engine oil SUBARU FORESTER 2012 SH / 3.G Owners Manual

4
Mark Name
Hazard warning flasher
Engine hood
Seat heater
Child restraint top tether an- chorages
Child restraint lower an- chorages
Horn
Wiper intermittent
Windshield washer
Windshield wiper mist (for
single wipe)
Rear window wiper
Rear window washerMark Name
Lights
Tail lights, license plate light
and instrument panel illumi- nation
Headlights
Turn signal
Illumination brightness
Fan speed
Instrument panel outlets
Instrument panel outlets and
foot outlets
Foot outlets
Windshield defroster and foot outlets
Windshield defrosterMark Name
Rear window defogger/Out-
side mirror defogger
Air recirculation
Engine oil
Washer
Door lock (Transmitter)
Door unlock (Transmitter)
Rear gate (Transmitter)

&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-13
Front passenger ’s seat-
belt warning light 3-13
SRS airbag system
warning light3-15
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag ON indicator 3-15
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag OFF indicator 3-15
CHECK ENGINE
warning light/Malfunction
indicator light3-16
Coolant temperature low
indicator light (if
equipped)/Coolant tem-
perature high warning
light (if equipped)3-16
Charge warning light 3-17
Oil pressure warning light
3-17
AT OIL TEMP warning
light (AT models)3-18Mark Name Page
/ABS warning light 3-19
/Brake system warning light
3-20
Door open warning light 3-21
AWD warning light
(AT models)
3-21
Hill start assist warning
light (MT models)
3-21
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light/Vehicle
Dynamics Control op-
eration indicator light3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol OFF indicator light
3-23
Turn signal indicator lights
3-24
High beam indicator light 3-25
Automatic headlight
beam leveler warning
light (models with HID headlights)3-22Mark Name Page
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)
3-25
Security indicator light 3-23
Headlight indicator light 3-25
Cruise control indicator light3-25
Cruise control set indi-
cator light
3-25
Low fuel warning light 3-21
Low tire pressure warn-
ing light
(U.S.-spec. models)3-18
SPORT mode indicator
light (AT models)
3-2421

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-5
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-5
Meters and gauges. ............................................. 3-6
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-6
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle movement upon turning on the ignition switch ............................................................... 3-6
Meter needles/gauge illumination setting (models with type A combination meter) ......................... 3-7
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-8
Odometer/Trip meter ............................................ 3-8
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-10
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-10
Temperature gauge (models with type A combination meter) .......................................... 3-11
ECO gauge (models with type A combination meter) .............................................................. 3-12
Warning and indicator lights ............................. 3-12
Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 3-13
SRS airbag system warning light ........................ 3-15
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ......................................................... 3-15
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ................................................... 3-16 Coolant temperature low indicator light (if
equipped)/Coolant temperature high warning
light (if equipped). ............................................ 3-16
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-17
Oil pressure warning light .................................. 3-17
AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT models) .............. 3-18
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models) ........................................................... 3-18
ABS warning light .............................................. 3-19
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-20
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 3-21
Hill start assist warning light (MT models) ..... ..... 3-21
Door open warning light .................................... 3-21
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT models) ..... ..... 3-21
Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light (models with HID headlights).. .......................... 3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light .. ..... 3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light ..... 3-23
Security indicator light ....................................... 3-23
SPORT mode indicator light (AT models) ............ 3-24
Select lever and gear position indicator (AT models) ........................................................... 3-24
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-24
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-25
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-25
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-25
Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) ..... ..... 3-25
Headlight indicator light ..................................... 3-25
Clock .................................................................. 3-25Instruments and controls
3

