2006 SUBARU FORESTER steering

Maintenance and service
11 - 2 3
– CONTINUED –
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tem-
perature
Power steering fluid„Checking the fluid level1) Reservoir tankThe power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level dif-
fers according to fluid temperature. There-
fore, the reservoir tank has two different
checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level
monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and
stop the engine.
1) Specified range2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir
tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level is be-
tween “HOT MIN” and “HOT MAX” on the
surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is
run: Check that the oil level is between
“COLD MIN” and “COLD MAX” on the sur-
face of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the appli-
cable “MIN” line, add the recommended
fluid as necessary to bring the level be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indi-
cate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0 60 20
80W
75W/90 80 100
40
85W 90
B00032
1
B00375
1
1
B00376
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11 - 2 4
Maintenance and service
„Recommended fluid“Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid
Brake fluid„Checking the fluid levelCheck the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. If the level is below “MIN”, add
the recommended brake fluid to “MAX”.
Use only brake fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
Be careful not to burn yourself be-
cause the fluid may be hot.
yWhen power steering fluid is be-
ing added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any dirt
into the tank. And never use dif-
ferent brands together.
y Avoid spilling fluid when adding it
in the tank.
y Be careful not to spill power steer-
ing fluid when adding it. If power
steering fluid touches the exhaust
pipe, it may cause a bad smell,
smoke, and/or a fire. If power
steering fluid gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
B00125
yNever let brake fluid contact your
eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake fluid
gets in your eyes, immediately
flush them thoroughly with clean
water. For safety, when perform-
ing this work, wearing eye protec-
tion is advisable.yBrake fluid absorbs moisture from
the air. Any absorbed moisture
can cause a dangerous loss of
braking performance.yIf the vehicle requires frequent re-
filling, there may be a leak. If you
suspect a problem, have the vehi-
cle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.
y Never use different brands of
brake fluid together. Also, avoid
mixing DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake flu-
ids even if they are of the same
brand.
y When adding brake fluid, be care-
ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.
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Maintenance and service
11 - 3 1
– CONTINUED –
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally.
yCorrect tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is re-
sponsive. Rolling resistance is low, so fuel
consumption is also lower. y
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher. y
Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magni-
fies the effects of road-surface bumps and
dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.
If the tire placard shows tire pressures for
the vehicle when fully loaded and for the
vehicle when towing a trailer, adjust the
tire pressures to the values that match
current loading conditions.
B00050
B00051
B00052
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11 - 3 2
Maintenance and service
„Wheel balanceEach wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance caus-
es the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle’s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not cor-
rectly balanced, have them checked and
adjusted by your SUBARU dealer. Also
have them adjusted after tire repairs and
after tire rotation.NOTELoss of correct wheel alignment* caus-
es the tires to wear on one side and re-
duces the vehicle’s running stability. Contact your SUBARU dealer if you no-
tice abnormal tire wear.
*: The suspension system is designed to hold
each wheel at a certain alignment (relative to
the other wheels and to the road) for optimum
straight-line stability and cornering perfor-
mance.„
Wear indicators1) New tread
2) Worn tread
3) Tread wear indicatorEach tire incorporates a tread wear indica-
tor, which becomes visible when the depth
of the tread grooves decreases to 0.063 in
(1.6 mm). A tire must be replaced when
the tread wear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
NOTEFor safety, inspect tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their tread
wear indicators become visible.„Tire rotation
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
12 3
B00327
When a tire’s tread wear indicator
becomes visible, the tire is worn be-
yond the acceptable limit and must
be replaced immediately. With a tire
in this condition, driving at high
speeds in wet weather can cause
the vehicle to hydroplane. The re-
sulting loss of vehicle control can
lead to an accident.
B00054
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12-4
Specifications
„CapacitiesAT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmissionFuel tank
15.9 US gal (60 liters, 13.2 Imp gal)
Engine oil
4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
Transmission oil
MT
3.7 US qt (3.5 liters, 3.1 Imp qt)
AT
9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles)
1.3 US qt (1.2 liter, 1.1 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oil
0.8 US qt (0.8 liter, 0.7 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid
0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolant
2.5-liter non-turbo models
MT
7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
AT
7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
2.5-liter turbo models
MT
7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt)
AT
7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt)
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Index
14-3
ChimeKey ................................................................................ 3-5
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-12, 3-9
Cigarette lighter socket ....................................................... 6-9
Clock ................................................................................ 3-17
Clutch (MT) Fluid ........................................................................... 11-25
Pedal ..................................................................\
....... 11-27
Coat hook ......................................................................... 6-12
Convenience net ................................................................ 6-6
Coolant ........................................................................... 11-12
Cooling system ............................................................... 11-11
Corrosion protection ................................................ 8-10, 10-3
Cruise control ................................................................... 7-26
Cruise control indicator light ............................................. 3-16
Cup holders ........................................................................ 6-7
D
Dashboard storage compartment ....................................... 6-6
Daytime running light system ........................................... 3-19
Differential gear oil
Front (AT vehicles) .................................................... 11-21
Rear ........................................................................... 11-22
Dimensions ....................................................................... 12-2
Disarming the system ....................................................... 2-14
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................... 7-16
Dome light .......................................................................... 6-2
Door locks ........................................................................\
.. 2-4
Door open warning light ................................................... 3-15
Drive belt ........................................................................ 11-17
Driving Car phone/cell phone ....................................................... 7 Drinking ............................................................................. 6
Drugs ................................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ........................................................... 8-4
Pets ................................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ...................................................... 8-9
Tired or sleepy .................................................................. 7
Driving tips ................................................................. 7-10, 8-5
E
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........... 7-18
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................................ 1-11
Engine
Compartment overview ................................................ 11-6
Coolant ....................................................................... 11-12
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................... 8-2
Hood ...................................................................\
......... 11-4
Oil ................................................................................. 11-8
