2000 Subaru Forester Owners Manual

Spotlight

Switch

HS0111

To turn on the spotlight, push the switch. To turn it off, push the switch again. When leaving the vehicle, make sure the light is turned off to avoid bat- tery discharge.

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Cargo area light

Interior equipment

DOOR

OFF

ON

HS0112

The cargo area light switch has three positions: ON: The light stays on continuously. DOOR: The light comes on only when the rear gate is opened. OFF: The light stays off.

When leaving your vehicle, make sure the light is turned off to avoid bat- tery discharge.

Luggage cover (if equipped)

WARNING

Do not place anything on the extended cover. Putting excessive weight on the extended cover can break it and an object on the cover could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or colli- sion. This could cause serious injury.

The luggage cover is provided for covering the cargo area and to pro- tect its contents from direct sunlight. This cover is detachable to make room for additional cargo.

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B Using the cover

HS0133

To extend the cover, pull the end of the cover out of the housing, then insert its hooks into the catches as shown. To rewind it, unhook it from the catches and it will rewind automatically. You should hold on to the cover and guide it back into the cover housing while it is rewinding.

B To remove the cover

Fastening strap

HS0114

1. Rewind the cover. 2. Remove the fastening straps of the cover from the head rests. 3. To take it off the retainer, lift it out. 4. Store the cover housing in the cargo area.

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Interior equipment

B To install the cover 1. Insert the both ends of the cover housing into the retainers. 2. Attach the fastening straps to the head rests. The cover can be installed in either of two positions.

HS6017BB

To install the cover housing in the other position, remove the caps from the retainers.

Shopping bag hook

HS6016BA

A shopping bag hook is attached to each side of the cargo area. You can hook a light shopping bag or something similar on it.

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Cargo anchorage eyelets

CAUTION

The cargo anchorage eyelets are designed only for securing light cargo. Never try to secure any cargo which weighs more than the load capacity of the anchorage eyelets. The maximum load ca- pacity is about 44 lb. (20 kg) per eyelet.

HS0115

The cargo area is equipped with four anchorage eyelets so that cargo can be secured with a cargo net or ropes.

When using the anchorage eyelets, raise them up. When not in use, lower the eyelets down.

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Under floor storage tray

Interior equipment

CAUTION

D Always keep the lid of the storage tray closed while driving to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or an acci- dent. D Do not store spray cans, containers with flammable or corro- sive liquids or any other dangerous items in the storage tray.

Left side storage tray

Front side storage tray

Right side storage tray

Center storage tray

HS0116

There are four storage trays under the floor of the cargo area. They can be used to store small items.

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B Front, left and right side storage tray

HS0117

HS0118

HS0119

To open the lid, raise the cargo anchorage eyelets and pull the tab up. The jack and jack handle are stored in the left side storage tray.

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B Center storage tray

Interior equipment

HS0120

HS0121

To open the lid, pull the handle up. To keep the lid open, hang the hook provided on the backside of the lid on the rear edge of the roof. The spare tire is stored under the storage tray.

Maintenance tools

Your vehicle is equipped with the following maintenance tools:

OM-H2443

Screwdriver Wheel nut wrench

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Starting and operating

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles

(1,600 km)

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Fuel requirements State emission testing (U.S. only) Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) Catalytic converter Fuel economy hints Preparing to drive Driving in foreign countries Periodic inspections Ignition switch

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Key reminder chime Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)

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Starting the engine Stopping the engine Manual transmission Automatic transmission

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Selector lever Shift lock release

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Rear viscous limited slip differential (for S models) Steering

Tilt steering wheel Power steering

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Cruise control (if equipped) Parking your vehicle Braking

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Braking tips Brake system Disc brake pad wear warning indicators

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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) (if equipped) Driving tips for AWD vehicles Off road driving Winter driving

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Snow tires Tire chains Rocking the vehicle

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Corrosion protection Loading your vehicle

Vehicle capacity weight GVWR and GAWR

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Trailer towing

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Starting and operating

New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

The performance and long life of your vehicle 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): D Do not race the engine.

B Break-in engine speed limit Never exceed 4,000 rpm engine speed except for brief acceleration in an emergency.

D Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. D Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, except in an emer- gency. D Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.

The same break-in procedures should be applied to a newly-installed or overhauled engine or when brake pads or brake linings are re- placed with new ones.

