2006 SUBARU FORESTER stop start

4
Safety precautions when driving„Seatbelt and SRS airbag
Carefully read the sections “Seatbelts”
and “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Re-
straint System airbag)” in chapter 1 of this
owner’s manual for instructions and pre-
cautions concerning the seatbelt system
and SRS airbag system.
Outside mirror defogger
Rear window defogger
Air recirculation
Engine oil
Washer
Door lock (Transmitter)
Door unlock (Transmitter)
Mark Name
y
All persons in the vehicle should
fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the
vehicle starts to move. Otherwise,
the possibility of serious injury
becomes greater in the event of a
sudden stop or accident.yTo obtain maximum protection in
the event of an accident, the driv-
er and all passengers in the vehi-
cle should always wear seatbelts
when the vehicle is moving. The
SRS (Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem) airbag does not do away with
the need to fasten seatbelts. In
combination with the seatbelts, it
offers the best combined protec-
tion in case of a serious accident.Not wearing a seatbelt increases
the chance of severe injury or
death in a crash even when the ve-
hicle has the SRS airbag.
yThe SRS airbags deploy with con-
siderable speed and force. Occu-
pants who are out of proper posi-
tion when the SRS airbag deploys
could suffer very serious injuries.
Because the SRS airbag needs
enough space for deployment, the
driver should always sit upright
and well back in the seat as far
from the steering wheel as practi-
cal while still maintaining full ve-
hicle control and the front passen-
ger should move the seat as far
back as possible and sit upright
and well back in the seat.
ProCarManuals.com

1-10
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Seatbelts„Seatbelt safety tips
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash
sensing and diagnostic module, which will
record the use of the seatbelt(s) by the
driver and/or front passenger when any of
the SRS frontal and side airbags deploys.
T Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suit-
able for your vehicle. See information on
“Child restraint systems” in this chapter.
T Children
If a child is too big for a child restraint sys-
tem, the child should sit in the rear seat
and be restrained using the seatbelts. Ac-
y All persons in the vehicle should
fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the
vehicle starts to move. Otherwise,
the possibility of serious injury
becomes greater in the event of a
sudden stop or accident.yAll belts should fit snugly in order
to provide full restraint. Loose fit-
ting belts are not as effective in
preventing or reducing injury.yEach seatbelt is designed to sup-
port only one person. Never use a
single belt for two or more per-
sons – even children. Otherwise,
in an accident, serious injury or
death could result.yReplace all seatbelt assemblies
including retractors and attaching
hardware worn by occupants of a
vehicle that has been in a serious
accident. The entire assembly
should be replaced even if dam-
age is not obvious.
yPut children aged 12 and under in
the rear seat properly restrained
at all times. The SRS airbag de-
ploys with considerable speed
and force and can injure or even
kill children, especially if they are
12 years of age and under and are
not restrained or improperly re-
strained. Because children are
lighter and weaker than adults,
their risk of being injured from de-
ployment is greater. Consequent-
ly, we strongly recommend that
ALL children (including those in
child seats and those that have
outgrown child restraint devices)
sit in the REAR seat properly re-
strained at all times in a child re-
straint device or in a seatbelt,
whichever is appropriate for the
child’s height and weight.Secure ALL types of child re-
straint devices (including forward
facing child seats) in the REAR
seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD
FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE
FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO
THE CHILD BY PLACING THE
CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO
THE SRS AIRBAG. According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating posi-
tions than in the front seating po-
sitions. For instructions and pre-
cautions concerning the child re-
straint system, see the “Child re-
straint systems” section in this
chapter.
ProCarManuals.com

Keys and doors
2-3
– CONTINUED –
Immobilizer (if equipped)The immobilizer system is designed to
prevent an unauthorized persons from
starting the engine. Only keys registered
with your vehicle’s immobilizer system
can be used to operate your vehicle. Even
if an unregistered key fits into the ignition
switch and can be turned to the “START”
position, the engine will automatically stop
after several seconds.
Each immobilizer key contains a tran-
sponder in which the key’s ID code is
stored. When a key is inserted into the ig-
nition switch and turned to the “ON” posi-
tion, the transponder transmits the key’s
ID code to the immobilizer system’s re-
ceiver. If the transmitted ID code matches
the ID code registered in the immobilizer
system, the system allows the engine to
be started. Since the ID code is transmit-
ted and acted upon almost instantly, the
immobilizer system does not impede nor-
mal starting of the engine.
If the engine fails to start, pull out the key
once before trying again. (Refer to the “Ig-
nition switch” section [chapter 3].)
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of In-
dustry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including in-
terference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not express-
ly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
NOTETo protect your vehicle from theft,
please pay close attention to the fol-
lowing security precautions:
y
Never leave your vehicle unattended
with its keys inside.
y Before leaving your vehicle, close all
windows and lock the doors and rear
gate.
y Do not leave spare keys or any
record of your key number in the vehi-
cle.
„ Security ID plate1) Key number plate
2) Security ID plateThe security ID is stamped on the security
ID plate attached to the key set. Write
down the security ID and keep it in another
safe place, not in the vehicle. This number
is needed to make a replacement key if
you lose your key or lock it inside the vehi-
cle.
This number is also needed for replace-
ment or repair of the engine control mod-
ule and immobilizer control module.„Security indicator light The security indicator light deters potential
thieves by indicating that the vehicle is
y
Do not place the key under direct
sunlight or anywhere it may be-
come hot.
y Do not get the key wet. If the key
gets wet, wipe it dry with a cloth
immediately.
1 2
200803
ProCarManuals.com

