2003 SUBARU FORESTER air conditioning

3-30
Instruments and controls
will illuminate.
By pressing and releasing the right button, the com-
pass display is toggled on or off. When the compass is
on, an illuminated compass reading will appear in the
lower part of the mirror.
Even with the mirror in anti-glare mode, the mirror sur-
face turns bright if the transmission is shifted into re-
verse. This is to ensure good rearward visibility during reversing. Photosensors
The mirror has a photosensor attached on both the
front and back sides. If the glare from the headlights of
vehicles behind you strikes the mirror, these sensors detect it and make the reflection surface of the mirror
dimmer to help prevent you from being blinded. For
this reason, use care not to cover the sensors with
stickers, or other similar items. Periodically wipe the
sensors clean using a piece of dry soft cotton cloth or
an applicator.
Compass calibration
1. For optimum calibration, switch off all nonessential
electrical accessories (rear window defogger, heater/
air conditioning system, spotlight, etc.) and ensure all
doors are shut.
2. Drive to an open, level area away from large metal-
lic objects or structures and make certain the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
3. Press and hold the left button for 3 seconds then re-
lease, and the compass will enter the calibration
mode. “CAL” and direction will be displayed.
4. Drive slowly in a circle until “CAL” disappears from
the display (about two or three circles).
5. The compass is now calibrated. Further calibration
is not required. The compass will automatically cali-
brate from this point forward.
HS3038BA

4-1
4
Climate control
Ventilator ...................................................... 4-2 Air flow selection ............................................ 4-2
Center and side ventilators ............................ 4-3
Manual climate control system ................... 4-4 Control panel ................................................... 4-4
Heater operation ............................................. 4-6
Air conditioner operation (if equipped) ........ 4-9
Automatic climate control system
(if equipped) ................................................. 4-10 Temperature sensors ..................................... 4-15
Operating tips for heater and air
conditioner ................................................... 4-16 Cleaning ventilation grille .............................. 4-16
Efficient cooling after parking in direct
sunlight ............................................................ 4-17
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant
circuit ............................................................... 4-17
Checking air conditioning system before
summer season .............................................. 4-17
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity
and low temperature weather conditions ..... 4-17
Air conditioner compressor shut-off when
engine is heavily loaded ................................ 4-17
Refrigerant for your climate control system 4-17
Air filtration system (if equipped) ............... 4-18 Replacing an air filter ..................................... 4-18

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

4-21
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