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2005 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 286

2005 Subaru Forester Manual

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Starting and operating adjusts the engine's output and the wheels' respective braking forces to help maintain traction and directional control. Traction Control Function The traction control function is designed to prevent spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional control. Activation of this function is shown by steady illumination of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. Skid Suppression Function The skid suppression function is designed to help maintain directional stability by suppressing the wheels' tendency to slide sideways during steering operations. Activation of this function is shown by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. NOTE Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system operates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel shaking may also be noticed in this situation. These are normal characteristics of Vehicle Dynamics Control operation and are no cause for alarm. When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short-lived operation noise may be noticed coming from the engine compartment. This noise is generated as a result of a check being performed on the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and is normal. Depending on the timing of activation of the brakes, certain situations may occur just after driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operational check and is normal. In the circumstances listed below, the vehicle may be more unstable than it feels to the driver. The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may therefore operate. Such operation does not indicate a system fault. on gravel-covered or rutted roads on unfinished roads when the vehicle is towing a trailer when the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or winter tires Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will cause operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly different compared to that for normal conditions. Even if the vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle - CONTINUED - 7-29

Section	Page
1. Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	34
Front seats	35
Manual seat	36
Power seat (if equipped)	38
Lumbar support	40
Head restraint adjustment	41
Active head restraint	42
Seat heater (if equipped)	43
Rear seats	44
Head restraint adjustment	45
Folding down the rear seatback	46
Seatbelts	47
Seatbelt safety tips	47
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)	48
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)	49
Seatbelt warning light and chime	49
Fastening the seatbelt	49
Seatbelt maintenance	62
Seatbelt extender	62
Front seatbelt pretensioners	64
System monitors	65
System servicing	66
Precautions against vehicle modification	67
Child restraint systems	68
Where to place a child restraint system	70
Choosing a child restraint system	71
Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR seatbelt	72
Installing a booster seat	77
Installation of child restraint systems by use of lower and tether anchorages (LATCH)	78
Top tether anchorages	83
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)	86
Vehicle with driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags and lap/shoulder restraints	86
SRS frontal airbag	90
SRS side airbag (if equipped)	98
SRS airbag system monitors	106
SRS airbag system servicing	108
Precautions against vehicle modification	109
2. Keys and doors	112
Keys	113
Key number	114
Immobilizer (if equipped)	114
Security ID plate	115
Security indicator light	116
Key replacement	116
Door locks	117
Locking and unlocking from the outside	117
Locking and unlocking from the inside	118
Power door locking switches	119
Remote keyless entry system (if equipped)	120
Locking the doors	121
Unlocking the doors	121
Illuminated entry	122
Vehicle finder function	122
Sounding a panic alarm	122
Selecting audible signal operation	122
Replacing the battery	122
Replacing lost transmitters	124
Security system (if equipped)	128
System operation	128
Arming the system	128
Disarming the system	130
Valet mode	131
Passive arming	131
Child safety locks	134
Windows	135
Power windows	135
Rear gate	138
Moonroof (if equipped)	139
To open the moonroof	139
To close the moonroof	140
Anti-entrapment function	140
3. Instruments and controls	142
Ignition switch	144
LOCK	144
ACC	145
ON	145
START	145
Key reminder chime	146
Ignition switch light (if equipped)	146
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)	147
Hazard warning flasher	148
Meters and gauges	148
Speedometer	148
Odometer/Trip meter	148
Tachometer	149
Fuel gauge	150
Temperature gauge	151
Outside temperature indicator	152
Warning and indicator lights	153
Seatbelt warning light and chime	154
SRS airbag system warning light	154
CHECK ENGINE warning light/ Malfunction indicator lamp	154
Charge warning light	155
Oil pressure warning light	156
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (AT vehicles)	156
ABS warning light	156
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light (if equipped)	157
Brake system warning light	159
Door open warning lights	160
Low fuel warning light	160
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles)	160
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light (if equipped)	161
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles)	161
Turn signal indicator lights	162
High beam indicator light	162
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)	162
Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped)	162
Clock	163
Light control switch	164
Headlights	164
High/low beam change (dimmer)	165
Headlight flasher	165
Daytime running light system	166
Turn signal lever	166
Illumination brightness control	167
Parking light switch	168
Fog light button (if equipped)	168
Wiper and washer	169
Windshield wiper and washer switches	170
Rear window wiper and washer switch	172
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped)	173
Rear window defogger button	174
Mirrors	176
Inside mirror	176
Outside mirrors	178
Tilt steering wheel	180
Horn	181
4. Climate control	182
Ventilator	183
Air flow selection	183
Center and side ventilators	184
Manual climate control system	185
Control panel	185
Heater operation	187
Air conditioner operation (if equipped)	190
Automatic climate control system (if equipped)	192
Control panel	192
To use as full-automatic climate control system	193
To use as semi-automatic climate control system	193
Fan speed control dial	193
Temperature control dial	194
Air flow control dial	194
Air inlet selection button	195
Air conditioner button	196
Temperature sensors	197
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner	198
Cleaning ventilation grille	198
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight	198
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit	198
Checking air conditioning system before summer season	198
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions	199
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded	199
Refrigerant for your climate control system	199
Air filtration system (if equipped)	199
Replacing an air filter	200
5. Audio	204
Antenna system	205
FM reception	205
Installation of accessories	206
Audio set	206
Type A audio set	206
Type B audio set	207
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (Optional audio unit – if equipped)	207
Type A audio set (if equipped)	208
Radio operation	208
Compact disc player operation	213
