2006 SUBARU FORESTER engine

4
Climate control
Ventilator .............................................................\
4-2
Air flow selection .................................................... 4-2
Center and side ventilators .................................... 4-3
Manual climate control system (if equipped) .. 4-3
Control panel .......................................................... 4-3
Heater operation ..................................................... 4-5
Air conditioner operation ....................................... 4-7
Automatic climate control system (if equipped) .................................................... 4-8
Control panel .......................................................... 4-8
To use as full-automatic climate control
system ................................................................... 4-8
To use as semi-automatic climate control
system ................................................................... 4-8
Fan speed control dial ........................................... 4-9
Temperature control dial ........................................ 4-9
Air flow control dial ................................................ 4-9
Air inlet selection button ........................................ 4-10
Air conditioner button ............................................ 4-10
Temperature sensors ............................................. 4-11
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner .. 4-11
Cleaning ventilation grille ...................................... 4-11
Efficient cooling after parking in direct
sunlight ................................................................. 4-11
Lubrication oil circulation in the refrigerant circuit .................................................................... 4-12
Checking air conditioning system before summer season .................................................... 4-12
Cooling and dehumidifying in high humidity and
low temperature weather conditions .................. 4-12 Air conditioner compressor shut-off when
engine is heavily loaded ...................................... 4-12
Refrigerant for your climate control system ........ 4-12
Air filtration system (if equipped) ..................... 4-12
Replacing an air filter ............................................. 4-13
ProCarManuals.com

4-4
Climate control
TFan speed control dial
The fan operates only when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position. The
fan speed control dial is used to select four
fan speeds.
T Air flow control dial
This dial has the following five positions:
: Air flows through the instrument panel
outlets.
: Air flows through the instrument panel
outlets and the foot outlets.
: Air flows through the foot outlets and
some through the windshield defroster
outlets.
: Air flows through the windshield de-
froster outlets and foot outlets.
: Air flows through the windshield de-
froster outlets.NOTEWhen the dial is placed in the “ ”
or “ ” position, the air conditioner
compressor operates automatically re-
gardless of the position of the air con-
ditioner button to defog the windshield
quickly. However the indicator on the
air conditioner button will not come on. At the same time, the air inlet selection
is automatically set to “outside air”
mode.
In this state, you cannot select “recir-
culation” mode by manually pressing
the air inlet selection button.
Also, you cannot stop the air condi-
tioner compressor by pressing the air
conditioner button.
T
Air conditioner button
The air conditioner operates only when
the engine is running.
Push the air conditioner button while the
fan is in operation to turn on the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light will come on.
Push it again to turn off the air conditioner. T
Air inlet selection button
ON position (Recirculation): Interior air
is recirculated inside the vehicle. Push the
air inlet selection button to the ON posi-
tion. The indicator light will come on.
Place the air inlet selection button to the
ON position for fast cooling with the air
conditioner or when driving on a dusty
road.
OFF position (Outside air): Outside air is
drawn into the passenger compartment.
Push the air inlet selection button again to
the OFF position. The indicator light will
go off.
Place 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.
400144
400145
ProCarManuals.com

4-8
Climate control
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 desired, be used as
a semi-automatic climate control system.
When it is used as a full-automatic climate
control system, the outlet air temperature,
fan speed, air flow distribution, air inlet
control, and air conditioner compressor
operation are all automatically controlled
to maintain a constant, comfortable tem-
perature inside the vehicle.NOTEyOperate the automatic climate con-
trol system when the engine is run-
ning.
y When the engine coolant is cold, the
blower does not run.
y In the “AUTO” mode, when the air
temperature in the passenger compart-
ment is sufficiently cool, the air condi-
tioner compressor does not operate.
For efficient defogging or dehumidify-
ing 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” indica-
tor light on the control panel comes on.
„
Control panel1) Temperature control dial
2) Fan speed control dial
3) Air flow control dial
4) Rear window defogger button (Refer to
the “Rear window defogger button” in
chapter 3.)
5) Air inlet selection button
6) Air conditioner button„ To use as full-automatic cli-
mate control systemPlace the temperature control dial in the
position for your desired temperature, then set the other dials and buttons as de-
scribed in the following. The system’s
functions will then switch to AUTO mode
and be controlled automatically.
y
Air flow control dial: AUTO position
y Fan speed control dial: AUTO position
y Air inlet selection button: Press for at
least 1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
y Air conditioner button: Press for at least
1 second. (Indicator will flash twice.)
„ To use as semi-automatic cli-
mate control systemEach function can be individually set to
AUTO mode independently of the others.
Any function set to AUTO mode is con-
trolled automatically. Any function not set
to AUTO mode can be manually adjusted
as desired.
The temperature can be set within a range
of 65 to 85 °F (20 to 30 °C).
3
5 4
6 2
1400594
ProCarManuals.com

Climate control
4-9
– CONTINUED –
„Fan speed control dialThe fan operates only with the ignition
switch in the ON position. The fan speed
control dial is used to select 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 auto-
matically in accordance with the air tem-
perature 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.NOTEWith the fan speed control dial in the AUTO position and the air flow control
dial in the “ ”, “ ”, or “ ” po-
sition, the fan does not operate during
engine warmup until the engine cool-
ant temperature exceeds approx. 122
°F
(50 °C).
„ Temperature control dialThis dial is used to set the desired interior
temperature. With the dial set to your de-
sired temperature, the system automati-
cally adjusts the temperature of air sup-
plied from the outlets such that the desired
temperature is achieved and maintained.
If the dial is turned fully counterclockwise,
the system gives maximum cooling perfor-
mance. If the dial is turned fully clockwise,
the system gives maximum heating per- formance.
„
Air flow control dialThis dial has the following six positions.
The outlets from which air is supplied in
each position are as follows:
AUTO: The air flow control is adjusted au-
tomatically in accordance with the air tem-
perature inside and outside the passenger
compartment, the intensity of sunlight,
and other factors. SUBARU recommends
using the AUTO position.
: Instrument panel outlets: Instrument panel outlets and foot out-
lets
: Foot outlets and windshield defroster
outlets (relatively little air from windshield
400154
65 75
85
400549
400156
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

