Engine check light SUBARU FORESTER 2017 SJ / 4.G Owner's Guide

Driving tips/Trailer towing
refer to“BSD/RCTA OFF switch ”
F 7-64.
. For models equipped with RAB
(Reverse Automatic Braking)
system, consult your SUBARU
dealer for additional information
about towing a trailer.
. Never exceed 45 mph (72 km/h)
when towing a trailer in hilly
country on hot days.
. When towing a trailer, steering,
stability, stopping distance and
braking performance will be dif-
ferent when compared to normal
operation. You should never
drive at excessive speeds but
always employ extra caution
when towing a trailer. You should
also keep the following tips in
mind.
! Before starting out on a trip
. Check that the vehicle and vehicle-to-
hitch mounting are in good condition. If
any problems are apparent, do not tow the
trailer.
. Check that the vehicle rests horizon-
tally with the trailer attached. If the vehicle
is tipped sharply up at the front and down
at the rear, check the total trailer weight,
GVW, GAWs and tongue load again, then confirm that the load and its distribution
are acceptable.
.
Check that the tire rating and pressures
are correct.
. Check that the vehicle and trailer are
connected properly. Confirm that:
–the trailer tongue is connected
properly to the hitch ball.
– the trailer lights connector is con-
nected properly and trailer ’sbrake
lights illuminate when the vehicle ’s
brake pedal is pressed, and that the
trailer ’s turn signal lights flash when
the vehicle’ s turn signal lever is oper-
ated.
– the safety chains are connected
properly.
– all cargo in the trailer is secured
safety in position.
– the side mirrors provide a good
rearward field of view without a sig-
nificant blind spot.
. Sufficient time should be taken to learn
the “feel ”of the vehicle/trailer combination
before starting out on a trip. In an area free
of traffic, practice turning, stopping and
backing up.
! Driving with a trailer
. You should allow for considerably more
stopping distance when towing a trailer.
Avoid sudden braking because it may result in skidding or jackknifing and loss of
control.
.
Avoid abrupt starts and sudden accel-
erations. If your vehicle has a manual
transmission, always start out in first gear
and release the clutch at moderate engine
revolution.
. Avoid uneven steering, sharp turns and
rapid lane changes.
. Slow down before turning. Make a
longer than normal turning radius because
the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. In
a tight turn, the trailer could hit your
vehicle.
. Crosswinds will adversely affect the
handling of your vehicle and trailer, caus-
ing sway. Crosswinds can be due to
weather conditions or the passing of large
trucks or buses. If swaying occurs, firmly
grip the steering wheel and promptly begin
decelerating your vehicle at a gradual
pace.
. When passing other vehicles, consid-
erable distance is required because of the
added weight and length caused by
attaching the trailer to your vehicle.
8-24

In case of emergency/Engine overheating
Engine overheating
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has fully cooled down.
When the engine is hot, the coolant
is under pressure. Removing the
cap while the engine is still hot
could release a spray of boiling hot
coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe
location.
& If steam is coming from the
engine compartment
. Turn off the engine and get everyone
away from the vehicle until it cools down.
. Contact an authorized SUBARU deal-
er.
& If no steam is coming from
the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling
speed.
2. Open the engine hood to ventilate the engine compartment. Refer to
“Engine
hood ”F 11-7.
Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If
the fan is not turning, immediately turn off
the engine and contact an authorized
SUBARU dealer for repair.
3. After the coolant temperature high
warning light that has blinked or illumi-
nated in REDturns off, turn off the engine.
For details about the warning light, refer to
“Coolant temperature low indicator light/
Coolant temperature high warning light ”
F 3-17.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down,
check the coolant level in the reserve
tank. If the coolant level is below the
“LOW ”mark, add coolant up to the “FULL ”
mark.
NOTE
For details about how to check the
coolant level or how to add coolant,
refer to “Engine coolant ”F 11-13.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve
tank, add coolant to the reserve tank.
Then remove the radiator cap and fill the
radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot
radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the
radiator cap, then turn the cap counter-
clockwise slowly without pressing down until it stops. Release the pressure from
the radiator. After the pressure has been
fully released, remove the cap by pressing
down and turning it.
9-12

Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
position.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
3. Release the secondary hood release
by moving the lever between the front
grille and the hood toward the left.
4. Lift up the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lower the hood to a height of approxi-
mately 5.9 in (15 cm) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
2. After closing the hood, be sure the
hood is securely locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position. Do not push
the hood forcibly to close it. It could
deform the metal.
WARNING
Always check that the hood is
properly locked before you start
driving. If it is not, it might fly open
while the vehicle is moving and
block your view, which may cause
an accident and serious bodily in-
jury.
Maintenance and service/Engine hood11-7

Maintenance and service/Cooling system
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.
&Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner ’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil ”F 12-4. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
CAUTION
. Vehicles are filled at the factory
with SUBARU Super Coolant that
does not require the first change
for 11 years/137,500 miles (11
years/220,000 km). This coolant
should not be mixed with any
other brand or type of coolant
during this period. Mixing with a
different coolant will reduce the
life of the coolant. Should it be
necessary to top up the coolant
for any reason, use only
SUBARU Super Coolant.
If the SUBARU Super Coolant is
diluted with another brand or type, the maintenance interval is
shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
& Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the coolant temperature high
warning light blinks or illuminates in RED,
the cooling fan circuit may be defective.
Refer to “Coolant temperature low indica-
tor light/Coolant temperature high warning
light ”F 3-17.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “Fuses”F 11-37 and “Fuses and
circuits ”F 12-12.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling
system checked by your SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
11-12

Maintenance and service/Brake booster
Brake booster
If the brake booster does not operate as
described in the following, have it checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake
pedal several times, applying the same
pedal force each time. The distance the
pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start
the engine. The pedal should move
slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop
the engine and keep the pedal depressed
for 30 seconds. The pedal height should
not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for
approximately one minute then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times to
check the brake booster. The brake
booster operates properly if the pedal
stroke decreases with each depression.
Brake pedal
Check the brake pedal free play and
reserve distance according to the main-
tenance schedule in the“Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet ”.
&Checking the brake pedal
free play
1) 0.02 - 0.11 in (0.5 - 2.7 mm)
Stop the engine and firmly depress the
brake pedal several times. Lightly pull the
brake pedal up with one finger to check
the free play with a force of less than 2 lbf
(10 N, 1 kgf).
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.
&Checking the brake pedal
reserve distance
1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)
Depress the pedal with a force of approxi-
mately 66 lbf (294 N, 30 kgf) and measure
the distance between the upper surface of
the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than
the specification, or when the pedal does
not operate smoothly, contact with your
SUBARU dealer.
11-20

Clutch pedal (MT models)
Check the clutch pedal free play according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
& Checking the clutch function
Check the clutch engagement and disen-
gagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there
are no abnormal noises when the clutch
pedal is depressed, and that shifting into
1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal
slowly to check that the engine and
transmission smoothly couple without
any sign of slippage.
&Checking the clutch pedal
free play
1) 0.16 - 0.43 in (4.0 - 11.0 mm)
Lightly depress the clutch pedal down with
your finger until you feel resistance, and
check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper
specification, contact your SUBARU deal-
er.
Hill start assist system
Ensure that the Hill start assist system
operates properly under the following
circumstances.
1. Stop the vehicle on an uphill grade by
depressing the brake pedal (all models)
and clutch pedal (MT models only), with
the engine running.
2. Make sure that the vehicle does not
move backward for several seconds after
the brake pedal is released.
3. Then make sure the vehicle starts
climbing the grade by following the normal
starting procedures.
If the Hill start assist system does not
operate as described above, contact your
SUBARU dealer.
Maintenance and service/Clutch pedal (MT models)11-21

