Coolant SUBARU FORESTER 2011 SH / 3.G Owner's Manual

&Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner ’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil ”F 12-5. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet. NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the required
engine oil for optimum engine perfor-
mance. Conventional oil may be used if
synthetic oil is unavailable. Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
CAUTION
. Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any
other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top up the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
diluted with another brand or
type, the maintenance interval is shortened to that of the mixingcoolant.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
& Cooling fan, hose and con- nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the following conditions occur,
the cooling fan circuit may be defective. . The engine coolant temperature gauge
exceeds the normal operating range (if
equipped). Refer to “Temperature gauge
(models with type A combination meter) ”
F 3-11.
. The coolant temperature high warning
light blinks or illuminates in RED(if
equipped). Refer to “Coolant temperature
low indicator light/Coolant temperature
high warning light ”F 3-16.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer. Maintenance and service
11-13
– CONTINUED –

11-14Maintenance and service
Refer to“Fuses ”F 11-45 and “Fuse panel
located in the engine compartment ”F 12-
13.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
& Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “
LOW ”level mark, add coolant up to the
“ FULL ”level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
Always add genuine SUBARU cooling
system conditioner whenever the coolant
is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add
genuine SUBARU cooling system condi-
tioner using the following procedures
according to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.

2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.
NOTE (turbo models only)
The cap (without tabs) on top of the
radiator does not need to be removed.
To add coolant, remove the cap (with
tabs) on the coolant tank on top of theengine.
4. Install the under cover.Non-turbo models
1) Fill up to this level
Turbo models
1) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough room to add genuine SUBARU cooling
system conditioner in the radiator. Add
genuine SUBARU cooling system condi-
tioner until the coolant level reaches the
filler neck. Do not pour the coolant too
quickly, as this may lead to insufficient air
bleeding and trapped air in the system. NOTE
For guidelines on coolant quantity
(including the coolant in resorvoir
tank), refer to
“Engine coolant ”F 12-9.
Maintenance and service
11-15
– CONTINUED –

11-16Maintenance and service
1)“FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level mark
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reser-
voir tank ’s “FULL ”level mark.
7. Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten firmly. At this time, make sure that
the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is
correctly in place.
8. Start and race the engine at 2,000 to
3,000 rpm for 5 to 6 times within 40seconds.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the
coolant cools down (122 to 140 8F [50 to
60 8C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiator ’s filler neck and to
the reserve tank ’s “FULL ”level.
10. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly. Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters
intake air but also stops flames if
the engine backfires. If the air
cleaner element is not installed
when the engine backfires, you
could be burned.
CAUTION
When replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment, use a genuine SUBARU air
cleaner element. If it is not used,
there is the possibility of causing a
negative effect to the engine.
The air cleaner element functions as a
filter screen. When the element is perfo-
rated or removed, engine wear will be
excessive and engine life shortened.
It is not necessary to clean or wash the element.

Washer fluid level gauge
Remove the washer tank filler cap, then
check the fluid level indicated by the level
gauge (attached to the inside of the cap).
If the level is near the“Low ”mark, add
fluid until it reaches the “Hi ”level on the level gauge or the
“FULL ”mark on the
tank.
Use windshield washer fluid. If windshield
washer fluid is unavailable use clean
water.
In areas where water freezes in winter,
use an anti-freeze type windshield washer
fluid. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid
contains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5%
surfactant, by volume. Its freezing tem-
perature varies according to how much it
is diluted, as indicated in the followingtable.
Washer Fluid
Concentration Freezing
Temperature
30% 10.48F( 12 8C)
50% 48F( 20 8C)
100% 49 8F( 45 8C)
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paintdamage.
In order to prevent freezing of washer
fluid, check the freezing temperatures in
the table above when adjusting the fluid
concentration to the outside temperature.
If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one
used previously, purge the old fluid from
the piping between the reservoir tank and
washer nozzles by operating the washer
for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if
the concentration of the fluid remaining in
the piping is too low for the outside
temperature, it may freeze and block thenozzles.
CAUTION
Adjust the washer fluid concentra-
tion appropriately for the outside
temperature. If the concentration is
inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid
may freeze on the windshield and
obstruct your view, and the fluid
may freeze in the reservoir tank. Maintenance and service
11-39

Specifications..................................................... 12-2
Dimensions ........................................................ 12-2
Engine ............................................................... 12-3
Electrical system ................................................ 12-3
Fuel ................................................................... 12-4
Engine oil .......................................................... 12-5
Manual transmission, front differential and rear differential gear oil ........................................... 12-8
Fluids ................................................................ 12-9
Engine coolant ................................................... 12-9 Tires
................................................................ 12-10
Wheel alignment .............................................. 12-10
Fuses and circuits ........................................... 12-11
Fuse panel located in the passenger compartment ................................................. 12-11
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment ................................................. 12-13
Bulb chart ......................................................... 12-15
Vehicle identification ....................................... 12-18Specifications
12

&Fluids
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Fluid Fluid type Fluid capacity
Automatic transmission fluid (AT models) · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP ·
“Dexron III ”Type Automatic Transmission Fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Brake fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid –
Clutch fluid (MT models) –
For the checking procedure, or other details, refer to “Automatic transmission fluid ”F 11-21, “Power steering fluid ”F 11-24, “Brake fluid ”F 11-25 or
“ Clutch fluid (MT models) ”F 11-26.
& Engine coolant
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Model Coolant capacity Coolant type
Non-turbo Manual transmission 7.5 US qt (7.1 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant
Automatic transmission 7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
Turbo 8.5 US qt (8.0 liters, 7.0 Imp qt)
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure, or other details, refer to “Cooling system ”F 11-13. Specifications
12-9
– CONTINUED –

crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and failure of the
tire(s). Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to anaccident. !Measuring and adjusting air
pressure to achieve proper in-
flation
Check and, if necessary, adjust the
pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month and
before any long journey. Check the
tire pressures when the tires are
cold. Use a pressure gauge to
adjust the tire pressures to the
specific values. Driving even a
short distance warms up the tires
and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected
by the outside temperature. It is
best to check tire pressure out-
doors before driving the vehicle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air
inside it expands, causing the tire
pressure to increase. Be careful not
to mistakenly release air from a
warm tire to reduce its pressure. &
Glossary of tire terminology
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not). . Bead
The part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced
by ply cords and that is shaped to fit
the rim.. Bead separation
A breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.. Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are
laid at alternate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the center-
line of the tread. . Carcass
The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when in-
flated, bears the load. .
Chunking
The breaking away of pieces of the
tread or sidewall.. Cold tire pressure
The pressure in a tire that has been
driven less than 1 mile or has been
standing for three hours or more.. Cord
The strands forming the plies in the tire. . Cord separation
The parting of cords from adjacent
rubber compounds.. Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side-
wall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material. . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight
optional engine.
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-5
– CONTINUED –

Parking........................................................ 7-29, 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
System ................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-27
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-28
Brake system ............................................................ 7-22
Warning light ......................................................... 3-20
Braking ..................................................................... 7-22
Tips...................................................................... 7-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-29
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-15
Replacing ............................................................. 11-47
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-13
Light ............................................................. 6-3, 11-51
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 ................................................................ 11-14
Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-10
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-17 CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator
lamp ...................................................................... 3-16
Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-27
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-28
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-28
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-14
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-21
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-25
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-26
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-24
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-38
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-9
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-22
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-20
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-22
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-27
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-24
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-31
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-20
Chime Key........................................................................ 3-5Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-4
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-17 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Climate control system Automatic ................................................................ 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch Fluid ............................................................ 11-26, 12-9
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
Coat hook ................................................................. 6-13
Coin tray ..................................................................... 6-7
Compass .......................................................... 3-37, 3-38
Continuously variable transmission Fluid ..................................................................... 12-9
Coolant ............................................................ 11-14, 12-9
Temperature high warning light ................................ 3-16
Temperature low indicator light. ................................ 3-16
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-13
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-32
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Set indicator light ................................................... 3-25
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-8
Front passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s..................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-31
Defogger ................................................................... 3-45
Deicer ...................................................................... 3-45
Differential gear oil Front ........................................................... 11-22, 12-8
Rear ............................................................ 11-23, 12-8 Dimensions
................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ......................................... 2-17
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-23
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-51
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light. ................................................. 3-21
Step light ............................................................. 11-51
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-19
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-21
AWD models ........................................................... 8-5
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 8
Drinking. .................................................................... 7
Drugs ........................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 8
Snowy and icy roads ............................................... 8-9
Tips ......................................................... 7-14, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ........................................................... 7
Winter .................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-12
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-20, 7-24
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-13
Engine Compartment overview ............................................ 11-7
Coolant ....................................................... 11-14, 12-9
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2