light SUBARU FORESTER 2012 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

13-2Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
For U.S.A.
The following information has been
compiled according to Code of
Federal Regulations “Title 49, Part
575 ”. Tire information &
Tire labeling
Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire
Identification Number or TIN) are
placed on the sidewall of a tire by
tire manufacturers. These markings
can provide you with useful infor-
mation on the tire. ! Tire size
Your vehicle comes equipped with
P-Metric tire size. It is important to
understand the sizing system in
selecting the proper tire for your
vehicles. Here is a brief review of
the tire sizing system with a break-
down of its individual elements. ! P Metric
With the P-Metric system, Section
Width is measured in millimeters.
To convert millimeters into inches,
divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio
(Section Height divided by Section
Width) helps provide more dimen-
sional information about the tiresize. Example:
(1) P = Certain tire type used on
light duty vehicles such as passen-
ger cars
(2) Section Width in millimeters
(3) Aspect Ratio (= section height 7
section width).
(4) R = Radial Construction
(5) Rim diameter in inches ! Load and Speed Rating Descrip- tions
The load and speed rating descrip-
tions will appear following the size designation.
They provide two important facts
about the tire. First, the number
designation is its load index. Sec-
ond, the letter designation indicates
the tire ’s speed rating.

13-6Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
. Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate at higher
loads and higher inflation pressure
than the corresponding standardtire. . Groove
The space between two adjacent
tread ribs.. Innerliner
The layer(s) forming the inside sur-
face of a tubeless tire that contains
the inflating medium within the tire. . Innerliner separation
The parting of the innerliner from
cord material in the carcass.. Intended outboard sidewall
(1) The sidewall that contains a
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.
. Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufac-
turer as primarily intended for use
on lightweight trucks or multipur-
pose passenger vehicles. . Load rating
The maximum load that a tire is
rated to carry for a given inflationpressure.. Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated.. Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.. Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of: (a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated. .
Measuring rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for
physical dimension requirements. . Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that is appended
to the end of this section. . Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified in the third column
of Table 1 that is appended to the
end of this section. . Open splice
Any parting at any junction of tread,
sidewall, or innerliner that extends
to cord material. . Outer diameter
The overall diameter of an inflated
new tire.. Overall width
The linear distance between the
exteriors of the sidewalls of an
inflated tire, including elevations
due to labeling, decorations, or
protective bands or ribs.

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-23
Warning light ......................................................... 3-19
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-45
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-6
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-11
Airflow selection Automatic climate control system ............................... 4-6
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-21
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-37
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-3
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-23
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-8
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-11
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-18
Audio Antenna system ....................................................... 5-3
Auxiliary input jack ................................................. 5-29
Bluetooth
®audio .................................................... 5-40
CD player operation ............................................... 5-22
Control button ........................................................ 5-37
FM/AM radio operation ........................................... 5-13
iPod
®operations .................................................... 5-32 Satellite radio operations
......................................... 5-18
Set ........................................................................ 5-4
USB storage device operations ................................ 5-32
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .............................. 3-37, 3-38
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-6
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-31
Warning light .......................................................... 3-22
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Fluid ........................................................... 11-20, 12-9
MANUAL mode ...................................................... 7-19
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-18
Select lever ........................................................... 7-16
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-17
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-20
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-13
Auxiliary input jack ...................................................... 5-29
BBattery .................................................................... 11-43
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-5
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-12
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-10
Bluetooth
®audio ........................................................ 5-40
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-28
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-9
Brake
Assist .................................................................... 7-22
Booster ....................................................... 7-22, 11-25
Fluid ........................................................... 11-23, 12-9
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-28