Maintenance and service/Aluminum wheels
&Wheel replacement
When replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from SUBARU dealers.
WARNING
Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could
interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of
vehicle control could lead to an
accident.
NOTE
When any of the wheels are removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to
change a flat tire, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driv-
ing approximately 600 miles (1,000 km).
If any nut is loose, tighten it to the
specified torque.
Aluminum wheels
Aluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety.
. When any of the wheels are removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to change
a flat tire, always check the tightness of
the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose,
tighten it to the specified torque.
. Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel.
. Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.
. When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to
replace them with genuine SUBARU parts
designed for aluminum wheels.
Windshield washer fluid
CAUTION
Never use engine coolant as washer
fluid because it could cause paint
damage.
Windshield washer fluid warning light
(type A)
11-30

Bottle holder................................................................ 6-9
Brake Assist ................................................................... 7-36
Booster ........................................................ 7-36, 11-20
Disc .................................................................... 12-11
Fluid ............................................................ 11-18, 12-9
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-22
Parking ........................................................ 7-47, 11-23
Pedal .................................................................. 11-20
System ................................................................. 7-36
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-20
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-20
Brake system ............................................................ 7-36
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
Braking ..................................................................... 7-35
Tips...................................................................... 7-35
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-22
BSD/RCTA ................................................................ 7-58
Approach indicator light/warning buzzer .................... 7-61
OFF indicator ................................................ 3-34, 7-64
OFF switch ........................................................... 7-64
Warning indicator ........................................... 3-33, 7-63
Warning volume ............................................. 3-43, 7-62
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-16
Replacing ............................................................. 11-39
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-14 Light
...................................................................... 6-2
Tie-down hooks ...................................................... 6-16
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center console ............................................................ 6-6
Changing Coolant ............................................................... 11-14
Flat tire .................................................................. 9-5
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-11
Charge warning light ................................................... 3-18
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-16
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-20
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-20
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-21
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-21
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-13
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-18
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-19
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-30
Oil level (engine oil) .............................................. 11-10
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-29
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-36
Installation with ALR/ELR seatbelt ............................ 1-32
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-37
Top tether anchorages ............................................
1-40
Child safety ................................................................... 4
Locks .................................................................... 2-32
Chime
Key........................................................................\
3-5
Light ..................................................................... 3-93
Index14-3

J
Jack and jack handle.................................................... 9-4
Jack-up point ............................................................... 9-5
Jump starting. .............................................................. 9-9
K
Key ........................................................................\
.... 2-3 Number plate ........................................................... 2-3
Reminder chime. ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement ........................................................... 2-4
Keyless access entry function ...................................... 2-13
Keyless access with push-button start system .. ............... 2-9
Disabling keyless access functions ........................... 2-17
Locking and unlocking doors ................................... 2-13
Opening rear gate .................................................. 2-15
Warning chimes and warning light ............................ 3-25
When access key does not operate properly ............. 9-17
Keyless entry system ................................................. 2-21
L
Lap belt pretensioner .................................................. 1-26
LCA ........................................................................\
. 7-59
Leather seat materials ................................................ 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-44
Light Backup ................................................................ 11-42
Cargo area .............................................................. 6-2
Control switch ........................................................ 3-93
Daytime running. .................................................... 3-98
Dome ..................................................................... 6-2
Front fog .................................................... 3- 102, 11-42Front side marker
....................................... 11-41, 12-16
Ignition switch ......................................................... 3-6
License plate ....................................................... 11-44
Map ....................................................................... 6-3
Rear combination ................................................. 11-42
Stop .................................................................... 11-42
Tail ..................................................................... 11-42
Turn signal ....................................... 3- 100, 11-41, 11-42
Vanity mirror ........................................................... 6-5
Loading your vehicle ................................................... 8-12
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-22
Low tire pressure warning light ..................................... 3-19
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-37
M
Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule ............................................................... 11-3
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 1-24
Tips ...................................................................... 11-5
Tools ...................................................................... 9-3
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) .... 3-16
Manual Climate control ........................................................ 4-7
Mode (continuously variable transmission) ................. 7-27
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Transmission ......................................................... 7-22
Transmission oil ........................................... 11-17, 12-7
Map light .................................................................... 6-3
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-19
Meters and gauges ......................................................
3-9
Index14-7

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