power steering fluid SUBARU FORESTER 2010 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

Power steering
The power steering system operates only
when the engine is running.
If you lose power steering assist because
the engine stops or the system fails to
function, you can steer but it will take
much more effort.
CAUTION
Do not hold the steering wheel at the
fully locked position left or right for
more than 5 seconds. This may
damage the power steering pump.
NOTE
Right after the engine has been started
and before it has warmed up, you may
hear a noise coming from areas adja-
cent to the power steering pump which
is located at the right-front area of the
engine compartment. This noise is
normal. It does not indicate power
steering system trouble. Braking &
Braking tips
WARNING
Never rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This can cause
dangerous overheating of the
brakes and needless wear on the
brake pads and linings.
! When the brakes get wet
When driving in rain or after washing the
vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, brake stopping distance will be
longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle
at a safe speed while lightly depressing
the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. ! Use of engine braking
Remember to make use of engine braking
in addition to foot braking. When descend-
ing a grade, if only the foot brake is used,
the brakes may start working improperly
because of brake fluid overheating,
caused by overheated brake pads. To
help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to
get stronger engine braking. ! Braking when a tire is punctured
Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly
when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep
driving straight ahead while gradually
reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the
road to a safe place. &
Brake system
! Two separate circuits
Your vehicle has two separate circuit
brake systems. Each circuit works diag-
onally across the vehicle. If one circuit of
the brake system should fail, the other half
of the system still works. If one circuit fails,
the brake pedal will go down much closer
to the floor than usual and you will need to
press it down much harder. And a much
longer distance will be needed to stop thevehicle. ! Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine manifold
vacuum to assist braking force. Do not
turn off the engine while driving because
that will turn off the brake booster, result-
ing in poor braking power.
The brakes will continue to work even
when the brake booster completely stops
functioning. If this happens, however, you
will have to push the pedal much harder
than normal and the braking distance willincrease. Starting and operating
7-21
– CONTINUED –

10-2Appearance care
Exterior care &Washing
CAUTION
. When washing the vehicle, the
brakes may get wet. As a result,
the brake stopping distance will
be longer. To dry the brakes,
drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes.
. Do not wash the engine compart-
ment and area adjacent to it. If
water enters the engine air in-
take, electrical parts or the power
steering fluid reservoir, it will
cause engine trouble or faulty
power steering respectively.
. Since your vehicle is equipped
with a rear wiper, automatic car-
wash brushes could become
tangled around it, damaging the
wiper arm and other compo-
nents. Ask the automatic car-
wash operator not to let the
brushes touch the wiper arm or
to fix the wiper arm on the rear
window glass with adhesive tape
before operating the machine. NOTE
When having your vehicle washed in
an automatic car wash, make sure
beforehand that the car wash is of
suitable type.
The best way to preserve your vehicle
’s
beauty is frequent washing. Wash the
vehicle at least once a month to avoid
contamination by road grime.
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of lukewarm or cold water. Do not wash
the vehicle with hot water and in direct sunlight.
Salt, chemicals, insects, tar, soot, tree
sap, and bird droppings should be washed
off by using a light detergent, as required.
If you use a light detergent, make certain
that it is a neutral detergent. Do not use
strong soap or chemical detergents. All
cleaning agents should be promptly
flushed from the surface and not allowed
to dry there. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly
with plenty of lukewarm water. Wipe the
remaining water off with a chamois or softcloth. ! Washing the underbody
Chemicals, salts and gravel used for
deicing road surfaces are extremely cor-
rosive, accelerating the corrosion of un-
derbody components, such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake
cables, floor pan and fenders, and sus-pension.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and in-
side of the fenders with lukewarm or cold
water at frequent intervals to reduce the
harmful effects of such agents.
Mud and sand adhering to the underbody
components may accelerate their corro-sion.
After driving off-road or on muddy or
sandy roads, wash the mud and sand off
the underbody. Carefully flush the suspen-
sion and axle parts, as they are particu-
larly prone to mud and sand buildup. Do
not use a sharp-edged tool to remove
caked mud. NOTE
Be careful not to damage brake hoses,
sensor harnesses, and other parts
when washing suspension compo-nents. !
Using a warm water washer
. Keep a good distance of 12 in (30 cm)
or more between the washer nozzle and
the vehicle. . Do not wash the same area continu-
ously.. If a stain will not come out easily, wash

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 models) ........... 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 .................. 11-22
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-23
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-23
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-24
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-25
Clutch fluid (MT models) ................................. 11-25
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-26
Brake booster .................................................. 11-26
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-27
Clutch pedal (MT models) ............................... 11-27
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-27
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-28
Hill start assist system (MT models) .............. 11-28
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-28
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....... 11-29
Parking brake stroke ....................................... 11-29
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-30
Types of tires ................................................... 11-30
Maintenance and service
11

