2006 Subaru Forester 2 5X Owners Manual

Some states have started using dyna- mometers in their state inspection pro- grams in order to meet their obligation un- der federal law to implement stricter vehi- cle emission standards to reduce air pollu- tion from cars. A dynamometer is a tread- mill or roller-like testing device that allows your vehicle’s wheels to turn while the ve- hicle remains in one place. Depending on the severity of a state’s air pollution prob- lems, the states must adopt either a “ba- sic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission in- spection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emis- sion inspector inserting an analyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle for a short period of time. States with more severe air pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driving conditions on a dynamometer and permits more accurate measurement of tailpipe

Starting and operating 7-5

emitted pollution than the basic emission test. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agen- cy (EPA) and states using two-wheel dy- namometers in their emission testing pro- grams have EXEMPTED SUBARU AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing program that involves a two-wheel dyna- mometer. There are some states that use four-wheel dynamometers in their testing programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD SUBARU vehicle. Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be disconnected for state emission testing.

Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehi- cle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer. At- tempting to do so will result in un- controlled vehicle movement and may cause an accident or injuries to persons nearby.

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7-6 Starting and operating

Resultant vehicle damage due to im- proper testing is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of the state in- spection program or its contractors or licensees. The EPA has issued regulations for in- specting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system as part of the state emissions in- spection. The OBD system is designed to detect engine and transmission problems that might cause vehicle emissions to ex- ceed allowable limits. These inspections apply to all 1996 model year and newer passenger cars and light trucks. Over 30
states plus the District of Columbia have implemented the OBD system inspection. (cid:121) The inspection of the OBD system con- sists of a visual operational check of the “CHECK ENGINE”warning light/malfunc- tion indicator lamp (MIL) and an examina- tion of the OBD system with an electronic scan tool while the engine is running (cid:121) A vehicle passes the OBD system in- spection if proper the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL illumination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness monitors are complete.

(cid:121) A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL is not properly operating or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored in vehicle’s computer with the “CHECK EN- GINE” warning light/MIL illuminated. (cid:121) A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness monitors “Not Ready” is greater than one. Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors and return for an emission re-inspection. (cid:121) Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their SUBARU Dealer for service.

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 proper infla- tion. 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

Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than ten sec- onds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for five to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before trying again.

(cid:132) Manual transmission vehicle 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories. 3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter motor will only operate when the clutch pedal is pressed fully to the floor. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and check the operation of the warn- ing and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelera- tor pedal. Release the key immediately af- ter the engine has started.

If the engine does not start, try the follow- ing.

1)Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and wait for at least 10 sec- onds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while de- pressing the accelerator pedal slightly (about a quarter of the full stroke). Re- lease the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts. 2)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” posi- tion and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accelerator ped- al and turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal. 3)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “OFF” posi- tion. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. 4)If the engine still refuses to start, con- tact your nearest SUBARU dealer for assistance.

6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection system auto- matically lowers the idle speed as the en- gine warms up.

Starting and operating 7-7

NOTE The engine may be difficult to start when the battery has been disconnect- ed and reconnected (for maintenance or other purposes). This difficulty 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.

(cid:132) Automatic transmission vehi-

cle

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories. 3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position (preferably “P” position). The starter motor will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and check the operation of the warn- ing and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelera- tor pedal. Release the key immediately af- ter the engine has started. If the engine does not start, try the follow- ing.

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“N” position and that the parking brake is applied. NOTE The engine may be difficult to start when the battery has been disconnect- ed and reconnected (for maintenance or other purposes). This difficulty 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.

If you restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift the selector lever into the “N” position. Do not attempt to place the selector lever of a moving vehicle into the “P” posi- tion.

Stopping the engine The ignition switch should be turned off only when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling.

Do not stop the engine when the ve- hicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster, making steering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the “LOCK” position on the igni- tion switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.

7-8 Starting and operating

1)Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and wait for at least 10 sec- onds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while de- pressing the accelerator pedal slightly (about a quarter of the full stroke). Re- lease the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts. 2)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” posi- tion and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accelerator ped- al and turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal. 3)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “OFF” posi- tion. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. 4)If the engine still refuses to start, con- tact your nearest SUBARU dealer for assistance.

6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injection system auto- matically lowers the idle speed as the en- gine warms up. While the engine is warming up, make sure that the selector lever is at the “P” or

Manual transmission The manual transmission is a fully syn- chromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-re- verse-speed transmission.

700032
The shift pattern is shown on the shift le- ver knob. When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first return the shift lever to the neutral position then shift into reverse gear. To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the clutch pedal. If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again.

Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disengaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed) or with the shift lever in the neutral posi- tion. Engine braking has no effect in either of these conditions and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has completely stopped. It may cause damage to the transmis- sion to try shifting into reverse when the vehicle is moving.

(cid:132) Shifting speeds (cid:84) Recommended shifting speeds The best compromise between fuel econ- omy and vehicle performance during nor- mal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.

Shift up

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

mph (km/h)

15 (24)

25 (40)

Starting and operating 7-9

Shift up

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

mph (km/h)

40 (65)

45 (73)

(cid:84) Maximum allowable speeds The following table shows the maximum speeds that are possible with each differ- ent gear. Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear position except for brief accel- eration in an emergency. The tachome- ter’s needle will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive en- gine wear and poor fuel economy.

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7-10 Starting and operating

Non-turbo models

30 (49)

51 (82)

mph (km/h) Turbo models

28 (46)

52 (83)

73 (117)

73 (118)

1st

2nd

3rd

When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not traveling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Al- lowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to ob- serve this precaution can lead to en- gine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a conse- quence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident in- creased.

(cid:132) Driving tips Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to

hold your vehicle at a standstill on an up- grade. Either of those actions may cause clutch damage. Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever. This may cause wear on the transmission components. When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to slow traffic, turning corners, or driving up steep hills, downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to la- bor. On steep downgrades, downshift the transmission to 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe speed and to extend brake pad life. In this way, the engine provides a braking effect. Remember, if you “ride” (over use) the brakes while descending a hill, they may overheat and not work properly.

Automatic transmission The automatic transmission is electroni- cally controlled and provides 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. NOTE (cid:121) When the engine coolant tempera- ture is still low, your vehicle’s automat- ic transmission will up-shift at higher engine speeds than when the coolant temperature is sufficiently high in or- der to shorten the warm-up time and improve driveability. The gearshift tim- ing will automatically shift to the nor- mal timing after the engine has warmed up. (cid:121) Immediately after ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the automatic transmis- sion operation is somewhat unusual. This results from invalidation of data the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmission to shift at the most ap- propriate times for the current condi- tion of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle contin- ues to be driven for a while.

(cid:121) When parking the vehicle, first se- curely apply the parking brake and then place the selector lever in the “P” position.

(cid:132) Selector lever for automatic

transmission

700034

Do not shift from the “P” or “N” po- sition into the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or back- ward.

(cid:121) Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is complete- ly stopped. Shifting while the ve- hicle is moving may cause dam- age to the transmission.

(cid:121) Do not race the engine for more than five seconds in any position except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is set or when chocks are used in the wheels. This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat.

(cid:121) Avoid shifting from one of the for- ward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.

Starting and operating 7-11

700332

: With the brake pedal depressed,

move the lever along the gate. : Move the lever along the gate.

The selector lever has seven positions. (cid:84) P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is me- chanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely. When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmission. A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to en- – CONTINUED –

7-12 Starting and operating

sure safe starting of the vehicle. To shift the selector lever from the “P” to the any other position, you have to de- press the brake pedal fully when the igni- tion switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal de- pressed, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter. (cid:84) R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to the “R” position. (cid:84) N (Neutral) This position is for restarting a stalled en- gine. In this position the wheels and transmis- sion are not locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neu- tral. During coasting, there is no engine brak- ing effect.

NOTE If you stop the engine with the selector lever in the “N” position, move the se- lector lever to the “P” position immedi- ately. Otherwise, you may find that the selector lever soon cannot be moved to the “P” position. If you find that the selector lever cannot be moved from the “N” position to the “P” position, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and try again.

Do not drive the vehicle with the se- lector lever in the “N” (neutral) posi- tion. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an ac- cident is consequently increased. (cid:84) D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to

the original gear position. (cid:86) While climbing a grade When driving up hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator pedal is released. This minimizes the chances of subse- quent downshifting to a lower gear when accelerating again. This prevents repeat- ed upshifting and downshifting resulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle. NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is pressed to ac- celerate the vehicle again. (cid:86) While going down a hill When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake pedal will cause the transmis- sion to downshift to 3rd gear, thus apply- ing engine braking. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift normally. NOTE In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a downhill grade does not re- sult in an automatic downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the auto- matic transmission fluid temperature is very low, for example, during driving

shortly after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time. When the ATF temperature has risen to a certain level, automatic downshift normally takes place. In the meantime, downshift manually for engine braking as required. Also, downshifting when braking downhill will not occur at speeds above approximately 48 mph (78 km/h). (cid:84) 3 (Third) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a grade. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. (cid:84) 2 (Second) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a steep grade. In this position, the transmission holds in

the 2nd gear. Use this position when starting off from a standstill on slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will ensure greater trac- tion. (cid:84) 1 (First) This position is for driving up or down very steep grades, or driving through mud or sand, or on slippery surfaces. In this posi- tion, the transmission holds in the 1st gear. (cid:84) Maximum speeds The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each differ- ent gear. When shifting down a gear, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be se- lected.

