engine oil SUBARU FORESTER 2012 SH / 3.G Owner's Guide

11-22Maintenance and service
&Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to“ Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil ”F 12-8. Rear differential gear oil
There is no rear differential gear oil level
gauge. To check the rear differential gear
oil level, consult your SUBARU dealer forinspection. &
Recommended grade and viscosity
Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to“ Manual transmission, front differential
and rear differential gear oil ”F 12-8. 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 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.

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
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

&Engine oil
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure or other details, refer to “Engine oil ”F 11-9.
NOTE
The procedure for changing the engine oil and oil filter should be performed by a properly-trained expert. It is recommended
that you have this service performed by your SUBARU dealer. ! Approved engine oil
Always use the SUBARU approved engine oil. For further details, please contact your SUBARU dealer.
If the approved engine oil is unavailable, use the alternative engine oil described on the next page. Specifications
12-5
– CONTINUED –

12-6Specifications
!Alternative engine oil
If the SUBARU approved oil is unavailable, the following alternative oil can be used. NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors. ! Non-turbo models
Oil grade SAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperature Oil capacity
API classification SM or SN with
the words “
ENERGY CONSERVING ”or
“ RESOURCE CONSERVING ”orILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can
be identified with the ILSAC
certification mark (Starburst mark) 0W-20 synthetic
oil is the required oil
for optimum engine performance and
protection. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
*: If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available,
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may
be used if replenishment is needed but
should be changed to 0W-20 synthetic
oil at the next oil change.
– Adding the oil from L to F level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
– Changing the oil and oil filter:
5.5 US qt (5.2 liters, 4.6 Imp qt)

!Turbo models
Oil grade SAE viscosity No. and
applicable temperature Oil capacity
API classification SM or SN with
the words “
ENERGY CONSERVING ”or
“ RESOURCE CONSERVING ”orILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can
be identified with the ILSAC
certification mark (Starburst mark) 5W-30 synthetic
oil is required for
optimum engine performance and pro-
tection. Conventional oil may be used if
synthetic oil is unavailable.
*: If 5W-30 synthetic oil is not available,
5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil may
be used if replenishment is needed but
should be changed to 5W-30 synthetic
oil at the next oil change.
– Adding the oil from L to F level:
1.1 US qt (1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt)
– Changing the oil and oil filter:
4.4 US qt (4.2 liters, 3.7 Imp qt) Specifications
12-7
– 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 –

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

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