11-6Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview &Non-turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
23)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-19) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-24)
6) Fuse box (page 11-44)
7) Battery (page 11-43)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-13)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-13)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
13) Air cleaner case (page 11-15)

&Turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-23)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-19) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-24)
6) Fuse box (page 11-44)
7) Battery (page 11-43)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-13)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-13)
13) Air cleaner case (page 11-15) Maintenance and service
11-7

Power steering fluid &Checking the fluid level
The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level
differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, the reservoir tank has two
different checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface,
and stop the engine.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level isbetween “HOT MIN ”and “HOT MAX ”on
the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between“ COLD MIN ”and “COLD MAX ”on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN ”line, add the recom-
mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the “MIN ”and “MAX ”line.
If the fluid level is extremely low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself
because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
. When power steering fluid is
being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any
dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together.
. Avoid spilling fluid when adding
it in the tank.
. Be careful not to spill power
steering fluid when adding it. If
power steering fluid touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
power steering fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe itoff. Maintenance and service
11-23
– CONTINUED –

12-4Specifications
&Capacities
Fuel tank 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 Imp gal)
Engine oil 4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
Transmission oil (MT models) 3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)
Transmission fluid (AT models) 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
Front differential gear oil (AT models) 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oil 0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolant Non-turbo models MT models 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
AT models 7.1 US qt (6.7 liters, 5.9 Imp qt)
Turbo models 8.5 US qt (8.0 liters, 7.0 Imp qt)
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission
Each quantity indicated above is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other factors.

Pad and lining...................................................... 11-29
Parking ........................................................ 7-31, 11-29
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
System ................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-27
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-27
Brake system ............................................................ 7-22
Warning light ......................................................... 3-17
Braking ..................................................................... 7-21
Tips...................................................................... 7-21
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-29
Bulb
Chart .................................................................. 12-10
Replacing ............................................................. 11-46
C Capacities ................................................................. 12-4
Cargo area
Cover ................................................................... 6-13
Light ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-15
Cargo tray ................................................................. 10-6
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing Coolant ................................................................ 11-13
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6 Oil and oil filter
....................................................... 11-9
Charge warning light ................................................... 3-14
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ...................................................................... 3-12
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-27
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-27
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-27
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-28
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-13
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-20
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-24
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-25
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-23
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-38
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-8
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-21
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-19
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-23
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-29
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-26
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-30
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-33
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-19
Chime Key........................................................................ 3-5 Light ..................................................................... 3-25
Seatbelt. ........................................................ 1-13, 3-10
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3 Index
14-3

Oil........................................................................ 11-8 Overheating.......................................................... 9-12
Starting ................................................................... 7-7
Stopping ................................................................. 7-9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-6
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-12
Fluid level
Automatic transmission .......................................... 11-20
Brake .................................................................. 11-24
Clutch .................................................................. 11-25
Power steering ..................................................... 11-23
Fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Switch .................................................................. 3-28
Folding mirror switch .................................................. 3-40
Front
Differential gear oil ................................................ 11-21
Fog light ............................................................... 3-28
Fog light indicator light ............................................ 3-21
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-20
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-49
Front seats .................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................. 1-3
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-5
Power seat .............................................................. 1-4
Reclining ................................................................. 1-3
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ......................... 1-4 Fuel
........................................................................... 7-2
Consumption indicator ............................................. 3-22
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge .................................................................... 3-8
Requirements ......................................................... 7-2
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-44
Main fuse ............................................................ 11-45
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
Rear seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight
Beam lever ............................................................ 3-27
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-46
Bulb wattage ........................................................ 12-10
Control switch ........................................................ 3-25
Flasher .................................................................. 3-26
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Heater operation (manual climate control system) ... ......... 4-5
High beam indicator light ............................................. 3-21
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-26
Hill start assist (MT models) ............................... 7-33, 11-28Index
14-5

Low fuel warning light........................................... 3-8, 3-18
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-15
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-30
M
Main fuse ................................................................. 11-45
Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-20
Tools ...................................................................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (check engine warning light) ..................................... 3-12
Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-3
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-14
Transmission oil .................................................... 11-19
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-18
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-5
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-40
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-32
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-23, 9-17
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 gear ............................................ 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-14
On-pavement and off-road driving .................................. 8-6
Outside Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-40
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-39
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-23
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-7
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-12
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-31
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-29
Tips ...................................................................... 7-32
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-2
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Outside mirrors ...................................................... 3-40
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-21
Steering fluid ........................................................ 11-23
Windows ............................................................... 2-20
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-23, 1-61
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-7 Index
14-7