RED:
Safely stop the vehicle as
soon as possible, and refer
to the emergency steps for the
engine overheating. After-
ward, have the system
checked by your nearest
SUBARU dealer. Refer to“En-
gine overheating ”F 9-13.
– Blinking in RED and BLUE
alternately:
The electrical system may be
malfunctioning. Contact your
SUBARU dealer for an inspec-tion.
This coolant temperature low indicator
light/coolant temperature high warning
light has the following three functions. . Illumination in BLUEindicates insuffi-
cient warming up of the engine. Blinking in REDindicates that the
engine is close to overheating. Illumination in REDindicates overheat-
ing condition of the engine
For the system check, this indicator light/
warning light illuminates in REDfor
approximately 2 seconds when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the “ON ”position.
After that, this indicator light/warning light
changes to BLUEand maintains illumina- tion in
BLUE. This BLUE illuminated light
turns off when the engine is warmed up
sufficiently.
If the engine coolant temperature in-
creases over the specified range, the
indicator light/warning light blinks in RED . At this time, the engine is close to
overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature in-
creases further, the indicator light/warning
light illuminates in REDcontinuously. At
this time, the engine may be overheating.
When the indicator light/warning light
blinks in REDor illuminates in RED, safely
stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and
refer to the emergency steps for the
engine overheating. Refer to “Engine
overheating ”F 9-13. Afterward, have the
system checked by your nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Also, if the indicator light/warning light
often blinks in RED, the electrical system
may be malfunctioning. Contact your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
NOTE
If the engine is restarted after a certain
driving condition, this indicator light/
warning light may illuminate in RED.
However, this is not a malfunction if the indicator light/warning light turns off
after a short time. &
Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good
condition but the light remains on, contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately. &Oil pressure warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is
at the proper level but the light remains on,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately. Instruments and controls
3-17
– CONTINUED –

3-18Instruments and controls
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
& AT OIL TEMP warning
light (AT models)
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, im-
mediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the engine idle until the warning
light turns off. !Automatic transmission control
system warning
If this light flashes after the engine starts, it
may indicate that the automatic transmis-
sion control system is not working prop-
erly. Contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er for service immediately. &
Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.-spec. models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will illuminate for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning
properly. If there is no problem and all tires
are properly inflated, the light will turn off.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for thosetires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under- inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle
’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of re-
placement or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing

Ventilator control................................................. 4-2
Center ventilators ................................................ 4-2
Side ventilators ................................................... 4-2
Climate control panel .......................................... 4-2
Type A ................................................................ 4-3
Type B ................................................................ 4-4
Type C ................................................................ 4-5
Automatic climate control system (type B and C) ............................................................... 4-6
Type B ................................................................ 4-6
Type C ................................................................ 4-7
Temperature sensors ........................................... 4-7
Manual climate control ....................................... 4-8
Airflow mode selection ........................................ 4-8
Temperature control ............................................ 4-9
Fan speed control ............................................... 4-9
Air conditioner control ........................................ 4-9
Air inlet selection ................................................ 4-9 Defrosting
........................................................... 4-10
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner ...................................................... 4-10
Cleaning ventilation grille ................................... 4-10
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight ........................................................... 4-10
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit .............................................................. 4-11
Checking air conditioning system before summer season ............................................................ 4-11
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions ................. 4-11
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded .............................................. 4-11
Refrigerant for your climate control system ... ..... 4-11
Air filtration system ........................................... 4-11
Replacing an air filter ......................................... 4-12Climate control
4

heated interior. This results in quicker
cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the
windows closed during the operation of
the air conditioner for maximum cooling
efficiency. &Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil. & Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-son
Check the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper
operation each spring. Have the air con-
ditioning system checked by your
SUBARU dealer. & Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, low temperatures, etc.) a
small amount of water vapor emission
from the air outlets may be noticed. This
condition is normal and does not indicate
any problem with the air conditioning system.
& Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is designed
to temporarily shut off during air condi-
tioner operation whenever the accelerator
pedal is fully depressed such as during
rapid acceleration or when driving on a
steep upgrade. & Refrigerant for your climate
control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly
refrigerant HFC134a. Therefore, the meth-
od of adding, changing or checking the
refrigerant is different from the method for
CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a
result of using the wrong refrigerant are
not covered under warranty. Air filtration system
Replace the filter element according to the
replacement schedule as follows. This
schedule should be followed to maintain
the filter
’s dust collection ability. Under
extremely dusty conditions, the filter
should be replaced more frequently. It is
recommended that you have your filter
checked or replaced by your SUBARU
dealer. For replacement, use only a
genuine SUBARU air filter kit.
Replacement schedule: Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000
km) whichever comes first
CAUTION
Contact your SUBARU dealer if the
following occurs, even if it is not yet
time to change the filter. – Reduction of the airflow through
the vents.
– Windshield gets easily fogged ormisted.
NOTE
The filter can influence the air condi-
tioning, heating and defroster perfor- Climate control
4-11
– CONTINUED –

