2009 SUBARU FORESTER steering

11-6Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview &Non-turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
24)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-19) or Differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-44)
7) Battery (page 11-43)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-13)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-13)
12) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
13) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)

&Turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
2) Manual transmission oil level gauge (MT) (page 11-19) or differential gear oil level
gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Clutch fluid reservoir (page 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-44)
7) Battery (page 11-43)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-38)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-13)
11) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-13)
13) Air cleaner element (page 11-15) Maintenance and service
11-7

11-18Maintenance and service
Spark plugs
It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your
SUBARU dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the“Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let ”.
CAUTION
. When disconnecting the spark
plug cables, always grasp the
spark plug cap, not the cables.
. Make sure the cables are re-
placed in the correct order. &
Recommended spark plugs
Non-turbo models: FR5AP-11 (NGK)
Turbo models:
SILFR6A (NGK) Drive belts
1) Power steering pump pulley
2) Front side belt
3) Alternator
4) Air conditioner compressor pulley
5) Rear side belt
6) Crank pulley
A) 98 N (10 kgf, 22 lbf)
The alternator, power steering pump, and
air conditioner compressor depend on
drive belts. Satisfactory performance re-
quires that belt tension be correct.
To check the tension of the front side belt,
place a straightedge (ruler) across two
adjacent pulleys (alternator and crank
pulley) and apply a force of 22 lbs (98 N,
10 kg) midway between the pulleys by

11-24Maintenance and service
Power steering fluid &Checking the fluid level
The power steering fluid expands greatly
as its temperature rises; the fluid level
differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, 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.
2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has
been run: Check that the oil level isbetween “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
surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the
applicable “MIN ”line, add the recom-
mended fluid as necessary to bring the
level between the “MIN ”and “MAX ”line.
If the fluid level is extremely low, it may
indicate possible leakage. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself
because the fluid may be hot.
CAUTION
. When power steering fluid is
being added, use only clean fluid,
and be careful not to allow any
dirt into the tank. And never use
different brands together.
. Avoid spilling fluid when adding
it in the tank.
. Be careful not to spill power
steering 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 itoff.

11-34Maintenance and service
NOTE .The air pressure in a tire increases
by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3 kgf/cm
2) when the tire becomes warm.
. The tires are considered cold when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
3 hours or has been driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km).
WARNING
Do not let air out of warm tires to
adjust pressure. Doing so will result
in low tire pressure.
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally. .
Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is
responsive. Rolling resistance is low, so
fuel consumption is also lower. .
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher.

.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 –

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

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