2009 SUBARU FORESTER warning light

11-32Maintenance and service
Outside
temperature Adjusted pressure
[psi (kPa, kgf/cm2)]
front rear
30 8F( 18C) 35
(240, 2.4) 33
(230, 2.3)
10 8F( 12 8C) 37
(255, 2.55) 35
(240, 2.4)
10 8F( 23 8C) 39
(270, 2.7) 37
(255, 2.55)
If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates when you drive the vehicle in
cold outside air after adjusting the tire
pressures in a warm garage, re-adjust the
tire pressures using the method described
above. Then, increase the vehicle speed
to at least 20 mph (32 km/h) and check to
see that the low tire pressure warning light
turns off a few minutes later. If the low tire
pressure warning light does not turn off,
the tire pressure monitoring system may
not be functioning normally. In this event,
go to a SUBARU dealer to have the
system inspected as soon as possible.
While the vehicle is driven, friction be-
tween tires and the road surface causes
the tires to warm up. After illumination of
the low tire pressure warning light, any
increase in the tire pressures caused by
an increase in the outside air temperature
or by an increase in the temperature in the tires can cause the low tire pressure
warning light to turn off.
System resetting is necessary when the
wheels are changed (for example, a
switch to snow tires) and new TPMS
valves are installed on the newly fitted
wheels. Have this work performed by a
SUBARU dealer following wheel replace-ment.
It may not be possible to install TPMS
valves on certain wheels that are on the
market. Therefore, if you change the
wheels (for example, a switch to snow
tires), use wheels that have the same part
number as the standard-equipment
wheels. Without four operational TPMS
valve/sensors on the wheels, the TPMS
will not fully function and the warning light
in the instrument panel will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approximately
one minute.
When a tire is replaced, adjustments are
necessary to ensure continued normal
operation of the tire pressure monitoring
system. As with wheel replacement, there-
fore, you should have the work performed
by a SUBARU dealer.WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
does not illuminate briefly after the
ignition switch is turned ON or the
light illuminates steadily after blink-
ing for approximately one minute,
you should have your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possi-ble.
If this light illuminates while driving,
never brake suddenly and keep
driving straight ahead while gradu-
ally reducing speed. Then slowly
pull off the road to a safe place.
Otherwise an accident involving
serious vehicle damage and serious
personal injury could occur.
If this light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may have significant
damage and a fast leak that causes
the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have
a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire
as soon as possible.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-

.Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire
magnifies 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, adjust the
tire pressures to the values that match
current loading conditions.
WARNING
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
vehicle control could lead to anaccident.
& Wheel balance
Each wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance causes
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
correctly balanced, have them checked
and adjusted by your SUBARU dealer.
Also have them adjusted after tire repairs
and after tire rotation. NOTE
Loss of correct wheel alignment*
causes the tires to wear on one side
and reduces the vehicle ’s running
stability. Contact your SUBARU dealer
if you notice 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 indicators
1) New tread
2) Worn tread
3) Tread wear indicator
Each tire incorporates a tread wear
indicator, 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.
WARNING
When a tire ’s tread wear indicator
becomes visible, the tire is worn
beyond the acceptable limit and
must be replaced immediately. With
a tire in this condition, driving at
high speeds in wet weather can Maintenance and service
11-35
– CONTINUED –

Battery
WARNING
. Before beginning work on or near
any battery, be sure to extinguish
all cigarettes, matches, and light-
ers. Never expose a battery to an
open flame or electric sparks.
Batteries give off a gas which is
highly flammable and explosive.
. For safety, in case an explosion
does occur, wear eye protection
or shield your eyes when work-
ing near any battery. Never lean
over a battery.
. Do not let battery fluid contact
eyes, skin, fabrics, or paint be-
cause battery fluid is a corrosive
acid. If battery fluid gets on your
skin or in your eyes, immediately
flush the area with water thor-
oughly. Seek medical help imme-
diately if acid has entered theeyes.
If battery fluid is accidentally
swallowed, immediately drink a
large amount of milk or water,
and seek medical attention im-
mediately.
. To lessen the risk of sparks, remove rings, metal watchbands,
and other metal jewelry. Never
allow metal tools to contact the
positive battery terminal and any-
thing connected to it WHILE you
are at the same time in contact
with any other metallic portion of
the vehicle because a short cir-
cuit will result.
. Keep everyone including children
away from the battery.
. Charge the battery in a well-
ventilated area.
. Battery posts, terminals and re-
lated accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Batteries also contain
other chemicals known to the
State of California to cause can-
cer.
Wash hands after handling.
1) Cap
2) Upper level
3) Lower level
It is unnecessary to periodically check the
battery fluid level or periodically refill with
distilled water.
However, if the battery fluid level is below
the lower level, remove the cap. Fill to the
upper level with distilled water.
CAUTION
Never use more than 10 amperes
when charging the battery because
it will shorten battery life. Maintenance and service
11-43