6-10Interior equipment
Power outlet in the cargo area
Accessory power outlets are provided
below the climate controls, in the center
console and in the cargo area. Electrical
power (12V DC) from the battery is
available at any of the outlets when the
ignition switch is in either the “Acc ”or “ON ”
position.
You can use an electrical appliance by
connecting it to an outlet.
The maximum power rating of an appli-
ance that can be connected is 120W.Do
not use an appliance which exceeds the
indicated wattage for each outlet.
When using appliances connected to two
or more outlets simultaneously, the total
power consumed by them must not
exceed 120W.
CAUTION
. Do not attempt to use a cigarette
lighter plug in the accessory
power outlets.
. Do not place any foreign objects,
especially metal ones such as
coins or aluminum foil, into the
accessory power outlet. That
could cause a short circuit. Al-
ways put the cap on the acces-
sory power outlet when it is not
in use.
. Use only electrical appliances
which are designed for 12V DC.
The maximum power rating of an
appliance that can be connected
is 120W. Do not use an appliance
which exceeds the indicated wat-
tage for each outlet.
When using appliances con-
nected to two or more outlets
simultaneously, the total power
consumed by them must not
exceed 120W. Overloading the
accessory power outlet can
cause a short circuit. Do not use
double adapters. .
If the plug on your electric appli-
ance is either too loose or too
tight for the accessory power
outlet, this can result in a poor
contact or cause the plug to get
stuck. Only use plugs that fit
properly.
. Use of an electric appliance in the
accessory power outlet for a long
period of time while the engine is
not running can cause batterydischarge.
. Before driving your vehicle, make
sure that the plug and the cord
on your electrical appliance will
not interfere with your shifting
gears and operating the accel-
erator and brake pedals. If they
do, do not use the electrical
appliance while driving.
& Cigarette lighter (dealer op- tion)
A cigarette lighter may be installed in
place of an accessory power outlet. The
cigarette lighter assembly is available
from your SUBARU dealer.
The cigarette lighter operates only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON ”or “Acc ”
position.

The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for properinflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate are
fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the
“ON ”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops. Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than 10 sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again.
NOTE
It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically
controlled throttle ’s self-diagnosis
function. To overcome it, keep the
ignition switch in the “ON ”position
for approximately 10 seconds before
starting the engine. & MT models
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac- cessories.
3. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold
the clutch pedal to the floor while starting Starting and operating
7-7
– CONTINUED –

7-12Starting and operating
Pressing the brake pedal repeatedly will
toggle the feature ON or OFF each time.
7. To exit the remote transmitter and
feature programming mode, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK ”position, remove
the key from the ignition switch and test
operation of the remote transmitter(s) and
horn confirmation feature. & System maintenance
! Changing the remote control bat- teries
CAUTION
. Do not let dust, oil or water get on
or in the remote engine start
transmitter when replacing the
battery.
. Be careful not to damage the
printed circuit board in the re-
mote engine start transmitter
when replacing the battery.
. Be careful not to allow children to
touch the battery and any re-
moved parts; children could
swallow them.
. There is a danger of explosion if
an incorrect replacement battery
is used. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type of bat- tery.
. Batteries should not be exposed
to excessive heat such as sun-
shine, fire or the like.
The two 3-volt lithium batteries (modelCR-1220 ) supplied in your remote control
should last approximately 3 years, de-
pending on usage. When the batteries
begin to weaken, you will notice a
decrease in range (distance from the
vehicle that your remote control operates).
Follow the instructions below to change
the remote control batteries.1. Carefully pry the remote control halves
apart using a small flat-head screwdriver.