Fuel requirements

B Fuel Octane Rating Your engine is designed to use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. This octane rating is the average of the Re- search 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 techni- cian if you use a gasoline with the specified octane rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently.

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B Unleaded gasoline The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gaso- line be used because it will damage the emission control system and may impair driveability and fuel economy.

B Gasoline for California-certified LEV If your vehicle is a California-certified Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) as indicated on the underhood tune-up label, it is designed to optimize engine and emission control system performance with gasoline that meets California low sulfur specifications. Your vehicle will operate on gasoline meeting Federal specifications.

B Gasoline for cleaner air

CAUTION

Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels containing alcohol may cause paint damage, which is not cov- ered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty.

Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help prevent depos- its from forming in your engine and fuel system. This helps keep your engine in tune and your emission control system working properly, and is a way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continuously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent and other additives, you should never need to add any fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank. Many gasolines are now blended with materials called oxygenates. Use of these fuels can also help keep the air cleaner. SUBARU ap- proves the use of oxygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE (Methyl Ter- tiary Butyl Ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol). The blended fuels should contain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the proper operation of your SUBARU.

In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions. SUBARU approves the use of reformulated gasoline.

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Starting and operating

If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have been reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.

As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your vehicle as ex- plained below.

D Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that specified in this manual. D Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with un- leaded gasoline. Methanol can be used in your vehicle ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by sufficient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion in- hibitors required to prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT under these conditions. D If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you suspect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gasoline before seeking service at your SUBARU dealer. D Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the use of improper fuel are not covered under the SUBARU Lim- ited Warranty.

State emission testing (U.S. only)

WARNING

Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehicle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer. Attempting to do so will result in uncontrolled vehicle movement and may cause an acci- dent or injuries to persons nearby.

CAUTION

Resultant vehicle damage due to improper testing is not covered under the SUBARU Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of the state inspection program or its contractors or licensees.

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At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service station in advance not to place your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two- wheel dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission damage will result.

Some states have started using dynamometers in their state inspection programs in order to meet their obligation under federal law to implement stricter vehicle emission standards to reduce air pollution from cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your car’s wheels to turn while the car remains in one place. Depending on the severity of a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission inspection test. Nor- mally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emission 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 emitted pollution than the basic emission test.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states using two- wheel dynamometers testing programs have EXEMPTED Subaru AWD vehicles from the portion of the testing pro- gram that involves a two-wheel dynamometer.

their emission

in

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.

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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)

Starting and operating

WARNING

D Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is danger- ous, or even lethal, if inhaled. D Always properly maintain the engine exhaust system to pre- vent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle. D Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, ex- cept for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it. D Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventila- tion fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. D Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly. D If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as pos- sible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. D Keep the trunk lid or 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 exhaust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

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Catalytic converter

WARNING

D Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), be- cause the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures. D Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the ex- haust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.

HB3003BA

The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.

To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: D Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of leaded fuel will dam- age the catalytic converter. D Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle. D Avoid racing the engine. D Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. D Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (mis- firing, backfiring or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized SUBARU dealer. D Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system

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Starting and operating

Fuel economy hints

The following suggestions will help to save your fuel.

D Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. D Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. D Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. D Avoid unnecessary engine idling. D Keep the engine properly tuned. D Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire plac- ard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. Low pres- sure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. D Use the air conditioner only when necessary. D Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment. D Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.

Preparing to drive

You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day be- fore you start driving.

1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unob- structed. 2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for proper inflation. 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 seat belt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seat belts. 8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the igni- tion switch is turned to the “ON” position. 9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the en- gine.

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NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.

Driving in foreign countries

When planning to use your vehicle in another country: D Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to Fuel Requirement section in this chapter.) D Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country.

Periodic inspections

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

Ignition switch

WARNING

Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” while the vehicle is be- ing driven or towed because that will lock the steering wheel, pre- venting steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer.

The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC, ON and START.

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Starting and operating

HS0122

B LOCK The key can only be inserted or removed in this position. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel when you remove the key. If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.

n Automatic transmission vehicles:

HS0123

HS0124

The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only when the selector lever is in the “P” position.

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n Manual transmission vehicles:

HS0125

The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only when the key is pushed in while turning it.

B ACC In this position the electrical accessories (radio, accessory power socket, etc.) can be used.

B ON This is the normal operating position after the engine is started.

B START

CAUTION

Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while the engine is running.

The engine is started in this position. The starter cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released (after the engine has started), the key automatically returns to the “ON” position.

