................... 11-26
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-27
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-28
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-28
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-28
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) .............................. 11-28
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-29
Hill start assist system (MT vehicles) ............ 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....... 11-30
Parking brake stroke ....................................... 11-30
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-31
Types of tires ................................................... 11-31
Maintenance and service
11

11-4Maintenance and service
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
erative. The wiring and connec-
tors of these systems are yellow
for easy identification. NEVER
use a circuit tester for this wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt
pretensioner needs service, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU deal-
er. &
Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving.
. Always let the engine cool down.
Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after
the engine is stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. Always remove the key from the
ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is in the “ON ”position,
thecoolingfanmayoperate
suddenly even when the engine
is stopped.
. Before performing any servicing
on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system (a
dealer option) temporarily place
that system in the service mode
to prevent it from unexpectedly
starting the engine. &
When you do checking or
servicing in the engine com-
partment while the engine is running
WARNING
A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, belts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.

11-16Maintenance and service
& Replacing the air cleaner element
Replace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the“ Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”. Un-
der extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts. ! Non-turbo models
1) Connector
2) Clamp
3) Air intake boot
4) Clip
1. Unplug the connector that is attached
to the top of the air cleaner case.
2. Loosen the screw of the clamp and
pull the air intake boot out of the air cleaner case.
3. Unsnap the two clips holding the air
cleaner case cover.
4. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
5. Clean the inside of the air cleaner
cover and case with a damp cloth and
install a new air cleaner element.
6. To install the air cleaner case cover,
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case cover into the slits on the
air cleaner case and then snap the two
clips on the air cleaner case cover.

11-18Maintenance and service
Spark plugs
It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your
SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the“Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let ”.
CAUTION
. When disconnecting the spark
plug cables, always grasp the
spark plug cap, not the cables.
. Make sure the cables are re-
placed in the correct order. &
Recommended spark plugs
Non-turbo models: FR5AP-11 (NGK)
Turbo models:
SILFR6A (NGK) Drive belts
1) Power steering pump pulley
2) Front side belt
3) Alternator
4) Air conditioner compressor pulley
5) Rear side belt
6) Crank pulley
A) 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lbf)
The alternator, power steering pump, and
air conditioner compressor depend on
drive belts. Satisfactory performance re-
quires that belt tension be correct.
To check the tension of the front side belt,
place a straightedge (ruler) across two
adjacent pulleys (alternator and crank
pulley) and apply a force of 22 lbs (98 N,
10 kg) midway between the pulleys by

Tires and wheels &Types of tires
You should be familiar with type of tires
present on your vehicle.
The factory-fitted tires are all-season tires. ! All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide
an adequate measure of traction, handling
and braking performance in year-round
driving including snowy and icy road
conditions. However all season tires do
not offer as much traction performance as
winter (snow) tires in heavy or loose snow
or on icy roads.
All season tires are identified by “ALL
SEASON ”and/or “M+S ”(Mud & Snow) on
the tire sidewall. ! Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed capability
tires best suited for highway driving under
dry conditions.
Summer tires are inadequate for driving
on slippery roads such as on snow-
covered or icy roads.
If you drive your vehicle on snow-covered
or icy roads, we strongly recommend the
use of winter (snow) tires.
When installing winter tires, be sure to
replace all four tires. !
Winter (snow) tires
Winter tires are best suited for driving on
snow-covered and icy roads. However
winter tires do not perform as well as
summer tires and all season tires on roads
other than snow-covered and icy roads.
& Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec.models)
The tire pressure monitoring system pro-
vides the driver with a warning message
by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel when tire pressure
is severely low. The tire pressure monitor-
ing system will activate only when the
vehicle is driven. Also, this system may
not react immediately to a sudden drop in
tire pressure (for example, a blow-out
caused by running over a sharp object).
If you adjust the tire pressures in a warm
garage and will then drive the vehicle in
cold outside air, the resulting drop in tire
pressures may cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate. To avoid this
problem when adjusting the tire pressures
in a warm garage, inflate the tires to
pressures higher than those shown on the
tire placard. Specifically, inflate them by an
extra 1 psi (6.9 kPa, 0.07 kgf/cm
2) for
every difference of 10 8F (5.6 8C) between the temperature in the garage and the
temperature outside. By way of example,
the following table shows the required tire
pressures that correspond to various out-
side temperatures when the temperature
in the garage is 60
8F (15.6 8C).
Example:
Tire size: P215/65R16 96H
Standard tire pressures:
Front: 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm
2)
Rear: 29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm2)
Garage temperature: 60 8F (15.6 8C)
Outside
temperature Adjusted pressure
[psi (kPa, kgf/cm
2)]
front rear
30 8F( 18C) 33
(230, 2.3) 32
(220, 2.2)
10 8F( 12 8C) 35
(240, 2.4) 34
(235, 2.35)
10 8F( 23 8C) 37
(255, 2.55) 36
(250, 2.5)
Example:
Tire size: P225/55R17 95H
Standard tire pressures:
Front: 32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Rear: 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm2)
Garage temperature: 60 8F (15.6 8C)
Maintenance and service
11-31
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12-8Specifications
&Fuse panel located in the engine compartment
A) Main fuse Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
1 30A .ABS unit
. Vehicle dynamics con-
trol unit
2 25A .Main fan
3 10A .Secondary air combina-
tion valve (turbo models)
4 25A .Sub fan
5 Empty
6 10A .Audio
7 30A .Headlight (low beam)
8 15A .Headlight (high beam)
9 20A .Back-up light
10 15A .Horn
11 25A .Rear window defogger
. Mirror heater
12 15A .Fuel pump
13 10A .Automatic transmission
control unit
14 7.5A .Engine control unit
15 15A .Turn and hazard warn-
ing flasher
16 15A .Tail and illumination re-
lay
17 7.5A .Alternator

whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2)The outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has
a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mount-
ing on a vehicle.
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather
seats and cross bars to the extent
that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not). . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. . Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and production options weight.
. Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). . Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle, 2 in front, 1 in rear seat.. Production options weight
The combined weight of those
installed regular production options
weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in
excess of those standards items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or acces-
sory weight. . Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. . Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum
loaded vehicle weight and dividing
by two. . Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight,
accessory weight, and normal oc-
cupant weight and dividing by two. &
Tire care –maintenance and
safety practices
. Check on a daily basis that the
tires are free from serious damage,
nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear.. Inspect the tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their
tread wear indicators become visi-
ble. When a tire ’s tread wear
indicator becomes visible, the tire
is worn beyond the acceptable limit
and must be replaced immediately.
With a tire in this condition, driving
at even low speeds in wet weather
can cause the vehicle to hydro-
plane. Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to anaccident. . To maximize the life of each tire
and ensure that the tires wear
uniformly, it is best to rotate the
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
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