2009 SUBARU FORESTER maintenance

If you park your vehicle in case of anemergency ........................................................ 9-2
Temporary spare tire (if equipped) .................... 9-2
Precautions for AWD vehicles with automatic transmission ..................................................... 9-3
Flat tires ............................................................... 9-4
Changing a flat tire .............................................. 9-4
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec. models) ........................................... 9-8
Jump starting ...................................................... 9-9
How to jump start ............................................... 9-10
Engine overheating ............................................ 9-11
If steam is coming from the engine compartment .................................................... 9-11 If no steam is coming from the engine
compartment ................................................... 9-11
Towing ................................................................ 9-12
Towing and tie-down hooks. ............................... 9-12
Using a flat-bed truck. ........................................ 9-15
Towing with all wheels on the ground ................. 9-15
Rear gate –if the rear gate cannot be
opened ............................................................. 9-16
Moonroof –if the moonroof cannot be
closed .............................................................. 9-17
Maintenance tools ............................................. 9-17
Jack handle ....................................................... 9-17
Jack and other maintenance tools ...................... 9-18
In case of emergency
9

Moonroof–if the moonroof
cannot be closed
If the moonroof cannot be closed with the
moonroof switch, you can close the moon-
roof manually.
1. Remove the plug on the roof trim of the
cargo area by inserting the end of the flat-
head screwdriver between the roof and
plug and prying it off.
2. Insert a hex-head wrench in the end of
the motor shaft.
To close the moonroof, turn the wrench counterclockwise.
Have your vehicle checked and repaired
by an authorized SUBARU dealer. Maintenance tools
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
maintenance tools:
Jack
Jack handleScrewdriver
Towing hook (eye bolt)
Wheel nut wrench
Hex-head wrench (only vehicles with
moonroof)
Lever
& Jack handle
The jack handle is stored under the floor
cover of the cargo area. In case of emergency
9-17
– CONTINUED –

9-18In case of emergency
& Jack and other maintenance tools
1) Jack
2) Towing hook
1) Screwdriver
2) Wheel nut wrench
3) Tool bag
4) Lever
5) Hex-head wrench (only vehicles with
moonroof)
The jack and towing hook are stored in the
tool bucket that is located in the recess of
the spare tire wheel under the floor of the
cargo area.
The screwdriver and wheel nut wrench are
stored in the tool bag.
For how to use the jack, refer to the “Flat
tires ”section in this chapter.

10-4Appearance care
Corrosion protection
Your SUBARU has been designed and
built to resist corrosion. Special materials
and protective finishes have been used on
most parts of the vehicle to help maintain
fine appearance, strength, and reliableoperation. &Most common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion are:
1. The accumulation of moisture retain-
ing dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
2. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor accidents.
Corrosion is accelerated on the vehicle when:
1. It is exposed to road salt or dust
control chemicals, or used in coastal
areas where there is more salt in the air,
or in areas where there is considerable
industrial pollution.
2. It is driven in areas of high humidity,
especially when temperatures range just
above freezing.
3. Dampness in certain parts of the
vehicle remains for a long time, even though other parts of the vehicle may be
dry.
4. High temperatures will cause corro-
sion to parts of the vehicle which cannot
dry quickly due to lack of proper ventila-tion.
& To help prevent corrosion
Wash the vehicle regularly to prevent
corrosion of the body and suspension
components. Also, wash the vehicle
promptly after driving on any of the
following surfaces: . roads that have been salted to prevent
them from freezing in winter. mud, sand, or gravel
. coastal roads
After the winter has ended, it is recom-
mended that the underbody be given a
very thorough washing.
Before the beginning of winter, check the
condition of underbody components, such
as the exhaust system, fuel and brake
lines, brake cables, suspension, steering
system, floor pan, and fenders. If any of
them are found to be rusted, they should
be given an appropriate rust prevention
treatment or should be replaced. Contact
your SUBARU dealer to perform this kind
of maintenance and treatment if you need assistance.
Repair chips and scratches in the paint as
soon as you find them.
Check the interior of the vehicle for water
and dirt accumulation under the floor mats
because that could cause corrosion.
Occasionally check under the mats to
make sure the area is dry.
Keep your garage dry. Do not park your
vehicle in a damp, poorly ventilated
garage. In such a garage, corrosion can
be caused by dampness. If you wash the
vehicle in the garage or put the vehicle
into the garage when wet or covered with
snow, that can cause dampness.
If your vehicle is operated in cold weather
and/or in areas where road salts and other
corrosive materials are used, the door
hinges and locks, and hood latch should
be inspected and lubricated periodically.

