2002 SUBARU FORESTER engine

4-20
Operating tips for heater and air conditionerCleaning ventilator grille
HB5019BC
Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille free of snow, leaves, or oth-
er obstructions to ensure efficient heating and defrosting. Since the
condenser is located in front of the radiator, this area should be kept
clean because cooling performance is impaired by any accumulation
of insects and leaves on the condenser. Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight
After parking in direct sunlight, drive with the windows open for a few
minutes to allow outside air to circulate into the heated interior. This
results in quicker cooling by the air conditioner. Keep the windowsclosed during the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency. Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low engine speed (at idle
or low driving speeds) a few minutes each month during the off-sea-
son to circulate its oil. Checking air conditioning system before summer season
Check the air conditioner unit for refrigerant leaks, hose conditions,
and proper operation each spring. This check is best performed by
your SUBARU dealer.

Climate control4-21
–
CONTINUED –
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.

Interior equipment6-11
–
CONTINUED –
HB6011DA
The cigarette lighter operates only when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” and “ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the knob and wait a few moments.
It will automatically spring up when ready for use. Using as an accessory power socket
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery is on tap at the socket when the ignition switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
If you use the socket as an accessory power socket, take the follow-
ing precautions.
When the socket is not in use, always put the cap on the socket to
prevent any foreign object from entering it.
CAUTION
Use only in-car use electrical appliances which are designed
for 12V DC and which consume less than 120W. Overloading the
socket can cause a short circuit. Do not use double adapters ormore than one electrical appliance. If the plug on your electric appliance is either too loose or too
tight for the socket, this can result in a poor contact or cause the
plug to get stuck. Only use plugs that fit properly. Use of an electric appliance in the socket for a long period of
time while the engine is not running can cause battery discharge. Before driving your vehicle, make sure that the plug and the
cord on your electrical appliance will not interfere with your shift-

Interior equipment6-13
–
CONTINUED –
To remove the ashtray for cleaning, open it and pull it out while pushing the inner plate down.
Accessory power socket
In the luggage compartment (if equipped) CAUTION
Do not attempt to use a cigarette lighter in the accessory
power socket. Do not place any foreign objects, especially metal ones such
as coins or aluminum foil, into the accessory power socket. Thatcould cause a short circuit. Always put the cap on the accessorypower socket when it is not in use. Use only electrical appliances which are designed for 12V DC
and which consume less than 120W. Overloading the accessorypower socket can cause a short circuit. Do not use double adapt-ers or more than one electrical appliance. If the plug on your electric appliance is either too loose or too
tight for the accessory power socket, this can result in a poorcontact or cause the plug to get stuck. Only use plugs that fit
properly. Use of an electric appliance in the accessory power socket for
a long period of time while the engine is not running can causebattery discharge.
HB7008EA

7
Starting and operating Fuel7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel requirements 7-2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-8
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine 7-9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for a manual transmission vehicle 7-9 . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the engine for an automatic transmission vehicle 7-9 . . . . . .
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4
°F (–20°C) 7-10 . . .
Starting a flooded engine 7-10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the engine 7-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manual transmission 7-11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 7-14
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever for automatic transmission 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) 7-20 . . .
Power steering 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking tips 7-21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 7-22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system (if equipped) 7-26 . . . . . .
VDC OFF switch 7-31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking your vehicle 7-32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control (if equipped) 7-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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
–
CONTINUED –
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.