Non-turbo models

28 (45)

63 (100)

98 (156)

mph (km/h) Turbo models

28 (45)

65 (104)

104 (167)

1st

2nd

3rd

Starting and operating 7-13

NOTE In order to prevent over-revving during deceleration of the vehicle, the trans- mission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved.

When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Al- lowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to ob- serve this precaution can lead to en- gine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a conse- quence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident in- creased. (cid:84) Driving tips (cid:121) Always apply the foot or parking brake when the vehicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position. (cid:121) Always set the parking brake when – CONTINUED –

7-14 Starting and operating

parking your vehicle. Do not hold the vehi- cle with only the transmission. (cid:121) Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1” position. Use the brake instead.

(cid:132) Shift lock release If the selector lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal de- pressed and the ignition switch in the “ON” position, perform the following steps: To override the shift lock: 1. Set the parking brake and stop the en- gine. 2. Take out the screwdriver. 3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the screwdriver.

700059

Rear viscous limited slip dif- ferential (LSD) (if equipped) The LSD provides optimum distribution of power according to the difference in revo- lutions between the right and left rear wheels that may be caused by certain driving conditions, thereby improving driv- ing stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.

(cid:121) Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move.

(cid:121) If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at high speed as this could adversely af- fect the LSD.

(cid:121) If a different size rear tire is tem- porarily used (as in an emergen- cy), it will adversely affect the LSD. Always replace it with a reg- ular size tire as soon as possible.

700060

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole. 5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N” position. 6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the en- gine. Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer immediately to have the system re- paired.

Power steering The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adja- cent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is nor- mal. It does not indicate power steering system trouble.

Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than five seconds. This may damage the power steering pump.

Braking (cid:132) Braking tips

Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause dangerous overheating of the brakes and needless wear on the brake pads and linings. (cid:84) When the brakes get wet When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a re- sult, brake stopping distance will be long- er. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. (cid:84) Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descend- ing a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working improperly because of brake fluid overheating, caused by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking. (cid:84) Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly

Starting and operating 7-15

when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep driv- ing straight ahead while gradually reduc- ing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.

(cid:132) Brake system (cid:84) Two separate circuits Your vehicle has two separate circuit brake systems. Each circuit works diago- nally across the vehicle. If one circuit of the brake system should fail, the other half of the system still works. If one circuit fails, the brake pedal will go down much closer to the floor than usual and you will need to press it down much harder. And a much longer distance will be needed to stop the vehicle. (cid:84) Brake booster The brake booster uses engine manifold vacuum to assist braking force. Do not turn off the engine while driving because that will turn off the brake booster, result- ing in poor braking power. The brakes will continue to work even when the brake booster completely stops functioning. If this happens, however, you will have to push the pedal much harder than normal and the braking distance will increase.

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7-16 Starting and operating

(cid:132) Disc brake pad wear warning

indicators

700040

The disc brake pad wear warning indica- tors on the disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn. If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, imme- diately have your vehicle checked by your SUBARU dealer.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys- tem) The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfac- es. This helps prevent the loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up. When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates. The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6
mph (10 km/h).

Always use the utmost care in driv- ing – overconfidence because you are driving with an ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.

(cid:121) The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe fol- lowing distance from other vehi- cles.

(cid:121) When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driving under these conditions, therefore, reduce your speed and leave am- ple distance from other vehicles. (cid:121) When you feel the ABS system operating, you should maintain constant brake pedal pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing so may defeat the op- eration of the ABS system.

(cid:132) ABS system self-check You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine compartment just af- ter the vehicle is started. This is caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS system being carried out and does not in- dicate any abnormal condition.

Starting and operating 7-17

immediately, remaining off. (cid:121) The warning light remains on after the engine has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). (cid:121) The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off.

(cid:132) ABS warning light

700333

1) U.S.-spec. models 2) Canada-spec. models

The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion and goes out after approximately two seconds. This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly. When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may come on. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will go out.

If the warning light behaves as fol- lows, the ABS system may not be working properly. When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; however, the conventional brake system con- tinues to operate normally. (cid:121) The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.

(cid:121) The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not go out even when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12
km/h).

(cid:121) The warning light comes on dur-

ing driving.