Overheating ................................................................. 9-10
Starting ........................................................................... 7-7
Stopping ...............................................................\
.......... 7-8
Exterior care ..................................................................... 10-2
F
Flat tires .............................................................................. 9-3
Floor mat ........................................................................... 6-11
Fluid level
Automatic transmission .............................................. 11-19
Brake .......................................................................... 11-24
Clutch (MT vehicles) .................................................. 11-25
Power steering ........................................................... 11-23
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) ........................... 11-21
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Index
14-5
M
Main fuse ........................................................................ 11-41
MaintenancePrecautions .................................................................. 11-3
Schedule ...................................................................... 11-3
Seatbelt ....................................................................... 1-19
Tools ............................................................................ 9-14
Malfunction indicator lamp ................................................ 3-11
Manual Climate control system .................................................. 4-3
Seat ............................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ................................................................. 7-9
Transmission oil ......................................................... 11-18
Map lights ........................................................................... 6-3
Maximum load limits ......................................................... 8-18
Meters and gauges ............................................................. 3-6
Mirrors .............................................................................. 3-26
Moonroof ................................................................. 2-21, 9-14
N
New vehicle break-in driving ............................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .......................................................... 3-6
Off road driving ................................................................... 8-6
Oil filter ............................................................................. 11-8
Oil level
Engine ......................................................................... 11-8
Manual transmission .................................................. 11-18
Rear differential ......................................................... 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ................................................. 3-12 Outside mirrors ................................................................. 3-28
Outside temperature indicator ............................................ 3-8
Overhead console ............................................................... 6-6
P
Parking brake ......................................................... 7-24, 11-29
Stroke ......................................................................... 11-29
Parking light switch ........................................................... 3-21
Parking your vehicle ......................................................... 7-24
Periodic inspections ............................................................ 8-4
Power Door locking switches .................................................... 2-6
Seat ................................................................................ 1-4
Steering ........................................................................ 7-15
Steering fluid level ...................................................... 11-23
Windows ...................................................................... 2-18
R
Rear Combination lights ..................................................... 11-46
Differential gear oil level ............................................. 11-22
Gate .................................................................... 2-20, 9-13
Seats .............................................................................. 1-7
Viscous limited slip differential (LSD) ........................... 7-14
Rear window Defogger button ........................................................... 3-25
Wiper and washer switch ............................................. 3-24
Wiper blade ................................................................ 11-37
Remote keyless entry system ............................................. 2-6
Replacing Air cleaner element .................................................... 11-15
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14-6
Index
Battery (remote keyless entry) ....................................... 2-8
Bulbs ......................................................................... 11-43
Transmitters ................................................................... 2-9
Rocking the vehicle .......................................................... 8-11
Roof rail and crossbar ...................................................... 8-13
S
Safety Precautions when driving .................................................. 4
Symbol .............................................................................. 2
Warnings ........................................................................... 2
Seat height adjustment (drivers seat) ................................. 1-4
Seatbelt .................................................................................. 4 Extender ...................................................................\
... 1-19
Maintenance ................................................................ 1-19
Pretensioners ..........................................................\
.... 1-20
Safety tips .................................................................... 1-10
Warning light and chime ....................................... 1-12, 3-9
Seatbelts .......................................................................... 1-10
Seats Fabric .......................................................................... 10-4
Heater ............................................................................ 1-6
Selector lever (AT vehicles) ............................................. 7-11
Self-leveling rear suspension ........................................... 7-29
Shift lock release .............................................................. 7-14
Shift position indicator ...................................................... 3-16
Shopping bag hook .......................................................... 6-13
Snow tires ........................................................................ 8-10
Snowy and icy roads .......................................................... 8-9
Spark plugs .................................................................... 11-17
Specifications ................................................................... 12-2
Speedometer ............................................................\
.......... 3-6 SRS
Airbag system warning light ......................................... 3-10
Frontal airbag ............................................................... 1-41
Side airbag ................................................................... 1-53
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) ... 4, 1-36
Steering wheel Power ........................................................................... 7-15
Tilt wheel ...................................................................... 3-29
Storage compartments ....................................................... 6-4
Sun visors ........................................................................... 6-3
Supplemental Restraint System airbag ............................ 1-36
Synthetic leather upholstery ............................................. 10-5
T
Tachometer ........................................................................ 3-7
Temperature gauge ............................................................ 3-8
Temperature warning (AT OIL TEMP) .............................. 3-12
Tie-down hooks ................................................................ 9-11
Tilt steering wheel ............................................................. 3-29
Tire Chains .......................................................................... 8-10
Inspection .................................................................. 11-30
Pressures and wear ................................................... 11-30
Replacement .............................................................. 11-33
Rotation ..................................................................... 11-32
Types ......................................................................... 11-29
Top tether anchorages ..................................................... 1-34
Towing .............................................................................. 9-10 All wheels on the ground ............................................. 9-12
Flat-bed truck ............................................................... 9-12
Trailer Connecting .............................................................\
...... 8-16
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