2005 SUBARU FORESTER air condition

4-10
Climate control
compartment, performing the following steps will allow
air to flow through the instrument panel outlets:
1. Set the air inlet selection button to the OFF posi- tion.
2. Set the air flow control dial to the “ ” position.
3. Set the air conditioner button to the “ON” position.
4. Set the temperature control dial to the blue side.
5. Set the fan speed control dial at the highest speed. T
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.
HS4013AA

4-11
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
Automatic climate control system (if
equipped)
Although this climate control system can be used as a
full-automatic climate control system, it can also, if de-
sired, be used as a semi-automatic climate control system.
When it is used as a full-automatic climate control sys-
tem, the outlet air temperature, fan speed, air flow dis-
tribution, air inlet control, and air conditioner compres-
sor operation are all automatically controlled to main-
tain a constant, comfortable temperature inside the vehicle.
NOTE yOperate the automatic climate control system
when the engine is running. y When the engine coolant is cold, the blower
does not run.y 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” button to operate the air
conditioner compressor. y 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. „
Control panel
A) Temperature control dial
B) Fan speed control dial
C) Air flow control dial
D) Air conditioner button
E) Air inlet selection button
F) Rear window defogger button (Refer to the “Rear win- dow defogger button” in chapter 3.)
C
E F
D B
A
US4034BC

4-12
Climate control
„
To use as full-automatic climate con-
trol system
Place the temperature control dial in the position for
your desired temperature, then set the other dials and
buttons as described below. The system’s functions
will then switch to AUTO mode and be controlled au-
tomatically. y Air flow control dial: AUTO position
y Fan speed control dial: AUTO position
y Air inlet selection button: Press for at least 1 sec-
ond. (Indicator will flash twice.)y Air conditioner button: Press for at least 1 second.
(Indicator will flash twice.) „ To use as semi-automatic climate con-
trol system
Each function can be individually set to AUTO mode
independently of the others. Any function set to AUTO
mode is controlled automatically. Any function not set
to AUTO mode can be manually adjusted as desired.
The temperature can be set within a range of 65 to85 °F (20 to 30 °C). „
Fan speed control dial
The fan operates only with the ignition switch in the
ON position. The fan speed control dial is used to se-
lect the AUTO (automatic control) mode or to select
the desired fan speed. The dial’s positions and their
functions are as follows:
OFF: The fan does not operate.
AUTO: The fan speed is adjusted automatically in ac-
cordance with the air temperature inside and outside
the passenger compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. SUBARU recommends using the
AUTO position.
Other positions: The fan speed can be adjusted in
seven steps.
US4035BA

4-14
Climate control
the AUTO position.
: Instrument panel outlets: Instrument panel outlets and foot outlets
: Foot outlets and windshield defroster outlets (rel-
atively little air from windshield defroster outlets)
: Windshield defroster outlets and foot outlets
: Windshield defroster outlets
NOTE
When the dial is placed in the “ ” or “ ” po-
sition, the air conditioner compressor operates
automatically to defog the windshield quickly. At
the same time, the air inlet selection is automati-
cally set to “outside air” mode. „
Air inlet selection button
ON position (Recirculation): Interior air is recirculat-
ed inside the vehicle. Push the air inlet selection but-
ton to the ON position for fast cooling with the air con-
ditioner or when driving on a dusty road. The indicator
light will come on.
OFF position (Outside Air): Outside air is drawn into
the passenger compartment. Push the air inlet selec-
tion button to the OFF position when the interior has
cooled to a comfortable temperature and the road is
no longer dusty. The indicator light will go off.
AUTO: When the air inlet selection button is pressed
for at least one second, the indicator flashes twice.
The air inlet control is then adjusted automatically in
US4035CA

4-15
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
accordance with the air temperature inside and out-
side the passenger compartment, the intensity of sun-
light, and other factors. Pressing the air inlet selection
button cancels the “AUTO” mode. SUBARU recom-
mends using the AUTO position.
Continued operation in the ON position may fog
up the windows. Switch to the OFF position as
soon as the outside dusty condition clears.
„ Air conditioner button The button’s positions and their functions are as fol-
lows:
ON:
The air conditioner operates while the fan is run-
ning.
Push the button to select this position. The indicator
light will illuminate.
OFF: The air conditioner does not operate.
Push the button a second time to select this position.
The indicator light will go off. AUTO: When the button is pressed for at least one
second, the indicator flashes twice. The air conditioner
compressor operation is then adjusted automatically
in accordance with the air temperature inside and out-
side the passenger compartment, the intensity of sun-
light, and other factors. Pressing the button cancels
the “AUTO” mode. SUBARU recommends using the
AUTO position.
NOTE
The air conditioner’s compressor does not oper-
ate with an outside temperature of 32 °F (0 °C) or
lower.
65 75
85
US4036CA

4-17
Climate control
– CONTINUED –
Operating tips for heater and air con-
ditioner „Cleaning ventilation grille
Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free of
snow, leaves, or other obstructions to ensure efficient
heating and defrosting. Since the condenser is located
in front of the radiator, this area should be kept clean
because cooling performance is impaired by any ac-
cumulation of insects and leaves on the condenser. „
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.
HS4022CA

4-18
Climate control
„
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 accelera-
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.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

4-22
Climate control
– Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.
NOTE
The filter can influence the air conditioning, heat-
ing and defroster performance if not properly
maintained.