2005 SUBARU FORESTER steering

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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and chest.
C) After deployment, SRS side airbag starts to deflate im- mediately.
The SRS side airbag can function only when the igni-
tion switch is in the “ON” position.
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags
deploy independently of each other since each has its
own impact sensor. Also, the SRS side airbag deploys
independently of the frontal airbags in the steering
wheel and instrument panel.
An impact sensor is incorporated into each of the ve-
hicle’s center pillars. If either sensor detects a certain
predetermined amount of force during a side impact
collision, the control module sends a signal to the side
airbag module on the impacted side of the vehicle, in-
structing it to inflate the SRS side airbag. Then the
side airbag module produces gas, which instantly in-
flates the SRS side airbag. After deployment, the SRS
side airbag will deflate in a few seconds.
The SRS side airbag deploys even when no one occu-
pies the seat on the side on which an impact is ap-
plied.
When the SRS side airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly
loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will
be released. These occurrences are normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
Do not touch the SRS side airbag system com-
ponents around the front seatback with bare
hands right after deployment. Doing so can
cause burns because the components can be
very hot as a result of deployment.
The SRS side airbag is designed to deploy in the event
of an accident involving a moderate to severe side im-
pact collision. It is basically not designed to deploy in
lesser side impact. Also, it is basically not designed to
deploy in frontal or rear impacts because SRS side air-
bag deployment would not help the occupant in those
situations.
Each SRS side airbag is designed to function on a
one-time-only basis.
SRS side airbag deployment depends on the level of
force experienced in the passenger compartment dur-
ing a side impact collision. That level differs from one
type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing
on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself.

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
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„SRS airbag system servicing
yWhen discarding an airbag module or scrap-
ping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision,
consult your SUBARU dealer. y The SRS airbag has no user-serviceable
parts. Do not use electrical test equipment on
any circuit related to the SRS airbag system.
For required servicing of the SRS airbag, see
your nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with
or disconnecting the system’s wiring could re-
sult in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or
could make the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury. The wiring harnesses of
the SRS airbag system are covered with yellow
insulation and system connectors are yellow
for easy identification.
If you need service or repair in areas listed be-
low, we recommend that you have an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer perform the work. The
SRS airbag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in these areas. y
Under the center console
y Near the bottom of the radiator
y Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
y Top of the dashboard on front passenger’s
side and nearby areasy Each front seat and nearby area (for vehicles
with SRS side airbags only)
y Inside each center pillar
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, re-
placement of the system should be performed
only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the
components of the SRS airbag system are re-
placed, use only genuine SUBARU parts.
To ensure their long-term reliability, the SRS airbags
must be inspected by a SUBARU dealer ten years af-
ter the date of manufacture, which is shown on the cer-
tification plate attached to the driver’s door jamb.
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU deal-
er as soon as possible.y The front part of the vehicle was involved in an
accident in which the SRS frontal airbags did not
deploy.y The pad section of the steering wheel or front

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Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
passenger’s frontal airbag cover is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, if your vehicle is equipped with SRS
side airbags, contact your SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible in the following cases.y
Either center pillar or a nearby area of the vehi-
cle was involved in an accident in which the SRS
side airbag did not deploy.y The fabric or leather of either front seatback is
cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged. „ Precautions against vehicle modifica- tion
yTo avoid accidental activation of the system
or rendering the system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any components or wiring of
the SRS airbag system.
This includes following modifications: yInstallation of custom steering wheels
y Attachment of additional trim materials to
the dashboard y Installation of custom seats (for vehicles with SRS side airbags only)y
Replacement of seat fabric or leather (for
vehicles with SRS side airbags only) y Installation of additional fabric or leather
on the front seat (for vehicles with SRS side
airbags only)
y Installation of additional electrical/electronic
equipment such as a mobile two-way radio on
or near the SRS airbag system components
and/or wiring is not advisable. This could inter-
fere with proper operation of the SRS airbag
system.
Do not perform any of the following modifica-
tions. Such modifications can interfere with
proper operation of the SRS airbag system. y Attachment of any equipment (brush bar,
winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than
genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the front
end. y Modification of the suspension system or
front end structure. y Installation of a tire of different size and con-
struction from the tires specified on the tire