Parking........................................................ 7-29, 11-29
Pedal .................................................................. 11-26
System ................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-26
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-26
Brake system ............................................................ 7-22
Warning light ......................................................... 3-20
Braking ..................................................................... 7-22
Tips...................................................................... 7-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-28
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-15
Replacing ............................................................. 11-45
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-14
Light ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-15
Cargo tray ................................................................. 10-6
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console .................................................................. 6-5
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-11
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-17
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-16 Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-26
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-26
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-27
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-27
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-14
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-20
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-23
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-24
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-22
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-37
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-9
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-21
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-19
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-22
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-28
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-25
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-19
Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-5Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-10
Climate control system Automatic ............................................................... 4-6 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Manual ................................................................... 4-8
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch
Fluid ............................................................ 11-24, 12-9
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
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 ........................................................... 11-21, 12-8
Rear ............................................................ 11-22, 12-8
Dimensions ............................................................... 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ........................................ 2-17 Disc brake pad wear warning indicators
........................ 7-23
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-50
Door
Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light. ................................................. 3-21
Step light ............................................................. 11-50
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-18
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 .............................................. 8-10
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
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil ................................................................ 11-9, 12-5

Overheating.......................................................... 9-13
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 .................................................................. 11-23
Clutch .................................................................. 11-24
Power steering ..................................................... 11-22
Fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Switch .................................................................. 3-32
Folding mirror switch .................................................. 3-44
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-21, 12-8
Fog light ............................................................... 3-32
Fog light indicator light ............................................ 3-25
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-20
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-48
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 ............................................ 3-26 Economy hints
........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge ................................................................... 3-10
Requirements ................................................. 7-2, 12-4
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-44
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-11
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-13
H
Hands-free system. ..................................................... 5-42
Hazard warning flasher .......................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rear seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight
Beam leveler. ......................................................... 3-31
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-45
Bulb wattage ........................................................ 12-15
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Flasher .................................................................. 3-30
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
High beam indicator light ............................................. 3-25
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-30
Hill start assist (MT models) ............................... 7-31, 11-27
Warning light .......................................................... 3-21
HomeLink
®................................................................. 3-38 Index
14-5

14-6Index
Hook Cargo tie-down ...................................................... 6-15
Coat ..................................................................... 6-13
Shopping bag ........................................................ 6-13
Towing and tie-down ............................................... 9-14
Horn ......................................................................... 3-47
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-14
I
Ignition switch .............................................................. 3-3
Light ....................................................................... 3-5
Illuminated entry .......................................................... 2-9
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-32
Immobilizer. ................................................................. 2-3
Indicator light (security indicator light) ....................... 3-23
Indicator light Coolant temperature low ......................................... 3-16
Cruise control ........................................................ 3-25
Cruise control set ................................................... 3-25
Front fog light ........................................................ 3-25
Headlight .............................................................. 3-25
High beam ............................................................ 3-25
Immobilizer. ........................................................... 3-23
Security ................................................................ 3-23
Select lever/Gear position ....................................... 3-24
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-24
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-24
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ................................ 3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation ......................... 3-23
Information display ..................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-36 Interior lights
............................................................... 6-2
iiPod
®operations ........................................................ 5-32
J
Jack and jack handle ................................................... 9-5
Jack-up point .............................................................. 9-6
Jump starting ............................................................. 9-10
K
Key............................................................................ 2-2 Number .................................................................. 2-2
Reminder chime ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement. .......................................................... 2-3
Keyless entry system ................................................... 2-7
L
Leather seat materials ................................................. 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-49
Light Cargo area .................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Dome ............................................................ 6-2, 11-50
Door step ............................................................ 11-50
Front fog ............................................................... 3-32
Front position ......................................................... 3-30
Ignition switch ......................................................... 3-5
License plate ....................................................... 11-49
Map .............................................................. 6-3, 11-50

Rear combination.................................................. 11-48
Turn signal ................................................... 3-31, 11-48
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-12
Low fuel warning light ......................................... 3-11, 3-21
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-18
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
M Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-20
Tools ...................................................................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) ... 3-16Manual Climate control system ............................................. 4-8
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-13
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-19, 12-8
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-18
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-6
Mirror defogger .......................................................... 3-45
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-36
Moonroof .......................................................... 2-24, 9-19
N
New vehicle break-in driving .......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-8 Oil filter
................................................................... 11-11
Oil level Engine .................................................................. 11-9
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-21
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-19
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-17
On-road and off-road driving ...................................... 9, 8-6
Outside
Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-45
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-44
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-27
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-6
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-13
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-29
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-29
Tips ...................................................................... 7-29
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-2
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Outside mirrors ...................................................... 3-44
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-21
Steering fluid ................................................ 11-22, 12-9
Precautions against vehicle modification ................ 1-22, 1-60
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-7 Index
14-7