Keys and doors
2-11
– CONTINUED –
NOTEyWhen part 4 of the procedure is com-
pleted, an electronic tone will sound
for 30 seconds.
y If you do not perform the operations
in part 4 within 15 seconds, an error
will occur and the electronic tone will
not sound. In this event, perform the
registration steps again beginning with
part 3 of the procedure.
5. Before the electronic tone stops sound-
ing, push the lock side of the power door
lock switch the same number of times as
the leftmost digit of the transmitter code.
For example, push the lock switch eight
times if the leftmost digit of the code is 8.
NOTEy The electronic tone will stop sound-
ing when you start entering the num-
ber.
y If you do not start entering the num-
ber using the lock switch before the
electronic tone stops sounding, an er-
ror will occur. In this event, perform the
registration steps again beginning with
part 3 of the procedure.
y If the interval between one push of
the switch and the next exceeds five
seconds, an error will occur. In this
event, perform the procedure again be-
ginning with part 4. If an error occurs
six times, perform the procedure again
starting with part 3.
6. When you have finished entering the number, push the unlock side of the lock
switch within five seconds.
NOTEy
An electronic tone will sound.
y If you push the unlock side of the
lock switch when more than five sec-
onds have passed, an error will occur.
In this event, perform the procedure
again beginning with part 4. If an error
occurs six times, perform the proce-
dure again starting with part 3.
7. Perform parts 5 and 6 of the procedure
for each of the remaining digits of the
transmitter code beginning with the sec-
ond digit (counting from the left) and fin-
ishing with the eighth digit. NOTEy When you finish entering the eighth
digit, an electronic tone will sound for
30 seconds.
y If the interval between one push of
the switch and the next exceeds five
seconds, an error will occur. In this
event, perform the procedure again be-
ginning with part 4. If an error occurs
six times, perform the procedure again
starting with part 3.
8. Before the electronic tone stops sound-
ing, use the power door lock switch to
again enter the transmitter code beginning
200812
200827
ProCarManuals.com

2-12
Keys and doors
with the leftmost digit.NOTEIf you do not start entering the number
using the lock switch before the elec-
tronic tone stops sounding, an error
will occur. In this event, perform the
procedure again beginning with part 3.
9. When you have finished entering the
code a second time, an electronic tone will
sound for one second to indicate comple-
tion of registration, provided the code en-
tered the second time is identical to that
entered the first time.NOTEIf the code entered the second time is
not identical to the code entered the
first time, an error will occur. In this
event, perform the procedure again be-
ginning with part 5. If an error occurs
five times, perform the procedure
again starting with part 3.
10.If you wish to program another trans-
mitter code into the system (up to four
transmitter codes can be programmed
into the system), perform the procedure
beginning with part 4. When you have fin-
ished programming all of the necessary
transmitter codes into the system, remove
the key from the ignition switch.
11.Test every registered transmitter toconfirm correct operation.
T
Deleting old transmitter codes
The control unit of the keyless entry sys-
tem has four memory locations to store
transmitter codes, giving it the ability to
operate with up to four transmitters. When
you lose a transmitter, the lost transmit-
ter’s code remains in the memory. For se-
curity reasons, lost transmitter codes
should be deleted from the memory.
To delete old transmitter codes, program
four transmitter codes into the system. If
you have only one current transmitter,
program it four times. If you have two cur-
rent transmitters, program each one twice.
If you have three current transmitters, pro-
gram two of them once and the third one
twice. This process will leave only current
transmitter codes in the system’s memory.
NOTEMake sure no one else is operating
their keyless entry system within range
of your vehicle when programming
transmitters. If someone else were to
operate their remote transmitter while
you are programming your transmit-
ters, it is possible that their transmitter
code will be programmed into your
system, allowing them unauthorized
access to your vehicle.
Alarm systemThe alarm system helps to protect your
vehicle and valuables from theft. The horn
sounds and the turn signal lights flash if
someone attempts to break into your vehi-
cle. The starter motor is also interrupted to
prevent starting the vehicle without a key.
The system can be armed and disarmed
with the remote transmitter.
The system does not operate when the
key is inserted into the ignition switch.
Your vehicle’s alarm system has been set
for activation at the time of shipment from
the factory. You can set the system for de-
activation yourself or have it done by your
SUBARU dealer.„ System operationThe alarm system will give the following
alarm when triggered:
yThe vehicle’s horn will sound and the
turn signal lights will flash for 30 seconds.
y If any door or the rear gate remains
open after the 30-second period, the horn
will continue to sound for a maximum of 3
minutes. If the door and the rear gate are
closed while the horn is sounding, the
horn will stop sounding with a delay of up
to 30 seconds.
ProCarManuals.com

