2003 SUBARU FORESTER instrument panel

4-4
Climate control
Manual climate control system
Control panel
1) Temperature control dial
2) Fan speed control dial
3) Air flow control dial
4) Rear window defogger button (Refer to the “Rear win- dow defogger switch” in chapter 3.)
5) Air conditioner button (if equipped)
6) Air inlet selection button
Temperature control dial
This dial regulates the temperature of air flow from the
air outlets over a range from the blue side (cool) to red side (warm).
Fan speed control dial
The fan operates only when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. The fan speed control dial
is used to select four fan speeds. Air flow control dial
This dial has the following five positions:
: Air flows through the instrument panel outlets.
: Air flows through the instrument panel outlets and
the foot outlets.
: Air flows through the foot outlets and some
through the windshield defroster outlets.
: Air flows through the windshield defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
: Air flows through the windshield defroster outlets.
NOTE
Whenthedialisplacedinthe“ ”or
“ ”position, the air conditioner compressor
operates automatically regardless of the position
of the air conditioner button to defog the wind-
shield quickly. However the indicator on the air
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Climate control
NOTE
Warm air also comes out from the right and left air
outlets. To stop warm air flow from these outlets,
turn the corresponding thumb-wheel down.
Bi-level heating
This setting allows you to direct air of different temper-
atures from the instrument panel and foot outlets. The
air from the foot outlets is slightly warmer than from the
instrument panel outlets.
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the OFF posi- tion.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the desired tem- perature level.
4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desired speed.
Setting the temperature control dial fully turned to the
red area or blue area decreases the temperature dif-
ference between the air from the instrument panel out-
lets and the air from the foot outlets.
Ventilation
To force outside air through the instrument panel out-
lets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the OFF posi- tion.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ” position.
3. Set the temperature control dial all the way left.
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Climate control
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4. Set the fan speed control dial to the desired speed.
When driving on a dusty road, set the air inlet selection
button to the “ON” position.
Continued operation with the air inlet selection
button in the ON position may fog up the win-
dows. Switch to the OFF position as soon as
the outside dusty condition clears.
Air conditioner operation (if equipped)
Cooling or dehumidifying
1) ON position
For cooling and dehumidification of the passenger
compartment, air flows through the instrument panel
outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the OFF posi-
tion.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ” position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the “ON” position.
4. Set the temperature control dial to the blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the highest speed.
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Climate control

A/C — Air conditioner switch
If the windshield starts to fog when the climate control
system is operated in the AUTO mode, push the air
conditioner switch “A/C” to defog and dehumidify.
When this switch is pushed, the air conditioner com-
pressor turns on and the indicator light comes on. Af-
ter eliminating the fogging from the windshield, set the
system back to the AUTO mode by pushing the “AU-
TO” switch.
NOTE
The air conditioner compressor does not operate
when the outside air temperature is below 32 °F
(0 °C).
Air flow control dial
Select the desired air flow mode by turning the air flow
control dial. The selected air flow mode is indicated by
illumination of the corresponding indicator light around
the dial. (Ventilation): Air flows through the instrument panel
outlets.
(Bi-level): Air flows through the instrument panel
outlets and the foot outlets.
(Heat): Air flows through the foot outlets and some
through the windshield defroster outlets.
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Starting and operating
–CONTINUED –
Cruise control (if equipped)
Cruise control enables you to maintain a constant ve-
hicle speed without holding your foot on the accelera-
tor pedal and it is operative when the vehicle speed is
25 mph (40 km/h) or more. Make sure the main switch
is turned “OFF” when the cruise control is not in use to
avoid unintentionally by setting the cruise control.
Do not use the cruise control under any of the
following conditions. This may cause loss of
vehicle control:
driving up or down a steep grade
driving on slippery or winding roads
driving in heavy traffic
To set cruise control
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1. Push the “CRUISE” main switch. The indicator light
on the instrument panel will come on.
2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle
reaches the desired speed.
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Maintenance and service
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even when the engine is stopped.
When you do checking or servicing in
the engine compartment while the en-
gine is running
A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your
fingers, hands, clothing, hair and tools away
from the cooling fan, belts and any other mov-
ing engine parts. Removing rings, watches and
ties is advisable.
Engine hood
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To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release knob under the instrument
panel.
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Maintenance and service
It is unnecessary to periodically check the battery fluid
level or periodically refill with distilled water.
However, if the battery fluid level is below the lower
level, remove the cap. Fill to the upper level with dis-
tilled water.
Never use more than 10 amperes when charg-
ing the battery because it will shorten battery
life.
Fuses
Never replace a fuse with one having a higher
rating or with material other than a fuse be-
cause serious damage or a fire could result.
The fuses are designed to melt during an overload to
prevent damage to the wiring harness and electrical
equipment. The fuses are located in two fuse boxes.
One is located under the instrument panel behind the
coin tray on the driver’s seat side.
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