CD changer control (if optional in-dash CD changer is connected)	216
Type B audio set (if equipped)	219
Radio operation	219
Built-in CD changer operation	225
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped)	230
Loading and unloading compact discs	230
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc	233
6. Interior equipment	236
Interior lights	237
Dome light	237
Cargo area light	237
Map lights	238
Sun visors	238
Vanity mirror	239
Storage compartments	239
Glove box	240
Center console	240
Overhead console	241
Dashboard storage compartment	241
Convenience net	242
Coin tray	242
Cup holders	243
Front passenger’s cup holder	243
Rear passenger’s cup holder	243
Accessory power outlets	244
Cigarette lighter socket	246
Use with a cigarette lighter	247
Using as an accessory power outlet	248
Ashtray	249
Floor mat	250
Coat hook	251
Cargo area cover (if equipped)	251
Using the cover	251
To remove the cover	252
To install the cover housing	252
Shopping bag hook	253
Cargo tie-down hooks	253
Under-floor storage compartment	254
7. Starting and operating	258
Fuel	259
Fuel requirements	259
Fuel filler lid and cap	261
State emission testing (U.S. only)	264
Preparing to drive	266
Starting the engine	266
Manual transmission vehicle	266
Automatic transmission vehicle	267
Stopping the engine	269
Manual transmission	269
Shifting speeds	270
Driving tips	271
Automatic transmission	272
Selector lever for automatic transmission	273
Shift lock release	277
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped)	278
Power steering	278
Braking	279
Braking tips	279
Brake system	279
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators	280
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)	280
ABS system self-check	281
ABS warning light	281
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system (if equipped)	283
Steps to take if EBD system fails	283
Vehicle Dynamics Control system (if equipped)	285
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor	287
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch	290
Parking your vehicle	291
Parking brake	291
Parking tips	291
Hill holder (for manual transmission – if equipped)	293
Cruise control (if equipped)	295
To set cruise control	295
To temporarily cancel the cruise control	297
To turn off the cruise control	298
To change the cruising speed	298
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped)	300
8. Driving tips	302
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)	303
Fuel economy hints	303
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)	304
Catalytic converter	305
Periodic inspections	306
Driving in foreign countries	307
Driving tips for AWD vehicles	307
Off road driving	309
Winter driving	311
Operation during cold weather	311
Driving on snowy and icy roads	312
Corrosion protection	313
Snow tires	314
Tire chains	314
Rocking the vehicle	315
Loading your vehicle	315
Vehicle capacity weight	317
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating)	317
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped)	318
Trailer hitch (if equipped)	323
Connecting a trailer	324
When you do not tow a trailer	326
Trailer towing	326
Warranties and maintenance	326
Maximum load limits	327
Trailer hitches	331
Connecting a trailer	332
Trailer towing tips	334
9. In case of emergency	338
If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency	339
Flat tires	340
Changing a flat tire	340
Jump starting	346
How to jump start	347
Engine overheating	349
If steam is coming from the engine compartment	349
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment	349
Towing	350
Towing and tie-down hooks	350
Using a flat-bed truck	352
Towing with all wheels on the ground	352
Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be unlocked	354
Moonroof – if the moonroof cannot be closed	355
Maintenance tools	356
Jack and jack handle	356
10. Appearance care	358
Exterior care	359
Washing	359
Waxing and polishing	360
Cleaning aluminum wheels	360
Corrosion protection	361
Most common causes of corrosion	361
To help prevent corrosion	362
Cleaning the interior	363
Seat fabric	363
Leather seat materials	363
Synthetic leather upholstery	363
Ashtray	364
Climate control panel, audio panel, instrument panel, console panel, switches, combination meter, and other plastic surfaces	364
11. Maintenance and service	366
Maintenance schedule	368
Maintenance precautions	368
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment	369
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running	370
Engine hood	370
Engine compartment overview	373
Non-turbo models	373
Turbo models	374
Engine oil	375
Checking the oil level	375
Changing the oil and oil filter	376
Recommended grade and viscosity	378
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions	380
Synthetic oil	380
Cooling system	381
Cooling fan, hose and connections	381
Engine coolant	382
Air cleaner element	386
Replacing the air cleaner element	386
Spark plugs	390
Recommended spark plugs	391
Drive belts	391
Manual transmission oil	392
Checking the oil level	392
Recommended grade and viscosity	393
Automatic transmission fluid	394
Checking the fluid level	394
Recommended fluid	396
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)	396
Checking the oil level	396
Recommended grade and viscosity	397
Rear differential gear oil	398
Checking the gear oil level	398
Recommended grade and viscosity	399
Power steering fluid	399
Checking the fluid level	399
Recommended fluid	400
Brake fluid	401
Checking the fluid level	401
Recommended brake fluid	401
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)	402
Checking the fluid level	402
Recommended clutch fluid	402
Brake booster	403
Brake pedal	403
Checking the brake pedal free play	403
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance	404
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)	404
Checking the clutch function	404
Checking the clutch pedal free play	405
Hill holder (MT vehicles – if equipped)	405
Replacement of brake pad and lining	406
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings	406
Parking brake stroke	407
Tires and wheels	408
Types of tires	408
Tire inspection	408
Tire pressures and wear	409
Wheel balance	411
Wear indicators	412
Tire rotation	413
Tire replacement	413
Wheel replacement	414
Aluminum wheels (if equipped)	415
Windshield washer fluid	415
Replacement of wiper blades	416
Windshield wiper blades	417
Rear window wiper blade	419
Battery	423
Fuses	425
Main fuse	427
Installation of accessories	428
Replacing bulbs	428
Headlight	429
Front turn signal, side marker light and parking lights	431
Front fog light	435
Rear combination lights	435
License plate light	437
Dome light, map light and cargo area light	437
High mount stop light	439
12. Specifications	440
Specifications	441
Dimensions	441
Engine	442
Electrical system	442
Capacities	443
Tires	444
Wheel alignment	444
Fuses and circuits	445
Fuse panel located behind the coin tray	445
Fuse panel located in the engine compartment	447
Bulb chart	448
Vehicle identification	449
13. Consumer information and Reporting safety defects	450
Tire information	451
Tire labeling	451
Recommended tire inflation pressure	454
Glossary of tire terminology	456
Tire care – maintenance and safety practices	457
Vehicle load limit – how to determine	458
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle load capacities	462
Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping and on tires	463
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit	463
Uniform tire quality grading standards	464
Treadwear	464
Traction AA, A, B, C	464
Temperature A, B, C	465
Reporting safety defects (USA)	466

