2002 SUBARU FORESTER service

Climate control4-21
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Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low tempera- ture weather condition
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humidity, low tempera-
tures, etc.) a small amount of water vapor emission from the air outlets
may be noticed. This condition is normal and does not indicate any
problem with the air conditioning system. Air conditioner compressor shut-off when engine is heavily loaded
To improve acceleration and gas mileage, the air conditioner com-
pressor is designed to temporarily shut off during air conditioner op-
eration whenever the accelerator is fully depressed such as during
rapid accerelation or when driving on a steep upgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant HFC134a. There-
fore, the method of adding, changing or checking the refrigerant is
different from the method for CFC12 (freon). Consult your SUBARU
dealer for service. Repairs needed as a result of using the wrong
refrigerant are not covered under warranty.
Air filtration system (if equipped) If your vehicle ’s air conditioning system is equipped with a optional air
filtration system, replace the filter element according to the replacement
schedule shown below. This schedule should be followed to maintain the
filter’ s dust collection ability. Under extremely dusty conditions, the filter
should be replaced more frequently. Since the filter element is a viscous
type, it is unnecessary to clean or wash the element. Have your filter
checked or replaced by your SUBARU dealer.
Replacement schedule: Every 12 months or 9,300 miles (15,000 km) whichever comes first
NOTE The filter can influence the air conditioning, heating and defroster performance.

7-2
FuelCAUTION
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel additive may cause engine damage.
Fuel requirements 2.5 Liter models
The 2.5 Liter engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. 3.0 Liter models
The 3.0 Liter engine is designed to operate using premium unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher. Regular unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI may be used if necessary.
For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is recommended
that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. Fuel octane rating
This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor
Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index(AKI).Using a gasoline with a lower octane rating can cause persistent and
heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned
if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or
when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service techni-
cian if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle
knocks heavily or persistently. Unleaded gasoline
The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded
gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gaso-
line be used because it will damage the emission control system and
may impair driveability and fuel economy.

Starting and operating7-3
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Gasoline for California-certified LEV
Your vehicle was certified to California ’s low emission vehicle (LEV)
standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up label. It is designed
to optimize engine and emission performance with gasoline that
meets the clean burning low-sulfur California gasoline specifications.
If you live in any other state than California, your vehicle will operateon gasoline meeting Federal specifications. Gasoline sold outside
California is permitted to have higher sulfur levels, which may affect
the performance of your vehicle ’s catalytic converter and may pro-
duce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell. SUBARU recommends that you
try a different brand of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to deter-
mine if the problem is fuel related before returning your vehicle to an
authorized dealer for service. 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, youshould 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. Oxygenated
blend fuels, such as MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol(ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in your vehicle, but should con-
tain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the proper operationof your SUBARU.

7-4
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated
gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions. SUBARU
approves the use of reformulated gasoline.
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.Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than
that specified in this manual. 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 inhibitors
required to prevent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel con-
taining methanol EXCEPT under these conditions.
If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you sus-
pect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gasoline before
seeking service at your SUBARU dealer. Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the
use of improper fuel are not covered under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty.
Fuel filler lid and cap Refueling
WARNING
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. Before refueling, always
first stop the engine and make sure that there are no lighted ciga- rettes, open flames or electrical sparks in the adjacent area. When opening the cap, do not remove the cap quickly. Fuel
may be under pressure and spray out of the fuel filler neck espe-
cially in hot weather, which may cause injury.

Starting and operating7-7
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If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether
is caught under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning light may come on. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights ” section lo-
cated in chapter 3.
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 willresult 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 ofthe state inspection program or its contractors or licensees.
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 willresult.
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

Driving tips8-5
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CONTINUED –
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as
catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases, thus providing
cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter: Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline
will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle.
Avoid racing the engine.
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving.
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. Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treatment to the heat
shield of catalytic converter and the exhaust system.
Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the
recommended maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedulein the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ” performed at the specified
time or mileage intervals.
Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in another country: Confirm the availability of the correct fuel. (Refer to the “Fuel require-
ment” section in chapter 7.)
Comply with all regulations and requirements of each country.

8-36
Connection of trailer lights to your vehicle’s electrical system requires
modifications to the vehicle ’s lighting circuit to increase its capacity
and accommodate wiring changes. To ensure the trailer lights are
connected properly, please consult your SUBARU dealer. Check for
proper operation of the turn signals, the brake lights and parkinglights each time you hitch up. n Tires
WARNING
Never tow a trailer when the temporary spare tire is used. The temporary spare tire is not designed to sustain the towing load.
Use of the temporary spare tire when towing can result in failureof the spare tire and/or less stability of the vehicle.
Make sure that all the tires on your vehicle are properly inflated. OUTBACK: The recommended cold tire pressure under trailer
towing conditions is indicated on the tire placard located under thedoor striker on the driver ’s side. Adjust the rear tire pressure to the
recommended pressure shown on the tire placard when the tires
are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the front tires.Other models: It is recommended to inflate the rear tires to 3 psi
(20 kPa, 0.2 kg/cm 2
) above their normal operating pressure when
the tires are cold. Normal pressure should be maintained in the
front tires.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the trailer manufacturer ’s specifications.
In the event your vehicle gets a flat tire when towing a trailer, ask a
commercial road service to repair the flat tire.
If you carry a regular size spare tire in your vehicle or trailer as a pre-
caution against getting a flat tire, be sure that the spare tire is firmly
secured.

9-10
14. Use the wheel nut wrench to securely tighten the wheel nuts to the
specified torque, following the tightening order in the illustration.
OM-H0377
The torque for tightening the nuts is 58 to 72 ft-lb (78 to 98 N-m, 8 to 10
kg-m). This torque is equivalent to applying about 88 to 110 lbs (40 to 50
kg) at the top of the wheel nut wrench. Never use your foot on the wheel
nut wrench or a pipe extension on the wrench because you may exceed
the specified torque. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest
automotive service facility.
15. Store the flat tire in the spare tire compartment.
HS0153
Flat tireAttaching bolt
Spacer
When storing a conventional tire, put the spacer upside down and tight-
en the attaching bolt firmly.
Also store the jack and wheel nut wrench in their storage locations.