2003 SUBARU FORESTER automatic transmission

3-2
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC,
ON and START.
LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel
when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.
Automatic transmission vehicles
HS3014BA
HS3015BA
HS2020CA

3-3
Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position. Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” while
the vehicle is being driven or towed because
that will lock the steering wheel, preventing
steering control. And when the engine is turned
off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to
steer.
ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, ciga-
rette lighter, etc.) can be used. ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started. START
The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released
(after the engine has started), the key automatically
returns to the “ON” position.
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position while the engine is running.
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door
HS2020DA

3-12
Instruments and controls
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary to
stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep grades or
in stop and go traffic. Automatic transmission control system warn-
ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system is
not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately. ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after
about two seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.
If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS
system may not work properly.
When the warning light is on, the ABS function
shuts down; however, the conventional brake
system continues to operate normally.
The warning light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. The warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it
does not go out even when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at
the first available opportunity by your SUBARU
dealer.
With a vehicle equipped with an EBD system, the ABS
warning light comes on together with the brake system
warning light if the EBD system becomes faulty. For
(U.S.) (Canada)

3-19
Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
more than just a few seconds.
Daytime running light system
The tail lights, parking lights, and side marker
lights are not turned on by the daytime running
light system. The light switch must always be
turned to the “ ” position when it is dark
outside.
The low beam headlights will automatically come on at
reduced brightness when the engine has started, un-
der the following conditions: The parking brake is fully released.
The light switch is in the “OFF” or “ ” position.
The automatic transmission selector lever is set at
other than the “P” position.
Turn signal lever
1) Right turn
2) Left turn
3) Lane change for right
4) Lane change for left
To activate the right turn signal, push the turn signal le-
ver up. To activate the left turn signal, push the turn
signal lever down. When the turn is finished, the lever
will return automatically. If the lever does not return af-
ter cornering, return the lever to the neutral position by
hand.
To signal a lane change, push the turn signal lever up
1 2 3
4
HS3027BB

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

5-32
Audio

Donotattempttoinserttwoormorediscs
into the slot at a time. Doing so can cause me-
chanical damage to the CD changer. Use only music CDs identified by
am ark .
Do not use CDs listed below which could
cause damage to the CD player.
3-inch (8 cm) compact disc.
Any disc with a peel-off or seal on it.
Any disc with scratches and/or dust.
Bent disc.
Cleaning disc.
CD accessory. (E.g., 3-inch (8 cm) disc
adapter)
Do not insert or remove any disc when the
automatic transmission selector lever is in the
park position; the selector lever in that position
can interfere with disc insertion or removal,
causing scratches on the disc surface (for AT
vehicles).
To insert a disc
1. Press one of the “Disc select” buttons (3) (num-
bered from 1 to 6) for which the disc indicator light (2) is “OFF”.
The Disc indicator lights are located directly above the
corresponding “Disc select” buttons.
2. The indicator will begin blinking. The blinking will
last for 15 seconds.
During this period, insert a desired disc, and the disc
will begin to play. (If any disc is not inserted during this
period, the “Disc slot” (1) door will close. Repeat step
1.)
Be sure to hold a disc with the label side (the side
where titles are printed) up.
3. To insert another disc, repeat step 1 and 2 choos-
ing a different disc select button.
To insert six discs at a time
1. Press and hold the “Disc select” button number 1
until all disc indicators begin blinking (about 1.5 sec- onds).
2. The indicators will blink for 15 seconds. During this
period, insert desired six discs.
3. When all discs are loaded, the first disc will begin to
play. (If no disc is inserted within this 15 seconds, the
entire disc load sequence will be canceled.) To remove a disc
1. Press the desired one of the “Disc select” buttons
(3) (numbered from 1 to 6) for which the disc indicator
light is on.

7-1
7
Starting and operating
Fuel ............................................................... 7-2 Fuel requirements ........................................... 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ...................................... 7-4
State emission testing (U.S. only) .............. 7-6
Preparing to drive ........................................ 7-8
Starting the engine ...................................... 7-9 Manual transmission vehicle ......................... 7-9
Automatic transmission vehicle .................... 7-9
Starting the engine during cold weather below –4°F (–20 °C) .................................................... 7-10
Starting a flooded engine ............................... 7-10
Stopping the engine .................................... 7-11
Manual transmission ................................... 7-11 Shifting speeds ............................................... 7-12
Driving tips ...................................................... 7-13
Automatic transmission .............................. 7-14 Selector lever for automatic transmission ... 7-15
Shift lock release ............................................ 7-18
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD)
(if equipped) ................................................. 7-20
Power steering ............................................. 7-20
Braking ......................................................... 7-21 Braking tips ..................................................... 7-21
Brake system ................................................... 7-21
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ...... 7-22
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ................... 7-22 ABS system self-check .................................. 7-23
ABS warning light ........................................... 7-23 Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system (if equipped) .................................... 7-25
Steps to take if EBD system fails .................. 7-25
Parking your vehicle .................................... 7-27 Parking brake .................................................. 7-27
Parking tips ..................................................... 7-27
Hill holder (for manual transmission — if equipped) .................................................. 7-29
Cruise control (if equipped) ........................ 7-31 To set cruise control ...................................... 7-31
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ..... 7-32
To turn off the cruise control ......................... 7-32
To change the cruising speed ....................... 7-32
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped) 7-34

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