2011 SUBARU FORESTER maintenance

&Station preset
! How to preset stations
1. Press the “FM/AM ”button to select
FM1, FM2, FM3 (type A, B and C audio)/
FM-AS (type D audio), AM or AM-AS (type
D audio) reception.
2. Select the preferred station.
3. Press one of the preset buttons (from
to) for more than 1.5 seconds
to store the frequency. If the button is
pressed for less than 1.5 seconds, the
preceding selection will remain in memory. NOTE . Up to six FM1, FM2, FM3 (type A, B
and C audio)/FM-AS (type D audio), AM
and AM-AS (type D audio) stations
each may be preset.. If the connection between the radio
and battery is broken for any reason
such as vehicle maintenance or radio
removal, all stations stored in the
preset buttons are cleared. If this
occurs, it is necessary to reset the
preset buttons.. If a cell phone is placed near the
radio, it may cause the radio to emit
noise when it receives calls. This noise
does not indicate a radio malfunction. !
Selecting preset stations
1. Press the “FM/AM ”button to select
FM1, FM2, FM3 (type A, B and C audio)/
FM-AS (type D audio), AM or AM-AS (type
D audio) reception.
2. Press the preferred preset button (from
to) briefly.
! Auto-store (type D audio)
Using the Auto-store function, you can
automatically store 6 stations on the
current waveband (FM-AS or AM-AS) by
pressing the
button for 1.5 seconds
or longer. Use Auto-store to quickly find
the strongest stations, for example when
traveling through different reception areas. NOTE . When the HD Radio function is
turned on, Auto-store cannot be used
while receiving the broadcasting sta-
tion with SPS (Supplemental ProgramService).. When you use Auto-store, the new
stations replace any stations pre-
viously stored.. Interrupting Auto-store: If you acci-
dentally press the
(Auto-store)
button, you can cancel the Auto-store
function before it has been completed
as follows.
–switching to the other source mode –
pressing the
button
– switching to the other band
– turning the “TUNE/TRACK/CH ”
dial – pressing the “SCAN ”button
! Displaying and selecting preset
stations (type D audio)
1. Press the
button for 1.5 seconds
or longer during AM/FM reception to
display the radio screen.
2. Operate the “TUNE/TRACK/CH ”dial
to select the stations. Audio
5-17

When in the category search mode, press
the following button to change the cate-
gory up or down.
Type A and B audio:Category up by one step
Category down by
one step
Type C audio:
Category up by one step
Category down by
one step
When a category is selected, turning the “ TUNE/TRACK/CH ”dial selects channels
only within the selected category.
The control function returns to the normal
mode after approximately 10 seconds. ! Type D audio
When in the SAT mode, press the
button to change the category search mode. When in the category search mode, press
the following button to change the cate-
gory up or down.
Category up by one step
Category down by
one step
When a category is selected, turning the “ TUNE/TRACK/CH ”dial selects channels
only within the selected category. The
control function returns to the normal
mode after approximately 10 seconds. ! Channel scan
Type A and B audio
Type C audio
Type D audio
Press the “SCAN ”button briefly (type A, B
and C audio)/for more than 1.5 seconds
(type D audio) to change the radio to the
SCAN mode. In this mode, under the
selected category, the radio scans through
the channel until a station is found. The radio will stop at the station for 5 seconds
while displaying the channel number, after
which scanning will continue until the
entire channel has been scanned from
the low end to the high end.
Press the
“SCAN ”button briefly (type A, B
and C audio)/for more than 1.5 seconds
(type D audio) again to cancel the SCAN
mode and to stop on any displayedchannel. & Channel preset
! How to preset channels
1. Press the “SAT ”button to select SAT1,
SAT2 or SAT3 reception.
2. Select the desired channel.
3. Press one of the preset buttons (from
to) for more than 1.5 seconds
to store the channel. If the button is
pressed for less than 1.5 seconds, the
preceding selection will remain in memory. NOTE . Up to six SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3
channels each may be preset. . If the connection between the radio
and battery is broken for any reason
such as vehicle maintenance or radio
removal, all channels stored in the
preset buttons are cleared. If this Audio
5-21
– CONTINUED –

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
MT models .......................................................... 7-7
AT models ........................................................... 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
Select lever ........................................................ 7-16
Shift lock function .............................................. 7-17
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-19
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-20 SPORT mode
..................................................... 7-20
Power steering ................................................... 7-21
Braking ............................................................... 7-22
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-22
Brake system .................................................... 7-22
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-23
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 malfunctions ..... ..... 7-24
Vehicle Dynamics Control system .................... 7-25
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor..... ..... 7-26
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch ................ 7-27
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec. models). ........................................ 7-28
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-29
Parking brake .................................................... 7-29
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-30
Hill start assist system (MT models) ................ 7-31
Hill start assist warning light .............................. 7-32
Cruise control .................................................... 7-32
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-33
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-34
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-34
To change the cruising speed .. .......................... 7-35
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 7-36
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 7-36
Starting and operating
7

