2017 SUBARU FORESTER transmission

&Abbreviation list
You may find several abbreviations in this
manual. The meanings of the abbrevia-
tions are shown in the following list.
Abbreviation Meaning
A/C Air conditioner
ALR/ELR Automatic locking retractor/
Emergency locking retractor
ABS Anti-lock brake system
AKI Anti knock index
ALR Automatic locking retractor
AWD All-wheel drive
BSD/RCTA Blind Spot Detection/Rear
Cross Traffic Alert
CVT Continuously variable trans-
mission
DRL Daytime running light
EBD Electronic brake force distri-
bution
ELR Emergency locking retractor
GAW Gross axle weight
GAWR Gross axle weight rating
GPS Global positioning system
GVW Gross vehicle weight
GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating
INT Intermittent Abbreviation
Meaning
LATCH Lower anchors and tethers for
children
LED Light emitting diode
MIL Malfunction indicator light
MMT Methylcyclopentadienyl man-
ganese tricarbonyl
MT Manual transmission
OBD On-board diagnostics
RAB Reverse Automatic Braking
RON Research octane number
SI-DRIVE SUBARU Intelligent Drive
SRF Steering responsive fog lights
system
SRH Steering Responsive Head-
light
SRS Supplemental restraint sys-
tem
TIN Tire identification number
TPMS Tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem
Vehicle symbols
There are some of the symbols you may
see on your vehicle.
For warning and indicator lights, refer to
“
Warning and indicator lights ”F 23.
Mark Name
WARNING
CAUTION
3

Keys and doors/Keyless access with push–button start system
of the access key from being
pressed.
NOTE
. The operational/non-operational
setting for the keyless access function
can be changed. For the setting proce-
dure, refer to “Disabling keyless ac-
cess function ”F 2-17. The setting can
also be changed by a SUBARU dealer.
For more details, contact a SUBARU
dealer.
. For detailed information about the
operation method for the push-button
ignition switch while the keyless ac-
cess function is switched to the non-
operational mode, refer to “Access key
– if access key does not operate
properly ”F 9-17.
. The keyless access with push-but-
ton start system uses weak radio
waves. The status of the access key
and environmental conditions may in-
terfere with the communication be-
tween the access key and the vehicle
under the following conditions, and it
may not be possible to lock or unlock
the doors or start the engine.
–When operating near a facility
where strong radio waves are trans-
mitted, such as a broadcast station and power transmission lines
–
When products that transmit
radio waves are used, such as an
access key or a remote transmitter
key of another vehicle
– When carrying the access key of
your vehicle together with an ac-
cess key or a remote transmitter of
another vehicle
– When the access key is placed
near wireless communication
equipment such as a cell phone
– When the access key is placed
near a metallic object
– When metallic accessories are
attached to the access key
– When carrying the access key
with electronic appliances such as
a laptop computer
– When the battery of the access
key is discharged
. The access key is always commu-
nicating with the vehicle and is con-
tinuously using the battery. Although
the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, it is ap-
proximately 1 to 2 years. If the battery
becomes fully discharged, replace it
with a new one.
. If an access key is lost, it is
recommended that the remaining ac-
cess key be reregistered. For reregis- tration of an access key, contact a
SUBARU dealer.
.
For a spare access key, contact a
SUBARU dealer.
. Up to 7 access keys can be regis-
tered for one vehicle.
. Carefully store the key number plate
supplied with the access key. It is
necessary for vehicle repair.
. Do not leave the access key in the
storage spaces inside the vehicle, such
as the door pocket, dashboard and the
corner of the cargo area. Vibrations
may damage the key or turn on the
switch, possibly resulting in a lockout.
. After the vehicle battery is dis-
charged or replaced, initialization of
the steering lock system may be re-
quired to start the engine. In this case,
perform the following procedure to
initialize the steering lock.
(1) Turn the push-button ignition
switch to the “OFF”position. For
details, refer to “Switching power
status ”F 3-7.
(2) Open and close the driver ’s
door.
(3) Wait for approximately 10 sec-
onds.
When the steering is locked, the initi-
alization is completed.
2-12

