2003 SUBARU FORESTER coolant

3-8
Instruments and controls
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.).
Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
the outside temperature and driving conditions. We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi- ble.
See “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.
1
HS3024BB

4-10
Climate control

Defrosting or defogging
To direct warm air to the windshield and front door win-
dows:
1. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ” position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the red side.
3. Set the fan speed control dial at the highest speed.
The air conditioner compressor automatically oper-
ates when the air flow control dial set in the “ ” or
“ ” position to provide better defogging perfor-
mance.
However, the air conditioner indicator light does not
come on at this time. Automatic climate control system (if
equipped)
NOTE
Operate the automatic climate control system
when the engine is running. When the engine coolant is cold, the blower
does not run. In the “AUTO” mode, when the air temperature
in the passenger compartment is sufficiently cool,
the air conditioner compressor does not operate.
For efficient defogging or dehumidifying in cold
weather, press the “A/C” switch on. Even when cooling is not necessary, setting the
temperature much lower than the current outlet air
temperature turns on the air conditioner compres-
sor automatically and the “A/C” indicator light on
the control panel comes on.
The automatic climate control system automatically
controls outlet air temperature, fan speed, air flow dis-
tribution air-inlet control, and air conditioner compres-
sor operation. It activates when the “AUTO” switch is
pressed, and is used in conjunction with the Temper-
ature control dial to maintain a constant, comfortable
climate within the passenger compartment.
The temperature can be set within a range of 65 –
HS4013AA

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.

9-12
In case of emergency
Engine overheating
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has fully
cooled down. When the engine is hot, the cool-
ant is under pressure. Removing the cap while
the engine is still hot could release a spray of
boiling hot coolant, which could burn you very
seriously.
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and
stopthevehicleinasafeplace. If steam is coming from the engine compartment
Turn the engine off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. If no steam is coming from the engine compartment
1. Keep the engine running at idling speed.
2. Open the hood to ventilate the engine compart- ment. Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not
turning, immediately turn the engine off and contact
your authorized dealer for repair.
3. After the engine coolant temperature has dropped,
turn off the engine.
If the temperature gauge stays at the overheated
zone, turn the engine off.
4. After the engine has fully cooled down, check the
coolant level in the reserve tank.
If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add cool-
ant up to the “FULL” mark.
5. If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add cool-
ant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap
and fill the radiator with coolant.
If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first
wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn
the cap counterclockwise slowly without pressing
down until it stops. Release the pressure from the ra-
diator. After the pressure has been fully released, re-
move the cap by pressing down and turning it.

11 - 1
11
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ................................ 11-3
Maintenance precautions ........................... 11-3 Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment ................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the
engine compartment while the engine is
running ............................................................. 11-5
Engine hood ................................................. 11-5
Engine compartment overview .................. 11-8
Engine oil ..................................................... 11-9 Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-9
Changing the oil and oil filter ........................ 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity .............. 11-12
Recommended grade and viscosity under
severe driving conditions .............................. 11-14
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-14
Cooling system ............................................ 11-14 Cooling fan, hose and connections .............. 11-15
Engine coolant ................................................ 11-15
Air cleaner element ..................................... 11-19 Replacing the air cleaner element ................. 11-19
Spark plugs .................................................. 11-20 Recommended spark plugs ........................... 11-21
Drive belts .................................................... 11-21
Manual transmission oil .............................. 11-22 Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity .............. 11-23
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 11-24 Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-24 Recommended fluid ....................................... 11-25
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ..... 11-26 Checking the oil level ..................................... 11-26
Recommended grade and viscosity ............. 11-26
Rear differential gear oil .............................. 11-27 Checking the gear oil level ............................ 11-27
Recommended grade and viscosity ............. 11-28
Power steering fluid ..................................... 11-29 Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-29
Recommended fluid ....................................... 11-30
Brake fluid .................................................... 11-30 Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-30
Recommended brake fluid ............................. 11-31
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ........................... 11-31 Checking the fluid level .................................. 11-31
Recommended clutch fluid ............................ 11-32
Brake booster ............................................... 11-32
Brake pedal ................................................... 11-33 Checking the brake pedal free play .............. 11-33
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance . 11-33
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) .......................... 11-34 Checking the clutch function ........................ 11-34
Checking the clutch pedal free play ............. 11-34
Hill holder (MT vehicles — if equipped) ..... 11-35
Replacement of brake pad and lining ........ 11-35 Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings .. 11-36
Parking brake stroke ................................... 11-37
Tires and wheels .......................................... 11-37 Types of tires .................................................. 11-37

11 - 4
Maintenance and service
the materials in the vehicle may be hazardous if
improperly used or handled, for example, bat-
tery acid.
Your vehicle should only be serviced by per-
sons fully competent to do so. Serious person-
al injury may result to persons not experienced
in servicing vehicles. Always use the proper tools and make certain
that they are well maintained. Never get under the vehicle supported only
by a jack. Always use a safety stands to sup-
port the vehicle. Never keep the engine running in a poorly
ventilated area, such as a garage or other
closed areas. Do not smoke or allow open flames around
the fuel or battery. This will cause a fire. Because the fuel system is under pressure,
replacement of the fuel filter should be per-
formed only by your SUBARU dealer. Wear adequate eye protection to guard
against getting oil or fluids in your eyes. If
something does get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water. Do not tamper with the wiring of the SRS air-
bag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or
attempt to take its connectors apart, as that may activate the system or it can render it inop-
erative. The wiring and connectors of these
systems are yellow for easy identification. NEV-
ER use a circuit tester for these wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt pretensioner
needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU
dealer.
Before checking or servicing in the en-
gine compartment
Always stop the engine and set the parking
brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Always let the engine cool down. Engine
parts become very hot when the engine is run-
ning and remain hot for some time after the en-
gine is stopped. Do not spill engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid or any other fluid on hot engine compo-
nents. This may cause a fire. Always remove the key from the ignition
switch. When the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position, the cooling fan may operate suddenly

11 - 8
Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview
1
23
4 5 67
8
9
10
11
12
13
HSB017BB
1) Manual transmission oil level
gauge (MT) (page 11-22) or Dif-
ferential gear oil level gauge
(AT) (page 11-26)
2) Air cleaner element (page 11- 19)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-
31)
4) Automatic transmission fluid lev-
el gauge (page 11-24)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11- 30)
6) Windshield washer tank (page
11-45)
7) Fuse box (page 11-50)
8) Battery (page 11-49)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
10) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11- 9)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-29)

11 - 1 4
Maintenance and service

Recommended grade and viscosity
under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very
high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applica-
tions such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the follow-
ing grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SL or SJ: SAE viscosity No.:
30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that meets the same
requirements given for conventional engine oil. When
using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same clas-
sification, viscosity and grade shown in this owner’s
manual, and must follow the oil and filter changing in-
tervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
Cooling system
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is re-
moved.
The cooling system has been filled at the facto-
ry with a high quality, corrosion-inhibiting,
year-around coolant which provides protection
againstfreezingdownto–33 °F(–36 °C). For
adding, use genuine SUBARU coolant or an
equivalent: a mixture of 50% soft water and 50%
ethylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improper
coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling
system. It is important to maintain protection
against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected. Never mix dif-
ferent kinds of coolant.