J Key reminder chime The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door opens and the key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” positions. The chime stops when the key is re- moved from the ignition switch.

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Starting and operating

J Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position even when the selec- tor lever is in the “P” position:

Release lever

HS0126

Vehicle front

HS0127

1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 2. Remove three screws securing the undercover of the steering col- umn. 3. Remove the under cover of the steering column. 4. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key interlock release lever.

Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer immediately to have the key interlock system repaired.

Starting the engine

CAUTION

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

B Manual transmission vehicles 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories. 3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift lever into neu-

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tral. 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” position and check the opera- tion of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to “Warning and indica- tor lights” section (Chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has started.

If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START” position again while depressing the accelerator pedal half way down. 6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up.

B Automatic transmission vehicles

CAUTION

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

1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories. 3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position (preferably “P” position). The starter will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and check the opera- tion of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to “Warning and indica- tor lights” section (Chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depress- ing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately after the en- gine has started.

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Starting and operating

If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START” position again while depressing the accelerator pedal half way down.

6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up.

While the engine is warming up, make sure that the selector lever is at the “P” or “N” position and that the parking brake is applied. B During cold weather below –4°F (–20°C) If the engine is difficult to start using the normal method (without de- pressing the accelerator pedal), turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while slightly depressing the accelerator pedal.

B Flooded engine If the engine does not start, it may be flooded (excessive fuel in the engine). In case of a flooded engine, turn the starter motor for five seconds with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. Repeat this two or three times until the engine starts. Release the ignition switch and accelera- tor pedal as soon as the engine starts.

Stopping the engine

WARNING

Do not stop the engine when the vehicle 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 ignition switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.

The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.

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Manual transmission

WARNING

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 position. Engine braking has no effect in either of these condi- tions and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

CAUTION

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

The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed 5-forward and 1-re- verse speed transmission.

HS0128

The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever 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.

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Starting and operating

B Shifting speed n Recommended shifting speeds The best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle perfor- mance during normal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.

Shift up

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th

4th to 5th

mph (km/h)

15 (24)

25 (40)

40 (65)

45 (73)

n Maximum allowable speeds

WARNING

When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travel- ling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this pre- caution can lead to engine 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 consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased.

The following table shows the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. The tachometer’s needle will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded.

With the exception of cases where sudden acceleration is required, the vehicle should not be driven with the tachometer’s needle inside the red area. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy.

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Vehicle type

Gear

1st

2nd

3rd

Base, L

31 (50)

52 (84)

76 (122)

mph (km/h)

31 (50)

52 (83)

75 (121)

B 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 upgrade. 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, turn- ing corners, or driving up steep hills, downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor.

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 over- heat and not work properly.

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Automatic transmission

Starting and operating

WARNING

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

CAUTION

D Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is com- pletely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission. D Do not race the engine for more than five seconds in any posi- tion except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is set or the tires are on blocks. This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat. D Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.

The automatic transmission is electronically controlled with 4-forward speeds and 1-reverse speed.

NOTE Immediately after a disconnected battery is reconnected or ATF (au- tomatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the auto- matic transmission operation is somewhat unusual. This results from erasure or invalidation of data which the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmis- sion to shift at the most appropriate times for the current condition of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while.

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J Selector lever

Release button

With the brake pedal depressed, shift while pressing the button in

Shift while pressing the button in

Shift without pressing the button

HS0129

OM-H0149

The selector lever has seven positions. The release button must be pushed to select the “P”, “R”, or “2” posi- tions.

B P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is mechanically 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 transmis- sion.

A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to ensure safe starting of the vehicle.

To shift the selector lever from the “P” to the any other position, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then push the release button on the selector lever when the ignition 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 depressed and the release button pushed in, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter.

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Starting and operating

B 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 while pushing the release but- ton.

B N (Neutral)

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.

This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission 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 neutral. During coasting, the engine braking does not act.

B 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 acceler- ator 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.

n While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator is released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent downshifting to a lower gear when accelerat- ing again. This prevents repeated upshifting and downshifting result- ing in a smoother operation of the vehicle.

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NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again.

n While going down a hill When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake pedal will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd gear, thus applying engine brake- ing. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to up- shift normally.

NOTE In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a downhill grade does not result in an automatic downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the automatic 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 tem- perature has risen to a certain level, automatic downshift normal- ly takes place. In the meantime, downshift manually for engine braking as required. Also, downshifting when braking downhill will not occur at speeds above approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).