Match case Limit results 1 per page

7-29

Starting and operating

–

CONTINUED

–

adjusts the engine’s output and the wheels’ respective

braking forces to help maintain traction and directional

control.

Traction Control Function

The traction control function is designed to prevent

spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfac-

es, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional

control. Activation of this function is shown by steady

illumination of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation

indicator light.

Skid Suppression Function

The skid suppression function is designed to help

maintain directional stability by suppressing the

wheels’ tendency to slide sideways during steering op-

erations. Activation of this function is shown by flash-

ing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indica-

tor light.

NOTE

Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt

when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system oper-

ates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel

shaking may also be noticed in this situation.

These are normal characteristics of Vehicle Dy-

namics Control operation and are no cause for

alarm.

When driving off immediately after starting the

engine, a short-lived operation noise may be no-

ticed coming from the engine compartment. This

noise is generated as a result of a check being per-

formed on the Vehicle Dynamics Control system

and is normal.

Depending on the timing of activation of the

brakes, certain situations may occur just after

driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit

a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the

Vehicle Dynamics Control operational check and

is normal.

In the circumstances listed below, the vehicle

may be more unstable than it feels to the driver.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may there-

fore operate. Such operation does not indicate a

system fault.

on gravel-covered or rutted roads

on unfinished roads

when the vehicle is towing a trailer

when the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or

winter tires

Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-

tem will cause operation of the steering wheel to

feel slightly different compared to that for normal

conditions.

Even if the vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle