2012 SUBARU FORESTER automatic transmission fluid

Engine compartment overview &Non-turbo models1) Power steering fluid reservoir (page 11-
22)
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 11-24)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-23)
6) Fuse box (page 11-44)
7) Battery (page 11-43)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-37)
9) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
10) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Engine oil filter (page 11-11)
13) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
14) Air cleaner case (page 11-15) Maintenance and service
11-7
– CONTINUED –

11-8Maintenance and service
& Turbo models
1) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-22)
2) Differential gear oil level gauge (AT) (page 11-21)
3) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge (page 11-20)
4) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-23)
5) Fuse box (page 11-44)
6) Battery (page 11-43)
7) Windshield washer tank (page 11-37)
8) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-9)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-14)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-9)
11) Radiator cap (page 11-14)
12) Air cleaner case (page 11-15)

11-20Maintenance and service
Automatic transmission fluid &Checking the fluid level
The automatic transmission fluid expands
largely as its temperature rises; the fluid
level differs according to fluid temperature.
Therefore, there are two different scales
for checking the level of hot fluid and cold
fluid on the level gauge.
Though the fluid level can be checked
without warming up the fluid on the“ COLD ”range, it is recommended to
check the fluid level when the fluid is at
operating temperature. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is hot
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise
the temperature of the transmission fluid
up to normal operating temperature; 158
to 176 8F (70 to 80 8C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
3. First shift the select lever in each
position. Then shift it in the “P ” position,
and run the engine at idling speed.
1) Yellow handle
1) HOT range
2) COLD range
3) Full level
4) Low level
4. Pull out the level gauge and check the fluid level on the gauge. If it is below the
low level on the
“HOT ”range, add the
recommended automatic transmission
fluid up to the full level.
NOTE
Do not fill the automatic transmission
fluid over the full level. ! Checking the fluid level when the
fluid is cold
When the fluid level has to be checked
without time to warm up the automatic
transmission, check that the fluid level is
between the low level and full level on the“ COLD ”range. If it is below that range,
add fluid up to the full level. Be careful not
to overfill.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill automatic
transmission fluid when adding it.
If automatic transmission fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If automatic transmission fluid
gets on the exhaust pipe, be sure to
wipe it off.

&Recommended fluid
Refer to “Fluids ”F 12-9.
NOTE
Using any non-specified type of auto-
matic transmission fluid could result in
damage inside the transmission. When
replacing the automatic transmission
fluid, be sure to use the specified type. Front differential gear oil (AT models) &
Checking the oil level
1) Yellow handle
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,
and insert it again.
1) Full level
2) Low level
3. Pull out the level gauge again and
check the oil level on it. If it is below the
low level, add oil to bring the level up to
the full level.
CAUTION
Be careful not to spill front differ-
ential gear oil when adding it. If oil
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a
fire. If oil gets on the exhaust pipe,
be sure to wipe it off. Maintenance and service
11-21
– CONTINUED –

&Fluids
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Fluid Fluid type Fluid capacity
Automatic transmission fluid (AT models) · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP 9.8 US qt (9.3 liters, 8.2 Imp qt)
Power steering fluid · SUBARU ATF
· IDEMITSU ATF HP ·
“Dexron III ”Type Automatic Transmission Fluid 0.7 US qt (0.7 liter, 0.6 Imp qt)
Brake fluid FMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid –
Clutch fluid (MT models) –
For the checking procedure, or other details, refer to “Automatic transmission fluid ”F 11-20, “Power steering fluid ”F 11-22, “Brake fluid ”F 11-23 or
“ Clutch fluid (MT models) ”F 11-24.
& Engine coolant
NOTE
Each quantity indicated here is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the
temperature and other factors.
Model Coolant capacity Coolant type
Non-turbo Manual transmission 7.5 US qt (7.1 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
SUBARU Super Coolant
Automatic transmission 7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
Turbo 8.5 US qt (8.0 liters, 7.0 Imp qt)
For the checking, adding and replacing procedure, or other details, refer to “Cooling system ”F 11-13. Specifications
12-9
– CONTINUED –