B 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 acceler- ator 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.

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Starting and operating

B 2 (Second) To shift from the “3” to “2” position, push the release button.

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 traction.

B 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 position, the transmission holds in the 1st gear.

B Maximum speeds

WARNING

When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travel- ling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this pre- caution can lead to engine 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 consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased.

The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. The tachometer’s (if so equipped) needle will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded.

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 selected. Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speeds will result in over-revving of the engine. In addition a powerful engine brake will engage and control of the vehicle may be lost.

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Vehicle type

Position

34 (54)

63 (101)

102 (164)

mph (km/h)

34 (54)

62 (100)

101 (162)

NOTE D In order to prevent over-revving during acceleration of the vehicle, the transmission will automatically shift to the next high- est gear if the Maximum Allowable Speed for the current gear is exceeded. D Similarly, in order to prevent over-revving during deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission 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.

B Driving tips D Always apply the foot or parking brake when the vehicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1”, or “R” position. D Always set the parking brake when parking your vehicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmission. D 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.

J Shift lock release If the selector lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal depressed and the release button pushed in 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 engine.

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Starting and operating

HS0130

HS0131

2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 3. Open the center console and remove two screws securing the park- ing brake lever cover. 4. Remove the parking brake lever cover by pulling up on the cover’s rear end. 5. Raise the rear end of the selector lever cover.

Shaft portion of the screwdriver

HS0132

6. Draw the shaft portion of the screwdriver from the grip and then insert the shaft into the hole. 7. Push down on the shaft while pushing the release button and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N” position. 8. Remove the shaft from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the engine.

Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer immediately to have the system repaired.

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Rear viscous limited slip differential (for S models)

CAUTION

D Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move. D If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at high speed as this could adversely affect the LSD. D If a different size rear tire is temporarily used (as in an emer- gency), it will adversely affect the LSD. Always replace it with a regular size tire as soon as possible.

The LSD provides optimum distribution of power according to the differ- ence in revolutions between the right and left rear wheels that may be caused by certain driving conditions, thereby improving driving stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.

Steering.

J Tilt steering wheel

WARNING

Do not adjust the steering wheel tilt position while driving. This may cause loss of vehicle control and result in personal injury.

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B Tilt adjustment

Starting and operating

HS0134

1. Adjust the seat position. Refer to “Front seat” section (chapter 2). 2. Pull the tilt lock lever down. 3. Move the steering wheel to the desired level. 4. Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place. 5. Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked by moving it up and down.

J Power steering

CAUTION

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.

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.

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Cruise control (if equipped)

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under any of the following condi- tions. This may cause loss of vehicle control:

D driving up or down a steep grade D driving on slippery or winding roads D driving in heavy traffic

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 unintentionally setting the cruise control.

B To set cruise control

Cruise control lever

HB3002BB

HG0312

1. Push the “CRUISE” main switch. 2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle reaches to the de- sired speed. 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 increased while driving with the cruise control activated. Simply depress the accelerator pedal to ac-

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

Starting and operating

celerate the vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is released, the ve- hicle will return to and maintain the previous cruising speed.

B To temporarily cancel the cruise control There are four ways to cancel the cruise control temporarily:

D Depress the brake pedal. D Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction. D Depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission vehicles only). D Shift the selector lever into the “N” position (automatic transmis- sion vehicles only).

If the vehicle speed drops 9 mph (15 km/h) below the preset speed, the preset speed will automatically cancelled.

To resume the cruise control after it has been temporarily canceled and with vehicle speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or more, push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction to return to the origi- nal cruising speed automatically.

B To turn off the cruise control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: D Push the main switch again. D Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position (but only when the vehicle is completely stopped).

B To change the cruising speed

n To increase the speed 1. Push the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed.

The control lever can be used for increasing the cruising speed slight- ly. Pressing the control lever upward in the “ACCEL, RESUME” direc- tion increases the vehicle speed about 2 mph (3.2 km/h). Press the control lever repeatedly until the desired speed is reached.

OR

1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle to the de- sired speed. 2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without depressing the accelerator pedal.

n To decrease the speed 1. Push the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. The control lever can be used for decreasing the cruising speed slightly. Pressing the control lever downward in the “SET, COAST” direction decreases the vehicle speed about 2 mph (3.2 km/h). Press the control lever repeatedly until the desired speed is reached.

