2006 SUBARU FORESTER Owners Manual

4-10
Climate control
defroster outlets): Windshield defroster outlets and foot
outlets
: Windshield defroster outletsNOTEWhen the dial is placed in the “ ”
or “ ” position, the air conditioner
compressor operates automatically to
defog the windshield quickly. At the
same time, the air inlet selection is au-
tomatically set to “outside air” mode.„Air inlet selection buttonON position (Recirculation): Interior air
is recirculated inside the vehicle. Push the
air inlet selection button to the ON position
for fast cooling with the air conditioner or when driving on a dusty road. The indica-
tor light will come on.
OFF position (Outside Air):
Outside air
is drawn into the passenger compartment.
Push the air inlet selection 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 1 second, the indi-
cator flashes twice. The air inlet control is
then adjusted automatically in accordance
with the air temperature inside and out-
side the passenger compartment, the in-
tensity of sunlight, and other factors.
Pressing the air inlet selection button can-
cels the “AUTO” mode. SUBARU recom-
mends using the AUTO position.
„ Air conditioner buttonThe button’s positions and their functions
are as follows:
ON: The air conditioner operates while the
fan is running.
Push the button to select this position. The
indicator light will come on.
OFF: The air conditioner does not oper-
ate.
Push the button again to select this posi-
tion. The indicator light will go off.
AUTO: When the button is pressed for at
least 1 second, the indicator flashes twice.
The air conditioner compressor operation
is then adjusted automatically in accor-
dance with the air temperature inside and
outside the passenger compartment, the
intensity of sunlight, and other factors.
400157
Continued operation in the ON posi-
tion may fog up the windows.
Switch to the OFF position as soon
as the outside dusty condition
clears.
65 75
85
400550
ProCarManuals.com

Climate control
4-11
– CONTINUED –
Pressing the button cancels the “AUTO”
mode. SUBARU recommends using the
AUTO position.NOTEThe air conditioner’s compressor does
not operate with an outside tempera-
ture of 32°F (0 °C) or lower.„ Temperature sensors1) Interior air temperature sensor
2) Solar sensorThe automatic climate control system em-
ploys several sensors. These sensors are
delicate. If they are not treated properly
and become damaged, the system may
not be able to control the interior tempera-
ture correctly. To avoid damaging the sen- sors, observe the following precautions:
– Do not subject the sensors to impact.
– Keep water away from the sensors.
– Do not cover the sensors.
The sensors are located as follows:
– Solar sensor: beside the windshield de-
froster grille.
– Interior air temperature sensor: near the
ignition switch.
– Outside temperature sensor: behind the
front grille.
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner„
Cleaning ventilation grilleAlways keep the front ventilation inlet
grille free of snow, leaves, or other ob-
structions 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 accumulation of insects
and leaves on the condenser.„Efficient cooling after parking
in direct sunlightAfter parking in direct sunlight, drive with
the windows open for a few minutes to al-
2
1400551
400552
ProCarManuals.com

4-12
Climate control
low 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 con-
ditioner for maximum cooling efficiency.„Lubrication oil circulation in
the refrigerant circuitOperate the air conditioner compressor at
a low engine speed (at idle or low driving
speeds) a few minutes each month during
the off-season to circulate its oil.„Checking air conditioning
system before summer sea-
sonCheck the air conditioner unit for refriger-
ant leaks, hose conditions, and proper op-
eration each spring. This check is best
performed by your SUBARU dealer.„Cooling and dehumidifying in
high humidity and low tem-
perature weather conditionsUnder certain weather conditions (high
relative humidity, 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 sys-
tem.
„
Air conditioner compressor
shut-off when engine is
heavily loadedTo improve acceleration and gas mileage,
the air conditioner compressor is de-
signed to temporarily shut off during air
conditioner operation whenever the accel-
erator is fully depressed such as during
rapid acceleration or when driving on a
steep upgrade.„Refrigerant for your climate
control systemYour 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, re-
place the filter element according to the
replacement schedule shown in the fol-
lowing. This schedule should be followed
to maintain the filter’s dust collection abili-
ty. Under extremely dusty conditions, the
filter should be replaced more frequently.
It is recommended that you have your fil-
ter checked or replaced by your SUBARU
dealer. For replacement, use only a genu-
ine SUBARU air filter kit.Replacement schedule:
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000
km) whichever comes first
ProCarManuals.com