6-8
Interior equipment
Accessory power outletsPower outlet in cargo area
Power outlet on center console
Accessory power outlets are provided in
the center console and in the cargo area.
Electrical power (12V DC) from the battery
is available at any of outlets when the igni-
tion switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON”
position.
You can use an in-car use electrical appli-
ance by connecting it to an outlet.
When both outlets are used at the same
time, the total power consumption of the
electric appliances must be 120W or less.
600094600477
yDo not attempt to use a cigarette
lighter in the accessory power
outlet.
y Do not place any foreign objects,
especially metal ones such as
coins or aluminum foil, into the
accessory power outlet. That
could cause a short circuit. Al-
ways put the cap on the accesso-
ry power outlet when it is not in
use.
yUse only electrical appliances
which are designed for 12V DC
and which consume less than
120W. Overloading the accessory
power outlet can cause a short
circuit. Do not use double adapt-
ers or more than one electrical ap-
pliance.
y If the plug on your electric appli-
ance is either too loose or too
tight for the accessory power out-
let, this can result in a poor con-
tact or cause the plug to get stuck.
Only use plugs that fit properly.
y Use of an electric appliance in the
accessory power outlet for a long
period of time while the engine is
not running can cause battery dis-
charge.
y Before driving your vehicle, make
sure that the plug and the cord on
your electrical appliance will not
interfere with your shifting gears
and operating the accelerator and
brake pedals. If they do, do not
use the electrical appliance while
driving.
ProCarManuals.com

6-10
Interior equipment
„Use with a cigarette lighter (if
equipped)The cigarette lighter operates only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON” and
“ACC” positions.
To use the cigarette lighter, push in the
knob and wait a few moments. It will auto-
matically spring up when ready for use.
„Using as an accessory power
outletElectrical power (12V DC) from the battery
is available at the socket when the ignition
switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON” posi-
tion.
If you use the socket as an accessory
power outlet, take the following precau-
tions.
When the socket is not in use, always put
the cap on the socket to prevent any for-
eign object from entering it.
If the socket has been used for electrical
appliances, damage may have been done
to the internal mechanism that causes a
cigarette lighter to “pop out” after its ele-
ment has been heated. For that reason, a
cigarette lighter, even if it is a genuine
part, should not be used in the socket. If
you want to use the socket for a cigarette
lighter again, or to protect your purchaser
before you sell your vehicle, have your
SUBARU dealer replace the socket with a
new one.
To avoid being burned, never grasp
the lighter by the end with the heat-
ing element. Doing so could result
in injury and could also damage the
heating element.
600095
Do not hold the lighter pushed in,
because it will overheat.
yUse only in-car use electrical ap-
pliances which are designed for
12V DC and which consume less
than 120W. Overloading the sock-
et can cause a short circuit. Do
not use double adapters or more
than one electrical appliance.
yIf the plug on your electric appli-
ance is either too loose or too
tight for the socket, this can result
in a poor contact or cause the
plug to get stuck. Only use plugs
that fit properly.
y Use of an electric appliance in the
socket for a long period of time
while the engine is not running
can cause battery discharge.
y Before driving your vehicle, make
sure that the plug and the cord on
your electrical appliance will not
interfere with your shifting gears
and operating the accelerator and
brake pedals. If they do, do not
use the electrical appliance while
driving.
ProCarManuals.com

7
Starting and operating
Fuel ...................................................................\
... 7-2
Fuel requirements .................................................. 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap .............................................. 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................... 7-5
Preparing to drive .............................................. 7-6
Starting the engine ............................................. 7-7
Manual transmission vehicle ................................. 7-7
Automatic transmission vehicle ............................ 7-7
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-8
Manual transmission ......................................... 7-9
Shifting speeds ....................................................... 7-9
Driving tips .............................................................. 7-10
Automatic transmission .................................... 7-10
Selector lever for automatic transmission ........... 7-11
Shift lock release .................................................... 7-14
Rear viscous limited slip differential (LSD) (if equipped) ......................................................... 7-14
Power steering ................................................... 7-15
Braking ................................................................\
7-15
Braking tips ............................................................. 7-15
Brake system .......................................................... 7-15
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators .............. 7-16
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-16
ABS system self-check .......................................... 7-16
ABS warning light ................................................... 7-17
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system (if equipped) ....................................... 7-18
Steps to take if EBD system fails .......................... 7-18
Vehicle Dynamics Control system (if equipped) ..................................................... 7-19
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor .......... 7-21
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................. 7-23
Parking your vehicle .......................................... 7-24
Parking brake .......................................................... 7-24
Parking tips ............................................................. 7-24
Hill holder (Manual transmission – if equipped) ...................................................... 7-25
Cruise control ..................................................... 7-26
To set cruise control .............................................. 7-26
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-27
To turn off the cruise control ................................. 7-27
To change the cruising speed ............................... 7-28
Self-leveling rear suspension (if equipped) ..... 7-29
ProCarManuals.com