OR

1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control temporarily. 2. When the speed decreases to the desired speed, press 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 depressing the accelerator pedal.

Parking your vehicle

WARNING

D Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadver- tent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the tem- perature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to them. D Do not park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot engine or exhaust system parts. D Always stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If en- gine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occupants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the exhaust gas.

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Starting and operating

CAUTION

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

To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever.

Release button

HS0137

To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed.

When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (Chapter 3).

When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a down- grade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) position for automatic transmission vehicles.

Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle. For better parking brake power, depress the brake pedal firmly while set- ting the parking brake (Drum brake only).

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

HS0139

HS0140

When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is headed 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.

Braking

J Braking tips

WARNING

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.

B When the brakes get wet When driving in rain, in puddle or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a result, 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.

B Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descending 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

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Starting and operating

lower gear.

B Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.

J Brake system

B Two separate circuits Your vehicle has two separate circuit brake systems. Each circuit works diagonally 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 goes 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.

B 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, resulting in poor braking power. The brakes will continue to work even when the brake booster com- pletely 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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J Disc brake pad wear warning indicators

OM-H0163

The disc brake pad wear warning indicators 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, immediately have your vehicle checked by your SUBARU deal- er.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) (if equipped)

WARNING

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

CAUTION

D The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. D When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be long- er for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driv- ing under these conditions, therefore, reduce your speed and

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Starting and operating

leave ample distance from other vehicles. D 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 operation of the ABS system.

The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. 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).

B ABS system self-checking You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine compartment just after the vehicle is started. This is caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS sys- tem being carried out and does not indicate any abnormal condition.

B ABS warning light

HS0156

The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after about two seconds. This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly.

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If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS system may not be working properly.

D The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. D 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 8mph (12km/h). D The warning light comes on during driving.

When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; however, the conventional brake system continues to operate normally. If this occurs, have the ABS system repaired at the first available opportuni- ty by your SUBARU dealer.

NOTE If the warning light behavior is as described below, the ABS sys- tem may be considered normal. D The warning light comes on right after the engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. D The warning light remains on after the engine has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches about 8
mph (12 km/h). D The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off.

When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the en- gine 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.

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Driving tips for AWD vehicles

Starting and operating

WARNING

D 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 condi- tions. D Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence be- cause you are driving an all wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

HS0113

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 pro- vide added traction during acceleration and added engine braking force during deceleration.

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 sys- tem, you should keep the following tips in mind:

D An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little differ-

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

ence in handling, however, during extremely sharp turns or sudden brak- ing. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an ample distance from other vehicles. D When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, circum- ference, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes, circumference or construction may re- sult in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D Always check the cold tire pressure before starting to drive. The rec- ommended tire pressure is provided on the tire placard, which is located under the door latch on the driver’s side. D Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only. D There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see the “Towing” section in chapter 8.

Off road driving

WARNING

D 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 condi- tions. D Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an all wheel drive vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.

Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, your Subaru can be driven on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD Subaru is a passenger car and is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. If you do take your Subaru off-road, cer- tain common sense precautions such as the following should be taken:

D Make certain that you and all of your passengers are wearing seat

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

Starting and operating

belts. D Carry some emergency equipment, such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel, wheel blocks, first aid kit and portable phone or citizens band radio. D Drive carefully. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous areas or over rough terrain. D 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. D Do not drive across steep slopes. Instead, drive either straight up or straight down the slopes. A vehicle can much more easily tip over side- ways than it can end over end. Avoid driving straight up or down slopes that are too steep. D Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, especially at higher speeds. D 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 fin- gers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. D 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 firm- ness and ensure that the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly and com- pletely through the stream. The water should be shallow enough that it does not reach the vehicle’s undercarriage. Water entering the engine air intake or the exhaust pipe or water splashing onto electrical parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to drive through rushing water; regardless of its depth, it can wash away the ground from under your tires, resulting in possible loss of traction and even vehicle rollover. D Always check your brakes for effectiveness 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. D Do not drive or park over or near flammable materials such as dry grass or fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The exhaust system is very hot while engine is running and right after the engine stops. This could create a fire hazard. D After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check

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FORESTER U.S.A. (E)

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 under- body. If the vehicle is used with these materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical breakdown or fire could occur. D Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks. During sudden stops or jolts, unse- cured cargo could be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. 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. D If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth be- tween “D” and “R” repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos- sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to free the vehicle. When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can obtain better trac- tion by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). D Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those specified in this manual. D Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under 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 specified in the main- tenance schedule described 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.

