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2003 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 233

2003 Subaru Forester Manual

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Starting and operating Fuel Starting and operating Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine damage. ! Unleaded gasoline The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gasoline be used because it will damage the emission control system and may impair driveability and fuel economy. ! Gasoline for California-certified LEV Your vehicle was certified to California's low emission vehicle (LEV) standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up label. It is designed to optimize engine and emission performance with gasoline that meets the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline specifications. If you live in any other state than California, your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of your vehicle's catalytic converter and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell. SUBARU recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if the problem is fuel related before returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for service. ! Gasoline for cleaner air Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your ! Fuel requirements The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. ! Fuel octane rating This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI). Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently. 7-2

Section	Page
2003_forester_toc.pdf	1
FORESTER 2003 OWNERS MANUAL	1
Table of contents	15
Illustrated index	16
Interior	18
Instrument panel	20
Light control and wiper control levers/switches	21
Combination meter	22
Tire changing tools	24
Cargo area cover	25
2003_forester_Sec_01	26
Section 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	26
Front seats	27
Fore and aft adjustment	28
Reclining the seatback	29
Seat height adjustment (driver’s seat)	30
Lumbar support	30
Head restraint adjustment	31
Active head restraint	32
Seat heater (if equipped)	33
Rear seats	34
Headrest adjustment	35
Folding down the rear seatback	36
Seatbelts	37
Seatbelt safetytips	37
EmergencyLock ing Retractor (ELR)	39
Automatic/EmergencyLockin g Retractor (A/ELR)	39
Seatbelt warning light and chime	40
Fastening the seatbelt	40
Seatbelt maintenance	51
Front seatbelt pretensioners	52
System monitors	53
Child restraint systems	55
Installing child restraint systems with seatbelt	58
Installation of child restraint systems byuse of lower and tether anchorages	60
Top tether anchorages	63
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)	64
SRS frontal airbag	69
SRS side airbag (if equipped)	76
SRS airbag system monitors	85
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_02	90
Section 2: Keys and Doors	90
Keys	91
Key Number	91
Door Locks	92
Locking and Unlocking from the Outside	92
Locking and Unlocking from the inside	93
Power door locking switches	94
Remote keyless entry system (if equipped)	95
Locking the doors	96
Unlocking the Doors	96
Illuminated entry	97
Vehicle finder function	97
Sounding a panic alarm	97
Selecting audible signal operation	97
Replacing the battery	98
Replacing lost transmitters	99
Security system	103
System operation	103
Arming the system	103
Disarming the system	105
Valet mode	106
Passive arming	106
Child safety locks	109
Windows	110
Power Windows	110
Rear Gate	113
Moonroof (if equipped)	115
To open the moonroof	115
To close the moonroof	115
Anti-entrapment function	115
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_03	118
Section 3: Instruments and Controls	118
Ignition switch	119
Lock	119
ACC	120
ON	120
START	120
Keyreminder chime	120
Keyin terlock release (AT vehicles only)	121
Hazard warning flasher	122
Meters and gauges	122
Speedometer	122
Odometer/Trip meter	122
Tachometer	123
Fuel gauge	124
Temperature gauge	125
Ambient temperature gauge	126
Warning and indicator lights	126
Seatbelt warning light and chime	126
SRS airbag system warning light	127
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six seconds and turns off automatically after six seconds. CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp	127
Charge warning light	128
Oil pressure warning light	128
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles)	129
ABS warning light	129
Brake system warning light	130
Door open warning lights	131
Low fuel warning light	131
Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles)	132
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles)	132
Turn signal indicator lights	132
High beam indicator light	132
Cruise control indicator light	132
Clock	133
Light control switch	134
Headlights	134
High/low beam change (dimmer)	135
Headlight flasher	135
Daytime running light system	136
Turn signal lever	136
Illumination brightness control	137
Parking light switch	138
Fog light switch (if equipped)	138
Wiper and washer	139
Windshield wiper and washer switches	140
Rear window wiper and washer switch	142
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped)	143
Rear window defogger switch	144
Mirrors	146
Inside mirror	146
Outside mirrors	148
Tilt steering wheel	150
Horn	151
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_04	152
Section 4: Climate Control	152
Climate control Ventilator	153
Air flow selection	153
Center and side ventilators	154
Manual climate control system	155
Control panel	155
Heater operation	157
Air conditioner operation (if equipped)	160
Automatic climate control system (if equipped)	161
Temperature sensors	166