3-12
Instruments and controls
ble.
yStop towing a trailer as soon as possi-
ble.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and come on steadily after
several driving trips. You should have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.„ Charge warning light If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
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 alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good con-
dition but the light remains on, contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer immediate-
ly.„Oil pressure warning
lightIf 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 level 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.
„
AT OIL TEMPerature
warning light (AT vehi-
cles)The AT oil temperature warning light
comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position and goes out
after the engine has started.
If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is un-
necessary to stop the vehicle, but avoid
driving up steep grades or in stop and go
traffic.
T Automatic transmission control
system warning
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indicate that the automatic trans-
mission 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” posi-
tion and goes out after approximately two
seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system
is working properly.
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
If the warning light behaves as fol-
lows, the ABS system may not work
properly.
When the warning light is on, the
ABS function shuts down; however,
the conventional brake system con-
tinues to operate normally.
yThe warning light does not come
on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position.
(U.S.)
(Canada)
ProCarManuals.com

3-14
Instruments and controls
tions of the brake system are still avail-
able. You will be safe while driving with
this condition, but have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible.NOTEIf the warning light behavior is as
shown in the following, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system may be consid-
ered normal.
yThe warning light comes on right af-
ter the engine is started but goes out
immediately, remaining off.
y The warning light comes on after en-
gine startup and goes off while the ve-
hicle is subsequently being driven.
y The warning light comes on during
driving, but it goes out immediately
and remains off.
T Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indi-
cator light
y It comes on when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF switch is pressed.
y It also comes on when the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is deactivated.NOTEy The light may stay on for a while after
the engine has been started, especially
in cold weather. This does not indicate
the existence of a problem. The light should go out as soon as the engine
has warmed up.
y
The indicator light comes on when
the engine has developed a problem
and the Malfunction indicator light is
on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably faulty under the following condi-
tion. Have your vehicle checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
y The light does not go out even after the
lapse of several minutes (the engine has
warmed up) after the engine has started.
„ Brake system
warning light
This light has the following three func-
tions:
T Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake
applied while the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position. It goes out when the park-
ing brake is fully released.
T Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid
level has dropped to near the “MIN” level
of the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position and with the
parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should
come on while driving (with the parking
brake fully released and with the ignition
switch positioned in “ON”), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn
brake pads. If this occurs, immediately
stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place
and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid
level is below the “MIN” mark in the reser-
voir, do not drive the vehicle. Have the ve-
hicle towed to the nearest SUBARU deal-
er for repair.
T Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning (vehicles
with EBD)
The brake system warning light also illu-
y Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous.
This indicates your brake system
may not be working properly. If
the light remains on, have the
brakes inspected by a SUBARU
dealer immediately.yIf at all in doubt about whether the
brakes are operating properly, do
not drive the vehicle. Have your
vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
(U.S.)
(Canada)
ProCarManuals.com

Instruments and controls
3-15
– CONTINUED –
minates if a malfunction occurs in the EBD
system. In that event, it comes on together
with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be malfunctioning if
the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are ap-
plied harder than usual and the vehicle’s
motion may therefore become somewhat
harder to control.
If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat
place.
2. Shut down the engine, then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights go out, the EBD system
may be faulty.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights come on again
and stay illuminated after the engine has
been restarted, shut down the engine
again, apply the parking brake, and check
the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the
“MIN” mark, the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the nearest
SUBARU dealer and have the system in-
spected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the
“MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. In-
stead, have the vehicle towed to the near-
est SUBARU dealer for repair.
„
Door open warning lightsThe door open warning light comes on if
any door or the rear gate is not fully
closed.
Always make sure this light is out before
you start to drive.„Low fuel warning light The low fuel warning light comes on when
the tank is nearly empty [approximately
2.3 US gal (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp gal)]. It only
operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.NOTEThis light does not go out unless the
tank is replenished up to an internal
fuel quantity of approximately 4.0 US
gal (15 liters, 3.3 Imp gal).
„All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (AT vehicles)The All-Wheel Drive indicator light comes
on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and goes out after the en-
gine has started.
T For vehicles with Vehicle Dynamics
Control system
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven
with tires of different diameters or with the
air pressure excessively low in any of its
tires.
T For vehicles without Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system
This light comes on when All-Wheel Drive
is disengaged and the drive mechanism is
switched to Front Wheel Drive for mainte-
nance or similar purposes.Continued driving with the AWD
warning light flashing can lead to
powertrain damage. If the AWD
warning light flashes, promptly park
in a safe place then check whether
all four tires are the same diameter
and whether any of the tires has a
puncture or has lost air pressure for
some other reason.
ProCarManuals.com