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Winter driving

Starting and operating

HS0141

B Operation during cold weather 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 temperatures reduce battery ca- pacity. The battery must be in good condition to provide enough pow- er for cold winter starts.

Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting.

Keep the door locks from freezing by 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 contains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes because they may dam- age the paint of the vehicle.

n Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before driving, check that the accelera-

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tor pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders peri- odically. n During cold weather below –4°F (–20°C) If the engine is difficult to start using the normal method (without de- pressing the accelerator pedal), turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while slightly depressing the accelerator pedal.

n Parking in cold weather

WARNING

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.

Do not use the parking brake when parking for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, observe the fol- lowing: 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 after use on roads heavily cov- ered 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 harness.

n 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 recom-

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Starting and operating

mended during cold weather. Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an antifreeze 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.

B Driving on snowy and icy roads

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehicle control.

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt accel- eration, 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 engine brake effectively to con- trol the vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behavior can cause the wheel to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. Avoid locking the front wheels because that can lead to a loss of steering control. When braking with a vehicle not equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), press the brake pedal repeatedly at short intervals to prevent the wheels from locking. Then apply the brakes softly to bring the vehicle to a stop. An ABS enhances your vehicle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads. Refer to the “ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)” in this chapter for information on braking on slippery surfaces in ABS equipped vehicle.

n Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in the “ ” position and the temperature control lever

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turned fully to the right until the wiper blades are completely thawed out. To thaw out the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the windshield despite wiper operation, use the defroster with the air- flow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial turned fully to the right. After the windshield gets warmed enough to melt the fro- zen snow on it, wash it away using the windshield washer.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the wiper from working effec- tively. If snow is stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the car at road side, use the hazard warning flasher to alert other drivers.

We recommend use of non-freezing type wiper blades during the sea- sons you could have snow and sub-zero temperature.

J Snow tires

WARNING

D When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, circumference, construction, brand, and load range as the origi- nal tires listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes, circumfer- ence or construction may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, brak- ing, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. D Do not use a combination of radial, belted bias or bias tires since it may cause dangerous handling characteristics and lead to an accident.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season tires” which are designed to provide an adequate measure of traction, handling and braking perfor- mance in year-round driving. In winter, it may be possible to enhance performance through use of tires designed specifically for winter driving conditions. If you choose to install winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to use the

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Starting and operating

correct tire size and type. All four tires should be of the same size, construction, circumference, brand and load range and you should nev- er mix radial, belted bias or bias tires since this may result in dangerous handling characteristics. Remember to drive with care at all times regardless of the type of tires on your vehicle.

J Tire chains Driving on snowy grades or icy roads may require the use of tire chains, in which case put the chains on the front wheels only. Use only SAE class S type chains that are of the correct size for your tires so as not to damage the vehicle body or suspension. When driving with tire chains, drive at speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h).

When a temporary spare tire is on a front wheel, replace the temporary spare tire with the rear tire on the same side of the vehicle, and then fit chains on the front tires.

Always use the utmost care when driving with tire chains — overconfi- dence because you are driving with tire chains could easily lead to a se- rious accident.

J Rocking the vehicle If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move the selector lever back and forth be- tween “D” and “R” repeatedly. 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 slippery, you can obtain better trac- tion by starting the vehicle with the transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT).

Refer to the “Automatic transmission” section in this chapter for informa- tion on holding the transmission in 2nd position.

J Corrosion protection Refer to the “Corrosion protection” section (chapter 9).

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Loading your vehicle

WARNING

D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury. D Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. Keep luggage or cargo low, as close to the floor as possible. D When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it when- ever you can to prevent it from being thrown around inside the vehicle in sudden stop, sharp turn or accident. D Do not pile heavy loads on the roof. These loads raise the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tip over. D Secure skis and other lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting forward and causing serious injury during a sud- den stop. D Never exceed the maximum load limit. If you do, some parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. D Do not place anything on the extended luggage cover. Such items could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or a collision. This could cause serious injury.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers with flammable or corrosive liquids or any other dangerous items inside the vehicle.

NOTE For better fuel economy, do not carry unneeded cargo.

