2009 SUBARU FORESTER sport mode

20
&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Seatbelt warning light 3-9
Front passenger ’s seat-
belt warning light 3-9
SRS airbag system
warning light3-11
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag ON indicator 3-11
/Front passenger
’s fron-
tal airbag OFF indicator 3-11
CHECK ENGINE
warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp3-12
Coolant temperature low
indicator light/Coolant
temperature high warn-
ing light3-13
Charge warning light 3-13
Oil pressure warning light
3-13
AT OIL TEMP warning
light (AT vehicles)
3-14Mark Name Page
/ABS warning light 3-15
/Brake system warning light
3-16
Door open warning light 3-17
All-Wheel Drive warning
light (AT vehicles)
3-17
Hill start assist warning
light (MT vehicles)
3-17
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operation indicator light3-18
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light/Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF
indicator light3-18
Turn signal indicator lights
3-20
High beam indicator light 3-20
Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)3-21
Security indicator light 3-19 Mark Name Page
Headlight indicator light 3-21
Cruise control indicator light
3-20
Cruise control set indi-
cator light
3-21
Low fuel warning light 3-17
Low tire pressure warn-
ing light (U.S.-spec. models)3-14
SPORT mode indicator
light (AT vehicles)
3-20

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-5
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-5
Meters and gauges. ............................................. 3-5
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-5
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle movement upon turning on the ignition switch ............................................................... 3-6
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-6
Odometer/Trip meter ............................................ 3-6
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-7
Fuel gauge .......................................................... 3-8
Warning and indicator lights .............................. 3-9
Seatbelt warning light and chime ......................... 3-9
SRS airbag system warning light ........................ 3-11
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ......................................................... 3-11
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp .................................................. 3-12
Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light ......................... 3-13
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-13
Oil pressure warning light .................................. 3-13
AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT vehicles).. ........... 3-14
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models) .......................................... 3-14 ABS warning light
.............................................. 3-15
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-16
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 3-17
Hill start assist warning light (MT vehicles) .... ..... 3-17
Door open warning light .................................... 3-17
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles) .... ..... 3-17
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light ................................................................ 3-18
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light ............... 3-18
Security indicator light ....................................... 3-19
SPORT mode indicator light (AT vehicles) ..... ..... 3-20
Selector lever and gear position indicator (AT vehicles) .................................................... 3-20
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-20
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-20
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-20
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-21
Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) ..... ..... 3-21
Headlight indicator light ..................................... 3-21
Clock .................................................................. 3-21
Information display ............................................ 3-22
Outside temperature indicator .. .......................... 3-22
Average fuel consumption ................................. 3-23
Light control switch ........................................... 3-24
Headlights ......................................................... 3-24
High/low beam change (dimmer) ........................ 3-25
Headlight flasher ............................................... 3-25
Daytime running light system ... .......................... 3-25
Automatic headlight beam leveler (vehicles with HID headlights) ................................................ 3-26
Instruments and controls
3

Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then turn off
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the“ON ”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the “ON ”position. The
following lights illuminate:
: Seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off only
when the driver fastens the seatbelt.)
: Front passenger ’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off only
when the front seat passenger fastens theseatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal-
function indicator lamp
: Coolant temperature high warning light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light(AT vehicles)
: Low tire pressure warning light(U.S.- spec. models)
/: ABS warning light
/: Brake system warning light
: Low fuel warning light
: Hill start assist warning light (MT vehicles)
: Door open warning light
: All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles)
: Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
indicator light
: SPORT mode indicator light(AT vehicles)
: Cruise control indicator light
: Cruise control set indicator light
If any lights fail to illuminate, it indicates a
burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer
for repair. &
Seatbelt warning light
and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt
warning device at the driver ’s and front
passenger ’s seat, as required by current
safety standards.
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON ”
position, this device reminds the driver
and front passenger to fasten their seat-
belts by illuminating the warning lights in
the locations indicated in the following
illustration and sounding a chime.
Driver ’s warning light Instruments and controls
3-9
– CONTINUED –

