2002 SUBARU FORESTER fuel

3
Instruments and controls Ignition switch3-3
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Key reminder chime 3-5
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Ignition switch light 3-5
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Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard warning flasher 3-7
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Meters and gauges 3-7
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Speedometer 3-7
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Odometer/Trip meter 3-7
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Tachometer 3-9
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Outside temperature indicator (if equipped) 3-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel gauge 3-9
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Temperature gauge 3-10
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Warning and indicator lights 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seatbelt warning light and chime 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SRS airbag system warning light 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp 3-12
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Charge warning light 3-13
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Oil pressure warning light 3-13
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AT OIL TEMPerature warning light (for AT vehicles) 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABS warning light 3-14
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VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) warning light (if equipped) 3-15
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Brake system warning light 3-16
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Door open warning lights 3-17
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Low fuel warning light 3-17
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Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles) 3-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) operation indicator light (if equipped) 3-17
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VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) OFF indicator light (if equipped) 3-18
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Security system status indicator light (if equipped) 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift position indicator (for AT vehicles) 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turn signal indicator lights 3-18
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High beam indicator light 3-19
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Clock 3-19
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Light control switch 3-19
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Daytime running light system 3-21
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Turn signal lever 3-21
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Illumination brightness control 3-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking light switch 3-23
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Instruments and controls3-9
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CONTINUED –
Tachometer
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the pointer of the tachometer in
the red zone. In this range, fuel injection will be cut by the enginecontrol module to protect the engine from overrevving. Theengine will resume running normally after the engine speed isreduced below the red zone.
The tachometer shows the engine speed in thousands of revolutions perminute. Outside temperature indicator (if equipped)
The outside temperature indicator shows the outside temperature in a
range from –22°F to 122 °F ( –30 °C to 50 °C).
The indicator can give a false reading under any of the following condi-tions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic jam; when the
engine is restarted immediately following a shutdown. When the actual outside temperature falls outside the specified indi-
cator range. For vehicles with an automatic climate control, outside temperature can be displayed on the climate control display panel. Refer to the“ Automatic climate control system ” in chapter 4.
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in thetank.
The gauge does not return to “E” even though the ignition switch is in the
“ACC” or “LOCK” position.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning or acceleration dueto fuel level movement in the tank.

3-12
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you are driving, have
your vehicle checked/repaired by your SUBARU dealer as soonas possible. Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired as necessarycould cause serious damage, which may not be covered by your
vehicle’ s warranty.
If this light comes on steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate that there is a problem or potential problem somewhere in the
emission control system. If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does not go out after the
engine starts, an emission control system malfunction has been de-tected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU
dealer immediately. NOTE This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of the CHECK
ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator lamp coming on could be a
loose or missing fuel filler cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering with the sealing of the cap.
Tightening the cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE warning light
turn off immediately. It may take several driving trips. If the light does
not go out, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer
immediately. If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire condition has

Instruments and controls3-17
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CONTINUED –
tioned in “ON”), it could be an indication of leaking of brake fluid or
worn brake pads. Have your vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer
immediately.
Door open warning lights
The specific door open warning light comes on if any door or the rear gate is not fully closed.
Always make sure this light is out before you start to drive. Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is nearly empty about 2.6 U.S. gal. (10.0 liters, or 2.2 Imp. gal.). It only operates when the igni-
tion switch is in the “ON” position.
NOTE This light does not go out unless the tank is replenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about 3.7 U.S. gal. (14 liters, 3.1 Imp. gal.). Front-wheel drive warning light (for AT vehicles)
This light comes on when All Wheel Drive is disengaged and the drive
mechanism is switched to Front Wheel Drive for maintenance or similarpurposes. VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) operation indicator light (if equipped)
This light comes on when the ignition switch is ON and goes out about 2
seconds later.
It blinks when the skid suppression function is activated. It illuminates
when only the traction control function is operating.
The VDC system is probably faulty under any of the following conditions.
Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately. The light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position.
The light does not go out even after a period of about 2 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned to the “ON” position.

3-24
Fog light switch (if equipped)
The fog lights operate only when the headlights are on low beam. Push
the fog light switch to turn the fog lights on.
Press the switch again to turn them off.
HB2025BB
The indicator light located on the switch will illuminate when the fog
lights are on.
Wiper and washerWARNING
In freezing weather, do not use the windshield washer until the
windshield is sufficiently warmed by the defroster.Otherwise the washer fluid can freeze on the windshield, blocking
your view.
CAUTION
Do not operate the washer continuously for more than ten se-
conds, or when the washer fluid tank is empty. This may cause
overheating of the washer motor. Check the washer fluid level fre-
quently, such as at fuel stops.

6-16
HB6016BA
HB6015BA
A retaining pin is located on the driver ’s side of the vehicle next to the
fuel filler door release. The floor mat is secured using the built-in grom-
met, by placing the grommet over the pin and pushing downward.
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.

7
Starting and operating Fuel7-2
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Fuel requirements 7-2
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Fuel filler lid and cap 7-4
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State emission testing (U.S. only) 7-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing to drive 7-8
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Starting the engine 7-9
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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
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Stopping the engine 7-11
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Manual transmission 7-11
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Automatic transmission 7-14
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Selector lever for automatic transmission 7-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift lock release 7-19
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Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) 7-20 . . .
Power steering 7-21
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Braking 7-21
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Braking tips 7-21
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Brake system 7-22
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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
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Parking your vehicle 7-32
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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.