Wattage Bulb No.
1) High beam headlight 12V-60W 9005 (HB3)
2) Position light 12V-5W168 (W5W)
3) Low beam headlight 12V-55W H11
4) Front side marker light 12V-5W 168 (W5W)
5) Map light 12V-8W–
6) Dome light 12V-8W–
7) Front fog light 12V-51W 9006 (HB4)
8) Front turn signal light 12V-21W (WY21W)
9) Door step light 12V-5W–
10) Cargo area light 12V-13W–
11) Brake/tail light 12V-21W/5W 7443
12) Rear turn signal light 12V-21W (WY21W)
13) Back-up light 12V-21W 7440
14) Licence plate light 12V-5W 168 (W5W)CAUTION
Replace any bulb only with a new
bulb of the specified wattage. Using
a bulb of different wattage could
result in a fire.
& Headlights (vehicles with HID headlights)
WARNING
High-intensity-discharge (HID) bulbs
are used for the low beams of the
headlights. These HID bulbs use an
extremely high voltage. To avoid the
risk of an electric shock and result-
ing serious injury, you should not
attempt to replace them. Neither
should you attempt to replace the
high-beam bulbs, remove/refit the
headlight assemblies, or remove
any headlight-assembly compo-
nents. For replacement of the head-
light bulbs (low-beam and high-
beam), removal and installation of
the headlight assemblies, and re-
moval of headlight-assembly com-
ponents, contact your SUBARU
dealer. Maintenance and service
11-47
– CONTINUED –

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-23
Warning light ................................................. 3-15, 7-23
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-45
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-5
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner ..................................................... 4-7, 4-10
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-13
Air flow selection .......................................................... 4-2
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-17
Aluminum wheel cleaning ............................................ 10-3
Aluminum wheels ...................................................... 11-38
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-23
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-7
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-14
Audio control button ................................................... 5-26
Audio set .................................................................... 5-5
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...................................... 3-34
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-8
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-26
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Capacities ............................................................. 12-4
Fluid .................................................................... 11-20
MANUAL mode ..................................................... 7-18
Selector lever ........................................................ 7-15
Shift lock release ................................................... 7-20
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-20 Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP)
................. 3-14
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-11
AUX unit operation ..................................................... 5-25
B Battery .................................................................... 11-43
Jump starting .......................................................... 9-9
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-10
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-28
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-8
Brake
Assist .................................................................... 7-22
Booster ....................................................... 7-22, 11-27
Fluid ................................................................... 11-25
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-30
Parking ....................................................... 7-31, 11-30
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
System .................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-28
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-28
Brake system ............................................................. 7-22
Warning light .......................................................... 3-16
Braking ..................................................................... 7-21
Tips ...................................................................... 7-21
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-30
Bulb Chart .................................................................... 12-9
Replacing ............................................................ 11-46