3-1
3
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .............................................. 3-3 LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
ACC .................................................................... 3-4
ON ....................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime .......................................... 3-5
Ignition switch light (if equipped) .................... 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) ........ 3-6
Hazard warning flasher ................................ 3-7
Meters and gauges ....................................... 3-7 Speedometer ..................................................... 3-7
Odometer/Trip meter ........................................ 3-7
Tachometer ........................................................ 3-8
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 3-9
Temperature gauge ........................................... 3-10
Outside temperature indicator ......................... 3-11
Warning and indicator lights ....................... 3-12 Seatbelt warning light and chime .................... 3-13
SRS airbag system warning light .................... 3-13
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................. 3-13
Charge warning light ........................................ 3-14
Oil pressure warning light ................................ 3-15
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(AT vehicles) ................................................... 3-15
ABS warning light ............................................. 3-15
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (if equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light (if equipped) ................... 3-16
Brake system warning light ............................. 3-18
Door open warning lights ................................. 3-19 Low fuel warning light ...................................... 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) ... 3-19
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light (if equipped) ........................... 3-20
Shift position indicator (AT vehicles) ............. 3-20
Turn signal indicator lights .............................. 3-21
High beam indicator light ................................. 3-21
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped) .... 3-21
Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped) .................................................... 3-21
Clock .............................................................. 3-22
Light control switch ...................................... 3-23 Headlights ......................................................... 3-23
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................... 3-24
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-24
Daytime running light system ......................... 3-25
Turn signal lever ........................................... 3-25
Illumination brightness control ................... 3-26
Parking light switch ...................................... 3-27
Fog light button (if equipped) ...................... 3-27
Wiper and washer ......................................... 3-28 Windshield wiper and washer switches ......... 3-29
Rear window wiper and washer switch .......... 3-31
Windshield wiper deicer (if equipped) ........ 3-32
Rear window defogger button ..................... 3-33
Mirrors ............................................................ 3-35 Inside mirror ...................................................... 3-35
Outside mirrors ................................................. 3-37
Tilt steering wheel ......................................... 3-39

3-3
Instruments and controls
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Instruments and controlsIgnition 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. T
Automatic transmission vehicles
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Instruments and controls
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position. T
Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
y Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, prevent-
ing steering control. And when the engine is
turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer.y
Before leaving the vehicle, always remove
the key from the ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child to remain in
the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure
could result in injury to a child or others. They
could operate the power windows, the sunroof
or other controls or even make the vehicle
move.
„ ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, ac-
cessory power outlet, 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.
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Instruments and controls
ignition switch light comes on when driver’s door is
opened. The light remains on for 10 seconds and goes
out after driver’s door is closed or if the key is turned
to the “ON” position. „
Key interlock release (AT vehicles
only)
If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position
even when the selector lever is in the “P” position:
1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
2. Remove the cover under the steering column using
a Phillips screwdriver. 3. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key inter-lock release lever.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the key interlock system repaired.
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Instruments and controls
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mirror defogger is operating.
The defogger will automatically shut off after about 15
minutes. If the mirror clears before that time, push the
button to turn it off. It also turns off when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position. If de-
frosting or defogging is desired when you restart your
vehicle, you have to push the button to turn it on again.
NOTE
On vehicles equipped with a windshield wiper de-
icer, the windshield wiper deicer switch is also
used to operate the outside mirror defogger.
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not operate the defogger continuously for
any longer than necessary.
Tilt steering wheel
1. Adjust the seat position. Refer to the “Front seats”
section (chapter 1).
2. Push the tilt lock lever down.
3. Move the steering wheel to the desired level.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in place.
5. Make sure that the steering wheel is securely
locked by moving it up and down.
Do not adjust the steering wheel tilt position
while driving. This may cause loss of vehicle
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