Maintenance schedule....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions ................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine compartment .................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is running .......... 11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-5
Engine compartment overview .......................... 11-6
Non-turbo models .............................................. 11-6
Turbo models ..................................................... 11-7
Engine oil ............................................................ 11-8
Checking the oil level ......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter .............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-11
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe driving conditions .......................................... 11-12
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-12
Cooling system ................................................ 11-12
Cooling fan, hose and connections ................... 11-12
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-13
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-16
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-18
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-18
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-19
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-20
Automatic transmission fluid .......................... 11-20
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-20 Recommended fluid
......................................... 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles) .......... 11-21
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-22
Rear differential gear oil .................................. 11-22
Checking the gear oil level ............................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Brake fluid ........................................................ 11-25
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-26
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................... 11-26
Checking the fluid level .................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid ............................... 11-27
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-28
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-28
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance....... 11-28
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles) .............................. 11-28
Checking the clutch function ............................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play .................. 11-29
Hill start assist system (MT vehicles) ............ 11-29
Replacement of brake pad and lining ............ 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ....... 11-30
Parking brake stroke ....................................... 11-30
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-31
Types of tires ................................................... 11-31
Maintenance and service
11

Maintenance and serviceTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)(U.S.-spec. models) ........................................ 11-31
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-33
Tire pressures and wear ................................... 11-33
Wheel balance .................................................. 11-35
Wear indicators ................................................ 11-35
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-36
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-36
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-37
Wheel replacement ........................................... 11-37
Aluminum wheels ............................................. 11-38
Windshield washer fluid .................................. 11-38
Replacement of wiper blades .......................... 11-39
Windshield wiper blade assembly ..................... 11-40
Windshield wiper blade rubber ......................... 11-40
Rear window wiper blade assembly .................. 11-41
Rear window wiper blade rubber ....................... 11-41Battery
.............................................................. 11-43
Fuses ................................................................ 11-44
Main fuse .......................................................... 11-45
Installation of accessories .............................. 11-45
Replacing bulbs ............................................... 11-46
Headlights (vehicles with HID headlights) ......... 11-47
Headlights (vehicles without HID headlights) .................................................... 11-48
Position light ................................................... 11-50
Front turn signal light ...................................... 11-50
Rear combination lights ................................... 11-50
License plate light ........................................... 11-51
Dome light, map light, cargo area light and door step light ....................................................... 11-51
Other bulbs ..................................................... 11-52

Maintenance schedule
The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the“Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet ”.
For details of your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet ”. Maintenance precautions
When maintenance and service are re-
quired, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service
by yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this
section on general maintenance and
service for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera-
tion. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
WARNING
. Testing of an All-Wheel Drive
vehicle must NEVER be per-
formed on a single two-wheel
dynamometer or similar appara-
tus. Attempting to do so will
result in transmission damage
and in uncontrolled vehicle
movement and may cause an
accident or injuries to persons
nearby.
. Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on yourvehicle. .
Always be very careful to avoid
injury when working on the vehi-
cle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, batteryacid.
. Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experi-
enced in servicing vehicles.
. Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are wellmaintained.
. Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support thevehicle.
. Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
. Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
. Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
. Wear adequate eye protection to Maintenance and service
11-3
– CONTINUED –

11-4Maintenance and service
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-
tempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inop-
erative. The wiring and connec-
tors of these systems are yellow
for easy identification. NEVER
use a circuit tester for this wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt
pretensioner needs service, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU deal-
er. &
Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving.
. Always let the engine cool down.
Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after
the engine is stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. Always remove the key from the
ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is in the “ON ”position,
thecoolingfanmayoperate
suddenly even when the engine
is stopped.
. Before performing any servicing
on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system (a
dealer option) temporarily place
that system in the service mode
to prevent it from unexpectedly
starting the engine. &
When you do checking or
servicing in the engine com-
partment while the engine is running
WARNING
A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, belts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.