2013 SUBARU FORESTER Owners Manual

14-2Index
A Abbreviation ................................................................... 3
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 ......................................... 3-17
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
Power and audio controls ......................................... 5-9
Satellite radio operations ......................................... 5-18
Set ........................................................................ 5-4
USB storage device operations ................................ 5-32
Auto-dimming mirror/compass .............................. 3-36, 3-38
Automatic climate control system ................................... 4-6
Automatic headlight beam leveler ................................. 3-31
Warning light .......................................................... 3-21
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-15
Fluid ........................................................... 11-20, 12-9
MANUAL mode ...................................................... 7-19
Oil temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ............. 3-17
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 ....................................................................... 3-15
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
Cigarette lighter .......................................................... 6-10
Cleaning
Aluminum wheels ................................................... 10-3
Interior .................................................................. 10-5 Index
14-3

14-4Index
Ventilation grille ..................................................... 4-10
Climate control system ................................................. 4-2
Automatic ................................................................ 4-6
Manual ................................................................... 4-8
Clock ........................................................................ 3-25
Clutch
Fluid ............................................................ 11-24, 12-9
Pedal .................................................................. 11-27
Coat hook ................................................................. 6-13
Coin tray ..................................................................... 6-7
Compass .......................................................... 3-36, 3-38
Console ...................................................................... 6-5
Continuously variable transmission
Fluid ..................................................................... 12-9
Coolant ............................................................ 11-14, 12-9
Temperature high warning light ................................ 3-16
Temperature low indicator light. ................................ 3-16
Cooling system ......................................................... 11-13
Corrosion protection ................................................... 10-4
Cruise control ............................................................ 7-32
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-24
Set indicator light ........................................... 3-25, 7-32
Cup holder .................................................................. 6-8
Front passenger ’s .................................................... 6-8
Rear passenger ’s..................................................... 6-8
D
Daytime running light system ....................................... 3-30
Defogger ................................................................... 3-44
Defrosting ................................................................. 4-10
Deicer ...................................................................... 3-44 Differential gear oil
Front ........................................................... 11-21, 12-8
Rear ........................................................... 11-22, 12-8
Dimensions ................................................................ 12-2
Disarming the alarm system ......................................... 2-17
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ........................ 7-23
Dome light ......................................................... 6-2, 11-50
Door Locks ..................................................................... 2-4
Open warning light. ................................................. 3-21
Step light ............................................................. 11-50
Drive belts ............................................................... 11-18
Driving All-Wheel Drive warning light ................................... 3-21
AWD models ........................................................... 8-5
Car phone/cell phone .................................................. 8
Drinking. .................................................................... 7
Drugs ........................................................................ 7
Foreign countries ..................................................... 8-4
Pets .......................................................................... 8
Snowy and icy roads .............................................. 8-10
Tips ......................................................... 7-14, 8-2, 8-5
Tired or sleepy ........................................................... 7
Winter .................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-11
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-3
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system... 3-20, 7-24
Warning ................................................................ 3-20
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-13

EngineCompartment overview ........................................... 11-7
Coolant ........................................................ 11-14, 12-9
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-5
Oil................................................................ 11-9, 12-5 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 Bulb ................................................................... 12-15
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
Switch .................................................................. 3-32
Folding mirror switch .................................................. 3-44
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-21, 12-8
Fog light ..................................................... 3-32, 12-15
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 Index
14-5