If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available oppor- tunity by your SUBARU dealer. NOTE If the warning light behavior is as de- scribed in the following, the ABS sys- tem may be considered normal. (cid:121) The warning light comes on right af- ter the engine is started but goes out

7-18 Starting and operating

Electronic Brake Force Dis- tribution (EBD) system (if equipped) The EBD system maximizes the effective- ness of the brakes by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking force. It functions by adjusting the distribution of braking force to the rear wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s loading condition and speed. The EBD system is an integral part of the ABS system and uses some of the ABS system’s components to perform its func- tion of optimizing the distribution of brak- ing force. If any of the ABS components used by the EBD function fails, the EBD system also stops working. When the EBD system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

(cid:132) Steps to take if EBD system

fails

700334

1) U.S.-spec. models 2) Canada-spec. models

If a malfunction occurs in the EBD system, the system stops working and the brake system warning light and ABS warning light come on simultaneously. The EBD system may be faulty if the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously during driv- ing. Even if the EBD system fails, the conven- tional braking system will still function. However, the rear wheels will be more prone to locking when the brakes are ap- plied harder than usual and the vehicle’s

motion may therefore become somewhat harder to control. If the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat place. 2. Shut down the engine, then restart it. 3. Release the parking brake. If both warning lights go out, the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected. 4. If both warning lights come on again and stay illuminated after the engine has been restarted, shut down the engine again, apply the parking brake, and check the brake fluid level. 5. If the brake fluid level is not below the “MIN” mark, the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system in- spected. 6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. In- stead, have the vehicle towed to the near- est SUBARU dealer for repair.

(cid:121) Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains on, have the brakes inspected by a SUBARU dealer immediately.

(cid:121) If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have your vehicle the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.

towed

to

Vehicle Dynamics Control system (if equipped)

Always use the utmost care in driv- ing – overconfidence because you are driving with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious acci- dent.

(cid:121) Even if your vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control, winter tires or snow chains should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in ad- dition, vehicle speed should be re- duced considerably. Simply hav- ing a Vehicle Dynamics Control system does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation.

Starting and operating 7-19

(cid:121) Activation of the Vehicle Dynam- ics Control system is an indica- tion that the road being travelled on has a slippery surface; since having Vehicle Dynamics Control is no guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all times and under all conditions, its activation should be seen as a sign that the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably. (cid:121) Whenever suspension compo- nents, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control, have an authorized SUBARU dealer perform an in- spection of that system.

(cid:121) The following precautions should be observed in order to ensure that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is operating properly: – All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand. Furthermore, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires.

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7-20 Starting and operating

– Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as shown on the placard attached to the vehi- cle’s door pillar.

– Use only the special temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the Vehicle Dy- namics Control system is re- duced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition.

In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery road surface and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system ad- justs the engine’s output and the wheels’ respective braking forces to help maintain traction and directional control. (cid:121) 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 Dynam- ics Control operation indicator light. (cid:121) 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. Acti- vation of this function is shown by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. NOTE (cid:121) Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system operates; a small de- gree of vehicle or steering wheel shak- ing may also be noticed in this situa- tion. These are normal characteristics of Vehicle Dynamics Control operation and are no cause for alarm. (cid:121) When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short-lived oper- ation 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 nor- mal. (cid:121) Depending on the timing of activa- tion of the brakes, certain situations may occur just after driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit a jolt- ing motion. This too is a consequence of the Vehicle Dynamics Control opera- tional check and is normal. (cid:121) In the circumstances listed in the fol- lowing, the vehicle may be more unsta-

ble than it feels to the driver. The Vehi- cle Dynamics Control System may therefore operate. Such operation does not indicate a system fault.

(cid:121) on gravel-covered or rutted roads (cid:121) on unfinished roads (cid:121) when the vehicle is towing a trailer (cid:121) when the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or winter tires

(cid:121) Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will cause operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly dif- ferent compared to that for normal con- ditions. (cid:121) Even if the vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system, it is important that winter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size and brand). Furthermore, if snow chains are to be used, they should be fitted on the front wheels. When a vehicle is fitted with snow chains, however, the effective- ness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the ve- hicle in such a condition. (cid:121) It is always important to reduce speed when approaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped with Ve- hicle Dynamics Control.

(cid:121) All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand; furthermore, the amount of wear should be the same for all four tires. If these precautions are not observed and non-matching tires are used, it is quite possible that the Vehicle Dynam- ics Control system will be unable to op- erate correctly as intended. (cid:121) Always turn off the engine before re- placing a tire as failure to do so may render the Vehicle Dynamics Control system unable to operate correctly.

