2009 SUBARU FORESTER fuel cap

8-12Driving tips
WARNING
. When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.
. Do not pile heavy loads on the
roof. These loads raise the vehi-cle ’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.
. Secure lengthy items properly to
prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.
. Never exceed the maximum load
limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
. Do not place anything on the
extended cargo area cover. Such
items could tumble forward in the
event of a sudden stop or a
collision. This could cause ser-
ious injury.CAUTION
Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.
NOTE
For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo. & Vehicle capacity weight
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver ’s
side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,etc.

&GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The certification label attached to the driver ’s side doorjamb shows GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage and
any optional equipment. Therefore, the
GVW changes depending on the situation.
The GVWR equals Curb Weight (actual
weight of your vehicle –including standard
equipment, fluids, emergency tools and
spare tire assembly) plus the vehicle
capacity weight. In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside thevehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
&
Roof rail (if equipped)
1) Roof rack
Luggage can be carried on the roof after
securing the roof rack to the roof rail.
When installing the roof rack on the roof
rail, follow the manufacturer ’s instructions.
The roof rail is designed to carry loads
(luggage and roof rack) of not more than
150 lbs (68 kg).
CAUTION
. When using the roof rack, make
sure that the total carrying load
of the roof rack and luggage does
not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg). Over-
loading may cause damage to
the vehicle.
. For cargo carrying purposes, the Driving tips
8-13
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8-16Driving tips
watercraft. &When you do not tow a trailer
. Remove the ball mount from the hitch
receiver tube and insert the receiver cover
onto the hitch receiver tube. . Place the dust cap over the four-pin
connector of the hitch wire harness to
protect against possible damage. . Occasionally lubricate terminals of the
four-pin connector using terminal grease. Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle
’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety
and satisfaction depend upon proper use
of correct equipment and cautious opera-
tion of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your SUBARU dealer to assist you in
purchasing a hitch and other necessary
towing equipment appropriate for your
vehicle. In addition, be sure to follow the
instructions on correct installation and use
provided by the trailer and other towing
equipment manufacturers.
SUBARU assumes no responsibility for
injuries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any
errors or omissions in the instructions
accompanying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.
& Warranties and maintenance
SUBARU warranties do not apply to
vehicle damage or malfunction caused
by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to
tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance
will be required due to the additional load. (Refer to
“Maintenance schedule under
severe driving conditions ”in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet ”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving.
& Maximum load limits
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following.
Exceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
CAUTION
. Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.
. Before towing a trailer, check the
trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are accepta-

&Recommended grade and viscosity
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified with
the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark)
or API classification SM with the words“ENERGY CONSERVING ”
These recommended oil grades can be
identified by looking for either or both of
the following marks displayed on the oil
container.
API Service label
1) Indicates the oil quality by API designa- tions
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade
3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving capabilities
ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)
In choosing an oil, you want the proper
quality and viscosity, as well as one that
will add to fuel economy. The following
table lists the recommended viscosities
and applicable temperatures.
When adding oil, different brands may be
used together as long as they are the
same API classification and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by SUBARU.
SAE viscosity No. and applicable tempera- ture
*: 5W-30 is preferred.
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel
economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide
better fuel economy. However, in hot
weather, oil of higher viscosity is required
to properly lubricate the engine.
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity. Maintenance and service
11-11
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&Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “ LOW ”level mark, add coolant up to the
“ FULL ”level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface. !
Changing the coolant
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boil-
ing hot coolant when the cap isremoved.
Always add genuine SUBARU cooling
system conditioner whenever the coolant
is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add
genuine SUBARU cooling system condi-
tioner using the following procedures
according to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover. Maintenance and service
11-13
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12-4Specifications
&Capacities
Fuel tank 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 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)
Transmission fluid (AT) 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
Front differential gear oil (AT) 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
Rear differential gear oil 0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Engine coolant Non-turbo engine MT 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
AT 7.1 US qt (6.7 liters, 5.9 Imp qt)
Turbo engine 8.5 US qt (8.0 liters, 7.0 Imp qt)
AT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmission

whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or (2)The outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has
a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mount-
ing on a vehicle.
. Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be
replaced) of floor mats, leather
seats and cross bars to the extent
that these items are available as
factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not). . Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant and air conditioning. . Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory
weight, vehicle capacity weight and production options weight.
. Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants (3 occupants). . Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle, 2 in front, 1 in rear seat.. Production options weight
The combined weight of those
installed regular production options
weighing over 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) in
excess of those standards items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or acces-
sory weight. . Vehicle capacity weight
The total weight of cargo, luggage
and occupants that can be added to
the vehicle. . Vehicle maximum load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the maximum
loaded vehicle weight and dividing
by two. . Vehicle normal load on a tire
Load on an individual tire that is determined by distributing to each
axle its share of the curb weight,
accessory weight, and normal oc-
cupant weight and dividing by two. &
Tire care –maintenance and
safety practices
. Check on a daily basis that the
tires are free from serious damage,
nails, and stones. At the same time,
check the tires for abnormal wear.. Inspect the tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their
tread wear indicators become visi-
ble. 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 even low speeds in wet weather
can cause the vehicle to hydro-
plane. Possible resulting loss of
vehicle control can lead to anaccident. . To maximize the life of each tire
and ensure that the tires wear
uniformly, it is best to rotate the
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-7
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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