14-6Index
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-25
HID headlights ...................................................... 1, 11-45
High beam indicator light ............................................ 3-24
High/low beam change (dimmer) .................................. 3-30
Hill start assist (MT models) ............................... 7-31, 11-27
Warning light ......................................................... 3-21
HomeLink
®................................................................ 3-38
Hook Cargo tie-down ...................................................... 6-15
Coat ..................................................................... 6-13
Shopping bag ........................................................ 6-13
Towing and tie-down ............................................... 9-14
Horn ......................................................................... 3-47
Hose and connections ............................................... 11-14
I
Ignition switch .............................................................. 3-3
Light ....................................................................... 3-5
Illuminated entry .......................................................... 2-9
Illumination brightness control ...................................... 3-31
Immobilizer. ................................................................. 2-3
Indicator light (security indicator light) ....................... 3-23
Indicator light
Coolant temperature low ......................................... 3-16
Cruise control ........................................................ 3-24
Cruise control set ................................................... 3-25
Front fog light ........................................................ 3-25
Headlight .............................................................. 3-25
High beam ............................................................ 3-24
Immobilizer. ........................................................... 3-23
Security ................................................................ 3-23 Select lever/Gear position
........................................ 3-24
SPORT mode ........................................................ 3-24
Turn signal ............................................................ 3-24
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF ................................. 3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation .. ........................ 3-22
Information display ...................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror .............................................................. 3-36
Interior lights ............................................................... 6-2
iPod
®operations ........................................................ 5-32
J
Jack and jack handle ................................................... 9-5
Jack-up point .............................................................. 9-6
Jump starting ............................................................. 9-10
K
Key............................................................................ 2-2 Number .................................................................. 2-2
Reminder chime ...................................................... 3-5
Replacement. .......................................................... 2-3
Keyless entry system ................................................... 2-7
L
Leather seat materials ................................................. 10-5
License plate light ..................................................... 11-49
Light Backup ............................................................... 11-48
Cargo area .................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Control switch ........................................................ 3-29
Daytime running ..................................................... 3-30
Dome ............................................................ 6-2, 11-50

Door step............................................................. 11-50
Front fog ............................................................... 3-32
Front side marker ................................................. 12-15
Ignition switch .......................................................... 3-5
License plate ........................................................ 11-49
Map ............................................................. 6-3, 11-50 Parking ................................................................ 11-48
Rear combination .................................................. 11-48
Stop light ............................................................. 11-48
Tail light ............................................................... 11-48
Turn signal ................................................... 3-31, 11-48
Loading your vehicle .................................................. 8-12
Low fuel warning light ................................................. 3-21
Low tire pressure warning light .................................... 3-18
Lower and tether anchorage ........................................ 1-29
M Maintenance Precautions ........................................................... 11-3
Schedule .............................................................. 11-3
Seatbelt ................................................................ 1-19
Tools ...................................................................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator light (check engine warning light) ... 3-15 Manual
Climate control system ............................................. 4-8
Seat ....................................................................... 1-3
Transmission ......................................................... 7-13
Transmission oil ............................................ 11-19, 12-8
Map light ........................................................... 6-3, 11-50
Maximum load limits ................................................... 8-18
Meters and gauges ...................................................... 3-6 Mirror defogger
.......................................................... 3-44
Mirrors ...................................................................... 3-36
Moonroof ................................................................... 2-24
N
New vehicle break-in driving ......................................... 8-2
O
Odometer/Trip meter .................................................... 3-8
Oil filter ................................................................... 11-11
Oil level
Engine .................................................................. 11-9
Front differential gear ............................................ 11-21
Manual transmission ............................................. 11-19
Rear differential gear ............................................ 11-22
Oil pressure warning light ............................................ 3-17
On-road and off-road driving ...................................... 9, 8-6
Outside
Mirror defogger ...................................................... 3-44
Mirrors .................................................................. 3-43
Temperature indicator .............................................. 3-27
Overhead console ....................................................... 6-6
Overheating engine .................................................... 9-13
PParking Brake .................................................................... 7-29
Brake stroke ........................................................ 11-29
Light ................................................................... 11-48
Tips ...................................................................... 7-29
Periodic inspections ..................................................... 8-4 Index
14-7