(cid:132) Vehicle Dynamics Control

system monitor

(cid:84) Vehicle Dynamics Control operation

indicator light

The indicator light turns on when the igni- tion switch is turned to the ON position; it turns off approximately two seconds later. This indicator light flashes during activa- tion of the skid suppression function and is illuminated steadily during activation of the traction control function. The following two situations could indicate a malfunction of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of that system at the first available opportunity. (cid:121) The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. (cid:121) The indicator light does not turn off ap- proximately two seconds after the ignition switch has been turned to the ON position.

300067

Starting and operating 7-21

(cid:84) Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light

300068
This single light has the function of indicat- ing malfunctions in the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the function of indicat- ing that the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem is not operating. It comes on in the event of a malfunction in the system and is illuminated whenever the system is not operating. (cid:86) Vehicle Dynamics Control warning The warning light comes on when the igni- tion switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes off several seconds after engine startup.This lighting pattern indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is operating normally.

– CONTINUED –

7-22 Starting and operating

The following situations could indicate a malfunction of the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system; if any should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of the system at the first avail- able opportunity. (cid:121) The warning light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON po- sition. (cid:121) The warning light turns on while the ve- hicle is being driven. (cid:121) When a malfunction has occurred in the Vehicle Dynamics Control electrical sys- tem, only the warning light will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will still be operat- ing normally. (cid:121) The warning light will also turn on when a problem occurs with the ABS or Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic control sys- tems. Because the Vehicle Dynamics Control system controls each brake through the ABS, whenever the ABS stops operating due to a malfunction in that electrical sys- tem, the Vehicle Dynamics Control will also become unable to control all four brakes. Thus Vehicle Dynamics Control system operation halts and the warning light turns on. Although both the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the ABS will be inoperable in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehicle using

normal braking. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the ABS do not ad- versely affect operation of the vehicle in any way when they are inoperable; how- ever should such a situation occur, drive with care and have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of those systems at the first available oppor- tunity. NOTE When the warning light turns on and off in the following way, it indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem is operating normally. (cid:121) Although turning on after the engine has been started, the warning light quickly turns off and stays off. (cid:121) The warning light turns on when the vehicle is being driven; it then turns off and stays off. (cid:86) Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indi-

cator light

This light comes on to indicate that the Ve- hicle Dynamics Control system is in non- operation mode. This does not constitute failure of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. NOTE (cid:121) The indicator light may stay on for a while after the engine has been started,

especially in cold weather. This occurs because the engine has not yet warmed up and is completely normal. The light will turn off when the engine has reached a suitable operating tem- perature. (cid:121) When an engine problem occurs and the malfunction indicator lamp turns on, the indicator light will also come on. The following two situations could indicate malfunction of the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system; if either should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of that system at the first avail- able opportunity. (cid:121) The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. (cid:121) The indicator light fails to turn off after the engine is started, even when several minutes have passed to allow the engine to heat up sufficiently.

Starting and operating 7-23

tem except when absolutely neces- sary.

(cid:132) Vehicle Dynamics Control

OFF switch

700335
Pressing the switch to deactivate the Ve- hicle Dynamics Control system can facili- tate the following operations: (cid:121) a standing start on a steeply sloping road with a snowy, gravel-covered, or oth- erwise slippery surface (cid:121) extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow When the switch is pressed during engine operation, the “ ” indicator light illumi- nates. The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem will be deactivated and the vehicle will behave like a model not equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. When the switch is pressed again to reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the

indicator light goes off. With the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem deactivated, traction and stability en- hancement offered by Vehicle Dynamics Control system is unavailable. Therefore you should not deactivate the Vehicle Dy- namics Control system except under above-mentioned situations. NOTE (cid:121) When the switch has been pressed to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system automatically reacti- vates itself the next time the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position and the engine is restarted. (cid:121) If the switch is held down for 10 sec- onds or longer, the indicator light goes off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys- tem is activated, and the system ig- nores any further pressing of the switch. To make the switch usable again, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and restart the engine. (cid:121) When the switch is pressed to deac- tivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the vehicle’s running perfor- mance is comparable with that of a ve- hicle that does not have a Vehicle Dy- namics Control system. Do not deacti- vate the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-

7-24 Starting and operating

Parking your vehicle (cid:132) Parking brake To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever.

700336
To release the parking brake, pull the le- ver up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the but- ton pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warn- ing light comes on. After starting the vehi- cle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Re- fer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).

Never drive while the parking brake is set because this will cause unnec- essary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive, always make sure that the parking brake has been fully released.

(cid:132) Parking tips When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an upgrade or “R” (Re- verse) for a downgrade for manual trans- mission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) posi- tion for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.