3-20Instruments and controls
NOTE
Even if the security indicator light
flashes irregularly or its fuse blows
(the light does not flash if its fuse is
blown), the immobilizer system will
function normally. & SPORT mode indicator
light (AT vehicles)
This light illuminates when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON ”position and
turns off after the engine has started.
When the selector lever is moved to the
manual gate, the SPORT mode is se-
lected and the indicator light illuminates.
Refer to the “SPORT mode ”section in
chapter 7. &
Selector lever and gear posi-
tion indicator (AT vehicles)
This indicator shows the position of the
selector lever.
When the manual mode is selected, the
gear position indicator (which shows the
current gear selection) and the upshift/
downshift indicator light up. Refer to the“Automatic transmission ”section in chap-
ter 7. & Turn signal indicator lights
These lights show the operation of the turn
signal or lane change signal.
If the indicator lights do not blink or blink
rapidly, the turn signal bulb may be burned
out. Replace the bulb as soon as possible. Refer to the
“Replacing bulbs ”section in
chapter 11.
& High beam indicator light
This light shows that the headlights are in
the high beam mode.
This indicator light also illuminates when
the headlight flasher is operated. &Cruise control indica-
tor light
The cruise control indicator light illumi-
nates when the ignition switch is turned tothe “ON ”position and turns off after
approximately 3 seconds.
This light illuminates when the “CRUISE ”
main switch is pressed.
If you press the main switch button while
turning the ignition switch “ON ”, the cruise
control function is deactivated and the“ CRUISE ”indicator light flashes. To re-
activate the cruise control function, turn
the ignition switch back to the “Acc ”or
“ LOCK ”position, and then turn it again to
the “ON ”position.

Fuel...................................................................... 7-2
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-6
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-7
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-7
Manual transmission vehicle ................................ 7-7
Automatic transmission vehicle ........................... 7-8
Stopping the engine ............................................ 7-9
Remote engine start system (dealer option) ..... 7-9
Starting your vehicle .......................................... 7-10
Remote start safety features ............................... 7-10
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-10
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-10
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-11
Service mode ..................................................... 7-11
Remote transmitter programming and programmable feature option ............................ 7-11
System maintenance .......................................... 7-12
Manual transmission .......................................... 7-13
Shifting speeds .................................................. 7-14
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-14
Automatic transmission ..................................... 7-15
Selector lever ..................................................... 7-15
Selector lever reverse inhibiting function . ........... 7-17
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-18
Maximum speeds ............................................... 7-19
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-19 SPORT mode
..................................................... 7-20
Shift lock release ............................................... 7-20
Power steering ................................................... 7-21
Braking ............................................................... 7-21
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-21
Brake system .................................................... 7-22
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-22
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-23
ABS system self-check ...................................... 7-23
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-23
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ............................................................. 7-24
Steps to take if EBD system fails ....................... 7-25
Vehicle Dynamics Control system .................... 7-26
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor..... ..... 7-27
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................ 7-29
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec. models). ........................................ 7-30
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-31
Parking brake .................................................... 7-31
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-32
Hill start assist system (MT vehicles) .............. 7-33
Hill start assist warning light .............................. 7-34
Cruise control .................................................... 7-34
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-35
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-35
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-36
To change the cruising speed .. .......................... 7-36
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 7-37
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 7-38
Starting and operating
7

Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission is electroni-
cally controlled and provides 4 forward
speeds and 1 reverse speed. Also, it has a
manual mode and a SPORT mode.
WARNING
Do not shift from the “P ” or “N ”
position into the “D ” or “R ” position
while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to jump forward or backward.
CAUTION
. Shift into the “P ” or “R ” position
only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.
. Do not race the engine for more
than 5 seconds in any position
except the “N ” or “P ” position
when the brake is set or when
chocks are used in the wheels.
This may cause the automatic
transmission fluid to overheat.
. Avoid shifting from one of the
forward driving positions into the “
R ” position or vice versa until
the vehicle has completely
stopped. Such shifting may
cause damage to the transmis-sion.
. When parking the vehicle, first
securely apply the parking brake
and then place the selector lever
in the “P ” position. Avoid parking
for a long time with the selector
lever in any other position as
doing so could result in a dead
battery.
NOTE . When the engine coolant tempera-
ture is still low, your vehicle ’s auto-
matic transmission will up-shift at high-
er engine speeds than when the cool-
ant temperature is sufficiently high in
order to shorten the warm-up time and
improve driveability. The gearshift tim-
ing will automatically shift to the nor-
mal timing after the engine has warmedup.. Immediately after ATF (automatic
transmission fluid) is replaced, you
may feel that the automatic transmis-
sion operation is somewhat unusual.
This results from invalidation of data
which the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to
allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the current
condition of your vehicle. Optimized
shifting will be restored as the vehicle
continues to be driven for a while.
NOTE (non-turbo models only)
To protect the engine while the
“P ” or
“ N ” position is selected, the engine is
controlled so that the engine speed
may not become too high even if the
accelerator pedal is fully depressed.
& Selector lever
: Shift possible with brake pedal de-
pressed
: Shift possible with brake pedal notdepressed Starting and operating
7-15
– CONTINUED –

