ABS SUBARU FORESTER 2017 SJ / 4.G Owner's Manual

1) Left turn
2) Right turn
.Backing up with a trailer is difficult and
takes practice. When backing up with a
trailer, never accelerate or steer rapidly.
When turning back, grip the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand and turn it to
the left for a left turn, and turn it to the right
for a right turn.
. If the ABS warning light illuminates
while the vehicle is in motion, stop towing
the trailer and have repairs performed
immediately by your nearest SUBARU
dealer. !
Driving on grades
. Before going down a steep hill, slow
down and shift into lower gear (if neces-
sary, use 1st gear) in order to utilize the
engine braking effect and prevent over-
heating of your vehicle’ s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshifts.
. When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automatically
to protect the engine from overheating.
. When driving uphill in hot weather, pay
attention to the following indicators be-
cause the engine and transmission are
relatively prone to overheating.: Coolant temperature high warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT models)
If the coolant temperature high warning
light and/or the AT OIL TEMP warning light
illuminates, immediately turn off the air
conditioner and stop the vehicle in the
nearest safe location. For further instruc-
tions and additional information, refer to
the following sections. –“If you park your vehicle in case of
an emergency ”F 9-2
–“ Engine overheating ”F 9-12
–“ Coolant temperature low indicator
light/Coolant temperature high warn-
ing light ”F 3-17 –“
AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT
models) ”F 3-19
. For CVT models, avoid using the
accelerator pedal to stay stationary on
an uphill slope instead of using the
parking brake or foot brake. That may
cause the transmission fluid to overheat.
! Parking on a grade
Always block the wheels under both
vehicle and trailer when parking. Apply
the parking brake firmly. You should not
park on a hill or slope. If parking on a hill or
slope cannot be avoided, you should take
the following steps:
1. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal
down.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place,
release the regular brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the regular brakes and then
apply the parking brake; slowly release
the regular brakes.
5. Shift into 1st or reverse gear (MT
models) or “P ” position (CVT models)
and shut off the engine.
Driving tips/Trailer towing8-25

flat-head screwdriver or a similar
tool.
Models without power rear gate
Models with power rear gate
3. To open the rear gate, turn the lever tothe right position using a flat-head screw-
driver or a similar tool.
Power rear gate - if power
rear gate does not operate
properly
&
When the power rear gate is
deactivated
NOTE
. After deactivating automatic open-
ing and closing, the rear gate may open
or close automatically, moving little by
little. This movement is to prevent the
rear gate from quickly opening and
closing and it will continue for approxi-
mately 15 seconds but it is not a
malfunction.
. While the power rear gate is tem-
porarily deactivated, if it is struck by
body parts or objects and sustains a
strong impact, the temporary deactiva-
tion may be canceled. The purpose of
this is to absorb the impact of the
collision and it is not a malfunction. In
this case, the rear gate will not open or
close automatically.
If the power rear gate senses a malfunc-
tion, an electronic chirp will sound and
automatic opening and closing will be
deactivated. The rear gate will automati-
cally open or close depending on the
degree it is open to at this time.
In case of emergency/Power rear gate –if power rear gate does not operate properly
–CONTINUED –9-19

Maintenance and service/Brake fluid
Brake fluid
&Checking the fluid level
WARNING
. Never let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.
. Brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
CAUTION
. When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
. Never splash the brake fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.
. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
1) “MAX ”level line
2) The brake fluid level must be checked in this area.
3) “MIN ”level line
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Because this reservoir is used
for both the brake and clutch systems and
has chambers for each system, be sure to check the fluid level for the brake system
at the
front part of the reservoir (shaded
area in the illustration).
If the fluid level is below “MIN”, add the
recommended brake fluid to “MAX ”. Use
only brake fluid from a sealed container.
& Recommended brake fluid
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-9.
CAUTION
Never use different brands of brake
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.
11-18

Clutch fluid (MT models)
&Checking the fluid level
WARNING
Never let clutch fluid contact your
eyes because clutch fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If clutch fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately flush
them thoroughly with clean water.
For safety, when performing this
work, wearing eye protection is
advisable.
CAUTION
. Clutch fluid absorbs moisture
from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause improper clutch
operation.
. If the vehicle requires frequent
refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
. When clutch fluid is added, be
careful not to allow any dirt into
the tank.
. Never splash the clutch fluid over
painted surfaces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in the clutch
fluid may damage them.
. Be careful not to spill clutch fluid
when adding it. If clutch fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If clutch fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
. The fluid level for the clutch
system must be checked at the
inboard side of the reservoir. It
cannot be checked at the out-
board side of the reservoir.
1) “MAX ”level line
2) The clutch fluid level must be checked in this area.
3) “MIN ”level line
Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Because this reservoir is used
for both the brake and clutch systems and
has chambers for each system, be sure to
check the fluid level for the clutch system
at the inboard side of the reservoir
(shaded area in the illustration). If the fluid
level is below “MIN ”,addtherecom-
mended clutch fluid to “MAX ”.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed
container.
& Recommended clutch fluid
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-9.
CAUTION
Never use different brands of clutch
fluid together. Also, avoid mixing
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids even if
they are the same brand.
Maintenance and service/Clutch fluid (MT models)11-19

