2002 SUBARU FORESTER gas type

Instruments and controls3-25
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Do not operate the wipers when the windshield or rear window
is dry. This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and
cause the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on
a dry windshield or rear window, always use the windshield
washer. In freezing weather, be sure that the wiper blades are not fro-
zen to the windshield or rear window before switching on thewipers. Attempting to operate the wiper with the blades frozen tothe window glass could cause not only the wiper blades to be
damaged but also the wiper motor to burn out. If the wiper blade
is frozen to the window glass, be sure to operate the defroster,wiper deicer (if equipped) or rear window defogger before turning
on the wiper. If the wipers stop during operation because of ice or some oth-
er obstruction on the window, the wiper motor could burn outeven if the wiper switch is turned off. If this occurs, promptly stopthe vehicle in a safe place, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and clean the window glass to allow proper wiper opera-tion. Use clean water if windshield washer fluid is unavailable. In
areas where water freezes in winter, use SUBARU Windshield
Washer Fluid or the equivalent. (See “Windshield washer fluid ”
section in chapter 11.)Also, when driving the vehicle when there are freezing tempera-tures, use non-freezing type wiper blades. Do not clean the wiper blades with gasoline or a solvent, such
as paint thinner or benzene. This will cause deterioration of thewiper blades.
NOTE The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
or “ACC” position.
Clean your wiper blades and window glass periodically with a
washer solution to prevent streaking, and to remove accumulations
of road salt or road film. Keep the washer button depressed at leastfor 1 second so that washer solution will be sprinkled all over the

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.

Driving tips8-33
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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, wateror mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilledhole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless andodorless 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 aroundthe drilled hole.
CAUTION
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or
other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towingequipment. Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to
the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. OUTBACK wagon
The use of a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is recommended. A genu-
ine SUBARU hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.
If use of a non-genuine hitch is unavoidable, be sure the hitch is
suited to your vehicle and trailer. Consult with a professional hitch
supplier to assist you in choosing an appropriate hitch for your
vehicle. Be sure to follow all of the hitch manufacturer ’s instructions for
installation and use.
Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper isnot designed to handle that type of load.
For all types of hitches, regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts
and nuts are tight.

Appearance care10-7
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cleaner. Use the cleaner on a hidden place and make sure it does not
affect the fabric adversely. Use the cleaner according to its instruc-tions. Leather seat materials
The leather used by SUBARU is a high quality natural product which
will retain its distinctive appearance and feel for many years with
proper care.
Allowing dust or road dirt to build up on the surface can cause the
material to become brittle and to wear prematurely. Regular cleaning
with a soft, moist, natural fiber cloth should be performed monthly,
taking care not to soak the leather or allow water to penetrate thestitched seams.A mild detergent suitable for cleaning woolen fabrics may be used to
remove difficult dirt spots, rubbing with a soft, dry cloth afterwards to
restore the luster. If your SUBARU is to be parked for a long time in
bright sunlight, it is recommended that the seats and headrests be
covered, or the windows shaded, to prevent fading or shrinkage.
Minor surface blemishes or bald patches may be treated with a com-
mercial leather spray lacquer. You will discover that each leather seatsection will develop soft folds or wrinkles, which is characteristic of
genuine leather. Synthetic leather upholstery
The synthetic leather material used on the SUBARU may be cleaned
using mild soap or detergent and water, after first vacuuming or
brushing away loose dirt. Allow the soap to soak in for a few minutes
and wipe off with a clean, damp cloth. Commercial foam-type clean-ers suitable for synthetic leather materials may be used when neces-
sary. NOTE Strong cleaning agents such as solvents, paint thinners, window
cleaner or gasoline must never be used on leather or syntheticinterior materials.

Specifications12-3
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Overall height 62.2 in (1,580 mm)
Ground clearance
2.5 liter models 7.3 in (185 mm)
3.0 liter models 7.9 in (200 mm)
Front tread 57.9 in (1,470 mm)
Rear tread 57.7 in (1,465 mm)
Wheelbase 104.3 in (2,650 mm)
Engine 2.5 liter
Engine model EJ251
Engine type Horizontally opposed, liquid cooled
4 cylinder, 4 stroke gasoline engine
Engine displacement 2,457 cc (150 cu in.)
Bore 3.92 in (99.5 mm)
Stroke 3.11 in (79.0 mm)
Compression ratio 10.0 : 1
Firing order 1 - 3 - 2 - 4 3.0 liter
Engine model EZ30D
Engine type Horizontally opposed, liquid cooled 6 cylinder, 4 stroke gasoline engine
Engine displacement 3,000 cc (183.0 cu in.)
Bore 3.51 in (89.2 mm)
Stroke 3.15 in (80.0 mm)
Compression ratio 10.7 : 1
Firing order 1 - 6 - 3 - 2 - 5 - 4
Electrical system 2.5 liter
Battery type and capacity
MT: 55D23L
AT: 75D23L
Alternator 12V-90A