14-8Index
Petrol fuel ................................................................... 7-2
Power Door locking switch .................................................. 2-6
Outlets .................................................................... 6-9
Outside mirrors ...................................................... 3-43
Seat ....................................................................... 1-4
Steering ................................................................ 7-21
Steering fluid ................................................ 11-22, 12-9
Precautions against vehicle modification ............... 1-22, 1-59
Preparing to drive ........................................................ 7-7
R Rear Combination lights ................................................. 11-48
Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-22, 12-8
Gate ............................................................. 2-23, 9-18
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-48
Rear seat .................................................................... 1-7
Center table ............................................................ 6-7
Folding down ......................................................... 1-10
Reclining ............................................................... 1-10
Rear view camera ...................................................... 6-17
Rear window
Defogger ............................................................... 3-44
Wiper and washer switch ........................................ 3-35
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-41
Recommended Automatic transmission fluid .................................... 12-9
Brake fluid. ............................................................ 12-9
Clutch fluid ................................................... 11-24, 12-9
Engine oil .............................................................. 12-5 Front differential gear oil
.......................................... 12-8
Manual transmission oil ........................................... 12-8
Power steering fluid ................................................ 12-9
Rear differential gear oil .......................................... 12-8
Spark plugs ........................................................... 12-3
Refueling .................................................................... 7-3
Remote engine start system ......................................... 7-9
Remote keyless entry system ....................................... 2-7
Replacement
Brake pad and lining ............................................. 11-28
Wiper blades ........................................................ 11-39
Replacing Air cleaner element ............................................... 11-15
Battery (remote engine start transmitter) .................... 7-12
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ....................... 2-10
Lost transmitters (remote keyless entry system) ......... 2-11
Replacing bulbs ............................................. 11-45, 12-15
Backup light ......................................................... 11-48
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-50
Dome light ........................................................... 11-50
Door step light ..................................................... 11-50
Front position light ................................................ 11-48
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-48
Headlight ............................................................. 11-45
License plate light ................................................. 11-49
Map light ............................................................. 11-50
Parking light ......................................................... 11-48
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-48
Rear turn signal light ............................................. 11-48
Stop light ............................................................. 11-48
Tail light. .............................................................. 11-48

Rocking the vehicle.................................................... 8-12
Roof molding and crossbar ......................................... 8-15
Roof rails .................................................................. 8-14
S Safety Precautions when driving ............................................. 5
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Satellite radio ............................................................ 5-18
Screensaver .............................................................. 5-55
Seat Fabric ................................................................... 10-5
Front ...................................................................... 1-2
Heater .................................................................... 1-6
Height adjustment .................................................... 1-4
Power ..................................................................... 1-4
Rear ....................................................................... 1-7
Seatbelt ................................................................. 5, 1-12
Fastening .............................................................. 1-13
Maintenance .......................................................... 1-19
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-20
Safety tips ............................................................. 1-12
Warning light and chime ......................................... 3-13
Security Alarm system ........................................................ 2-14
Immobilizer. ............................................................. 2-3
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-23
Shock sensors ....................................................... 2-19
Select lever ............................................................... 7-16
Position indicator ................................................... 3-24 Shift lock function
................................................... 7-17
Shock sensors ........................................................... 2-19
Shopping bag hook ..................................................... 6-13
Snow tires ....................................................... 8-11, 11-29
Snowy and icy roads .................................................. 8-10
Sounding a panic alarm .............................................. 2-10
Spark plugs ..................................................... 11-17, 12-3
Specifications ............................................................. 12-2
Speedometer .............................................................. 3-8
SPORT mode ............................................................ 7-20
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-24
SRS Curtain airbag ........................................................ 1-47
Frontal airbag ......................................................... 1-37
Side airbag ............................................................ 1-47
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)... 5, 1-33
SRS airbag system Monitors ................................................................ 1-57
Servicing ............................................................... 1-58
Warning light .......................................................... 3-14
Starting the engine ...................................................... 7-7
State emission testing (U.S. only) .................................. 7-6
Steering wheel Power ................................................................... 7-21
Tilt/telescopic ......................................................... 3-46
Stop light ................................................................. 11-48
Stopping the engine ..................................................... 7-9
Storage compartment ................................................... 6-5
Sun shade ................................................................. 2-26
Sun visors .................................................................. 6-4
Supplemental Restraint System airbag (SRS) ................ 1-33Index
14-9