Specifications/Fuses and circuits
&Fuse panel located in the engine compartment
A) Main fuse Fuse
panel Fuse
rating Circuit
1 30A .ABS unit
. Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol unit
2 25A .Main fan (cooling fan)
3 25A .Sub fan (cooling fan)
4 Empty
5 25A .Audio
6 30A .Headlight (low beam)
7 15A .Headlight (high beam)
8 20A .Back-up
9 15A .Horn
10 25A .Rear window defogger
. Mirror heater
11 20A .Fuel pump
12 20A .Continuously variable
transmission control unit
13 7.5A .Engine control unit
14 15A .Turn and hazard warn-
ing flasher
15 15A .Tail and illumination re-
lay
16 7.5A .Alternator
12-14

14-2Index
A
Abbreviation................................................................... 3
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-37
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
Access key ................................................................. 2-9
Warning light ......................................................... 3-25
Accessories .............................................................. 11-38
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-14
Air conditioner Automatic climate control .......................................... 4-7
Manual climate control .............................................. 4-8
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-13
Air flow mode .............................................................. 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-25
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-23
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-30
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna ...................................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-37
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-26
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-11
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-11
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-19
Audio aha
TMby HARMAN ................................................ 5-43
AM/FM radio ......................................................... 5-27
Antenna .................................................................. 5-2
AUX ..................................................................... 5-60
Base display audio set. ............................................. 5-3
Basic operation ...................................................... 5-17 Bluetooth audio
...................................................... 5-57
CD ....................................................................... 5-52
iPod ...................................................................... 5-55
Pandora
®.............................................................. 5-49
SiriusXM Satellite Radio .......................................... 5-36
STARLINK
TM7.0 Multimedia Plus audio set ................ 5-5
Steering switches for audio ...................................... 5-62
SUBARU STARLINK ............................................... 5-25
Unit setting ............................................................ 5-18
USB memory ......................................................... 5-54
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .......................... 3-108, 3-109
Automatic climate control .............................................. 4-7
Automatic headlight beam leveler ............................... 3-102
Warning light .......................................................... 3-32
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) ................................................ 1-17
B
Battery .................................................................... 11-36
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-7
Jump starting .......................................................... 9-9
Replacement (access key) ..................................... 11-45
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-20
Replacement (transmitter) ...................................... 11-46
Bluetooth
®
Audio .................................................................... 5-57
Hands-free phone system ........................................ 5-70
Bluetooth
®settings ..................................................... 5-65
Registering/connecting Bluetooth®device .................. 5-65
Setting Bluetooth details .......................................... 5-68
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-36

Tires and wheels....................................................... 11-23
Tools ........................................................................\
.. 9-3
Top tether anchorages ........................................ 1-37, 1-40
Towing ...................................................................... 9-13
All wheels on the ground ........................................ 9-16
Flat-bed truck ........................................................ 9-15
Hooks ................................................................... 9-13
Weight.................................................................. 8-19
Trailer
Connecting ............................................................ 8-17
Hitch ............................................................ 8-16, 8-22
Towing .................................................................. 8-19
Towing tips ............................................................ 8-23
Trip meter ................................................................. 3-10
Turn signal Indicator lights ....................................................... 3-32
Lever .................................................................. 3-100
U
Under-floor storage compartment ................................. 6-17
V
Valet mode ................................................................ 2-29
Vanity mirror .......................................................... 6-5, 6-5
Vehicle Capacity weight ..................................................... 8-13
Identification ........................................................ 12-19
Symbols .................................................................... 3
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light .................................................. 3-25
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-41 Operation indicator light
........................................... 3-25
System .................................................................. 7-39
Warning light .......................................................... 3-24
Ventilator .................................................................... 4-2
Voice command system operation ... ............................. 5-80
W
Warning and indicator lights ......................................... 3-13
Warning chimes Keyless access with push-button start system .... ........ 3-25
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-14
Warning light ABS...................................................................... 3-21
Access key ............................................................ 3-25
All-Wheel Drive ...................................................... 3-23
AT OIL TEMP ......................................................... 3-19
Automatic headlight beam leveler ............................. 3-32
Brake system ......................................................... 3-21
Charge .................................................................. 3-18
CHECK ENGINE .................................................... 3-16
Coolant temperature high ........................................ 3-17
Door open ............................................................. 3-23
Engine low oil level ................................................. 3-18
Hill start assist ....................................................... 3-23
Keyless access with push-button start system .... ........ 3-25
Low fuel ................................................................ 3-22
Low tire pressure .................................................... 3-19
Oil pressure ........................................................... 3-18
Power steering .......................................................
3-23
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-14
SRS airbag system ................................................. 3-15
Index14-11