2003 SUBARU FORESTER climate control

4-13
Climate control
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— Defroster switch
To defrost or dehumidify the windshield and side win-
dows, push the defroster switch “ ”. When the
“ ” switch is pushed, regardless whether the air
conditioner is operating or not, outside air is drawn into
the passenger compartment, the air conditioner com-
pressor turns on, air flow is directed towards the wind-
shield and side windows, and the indicator light on the
switch comes on.
After eliminating the fogging from the windshield, re-
turn the climate control system to the AUTO mode by
pushing the “AUTO” switch or turn off by pushing the
“OFF” switch.
Alternatively, push the “ ” switch again to return the system to the setting that was selected before you
activated the defroster.
Fan speed control dial
The fan operates only when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position. Select any of the four fan speeds by
turning the fan speed control dial. The selected fan
speed is indicated by illumination of the corresponding
indicator light around the dial.
HS4021CA
HS4020AA

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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.
HS4020DAHS4021AA

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Climate control
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(Heat-def): Air flows through the windshield de-
froster outlets and foot outlets. Air inlet selection switch
Select air flow by pushing the air inlet selection switch “” .
ON (Recirculation): Interior air recirculates inside the
passenger compartment. Use this position when
quickly cooling down the passenger compartment or
to prevent outside air from entering the passenger
compartment. The indicator light comes on when the
“Recirculation” mode is selected.
OFF (Outside air): Outside air is drawn into the pas-
senger compartment. When the climate control sys- tem is operated in the “AUTO” mode, this position is
selected automatically. The indicator light goes off
when the “Outside air” mode is selected.
Continued operation in the ON position may fog
up the windows. Switch to the OFF position as
soon as the outside dusty condition clears.
Temperature sensors
1) Interior air temperature sensor
2) Solar sensor
HS4020CA
1 2HS4028BB

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

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Climate control
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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.

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