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner	167
Cleaning ventilation grille	167
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight	168
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit	168
Checking air conditioning system before summer season	168
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidityand low temperature weatiher conditions	168
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded	168
Refrigerant for your climate control system	168
Air filtration system (if equipped)	169
Replacing an air filter	169
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_05	174
Sectioin 5: Audio	174
Antenna system	175
FM reception	175
Installation of accessories	176
Audio set	176
Type A audio set	176
Type B audio set	177
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (Optional audio unit – if equipped)	177
Type A audio set (if equipped)	178
Radio operation	178
Compact disc player operation	183
CD changer control (If optional in-dash CD changer is connected)	186
Type B audio set (if equipped)	189
Radio operation	189
Cassette player operation	195
Built in CD changer operation	199
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped)	204
Loading and unloading compact discs	204
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc (CD)	207
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_06	210
Section 6: Interior Equipment	210
Interior lights	211
Dome light	211
Cargo area light	211
Map lights	212
Sun visors	212
Vanity mirror	213
Storage compartments	213
Glove box	214
Center console	214
Overhead console	215
Dashboard storage compartment	215
Convenience net	216
Coin tray	216
Cup holders	217
Front passenger’s cup holder	217
Rear passenger’s cup holder	217
Accessory power outlets	218
Cigarette lighter socket	220
Use with a cigarette lighter	221
Using as an accessorypower outlet	222
Ashtray	223
Front ashtray	223
Rear ashtray(i f equipped)	223
Floor mat	224
Coat hook	225
Cargo area cover (if equipped)	225
Using the cover	225
To remove the cover	226
To install the cover housing	226
Shopping bag hook	227
Cargo tie-down hooks	227
Under-floor storage compartment	228
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_07	232
Section 7: Starting and Operating	232
Starting and operating Fuel	233
Fuel requirements	233
Fuel filler lid and cap	235
State emission testing (U.S. only)	237
Preparing to drive	239
Starting the engine	240
Manual transmission vehicle	240
Automatic transmission vehicle	240
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4°F (–20° C)	241
Starting a flooded engine	241
Stopping the engine	242
Manual transmission	242
Shifting speeds	243
Driving tips	244
Automatic transmission	245
Selector lever for automatic transmission	246
Shift lock release	249
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped)	251
Power steering	251
Braking	252
Braking tips	252
Brake system	252
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators	253
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)	253
ABS system self-check	254
ABS warning light	254
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system (if equipped)	256
Steps to take if EBD system fails	256
Parking your vehicle	258
Parking brake	258
Parking tips	258
Hill holder (for manual transmission (if equipped)	260
Cruise control (if equipped)	262
To set cruise control	262
To temporarilyca ncel the cruise control	263
To turn off the cruise control	263
To change the cruising speed	263
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped)	265
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_08	268
Section 8: Driving Tips	268
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)	269
Fuel economy hints	269
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)	270
Catalytic converter	271
Periodic inspections	272
Driving in foreign countries	272
Driving tips for AWD vehicles	273
Off road driving	274
Winter driving	276
Operation during cold weather	276
Driving on snowy and icy roads	278
Corrosion protection	279
Snow tires	279
Tire chains	280
Rocking the vehicle	280
Loading your vehicle	281
Vehicle capacity weight	282
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)	283
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)	284
Trailer hitch (if equipped)	289
Connecting a trailer	289
When you do not tow a trailer	291
Trailer towing	292
Warranties and maintenance	292
Maximum load limits	292
Trailer hitches	297
Connecting a trailer	298
Trailer towing tips	299
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_09	304
Section 9: In case of emergency	304
If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency	305
Flat tires	306
Changing a flat tire	306
Jump starting	312
How to jump start	313
Engine overheating	315
If steam is coming from the engine compartment	315
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment	315
Towing	316
Towing and tie-down hooks	316
Using a flat-bed truck	318
Towing with all wheels on the ground	318
Rear gate—if the rear gate cannot be unlocked	320
Moonroof – if the moonroof cannot be closed	321
Maintenance tools	322
Jack and jack handle	322
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_10	324
Section 10: Appearance care	324
Exterior care	325
Washing	325
Waxing and polishing	326
Cleaning aluminum wheels	326
Corrosion protection	327
Most common causes of corrosion	327
To help prevent corrosion	327
Cleaning the interior	328
Seat fabric	328
Leather seat materials	328
Synthetic leather upholstery	329
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_11	330
Section 11: Maintenance and service	330
Maintenance schedule	332
