2003 SUBARU FORESTER fuel

7-6
Starting and operating

Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of
the vehicle. Fuels may cause paint damage,
which is not covered under the SUBARU Limit-
ed Warranty. Always use a genuine SUBARU fuel filler cap.
If you use the wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting, and your fuel tank and emis-
sion control system might be damaged.
State emission testing (U.S. only)
At state inspection time, remember to tell your in-
spection or service station in advance not to place
your Subaru AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dyna-
mometer. Otherwise, serious transmission dam-
age will result.
Some states have started using dynamometers in
their state inspection programs in order to meet their
obligation under federal law to implement stricter vehi-
cle emission standards to reduce air pollution from
cars. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing
device that allows your car’s wheels to turn while the
car remains in one place. Depending on the severity of
a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt
either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission in-
spection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission
test consists of an emission inspector inserting an an-
alyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle
for a short period of time. States with more severe air
pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced
vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driv-
ing conditions on a dynamometer and permits more
accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution
than the basic emission test.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and

7-8
Starting and operating
or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored
in vehicle’s computer with the
“CHECK ENGINE”
warning light/MIL illuminated. A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or
fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness
monitors “Not Ready” is greater than three. Under
this condition, the vehicle operator should be instruct-
ed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the
monitors and return for an emission re-inspection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact
their Subaru Dealer for service.Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-
rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.

7-9
Starting and operating
–CONTINUED –
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to
start after operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before
trying again.
Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift
lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started. If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a
while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position again while depressing the accelerator pedal
half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection
system automatically lowers the idle speed as the en-
gine warms up.
Automatic transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position
(preferably “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when the select le-
ver is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a
while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position again while depressing the accelerator pedal

7-10
Starting and operating
half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injec-
tion system automatically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up.
While the engine is warming up, make sure that the
selector lever is at the “P” or “N” position and that the
parking brake is applied.
If you restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift the selector lever into the “N” po-
sition. Do not attempt to place the selector lever
of a moving vehicle into the “P” position.
Starting the engine during cold weath-
er below –4 °F(–20 °C)
If the engine is difficult to start using the normal meth-
od (without depressing the accelerator pedal), turn the
ignition switch to the “START” position while slightly
depressing the accelerator pedal.
Starting a flooded engine
If the engine does not start, it may be flooded (exces-
sive fuel in the engine).
In case of a flooded engine, turn the starter motor for
five seconds with the accelerator pedal fully de-
pressed. Repeat this two or three times until the en-
gine starts. Release the ignition switch and
accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts.

7-12
Starting and operating
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disen-
gaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed)
or with the shift lever in the neutral position.
Engine braking has no effect in either of these
conditions and the risk of an accident is conse-
quently increased.
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has
completely stopped. It may cause damage to
the transmission to try shifting into reverse
when the vehicle is moving.
Shifting speeds
Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and ve-
hicle performance during normal driving is ensured by
shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.
Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear.
Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear po-
sition except for brief acceleration in an emergency.
The tachometer’s needle will enter the red area if
these speeds are exceeded. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and
poor fuel economy.
mph (km/h)
Shift up mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (65)4th to 5th 45 (73)
XandXS
1st 30 (49)
2nd 51 (82)
3rd 73 (117)

8-1
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km) ................................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ..................................... 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .. 8-3
Catalytic converter ...................................... 8-4
Periodic inspections ................................... 8-5
Driving in foreign countries ........................ 8-5
Driving tips for AWD vehicles .................... 8-6
Off road driving ........................................... 8-7
Winter driving .............................................. 8-9 Operation during cold weather ...................... 8-9
Driving on snowy and icy roads .................... 8-11
Corrosion protection ...................................... 8-12
Snow tires ........................................................ 8-12
Tire chains ....................................................... 8-13
Rocking the vehicle ........................................ 8-13
Loading your vehicle .................................. 8-14 Vehicle capacity weight .................................. 8-15
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ......... 8-16
Roof rail and crossbar (if equipped) ............. 8-17
Trailer hitch (if equipped) ........................... 8-22 Connecting a trailer ........................................ 8-22
When you do not tow a trailer ........................ 8-24
Trailer towing ............................................... 8-25 Warranties and maintenance ......................... 8-25
Maximum load limits ....................................... 8-25
Trailer hitches ................................................. 8-30
Connecting a trailer ........................................ 8-31 Trailer towing tips ........................................... 8-32

8-2
Driving tips
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
The performance and long life of your vehicle are de-
pendent on how you handle and care for your vehicle
while it is new. Follow these instructions during the
first 1,000 miles (1,600 km):
Do not race the engine. And do not allow engine
speed to exceed 4,000 rpm except in an emergency. Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle
speed for a long time, either fast or slow. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid acceleration, ex-
cept in an emergency. Avoid hard braking, except in an emergency.
The same break-in procedures should be applied to
an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when
brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new
ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. Select the proper gear position for the speed and
road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. Always
accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed.
Then try to maintain that speed for as long as possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the
engine. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown
on the tire placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in proper alignment.
Avoid carrying unnecessary cargo.

8-4
Driving tips
Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust sys-
tem. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx
in exhaust gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.
To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:
Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of
leaded fuel will damage the catalytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the ve-
hicle. Avoid racing the engine.
Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving.
Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine
running rough (misfiring, backfiring or incomplete
combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Do not apply undercoating or rust prevention treat-
ment to the heat shield of catalytic converter and the
exhaust system.
Avoidfirehazards.Donotdriveorparkthe
vehicle anywhere near flammable materials
(e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the
catalytic converter operates at very high tem-
peratures. Keep everyone and flammable materials
away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is
running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
HS8002BA