700044
When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is head- ed up the hill, the front wheels should be turned away from the curb.

When facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned into the curb.

700045

(cid:121) Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent opera- tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly be- come high enough to cause se- vere or possibly fatal injuries to people.

(cid:121) Do not park the vehicle over flam- mable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot engine or exhaust sys- tem parts.

(cid:121) Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occupants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the exhaust gas.

Starting and operating 7-25

Hill holder (Manual transmis- sion – if equipped) The Hill holder is a device to make starting on an uphill grade easier.

700046
On an uphill grade, when the clutch pedal is depressed while the brake pedal is also depressed, braking power is maintained temporarily by the Hill holder when the brake pedal is released. The driver is therefore able to start the vehicle the same way as on a level grade, just using the clutch and accelerator pedal.

700047

The Hill holder does not operate when the vehicle is facing downhill. And the Hill holder may not operate on slight grades. When starting in reverse and using the Hill holder, a braking effect may be felt even after the brake pedal has been released. However, this braking effect should disap- pear once the clutch pedal is released. A slight jolt may be felt when the vehicle begins to move forward after being re- versed. If the braking power of the Hill holder is in- sufficient after the brake pedal is released, apply more braking power by pressing the brake pedal again.

– CONTINUED –

7-26 Starting and operating

The Hill Holder is a device only for helping the driver to START the ve- hicle on an uphill grade. To prevent accidents when is parked on a slope, be sure to firmly set the parking brake. When setting the parking brake, make sure that the vehicle remains stationary when the clutch pedal is released.

the vehicle

Cruise control Cruise control enables you to maintain a constant vehicle speed without holding your foot on the accelerator pedal and it is operative when the vehicle speed is 25
mph (40 km/h) or more. Make sure the main switch is turned “OFF” when the cruise control is not in use to avoid unin- tentionally setting the cruise control. NOTE If you move the cruise control lever or press the main switch button while turning the ignition switch “ON”, the cruise control function is deactivated and the “CRUISE” indicator light flash- es. To reactivate the cruise control function, turn the ignition switch back to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, and then turn it again to the “ON” position.

Do not use the cruise control under any of the following conditions. This may cause loss of vehicle control: (cid:121) driving up or down a steep grade (cid:121) driving on slippery or winding

roads

(cid:121) driving in heavy traffic

(cid:132) To set cruise control

1. Push the main switch button.

300332

700049
” indicator light on the com-

The “ bination meter will come on. 2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the

vehicle reaches the desired speed.

300333
3. Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction and release it. Then release the accelerator pedal.

The vehicle will maintain the desired speed. Vehicle speed can be temporarily in- creased while driving with the cruise con- trol activated. Simply depress the acceler- ator pedal to accelerate the vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is released, the ve- hicle will return to and maintain the previ- ous cruising speed.

(cid:132) To temporarily cancel the

cruise control

There are five ways to cancel the cruise control temporarily:

At this time, the “ luminated in the combination meter.

700051
” indicator light is il-

700161
(cid:121) Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction (if so equipped). (cid:121) Depress the brake pedal.

Starting and operating 7-27

(automatic

(cid:121) Depress the clutch pedal (manual trans- mission vehicles only). (cid:121) Shift the selector lever into the “N” posi- tion transmission vehicles only). (cid:121) Shift the shift lever into neutral (manual transmission vehicles only). The “ ” indicator light in the combina- tion meter goes off when the cruise control is cancelled. To resume the cruise control after it has been temporarily canceled and with vehi- cle speed of approximately 20 mph (32
km/h) or more, push the control lever up- ward in the “RES/ACC” direction to return to the original cruising speed automatical- ly. The “ ” indicator light in the combina- tion meter will automatically come on at this time.

(cid:132) To turn off the cruise control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: (cid:121) Push the main switch again. (cid:121) Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (but only when the vehi- cle is completely stopped).

– CONTINUED –

7-28 Starting and operating

(cid:132) To change the cruising speed (cid:84) To increase the speed (by control le-

ver)

300334
Push the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle speed at that moment will be memorized and treated as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction quickly within 0.25
second.

(cid:84) To increase the speed (by accelera-

tor pedal)

1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accel- erate the vehicle to the desired speed. 2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without de- pressing the accelerator pedal. NOTE If the difference between the actual ve- hicle speed when the control lever is pushed downward and the speed last time you set is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/ h), the vehicle speed will be lowered by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs because the cruise control system unit regards this lever operation as that intended to decrease the vehicle speed.

(cid:84) To decrease the speed (by control

lever)

300333
Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehi- cle speed at that moment will be memo- rized and treated as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction quickly within 0.25 second.