C Capacities................................................................. 12-4
Cargo area
Cover ................................................................... 6-12
Light ....................................................................... 6-3
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-13
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center Console .................................................................. 6-5
Ventilators ............................................................... 4-3
Center and side ventilators ............................................ 4-3
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-4
Oil and oil filter ...................................................... 11-9
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-13
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp ...................................................................... 3-12
Checking Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-28
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-28
Clutch function ...................................................... 11-28
Clutch pedal free play ............................................ 11-29
Engine oil level ...................................................... 11-8
Fluid level ............................... 11-20, 11-24, 11-25, 11-26
Gear oil level ........................................................ 11-22
Child restraint systems ............................................... 1-22
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ................................ 1-25
Lower and tether anchorages .................................. 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety .................................................................... 5
Locks ................................................................... 2-18 Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-5Seatbelt. ......................................................... 1-12, 3-9
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-12
Climate control system
Automatic ............................................................... 4-8
Manual ................................................................... 4-3
Clock ........................................................................ 3-21
Clutch Fluid ................................................................... 11-26
Pedal .................................................................. 11-28
Coat hook. ................................................................. 6-11
Coin tray .................................................................... 6-7
Coolant ................................................................... 11-13
Coolant temperature high warning light. ......................... 3-13
Coolant temperature low indicator light .......................... 3-13
Cooling system ........................................................ 11-12
Corrosion protection ............................................ 8-10, 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-34
Indicator light ................................................. 3-20, 7-37
Set indicator light ............................................ 3-21, 7-38
Cup holder ................................................................. 6-7
Front passenger ’s.................................................... 6-7
Rear passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8 Index
14-3

14-4Index
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-25
Differential gear oil
Front ................................................................... 11-21
Rear .................................................................... 11-22
Dimensions ............................................................... 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ........................................ 2-16
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-22
Dome light .................................................................. 6-2
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light ................................................. 3-17
Drive belts. ............................................................... 11-18
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-17
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 7
Drinking ..................................................................... 6
Drugs ........................................................................ 6
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 7
Snowy and icy roads ................................................ 8-9
Tips................................................................ 7-14, 8-5
Tired or sleepy. ........................................................... 7
E
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ........................................................... 3-16, 7-24
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-11
Engine
Compartment overview ........................................... 11-6 Coolant
............................................................... 11-13
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 5, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil ........................................................................ 11-8Overheating ........................................................... 9-11
Starting .................................................................. 7-7
Stopping ................................................................. 7-9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-4
Floor mat ................................................................... 6-11
Fluid level
Automatic transmission ......................................... 11-20
Brake .................................................................. 11-25
Clutch ................................................................. 11-26
Power steering ..................................................... 11-24
Fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Switch ................................................................... 3-27
Front Differential gear oil ................................................ 11-21
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-19
Seats ..................................................................... 1-2
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-50
Front fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Front seats Forward and backward adjustment ... ......................... 1-3
Reclining ................................................................ 1-3
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ........................ 1-4

Fuel........................................................................... 7-2
Economy hints ......................................................... 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge .................................................................... 3-8
Requirements .......................................................... 7-2
Fuses ...................................................................... 11-44
Fuses and circuits ...................................................... 12-6
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .............................. 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) .......................... 8-13
H
Hazard warning flasher ........................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment
Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rearseat ................................................................. 1-7
Headlight
Beam lever ........................................................... 3-26
Flasher ................................................................. 3-25
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Headlights ........................................................ 3-24, 11-47
Heater operation (manual climate control system) ............ 4-5
High beam indicator light ............................................ 3-20
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-25
Hill start assist (MT vehicles) .............................. 7-33, 11-29
Hill start assist warning light ................................ 3-17, 7-34
Horn ......................................................................... 3-38
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-12 I
Ignition switch
............................................................. 3-3
Light ...................................................................... 3-5
Illuminated entry .......................................................... 2-9
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-26
Immobilizer ................................................................. 2-2
Indicator light (security indicator light) ................. 2-3, 3-19
Indicator light Coolant temperature low .......................................... 3-13
Cruise control ................................................ 3-20, 7-37
Cruise control set ........................................... 3-21, 7-38
Front fog light ......................................................... 3-21
Headlight ............................................................... 3-21
High beam ............................................................. 3-20
Immobilizer ............................................................. 2-3
Security .......................................................... 2-3, 3-19
Selector lever/Gear position ..................................... 3-20
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-20
Traction control system OFF .................................... 3-18
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-20
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ......................... 3-19, 7-28
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .................. 3-18, 7-27
Information display ...................................................... 3-22
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-33
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
J
Jack handle ............................................................... 9-17
Jump starting .............................................................. 9-9 Index
14-5