2005 SUBARU FORESTER window

4-11
Climate control
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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
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4-15
Climate control
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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
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4-17
Climate control
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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.
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5-2
Audio
AudioAntenna system
The antenna is printed on the inside of the left side
rear quarter window glass.
Do not use sharp instruments or window clean-
er containing abrasives to clean the inner sur-
face of the window on which the antenna is
printed. Doing so may damage the antenna
printed on the window.
„
FM reception
Although FM is normally static free, reception can be
affected by the surrounding area, atmospheric condi-
tions, station strength and transmitter distance. Build-
ings or other obstructions may cause momentary stat-
ic, flutter or station interference. If reception continues
to be unsatisfactory, switch to a stronger station.
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6-3
Interior equipment
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Map lights
To turn on the map light, push the switch. To turn it off,
push the switch again.
When leaving the vehicle, make sure the light is turned
off to avoid battery discharge.Sun visors
To block out glare, swing down the visors. To use the
sun visor at a side window, swing it down and move it sideways.
HS6027BAHS6028BA

7-9
Starting and operating
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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.
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.

8-3
Driving tips
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Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monox-
ide)
yNever inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine ex-
haust gas contains carbon monoxide, a color-
less and odorless gas which is dangerous, or
even lethal, if inhaled.y Always properly maintain the engine exhaust
system to prevent engine exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle.y Never run the engine in a closed space, such
as a garage, except for the brief time needed to
drive the vehicle in or out of it.y Avoid remaining in a parked vehicle for a
lengthy time while the engine is running. If that
is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to
force fresh air into the vehicle. y Always keep the front ventilator inlet grille
free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to
ensure that the ventilation system always
works properly. y If at any time you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, have the problem
checked and corrected as soon as possible. If
you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.y
Keep the rear gate closed while driving to
prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
NOTE
Due to the expansion and contraction of the met-
als used in the manufacture of the exhaust sys-
tem, you may hear a crackling sound coming from
the exhaust system for a short time after the en-
gine has been shut off. This sound is normal.

8-10
Driving tips
Winter driving „
Operation during cold weather
Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire
chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a
small shovel, and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures re-
duce battery capacity. The battery must be in good
condition to provide enough power for cold winterstarts.
Use an engine oil of proper grade and viscosity for
cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting.
Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them
with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate
the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door
is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that contains an anti-
freeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other
substitutes because they may damage the paint of the vehicle. T
Before driving your vehicle
Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice
from your shoes because that could make the pedals
slippery and dangerous.
While warming up the vehicle before driving, check
that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other
controls operate smoothly.
Clear away ice and snow that has accumulated under
the fenders to avoid making steering difficult. During
severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe
to do so and check under the fenders periodically.
HS8004AA