2003 SUBARU FORESTER Owners Manual

4-16
Climate control
The automatic climate control system employs several
sensors. These sensors are delicate. If they are treat-
ed improperly and become damaged, the system may
not be able to control the interior temperature correct-
ly. To avoid damaging the sensors, observe the follow-
ing precautions:
– Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows:
– Solar sensor: beside the windshield defroster grille
– Interior air temperature sensor: near the steering
column
– Ambient temperature sensor: behind the front grille.
Operating tips for heater and air con-
ditioner
Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other 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 ac-
cumulation of insects and leaves on the condenser.
HS4022BA

4-17
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
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 windows closed during
the operation of the air conditioner for maximum cool-
ing efficiency. Lubrication oil circulation in the refrig-
erant circuit
Operate the air conditioner compressor at a low en-
gine speed (at idle or low driving speeds) a few min-
utes each month during the off-season to circulate its
oil. Checking air conditioning system be-
fore 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.
Cooling and dehumidifying in high hu-
midity and low temperature weather
conditions
Under certain weather conditions (high relative humid-
ity, low temperatures, 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 con-
ditioner compressor is designed to temporarily shut off
during air conditioner operation whenever the acceler-
ator is fully depressed such as during rapid accerela-
tion or when driving on a steep upgrade. Refrigerant for your climate control
system
Your air conditioner uses ozone friendly refrigerant
HFC134a. Therefore, 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.

4-18
Climate control
Air filtration system (if equipped)
If your vehicle’s air conditioning system is equipped
with an air filtration system, replace the filter element
according to the replacement schedule shown below.
This schedule should be followed to maintain the fil-
ter’s dust collection ability. Under extremely dusty con-
ditions, the filter should be replaced more frequently. It
is recommended that you have your filter checked or
replaced by your SUBARU dealer. For replacement,
use only a genuine SUBARU air filter kit.
Replacement schedule:
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) whichev-
er comes first
Replacing an air filter
0
1. Remove the glove box.
1) Open the glove box.
2) Remove the nine screws securing the glove box.
HS4024BA

4-19
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
1) Air filter cover
2. Remove the air filter cover. 1) Air filter
2) Arrow mark
3. Replace the air filter with new one.
The arrow mark on the filter must point UP.
1HS4025BB1 2HS4026BB

4-20
Climate control
1) Air filter cover
4. Reinstall the air filter cover. 5. Reinstall the glove box.
6. Close the glove box.
1HS4025CBHS4024BA

4-21
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
1) Service label
2) Caution label
7. LABEL installation 1) Fill out the information on the service label (small).
2) Attach service and caution labels on the door pil-
lar on the driver’s side.
Contact your dealer if the following occurs,
even if it is not yet time to change the filter:
– Reduction of the air flow through the vents.
– Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.
NOTE
The filter can influence the air conditioning, heat-
ing and defroster performan ce if not properly
maintained.
1
2
HS4027BB

5-1
5
Audio
Antenna system ........................................... 5-2 FM reception ................................................... 5-2
Installation of accessories .......................... 5-3
Audio set ....................................................... 5-3 Type A audio set ............................................. 5-3
Type B audio set ............................................. 5-4
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (Optional audio
unit – if equipped) ........................................... 5-4
Type A audio set (if equipped) .................... 5-5 Radio operation .............................................. 5-5
Compact disc player operation ..................... 5-10
CD changer control (If optional in-dash CD
changer is connected) .................................... 5-13
Type B audio set (if equipped) ................... 5-16 Radio operation .............................................. 5-16
Cassette player operation .............................. 5-22
Built in CD changer operation ....................... 5-26
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped) ... 5-31 Loading and unloading compact discs ........ 5-31
Precautions to observe when handling
a compact disc (CD) .................................... 5-34