7-12Starting and operating
Pressing the brake pedal repeatedly will
toggle the feature ON or OFF each time.
7. To exit the remote transmitter and
feature programming mode, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK ”position, remove
the key from the ignition switch and test
operation of the remote transmitter(s) and
horn confirmation feature. & System maintenance
! Changing the remote control bat- teries
CAUTION
. Do not let dust, oil or water get on
or in the remote engine start
transmitter when replacing the
battery.
. Be careful not to damage the
printed circuit board in the re-
mote engine start transmitter
when replacing the battery.
. Be careful not to allow children to
touch the battery and any re-
moved parts; children could
swallow them.
. There is a danger of explosion if
an incorrect replacement battery
is used. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type of bat- tery.
. Batteries should not be exposed
to excessive heat such as sun-
shine, fire or the like.
The two 3-volt lithium batteries (modelCR-1220 ) supplied in your remote control
should last approximately 3 years, de-
pending on usage. When the batteries
begin to weaken, you will notice a
decrease in range (distance from the
vehicle that your remote control operates).
Follow the instructions below to change
the remote control batteries.1. Carefully pry the remote control halves
apart using a small flat-head screwdriver.

New vehicle break-in driving–the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km) ..................................... 8-2
Fuel economy hints ............................................ 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............ 8-2
Catalytic converter .............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections ........................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries ............................... 8-4
Driving tips for AWD models .............................. 8-5
On-road and off-road driving .............................. 8-6
Winter driving ...................................................... 8-8
Operation during cold weather ............................. 8-8
Driving on snowy and icy roads .......................... 8-9
Corrosion protection .......................................... 8-10
Snow tires ......................................................... 8-10
Tire chains ......................................................... 8-11
Rocking the vehicle ............................................ 8-11 Loading your vehicle
......................................... 8-12
Vehicle capacity weight ...................................... 8-12
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................ 8-13
Roof rail (if equipped) ........................................ 8-14
Roof molding and crossbar (if equipped) ............ 8-14
Trailer hitch (dealer option) ............................... 8-16
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-16
When you do not tow a trailer .. .......................... 8-17
Trailer towing ..................................................... 8-18
Warranties and maintenance .............................. 8-18
Maximum load limits .......................................... 8-18
Trailer hitches .................................................... 8-21
Connecting a trailer ........................................... 8-22
Trailer towing tips .............................................. 8-23Driving tips
8

8-4Driving tips
operates at very high tempera- tures.
. Keep everyone and flammable
materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot. Periodic inspections
To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the
“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”per-
formed at the specified time or mileageintervals. Driving in foreign countries
When planning to use your vehicle in
another country: .
Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to “Fuel requirements ”F 7-2.
. Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.

depth of the water and the bottom of the
stream bed for firmness and ensure that
the bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowly
and completely through the stream. The
water should be shallow enough that it
does not reach the vehicle’s undercar-
riage. Water entering the engine air intake
or the exhaust pipe or water splashing
onto electrical parts may damage your
vehicle and may cause it to stall. Never
attempt to drive through rushing water;
regardless of its depth, it can wash away
the ground from under your tires, resulting
in possible loss of traction and even
vehicle rollover. . Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly
and stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat
that process several times to dry out the
brake discs and brake pads. . Do not drive or park over or near
flammable materials such as dry grass or
fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The
exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after engine
stops. This could create a fire hazard. . After driving through tall grass, mud,
rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,
sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with
these materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur. .
Secure all cargo carried inside the
vehicle and make certain that it is not
piled higher than the seatbacks. During
sudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargo
could be thrown around in the vehicle and
cause injury. Do not pile heavy loads on
the roof. Those loads raise the vehicle ’s
center of gravity and make it more prone
to tip over. . If you must rock the vehicle to free it
from sand or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the shift lever/
select lever back and forth between “1 ”/
“ D ” and “R ” repeatedly. Do not race the
engine. For the best possible traction,
avoid spinning the wheels when trying to
free the vehicle. . When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission
in 2nd than 1st. For AT models, refer to“ Selection of manual mode ”F 7-19.
. Never equip your vehicle with tires
larger than those specified in this manual. . Wash the vehicle ’s underbody after off-
road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly. .
Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such as
rough roads or off roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of engine oil,
brake fluid and transmission oil than that
specified in the maintenance schedule
described in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet ”.
Remember that damage done to your
SUBARU while operating it off-road and
not using common sense precautions
such as those listed above is not eligible
for warranty coverage. Driving tips
8-7

8-18Driving tips
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- ble.
! Total trailer weight
Total trailer weight
The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum weight shown in the followingtable.