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J Vehicle capacity weight

Starting and operating

Tire information label

HS0250

HS0251

The load capacity of your vehicle is determined by weight, not by avail- able cargo space. The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label at- tached to the driver’s side door jamb. It includes the total weight of driver and all passengers and their belongings, any optional equipment such as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier, etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

The tire information label also shows recommended tire inflation pressure under full loading and trailer towing conditions. Adjust tire inflation pres- sures according to the loading conditions. For the tire inflation pressures, refer to the “Tires and wheel” section in Chapter 10.

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J GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and

Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Certification plate

HS0143

The certification plate attached to the driver’s side door jamb shows GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating). The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the combined total of weight of the vehicle, fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any optional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle – including standard equipment, fluids, emergency tools and spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle capac- ity weight.

In addition, the total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never ex- ceed the GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating luggage inside the vehicle. Even if the total weight of your luggage is lower than the vehicle capacity weight, either front or rear GAW may exceed the GAWR, depending on the distribution of the luggage.

If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you should confirm that GVW and front and rear GAWs are within the GVWR and GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle scale, found at a commercial weighing station.

Do not use replacement tires with a lower load range than the originals because they may lower the GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement

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Starting and operating

tires with a higher load range than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Trailer towing

Your car is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger- carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your car’s en- gine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect on fuel economy. If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your ve- hicle. Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchas- ing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions on correct installa- tion and use provided by the trailer and other towing equipment manufacturers. SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to fol- low the proper instructions.

B Warranties and maintenance SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load. (Refer to “Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions” in the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet.) Under no circumstances should a trailer be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new powertrain component (engine, transmis- sion, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving.

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B Maximum load limits

WARNING

Never exceed the maximum load limits explained below. Exceed- ing the maximum load limits could cause personal injury and/or vehicle damage.

CAUTION

D Adequate size trailer brakes are required when the trailer and its cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg) total weight. D Before towing a trailer, check the trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs and tongue load. Make sure the load and its distribution in your vehicle and trailer are acceptable.

n Total trailer weight The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo load) must never exceed the maximum weight shown below.

Model

Conditions

MT models When towing a trailer without brakes.

When towing a trailer with brakes.

AT models When towing a trailer without brakes.

When towing a trailer with brakes. When towing a trailer on a long uphill grade continuously for over 5 miles (8
km) with an outside temperature of 104°F (40°C) or above.

Maximum total trailer weight

1,000 lbs (453 kg) 2,000 lbs (906 kg) 1,000 lbs (453 kg) 2,000 lbs (906 kg) 1,000 lbs (453 kg)

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Total trailer weight

Starting and operating

OM-H2781

n Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

(GVWR)

The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the combined total of the weight of the vehicle, driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment installed on your vehicle. Therefore, the GVW changes depending on the situation. Determine the GVW each time before going on a trip by putting your vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale. GVWR is shown on the certification plate located on the driver’s door jamb of your vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight

Certification plate

HS0142

HS0143

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n Gross Axle Weight (GAW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating

(GAWR)

The total weight applied to each axle (GAW) must never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The front and rear GAWs can be adjusted by relocating passengers and luggage inside the vehicle. The front and rear GAWR are also shown on the certification plate.

Gross Axle Weight

Certification plate

HS0144

HS0143

To check both GVWR and GAWR and to confirm that the total weight and weight distribution are within safe driving limits, you should have your vehicle and trailer weighed at a commercial weighing station. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

n Tongue load

WARNING

If the trailer is loaded with more weight in the back of trailer’s axle than in the front, the load is taken off the rear axle of the tow- ing vehicle. This may cause the rear wheels to skid, especially during braking or when vehicle speed is reduced during corner- ing, resulting in over-steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.

Ensure that the trailer tongue load is from 8 to 11 percent of the total trailer weight and does not exceed the maximum value of 200 lbs (90
kg).

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Starting and operating

The tongue load can be weighed with a bathroom scale as shown in the illustration below. When weighing the tongue load, be sure to posi- tion the towing coupler at the height at which it would be during actual towing, using a jack as shown.

Tongue load

Bathroom scale

Jack

OM-H2785

HS0145

The tongue load can be adjusted by proper distribution of the load in the trailer. Never load the trailer with more weight in the back than in the front; approximately 60 percent of the trailer load should be in the front and approximately 40 percent in the rear. Also, distribute the load as evenly as possible on both the left and right sides. Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to prevent a change in weight distribution while driving.

OM-H2787

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B Trailer hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drilling the frame or under-body of your vehicle could cause dete- rioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

CAUTION