Climate control
4-13
– CONTINUED –
„Replacing an air filter
0
1. Remove the glove box.
1) Open the glove box.
2) Remove the nine screws securing the
glove box.
1) Air filter cover2. Remove the air filter cover.1) Air filter element
2) Arrow mark
3. Replace the air filter element with new
one.1) Air filter cover4. Reinstall the air filter cover.
400556
1
400553
1 2
400554
The arrow mark on the filter must
point UP.
1
400555
ProCarManuals.com

4-14
Climate control
5. Reinstall the glove box.
6. Close the glove box.1) Service label
2) Caution label7. LABEL installation1) Fill out the information on the service
label (small).
2) Attach the service label to the driver
side door pillar and the caution label to
the driver side end of the instrument
panel.
NOTEThe filter can influence the air condi-
tioning, heating and defroster perfor-
mance if not properly maintained.
4005561
2400557
Contact your dealer if the following
occurs, even if it is not yet time to
change the filter:
– Reduction of the air flow through the vents.
– Windshield gets easily fogged or misted.
ProCarManuals.com

5
Audio
Antenna system .................................................. 5-2
FM reception ........................................................... 5-2
Installation of accessories ................................ 5-2
Audio set ............................................................. 5-3
Type A audio set ..................................................... 5-3
Type B audio set ..................................................... 5-3
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (Optional audio unit – if equipped) ........................................................ 5-3
Type A audio set (if equipped) .......................... 5-4
Radio operation ...................................................... 5-4
Compact disc player operation ............................. 5-8
CD changer control (if optional in-dash CD changer is connected) ......................................... 5-10
Type B audio set (if equipped) .......................... 5-12
Radio operation ...................................................... 5-12
Built-in CD changer operation ............................... 5-16
In-dash 6 CD auto changer (if equipped) ......... 5-19
Loading and unloading compact discs ................ 5-19
Precautions to observe when handling a compact disc ................................................... 5-21
ProCarManuals.com

5-2
Audio
Audio
Antenna systemThe antenna is printed on the inner sur-
face of the left side rear quarter window
glass.„FM receptionAlthough FM is normally static free, recep-
tion can be affected by the surrounding ar- ea, atmospheric conditions, station
strength and transmitter distance. Build-
ings or other obstructions may cause mo-
mentary static, flutter or station interfer-
ence. If reception continues to be unsatis-
factory, switch to a stronger station.
Installation of accessoriesAlways consult your SUBARU dealer be-
fore installing a citizen band radio or other
transmitting device in your vehicle. Such
devices may cause the electronic control
system to malfunction if they are incorrect-
ly installed or if they are not suited for the
vehicle.
Do not use sharp instruments or
window cleaner containing abra-
sives to clean the inner surface of
the window on which the antenna is
printed. Doing so may damage the
antenna printed on the window.
500011
ProCarManuals.com

Audio
5-3
Audio setYour SUBARU may be equipped with one
of the following audio sets. See the pages
indicated in this section for operating de-
tails.„Type A audio setyRadio operation: refer to page 5-4
y Compact disc player operation: refer to
page 5-8
y CD changer control: refer to page 5-10
„ Type B audio setyRadio operation: refer to page 5-12
y Built-in CD changer operation: refer to
page 5-16
„ In-dash 6 CD auto changer
(Optional audio unit – if
equipped)yInserting and removing a disc or all
discs: refer to page 5-19
500214
500215
500216
ProCarManuals.com