Maintenance precautions	332
Before checking or servicing in the engine campartment	333
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running	334
Engine hood	334
Engine compartment overview	337
Engine oil	338
Checking the oil level	338
Changing the oil and oil filter	339
Recommended grade and viscosity	341
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe drivinb conditions	343
Synthetic oil	343
Cooling system	343
Cooling fan, hose and connections	344
Engine coolant	344
Air cleaner element	348
Replacing the air cleaner element	348
Spark plugs	349
Recommended spark plugs	350
Drive belts	350
Manual transmission oil	351
Checking the oil level	351
Recommended grade and viscosity	352
Automatic transmission fluid	353
Checking the fluid level	353
Recommended fluid	354
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)	355
Checking the oil level	355
Recommended grade and viscosity	355
Rear differential gear oil	356
Checking the gear oil level	356
Recommended grade and viscosity	357
Power steering fluid	358
Checking the fluid level	358
Recommended fluid	359
Brake fluid	359
Checking the fluid level	359
Recommended brake fluid	360
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)	360
Checking the fluid level	360
Recommended clutch fluid	361
Brake booster	361
Brake pedal	362
Checking the brake pedal free play	362
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance	362
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)	363
Checking the clutch function	363
Checking the clutch pedal free play	363
Hill holder (MT vehicles — if equipped	364
Replacement of brake pad and lining	364
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings	365
Parking brake stroke	366
Tires and wheels	366
Types of tires	366
Tire inspection	367
Tire pressures and wear	367
Wheel balance	370
Wear indicators	370
Tire rotation	371
Tire replacement	372
Wheel replacement	372
Aluminum wheels (If equipped)	373
Windshield washer fluid	374
Replacement of windshield wiper blades	375
Battery	378
Fuses	379
Main fuse	382
Installation of accessories	382
Replacing bulbs	383
Headlight	384
Front turn signal, side marker light and parking lights	386
Front fog light	390
Rear combination lights	390
License plate light	391
Dome light, map light and cargo area light	392
High mount stop light	393
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_12	394
Section 12: Specifications	394
Specifications	395
Dimensions	395
Engine	396
Electrical system	396
Capacities	397
Tires	397
Wheel alignment	398
Fuses and circuits	399
Fuse panel located behind the coin tray	399
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment	401
Bulb chart	402
Vehicle identification	403
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_13	404
Section 13: Consumer information and Reportingsafety defects	404
Uniform tire qualitygrading standards	405
Treadwear	405
Traction AA, A, B, C	405
Temperature A, B, C	406
Reporting safetydefects (USA)	407
RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS file://2003_forester_toc.pdf#page=15 2003_forester_Sec_14	408
Forester 2003 Index	408
A-C	409
C-E	410
F-I	411
J-O	412
P-S	413
S-W	414
W	415
US Compass Calibration Zones	416
Gas Station Reference	417

Match case Limit results 1 per page

7-2

Startingandoperating

Fuel

Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an

inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine

damage.

Fuel requirements

The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using un-

leaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or

higher.

Fuel octane rating

This octane rating is the average of the Research Oc-

tane and Motor Octane numbers and is commonly re-

ferred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI).

Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause

persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the

engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle some-

times knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when

you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service

technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane

rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently.

Unleaded gasoline

The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept

only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no cir-

cumstances should leaded gasoline be used because

it will damage the emission control system and may

impair driveability and fuel economy.

Gasoline for California-certified LEV

Your vehicle was certified to California’s low emission

vehicle (LEV) standards as indicated on the under-

hood tune-up label. It is designed to optimize engine

and emission performance with gasoline that meets

the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline speci-

fications. If you live in any other state than California,

your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal

specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is per-

mitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect

the performance of your vehicle’s catalytic converter

and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell.

SUBARU recommends that you try a different brand of

unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if

the problem is fuel related before returning your vehi-

cle to an authorized dealer for service.

Gasoline for cleaner air

Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help

prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel

system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your