2000 SUBARU FORESTER key

ii
How to use this owner’s manual
Using your Owner’s manual
Before you op erate your vehic le, c arefully read thi s manual. To p rotec t
yourself and extend the servic e life of your vehic l e, follow the instruc tions
in this manual. Failure to ob serve these instruc tio ns may result in serious
injury and d amag e to your vehic le.
This manual is c omp osed of thirteen c hap ters. Eac h c hap ter b eg ins with
a b rief tab le of c ontents, so you c an usually tell at a g lanc e if that c hap -
ter c ontains the information you want. Chapter 1: Doors and Locks
This c hap ter informs you how to op erate the keys, l oc ks and wind ows.
Chapter 2: Seat, seat belt and SRS airbag
This c hap ter informs you how to use the seat and se at b elt and c ontains
p rec autions for the SRS airb ag .Chapter 3: Instruments and controls
This c hap ter informs you ab out the op eration of ins trument p anel ind ic a-
tors and how to use the instruments and other switc hes.
Chapter 4: Climate Control
This c hap ter informs you how to op erate the c limate c ontrol.
Chapter 5: Audio
This c hap ter informs you how to op erate your aud io system.
Chapter 6: Interior equipment
This c hap ter informs you how to op erate interior eq uip ment.
Chapter 7: Starting and operating
This c hap ter informs you how to start and op erate y our SUBARU.
Chapter 8: In case of emergency
This c hap ter informs you what to d o if you have a p rob lem while d riving ,
suc h as a flat tire or eng ine overheating .Chapter 9: Appearance care
This c hap ter informs you how to keep your SUBARU lo oking g ood .
Chapter 10: Maintenance and service
This c hap ter informs you how to keep your SUBARU ru nning p rop erly.

Index13-5
Heating and air c ond itioning
4-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hig h b eam ind ic ator 3-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hig h mount stop lig ht 10-53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 3-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I
Ig nition switc h 7-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination b rig htness c ontrol 3-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insid e mirror 3-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation of ac c essories 5-14, 10-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing c arrying attac hments on the c ross b ars 1- 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lig ht 6-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior lig ht and lug g ag e c omp artment lig ht 10-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
J
Jump starting 8-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
K
Key interloc k release (AT vehic les only) 7-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless entry system (if eq uip p ed ) 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key numb er 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key remind er c hime 7-12
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keys 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
L
Lic ense p late lig ht 10-51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lig ht c ontrol switc h 3-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Load ing your vehic le 7-46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lug g ag e c over (if eq uip p ed ) 6-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
M
Main fuse and fusib le link 10-45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenanc e p rec autions 10-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenanc e sc hed ule 10-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenanc e tools 6-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13-6Manual transmission oil
10-19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master, sub master and valet key 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mirrors 3-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N
New vehic le b reak-in d riving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) 7-3 . . . . . .
O
Od ometer/Trip meter 3-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off road d riving 7-38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil p ressure warning lig ht 3-6
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Op erating tip s for heater and air c ond itioner 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outsid e mirrors 3-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overhead c onsole 6-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
P
Parking b rake stroke 10-38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking lig ht switc h 3-15
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking your vehic le 7-30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Period ic insp ec tions 7-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power d oor loc king switc hes (if eq uip p ed ) 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering 7-27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering fluid 10-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power wind ows 1-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prec autions ag ainst vehic le mod ific ation 2-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prep aring to d rive 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R
Rad io 5-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rad io op eration 5-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear c omb ination lig hts 10-50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear d ifferential g ear oil 10-23
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear g ate 1-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear seats 2-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear visc ous limited slip d ifferential (for S mod el s) 7-26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear wind ow d efog g er switc h 3-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
Doors and locks Keys1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master, submaster and valet key 1-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Key number 1-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door locks 1-3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power door locking switches (if equipped) 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety locks 1-7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyless entry system (if equipped) 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security system (if equipped) 1-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power windows 1-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear gate 1-25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler door and cap 1-26
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine hood 1-28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) 1-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When luggage is put on the slats (Vehicles with roof slats only) 1-30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing carrying attachments on the cross bars 1-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal and installation of the crossbars 1-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1-2
Keys
HS0009
Master key
Submaster keyValet key
Key number plate
Master, submaster and valet key
Three typ es of keys are p rovid ed for your vehic le.
Master key, sub master key and valet key.
The master key and sub master key fit all loc ks on y our vehic le.
Ig nition switc h
Doors
Rear g ate
Glove c omp artment
The valet key fits only the ig nition switc h and d oo r loc ks. You c an keep
the g love c omp artment loc ked when you leave your ve hic le and valet
key at a p arking fac ility.
Key number
The key numb er is stamp ed on the metal p late attac h ed to the key set.
Write d own the key numb er and keep it in another sa fe p lac e, not in the
vehic le. This numb er is need ed to make a rep lac emen t key if you lose
your key or loc k it insid e the vehic le.

Doors and locks1-3
–
CONTINUED –
Door locks
Locking and unlocking from the outside
n For Vehicles with power door locking switches
HS0010
Unlock
Lock
To loc k the d oor from the outsid e with the key, tur n the key toward the
rear. To unloc k the d oor, turn the key toward the f ront.
Pull the outsid e d oor hand le to op en an unloc ked d o or.
HS0012
Locking without the key
HS0011
1
2
1Press the lock lever.
2 Close the door. 1
2
Locking without the key
1
Push the power door locking switch rearward.
2 Close the door.
To loc k the d oor from the outsid e without the key, p ress the end of the
loc k lever d own on the d oor and then c lose the d oor .
To loc k the d oor from the outsid e using the p ower d oor loc king switc h,
p ush the switc h rearward ( “LOCK ” sid e) and then c lose the d oor. In
this c ase, all c losed d oors and the rear g ate are l oc ked at the same

1-4time.
Always make sure that all d oors and the rear g ate a
re loc ked b efore
leaving your vehic le. NOTE
Make sure that you do not leave the key inside the vehicle before
locking the doors from the outside without the key. n For vehicles without power door locking switches
HS0010
Unlock
Lock
To loc k the d oor from the outsid e with the key, tur n the key toward the
rear. To unloc k the d oor, turn the key toward the f ront.
Pull the outsid e d oor hand le to op en an unloc ked d o or.
HS0013
Locking without the key (Front door)
Locking without the key (Rear door)
HS0011
1
2
1 Press the lock lever.
2 Close the door.
1
2
1Press the lock lever.
2 Close the door while holding the handle up.
To loc k the from the outsid e without the key, p ress the end
of the loc k lever d own on the d oor and hold the out sid e d oor hand le

Doors and locks1-5
–
CONTINUED –
up while c losing the d oor.
To loc k the
rear door from the outsid e without the key, p ress the end
of the loc k lever d own on the d oor and then c lose t he d oor.
Always make sure that all d oors and the rear g ate a re loc ked b efore
leaving your vehic le.
NOTE
Make sure that you do not leave the key inside the vehicle before
locking the doors from the outside without the key. Locking and unlocking from the inside
HS0014
UnlockLock
Red mark Inside door handle
To loc k the d oor from the insid e, p ress the end of the loc k lever d own.
To unloc k the d oor from the insid e, p ull the front end of the loc k lever.
The red mark on the loc k lever ap p ears when the d oo r is unloc ked .
Pull the insid e d oor hand le to op en an unloc ked d oo r.
Always make sure that all d oors and the rear g ate a re c losed b efore
starting to d rive.