position.
The trip meter shows the distance that the
vehicle has been driven since you last set
it to zero.
If you press the trip knob when the ignition
switch is in the“LOCK”/ “OFF”or “ACC ”
position, the odometer/trip meter will light
up. It is possible to switch between the A
trip meter and B trip meter indications
while the odometer/trip meter is lit up. If
you do not press the trip knob within 10
seconds of illumination of the odometer/
trip meter, the odometer/trip meter will turn
off.
Also, if you open and close the driver ’s
door within 10 seconds of illumination of
the odometer/trip meter, the odometer/trip
meter will turn off.
The display can be switched as shown in
the following sequence by pressing the
trip knob.
*: They cannot be displayed when the ignition switch is in the “ON ”position. To set the trip meter to zero, select the A
trip or B trip meter by pressing the knob
and keep the knob pressed for more than
2 seconds.
CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to
change the function of the indicator
during driving, as an accident could
result.
NOTE
If the connection between the combina-
tion meter and battery is broken for any
reason such as vehicle maintenance or
fuse replacement, the data recorded on
the trip meter will be lost.
&
Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed
in thousands of revolutions per minute.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine when the
pointer of the tachometer is in the
red zone. In this range, fuel injection
will be cut by the engine control
module to protect the engine from
overrevving. The engine will resume
running normally after the engine speed is reduced below the red
zone.
NOTE
To protect the engine/transmission
while the select lever is in the
“P ” or
“ N ” position (CVT models) or the shift
lever is in the neutral position (MT
models), the engine is controlled so
that the engine speed may not become
too high even if the accelerator pedal is
depressed hard.
Instruments and controls/Meters and gauges
–CONTINUED –3-11

.The warning light may illuminate
temporarily in the following conditions
because a low oil level may be detected
as a result of significant oil movement
in the engine.
–when the vehicle is considerably
inclined on an uphill or steep slope
– when the vehicle has continu-
ously accelerated and decelerated
– when the vehicle is continuously
turned
– when the vehicle is driven on a
road that alternates continuously
between uphill and downhill
&Windshield washer
fluid warning light
This light illuminates when the fluid level in
the windshield washer fluid tank de-
creases to the lower limit (approximately
1.1 US qt, 1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt).
&AT OIL TEMP warning
light (CVT models)
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, im-
mediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off.
!
Transmission control system warn-
ing
If the “AT OIL TEMP ”warning light flashes
after the engine has started, it may
indicate that the transmission control
system is not working properly. Contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer for service
immediately.
&Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.-spec.
models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will illuminate for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning
properly. If there is no problem and all tires
are properly inflated, the light will turn off.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle
’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED –3-19

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
Select lever/gear position indicator (type
B)
1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Select lever/gear position indicator
This indicator shows the position of the
select lever.
For models with manual mode, when the
manual mode is selected, the gear posi-
tion indicator (which shows the current
gear selection) and the upshift/downshift
indicator light up. Refer to“Continuously
variable transmission ”F 7-24.
For models with SI-DRIVE, the upshift/
downshift indicators are switched off while
the Sport Sharp (S#) mode is selected.
&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 “Replacing bulbs ”F 11-39.
&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.
&High beam assist indi-
cator light (if equipped)
This light illuminates when the high beam
assist function is activated. For details
about the high beam assist function, refer
to “High beam assist function ”F 3-95.
&Cruise control indica-
tor light (if equipped)
This light illuminates when the cruise
control main button is pressed to activate
the cruise control function. For details,
refer to “To set cruise control ”F 7-53.
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light illumi-
nates, the cruise control indicator
light flashes at the same time. At
this time, avoid driving at high
speed and have your vehicle in-
spected at a SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.
&Cruise control set in-
dicator light (if
equipped)
This light illuminates when vehicle speed
has been set to use the cruise control
function. Refer to “To set cruise control ”
F 7-53.
&Automatic headlight
beam leveler warning
light (if equipped)
This light illuminates when the automatic
headlight beam leveler does not operate
normally.
If this light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off approximately 3 seconds after
turning the ignition switch to the “ON”
position, have your vehicle inspected at
your SUBARU dealer.
3-32

Audio/Audio set
!Troubleshooting guide
Experience CauseAction
Mismatch of time alignment - a user may hear
a short period of programming replayed or an
echo, stutter or skip. The radio stations analog and digital volume is
not properly aligned or the station is in ballgame
mode.
None, radio broadcast issue. A user can contact
the radio station.
Sound fades, blending in and out. Radio is shifting between analog and digital
audio. Reception issue. May clear-up as the vehicle
continues to be driven. Turning the indicator of the
HD Radio
TMoff will change the radio mode to
analog audio.
Audio mute condition when an HD2/HD3
multicast channel had been playing. The radio does not have access to digital
signals at the moment. This is normal behavior, wait until the digital signal
returns. If out of the coverage area, seek a new
station.
Audio mute delay when selecting an HD2/
HD3 multicast channel preset. The digital multicast content is not available until
HD Radio
TMbroadcast can be decoded and
make the audio available. This takes up to 7
seconds. This is normal behavior, wait for the audio to
become available.
Text information does not match the present
song audio. Data service issue by the radio broadcaster. Broadcaster should be notified. Complete the form;
www.ibiquity.com/automotive/report_radio
_station_experiences.
No text information shown for the present
selected frequency. Data service issue by the radio broadcaster. Broadcaster should be notified. Complete the form;
www.ibiquity.com/automotive/report_radio
_station_experiences.
The “Acquiring ”caution message appears
when the system attempts to acquire digital
transmission. When acquiring digital data while receiving a
digital broadcast and SPS station. .
When the reception in digital of the SPS station
is confirmed.
. When the system determined that the SPS
station could not be received.
. When the SPS broadcast is ended (stopped) by
the radio station while receiving SPS.
5-34

Fuel...................................................................... 7-3Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-3
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-5
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-7
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-8
Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system) .................. 7-9
Starting engine.................................................... 7-9
Stopping the engine ........................................... 7-11
Starting and stopping engine (models with
push-button start system) .............................. 7-12
Safety precautions............................................. 7-12
Operating range for push-button start system ............................................................. 7-12
Starting engine ................................................... 7-12
Stopping engine ................................................. 7-13
When access key does not operate properly ....... 7-14
Remote engine start system (dealer
option) .............................................................. 7-14
Models with “keyless access with push-button
start system ”................................................... 7-14
Models without “keyless access with push-button
start system ”................................................... 7-15
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start ................................................................. 7-19
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown ......................................................... 7-19
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-19
Service mode (models without “keyless access
with push-button start system ”)........................ 7-19 Remote transmitter program (models without
“keyless access with push-button start
system ”).......................................................... 7-20
System maintenance .......................................... 7-20
Manual transmission ......................................... 7-22Shifting speeds.................................................. 7-23
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-24
Continuously variable transmission ................. 7-24Select lever....................................................... 7-25
Selection of manual mode (if equipped) .............. 7-27
Selection of “L ” (if equipped) ... .......................... 7-29
Shift lock function ............................................. 7-30
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-31
SI-DRIVE (if equipped) ....................................... 7-32Intelligent (I) mode............................................. 7-32
Sport (S) mode .................................................. 7-32
Sport Sharp (S#) mode. ...................................... 7-33
SI-DRIVE switches ............................................. 7-34
Power steering................................................... 7-34
Braking ............................................................... 7-35
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-35
Brake system .................................................... 7-36
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-36
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-37ABS self-check.................................................. 7-37
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-37
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
system ............................................................. 7-38
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions .......... 7-38
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-39Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor .......... 7-41
Starting and operating
7

lead to fuel spillage and a fire.
. Immediately put fuel in the tank
whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the en-
gine. Continuing to operate your
vehicle at an extremely low fuel
level may result in a reduction of
engine performance.State emission testing (U.S.
only)
WARNING
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive model
must NEVER be performed on a
single two-wheel dynamometer. At-
tempting to do so will result in
uncontrolled vehicle movement and
may cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.
CAUTION
. At state inspection time, remem-
ber to tell your inspection or
service station in advance not to
place your SUBARU AWD vehicle
on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.
. Resultant vehicle damage due to
improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or
its contractors or licensees.
California and a number of federal states have Inspection/Maintenance programs to
inspect your vehicle
’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’ s registration.
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’ s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have implemented emission inspec-
tion of the OBDII system.
. The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the “CHECK ENGINE ”warning light/mal-
function indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with an
electronic scan tool.
. A vehicle
passes the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“ CHECK ENGINE ”warning light is ob-
served, there are no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBDII readiness
monitors are all complete.
Starting and operating/State emission testing (U.S. only)
–CONTINUED –7-7