(cid:84) To decrease the speed (by brake

pedal)

1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control temporarily. 2. When the speed decreases to the de- sired speed, press the control lever down- ward in the “SET/COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the ve- hicle will keep running at that speed with- out depressing the accelerator pedal.

Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped) The self-leveling suspension adjusts the vehicle body position automatically to keep it level at all times irrespective of the number of occupants and the amount of cargo.

700054
The self-leveling system is incorporated in the rear suspension shock absorber and operates only when the vehicle is in mo- tion.

Starting and operating 7-29

700055
Owing to the self-leveling suspension, the vehicle body is adjusted to the proper po- sition after several drive trips, even if the rear of the vehicle is lowered by loaded cargos or a coupled trailer. If cargos are unloaded all at once, the ve- hicle height may become higher than the normal level. This is because that the hy- draulic pressure in the self-leveling sus- pension was increased for leveling the body when the cargos were loaded. In such a case, the vehicle height will return to the original level after several driving trips. NOTE If the rear axle is loaded excessively, the vehicle body may not be adjusted to the proper position.

Driving tips

Trailer hitches ......................................................... Connecting a trailer ................................................ Trailer towing tips ...................................................

8-21
8-22
8-23

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .............................................. Fuel economy hints ........................................... Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........ Catalytic converter ............................................. Periodic inspections .......................................... Driving in foreign countries .............................. Driving tips for AWD vehicles ........................... Off road driving .................................................. Winter driving ..................................................... Operation during cold weather .............................. Driving on snowy and icy roads ............................ Corrosion protection .............................................. Snow tires ............................................................... Tire chains ............................................................... Rocking the vehicle ................................................

8-2
8-2
8-2
8-3
8-4
8-4
8-5
8-6
8-7
8-7
8-9
8-10
8-10
8-10
8-11
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-11
8-12

Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) .....................

8-12
8-13
Trailer hitch (if equipped) .................................. 8-16
8-16
8-17
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-18
8-18
8-18

Warranties and maintenance ................................. Maximum load limits ..............................................

Connecting a trailer ................................................ When you do not tow a trailer ...............................

8-2 Driving tips

Driving tips

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) The performance and long life of your ve- hicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): (cid:121) Do not race the engine. And do not al- low engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm ex- cept in an emergency. (cid:121) Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. (cid:121) Avoid starting suddenly and rapid accel- eration, except in an emergency. (cid:121) Avoid hard braking, except in an emer- gency. The same break-in procedures should be applied to an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones.

Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. (cid:121) Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. (cid:121) Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera- tion. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to main- tain that speed for as long as possible. (cid:121) Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. (cid:121) Avoid unnecessary engine idling. (cid:121) Keep the engine properly tuned. (cid:121) Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driv- er’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. (cid:121) Use the air conditioner only when nec- essary. (cid:121) Keep the front and rear wheels in prop- er alignment. (cid:121) Avoid carrying unnecessary cargo.

Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)

(cid:121) Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains car- bon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

(cid:121) Always properly maintain the en- gine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

(cid:121) Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.

(cid:121) Avoid remaining in a parked vehi- cle for a lengthy time while the en- gine is running. If that is unavoid- able, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. (cid:121) Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly.

(cid:121) If at any time you suspect that ex- haust fumes are entering the vehi- cle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possi- ble. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all win- dows fully open.

(cid:121) Keep the rear gate closed while driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the ex- haust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

Catalytic converter

Turbo model

800232

Driving tips 8-3

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gas- es, thus providing cleaner exhaust. To avoid damage to the catalytic convert- er: (cid:121) Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of leaded fuel will damage the cat- alytic converter. (cid:121) Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle. (cid:121) Avoid racing the engine. (cid:121) Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. (cid:121) Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, back- firing or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. (cid:121) Do not apply undercoating or rust pre- vention treatment to the heat shield of cat- alytic converter and the exhaust system.

Non-turbo model

(cid:121) Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures.

800218

– CONTINUED –

8-4 Driving tips

(cid:121) Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

Periodic inspections To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommend- ed maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” performed at the specified time or mileage intervals.

Driving in foreign countries When planning to use your vehicle in an- other country: (cid:121) Confirm the availability of the correct fu- el. (Refer to the “Fuel requirements” sec- tion in chapter 7.) (cid:121) Comply with all regulations and require- ments of each country.

Driving tips 8-5

(cid:121) Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. (cid:121) Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All-Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.