14-8Index
R Rear Combination lights ................................................. 11-48
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-22, 12-8
Gate ............................................................. 2-23, 9-18
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-48
Rear seat .................................................................... 1-7
Center table ............................................................ 6-7
Folding down ......................................................... 1-11
Reclining ............................................................... 1-10
Rear view camera ...................................................... 6-17
Rear window Defogger ............................................................... 3-45
Wiper and washer switch ........................................ 3-36
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-41
Recommended
Automatic transmission fluid .................................... 12-9
Brake fluid. ............................................................ 12-9
Clutch fluid ............................................................ 12-9
Engine oil .............................................................. 12-5
Front differential gear oil ......................................... 12-8
Manual transmission oil .......................................... 12-8
Power steering fluid ................................................ 12-9
Rear differential gear oil .......................................... 12-8
Spark plugs ........................................................... 12-3
Refueling .................................................................... 7-3
Remote engine start system .......................................... 7-9
Remote keyless entry system ........................................ 2-7
Replacement
Brake pad and lining ............................................. 11-28
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-39 Replacing
Air cleaner element ............................................... 11-15
Battery (remote engine start transmitter) .................... 7-12
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ....................... 2-10
Lost transmitters (remote keyless entry system) ......... 2-11
Replacing bulbs ....................................................... 11-45
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-50
Dome light ........................................................... 11-50
Door step light ..................................................... 11-50
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-48
Headlight ............................................................. 11-45
License plate light ................................................. 11-49
Map light ............................................................. 11-50
Position light ........................................................ 11-48
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-48
Rocking the vehicle .................................................... 8-12
Roof molding and crossbar .......................................... 8-15
Roof rails ................................................................... 8-14
SSafety Precautions when driving ............................................. 5
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Screensaver .............................................................. 5-55
Seat Fabric ................................................................... 10-5
Front ...................................................................... 1-2
Heater .................................................................... 1-6
Height adjustment .................................................... 1-4
Power .................................................................... 1-4

Rear....................................................................... 1-7
Seatbelt ................................................................. 5, 1-12
Fastening .............................................................. 1-14
Maintenance .......................................................... 1-20
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-20
Safety tips ............................................................. 1-12
Warning light and chime ......................................... 3-13
Security Alarm system ........................................................ 2-14
Immobilizer. ............................................................. 2-3
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-23
Shock sensors ....................................................... 2-19
Select lever ............................................................... 7-16
Position indicator ................................................... 3-24
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-17
Shock sensors ........................................................... 2-19
Shopping bag hook .................................................... 6-13
Snow tires ........................................................ 8-11, 11-29
Snowy and icy roads .................................................. 8-10
Sounding a panic alarm .............................................. 2-10
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-17, 12-3
Specifications ............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer ............................................................... 3-8
SPORT mode ............................................................ 7-20
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-24
SRS Curtain airbag ........................................................ 1-48
Frontal airbag ........................................................ 1-38
Side airbag ........................................................... 1-48
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) ... 5, 1-34 SRS airbag system
Monitors ................................................................ 1-58
Servicing ............................................................... 1-59
Warning light .......................................................... 3-15
Starting the engine ...................................................... 7-7
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-6
Steering wheel Power ................................................................... 7-21
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-47
Stopping the engine ..................................................... 7-9
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-5
Sun shade ................................................................. 2-26
Sun visors .................................................................. 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-34
Synthetic leather upholstery ......................................... 10-5
T
Tachometer ................................................................ 3-10
Temperature gauge ..................................................... 3-11
Temperature warning light AT OIL TEMP ......................................................... 3-18
Coolant ................................................................. 3-16
Temporary spare tire .................................................... 9-2
Tether (child restraint system) .............................. 1-29, 1-32
Tie-down hooks .......................................................... 9-14
Tire Chains .................................................................. 8-11
Inspection ............................................................ 11-31
Pressures and wear .............................................. 11-31
Replacement. ....................................................... 11-35
Rotation .............................................................. 11-35 Index
14-9