14-2Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ..................................... 7-23
Warning light ......................................................... 3-19
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-45
Accessory power outlet ................................................. 6-9
Active head restraint ..................................................... 1-6
Air cleaner element ................................................... 11-15
Air conditioner Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-11
Airflow selection Automatic climate control system ............................... 4-6
Manual climate control system ................................... 4-8
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-14
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-21
Aluminum wheel ....................................................... 11-37
Cleaning ............................................................... 10-3
Antenna system ........................................................... 5-3
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-23
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ....................................................................... 1-8
Ashtray ..................................................................... 6-11
AT OIL TEMP warning light ......................................... 3-18
Audio Antenna system ....................................................... 5-3
Auxiliary input jack ................................................. 5-29
Bluetooth
®audio .................................................... 5-40
CD player operation ............................................... 5-22
Control button ........................................................ 5-37
FM/AM radio operation ........................................... 5-13
iPod
®operations .................................................... 5-32 Satellite radio operations
......................................... 5-18
Set ........................................................................ 5-4
USB storage device operations ................................ 5-32
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .............................. 3-37, 3-38
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-6
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-31
Warning light .......................................................... 3-22
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Fluid ........................................................... 11-20, 12-9
MANUAL mode ...................................................... 7-19
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-18
Select lever ........................................................... 7-16
Shift lock function ................................................... 7-17
SPORT mode ........................................................ 7-20
Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR) ........... 1-13
Auxiliary input jack ...................................................... 5-29
BBattery .................................................................... 11-43
Drainage prevention function ..................................... 2-5
Jump starting ......................................................... 9-10
Replacement (remote engine start transmitter) ........... 7-12
Replacement (remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-10
Bluetooth
®audio ........................................................ 5-40
Booster seat .............................................................. 1-28
Bottle holder ............................................................... 6-9
Brake
Assist .................................................................... 7-22
Booster ....................................................... 7-22, 11-25
Fluid ........................................................... 11-23, 12-9
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-28

Parking........................................................ 7-29, 11-29
Pedal .................................................................. 11-26
System ................................................................. 7-22
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-26
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-26
Brake system ............................................................ 7-22
Warning light ......................................................... 3-20
Braking ..................................................................... 7-22
Tips...................................................................... 7-22
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-28
Bulb Chart .................................................................. 12-15
Replacing ............................................................. 11-45
C
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-14
Light ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50
Tie-down hooks ..................................................... 6-15
Cargo tray ................................................................. 10-6
Catalytic converter ....................................................... 8-3
Center
Console .................................................................. 6-5
Changing Flat tire ................................................................... 9-6
Oil and oil filter ..................................................... 11-11
Charge warning light .................................................. 3-17
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ....................................................................... 3-16 Checking
Brake pedal free play ............................................ 11-26
Brake pedal reserve distance ................................. 11-26
Clutch function ..................................................... 11-27
Clutch pedal free play ........................................... 11-27
Coolant level ........................................................ 11-14
Fluid level (automatic transmission fluid) .................. 11-20
Fluid level (brake fluid) .......................................... 11-23
Fluid level (clutch fluid) .......................................... 11-24
Fluid level (power steering fluid) .. ........................... 11-22
Fluid level (washer fluid) ........................................ 11-37
Oil level (engine oil) ................................................ 11-9
Oil level (front differential gear oil) .......................... 11-21
Oil level (manual transmission oil) .......................... 11-19
Child restraint systems ................................................ 1-22
Installation of a booster seat .................................... 1-28
Installation with A/ELR seatbelt ... ............................. 1-25
Lower and tether anchorages ................................... 1-29
Top tether anchorages ............................................ 1-32
Child safety ................................................................... 5
Locks .................................................................... 2-19
Chime
Key........................................................................ 3-5Light ..................................................................... 3-29
Seatbelt. ................................................................ 3-13
Cleaning Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5
Ventilation grille ...................................................... 4-10
Climate control system Automatic ............................................................... 4-6 Index
14-3

Overheating.......................................................... 9-13
Starting ................................................................... 7-7
Stopping ................................................................. 7-9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-6
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-12
Fluid level Automatic transmission .......................................... 11-20
Brake .................................................................. 11-23
Clutch .................................................................. 11-24
Power steering ..................................................... 11-22
Fog light Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Switch .................................................................. 3-32
Folding mirror switch .................................................. 3-44
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-21, 12-8
Fog light ............................................................... 3-32
Fog light indicator light ............................................ 3-25
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-20
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-48
Front seats .................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................. 1-3
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-5
Power seat .............................................................. 1-4
Reclining ................................................................. 1-3
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ......................... 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................... 7-2
Consumption indicator ............................................ 3-26 Economy hints
........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-3
Gauge ................................................................... 3-10
Requirements ................................................. 7-2, 12-4
Fuses ..................................................................... 11-44
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-11
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-13
Glove box ................................................................... 6-5
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-13
H
Hands-free system. ..................................................... 5-42
Hazard warning flasher .......................................... 3-5, 9-2
Head restraint adjustment Front seat ............................................................... 1-5
Rear seat ............................................................... 1-8
Headlight
Beam leveler. ......................................................... 3-31
Bulb replacing ...................................................... 11-45
Bulb wattage ........................................................ 12-15
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Flasher .................................................................. 3-30
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
High beam indicator light ............................................. 3-25
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-30
Hill start assist (MT models) ............................... 7-31, 11-27
Warning light .......................................................... 3-21
HomeLink
®................................................................. 3-38 Index
14-5