Driving tips for AWD vehicles

800004
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By shifting power between the front and rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also provide added traction during acceleration and added engine braking force during decel- eration. Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety purposes as well as to avoid damaging the AWD system, you should keep the fol-

lowing tips in mind: (cid:121) An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in handling, how- ever, during extremely sharp turns or sud- den braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an am- ple distance from other vehicles. (cid:121) When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes or construction may result in severe me- chanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibra- tion, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. (cid:121) Always check the cold tire pressure be- fore starting to drive. The recommended tire pressure is provided on the tire plac- ard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. (cid:121) Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only. (cid:121) There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see the “Towing” section in chapter 9.

8-6 Driving tips

in mind

Off road driving Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, your SUBARU can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep that an AWD SUBARU is a passenger car and is nei- ther a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your SUBARU off-road, certain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken: (cid:121) Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seatbelts. (cid:121) Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or citizens band radio. (cid:121) Drive carefully. Do not take unneces- sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. (cid:121) Slow down and employ extra caution at all times. When driving off-road, you will not have the benefit of marked traffic lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and the like. (cid:121) Do not drive across steep slopes. In- stead, drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over sideways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or

down slopes that are too steep. (cid:121) Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe- cially at higher speeds. (cid:121) Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and thumbs on the out- side of the rim. (cid:121) If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream bed for firmness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and completely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s undercar- riage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your ve- hicle and may cause it to stall. Never at- tempt to drive through rushing water; re- gardless of its depth, it can wash away the ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover. (cid:121) Always check your brakes for effective- ness immediately after driving in sand, mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that process several times to dry out the brake discs and brake pads. (cid:121) Do not drive or park over or near flam-

mable materials such as dry grass or fall- en leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while the en- gine is running and right after the engine stops. This could create a fire hazard. (cid:121) After driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. (cid:121) Secure all cargo carried inside the vehi- cle and make certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause in- jury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. (cid:121) If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelera- tor pedal slightly and move the selector le- ver back and forth between “D” and “R” re- peatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best possible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. When the road surface is extremely slip- pery, you can obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the transmission

in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). (cid:121) Never equip your vehicle with tires larg- er than those specified in this manual. (cid:121) Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle un- der hard-driving conditions such as rough roads or off roads will necessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil, brake fluid and transmission oil than that speci- fied in the maintenance schedule de- scribed in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Remember that damage done to your SUBARU while operating it off-road and not using common sense precautions such as those listed above is not eligible for warranty coverage. (cid:121) Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off- road driving. Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.

(cid:121) Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions.

Driving tips 8-7

Winter driving

(cid:121) Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All-Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.

800219

(cid:132) Operation during cold weath-

er

Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold tem- peratures reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to pro- vide enough power for cold winter starts. Use an engine oil of proper grade and vis- cosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting. Keep the door locks from freezing by – CONTINUED –

8-8 Driving tips

squirting them with deicer or glycerin. Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards thoroughly wipe the water away. Use a windshield washer fluid that con- tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes be- cause they may damage the paint of the vehicle. SUBARU Windshield Washer Fluid con- tains 58.5% methyl alcohol and 41.5% surfactant, by volume. Its freezing temper- ature varies according to how much it is di- luted, as indicated in the following table.

Washer Fluid Con-

centration

Freezing Tempera-

ture

30% 50% 100%

10.4°F (–12°C) –4°F (–20°C) –49°F (–45°C)

In order to prevent freezing of washer flu- id, check the freezing temperatures in the table above when adjusting the fluid con- centration to the outside temperature. If you fill the reservoir tank with a fluid with a different concentration from the one used previously, purge the old fluid from

the piping between the reservoir tank and washer nozzles by operating the washer for a certain period of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of the fluid remaining in the piping is too low for the outside tem- perature, it may freeze and block the noz- zles.

Adjust the washer fluid concentra- tion appropriately for the outside temperature. If the concentration is inappropriate, sprayed washer fluid may freeze on the windshield and obstruct your view, and the fluid may freeze in the reservoir tank. (cid:84) Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dan- gerous. While warming up the vehicle before driv- ing, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accu- mulated under the fenders to avoid mak- ing steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to

do so and check under the fenders period- ically. (cid:84) Parking in cold weather Do not use the parking brake when park- ing for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, ob- serve the following. 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual transmission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. When the vehicle has been left parked af- ter use on roads heavily covered with snow, or has been left parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS har- ness.

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running. (cid:84) Refueling in cold weather To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended during cold weath- er. Use only additives that are specifically de- signed for this purpose. When an anti- freeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever the fuel level reaches half empty. If your SUBARU is not going to be used for an extended period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capacity.

(cid:132) Driving on snowy and icy

roads

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high- speed driving, and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads. Always maintain ample distance between

your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sudden braking. To supplement the foot brake, use the en- gine brake effectively to control the vehi- cle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when