2005 SUBARU FORESTER check oil

28
TWarning and indicator light
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 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
or ABS warning light 3-15
or Brake system warning light 3-18
Door open warning light 3-19
All-Wheel Drive warning
light (AT vehicles) 3-19
Low fuel warning light 3-19
Turn signal indicator lights 3-21
High beam indicator light 3-21 Security indicator light (if equipped) 2-17
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped) 3-21
Cruise control set indicator
light (if equipped) 3-21
Vehicle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light (if equipped) 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control
warning light/Vehicle Dy-
namics Control OFF indica-
tor light (if equipped) 3-16
Mark Name Page

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

3-12
Instruments and controls
y
When the actual outside temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica- tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles) ABS warning light
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (if
equipped)/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator
light (if equipped) Brake system warning light
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles)
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
(if equipped)
Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)
Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped)
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out

3-15
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
light remains on, contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er immediately. „Oil pressure warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and the
lubricating system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the engine oil level. If the oil lev-
el is low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the
proper level but the light remains on, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
„ AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (AT vehicles)
The AT oil temperature warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and
goes out after about two seconds. 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. T
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
(U.S.) (Canada)

4-1
4
Climate control
Ventilator ....................................................... 4-2 Air flow selection .............................................. 4-2
Center and side ventilators .............................. 4-3
Manual climate control system ................... 4-4 Control panel ..................................................... 4-4
Heater operation ............................................... 4-6
Air conditioner operation (if equipped) .......... 4-9
Automatic climate control system (if equipped) .............................................. 4-11Control panel ..................................................... 4-11
To use as full-automatic climate control system ............................................................. 4-12
To use as semi-automatic climate control
system ............................................................. 4-12
Fan speed control dial ...................................... 4-12
Temperature control dial .................................. 4-13
Air flow control dial .......................................... 4-13
Air inlet selection button .................................. 4-14
Air conditioner button ...................................... 4-15
Temperature sensors ....................................... 4-16
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner ................................................ 4-17Cleaning ventilation grille ................................ 4-17
Efficient cooling after parking in direct sunlight ........................................................... 4-17
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit .............................................................. 4-17
Checking air conditioning system before
summer season .............................................. 4-17
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and low temperature weather conditions .... 4-18 Air conditioner compressor shut-off when
engine is heavily loaded ................................ 4-18
Refrigerant for your climate control system .. 4-18
Air filtration system (if equipped) ................ 4-18 Replacing an air filter ....................................... 4-19

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

7-9
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
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.

8-9
Driving tips
– CONTINUED –
could create a fire hazard. yAfter driving through tall grass, mud, rocks, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stones, sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the under-
body. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a mechanical
breakdown or fire could occur.y Secure all cargo carried inside the vehicle and make
certain that it is not piled higher than the seatbacks.
During sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could
be thrown around in the vehicle and cause injury. Do
not pile heavy loads on the roof. Those loads raise the
vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to
tip over. y If you must rock the vehicle to free it from sand or
mud, depress the accelerator pedal slightly and move
the selector lever back and forth between “D” and “R”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the best pos-
sible traction, avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle.
When the road surface is extremely slippery, you can
obtain better traction by starting the vehicle with the
transmission in 2nd than 1st (both for MT and AT). y Never equip your vehicle with tires larger than those
specified in this manual. y Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle under hard-driv- ing conditions such as rough roads or off roads will ne-
cessitate more frequent replacement of engine oil,
brake fluid and transmission oil than that specified in
the maintenance schedule described in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”.
Remember that damage done to your SUBARU while
operating it off-road and not using common sense pre-
cautions such as those listed above is not eligible forwarranty coverage. y
Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving.
Suspension components are particularly prone to dirt
buildup, so they need to be washed thoroughly.
y Always maintain a safe driving speed accord-
ing to the road and weather conditions in order
to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn,
during sudden braking or under other similar
conditions.y Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.