7-16Starting and operating
The selector lever has four positions, “P ”,
“ R ”, “N ”, “D ”and also has manual gate for
using “SPORT ”mode or manual mode.
! P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine.
In this position, the transmission is me-
chanically locked to prevent the vehicle
from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first set the
parking brake fully, then shift into the “P ”
position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the transmission.
To shift the selector lever from the “P ” to
any other position, you should depress the
brake pedal fully then move the selector
lever. This prevents the vehicle from
lurching when it is started. ! R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the “N ”to “R ”position, stop
the vehicle completely then move the
lever to the “R ”position.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the “LOCK ”position, movement of the
selector lever from the “N ”position to the
“ R ” position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal, and
then it becomes impossible. For details, refer to
“Selector lever reverse inhibiting
function ”in this section.
! N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalledengine.
In this position the wheels and transmis-
sion are not locked. In this position, the
transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll
freely, even on the slightest incline unless
the parking brake or foot brake is on.
Avoid coasting with the transmission in neutral.
During coasting, there is no engine brak-
ing effect.
NOTE
If the selector lever is in the “N ”
position when you stop the engine for
parking, you may not subsequently be
able to move it to the “R ” and “P ”
positions. If this happens, turn the
ignition switch to the “ON ”position.
You will then be able to move the
selector lever to the “P ” position.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the
selector lever in the “N ” (neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in- creased.
! D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts into
a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to
the vehicle speed and the acceleration
you require.
When more acceleration is required in this
position, press the accelerator pedal fully
to the floor and hold that position. The
transmission will automatically downshift
to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release
the pedal, the transmission will return to
the original gear position.
To use the “SPORT ”mode, move the lever
from this position into the manual gate. To
use the manual mode, move the lever
from this position into the manual gate
then move it toward the “+ ” and “ ” ends.
! While climbing a grade
When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to
4th gear is prevented from taking place
when the accelerator is released. This
minimizes the chance of subsequent
downshifting to a lower gear when accel-
erating again. This prevents repeated
upshifting and downshifting resulting in a
smoother operation of the vehicle.

NOTE
The transmission may downshift to 2nd
or 1st gear, depending on the way the
accelerator pedal is pressed to accel-
erate the vehicle again. !While going down a hill
When you are descending a hill or any
other slope while braking with the“ SPORT ”mode selected, the transmission
may downshift to 3rd or 2nd gear depend-
ing on how hard you depress the brake
pedal, causing engine braking to work.
Reacceleration for a short time will cause
the transmission to upshift normally.
NOTE . A 4th-to-3rd automatic downshift
will not occur at speeds above 50
mph (80 km/h) and a 3rd-to-2nd auto-
matic downshift will not occur at
speeds above 24 mph (38 km/h).. Automatic downshifts to 3rd or 2nd
may occur even when driving on a level
road depending on conditions, such as
how hard you depress the brake pedal. & Selector lever reverse inhi-
biting function
This function prevents accidental move-
ment of the selector lever to the “R ”
position while the vehicle is moving. The function becomes operational when
the vehicle reaches a speed of approxi-
mately 5 mph (8 km/h). Once operational,
it prevents the selector lever from being
moved from the
“N ” position to the “R ”
position. When the vehicle speed drops
below 5 mph (8 km/h), the function is
canceled. The selector lever can then be
moved to the “R ”and “P ”positions.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the “LOCK ”position, movement of the
selector lever from the “N ”position to the
“ R ” position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal and
then becomes impossible. Also, the se-
lector lever cannot be moved to the “R ”
position after it has been placed in the “P ”
position and then placed again in the “N ”
position.
When the movement of the selector lever
from the “N ” position to the “R ” position
has become impossible, turn the ignition
switch back to the “ON ”position then
move the selector lever to the “P ”position.
Pressing the selector lever release button
also makes it possible to move the
selector lever to the “P ” position at this
time. !
Selector lever release button
If you inadvertently have turned the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK ”position with the
selector lever in the “N ”position, proceed
as follows. To remove the shift lock
release cover, refer to the “Shift lock
release ”section in this chapter. Then, with
a screwdriver inserted into the hole, move
the selector lever to the “P ”position. If the
selector lever reverse inhibiting function
fails, have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest SUBARU dealer. Starting and operating
7-17
– CONTINUED –