SUBARU Forester Owner Manual

Foreword

Congratulations on choosing a SUBARU vehicle. This Owner’s Manual has all the information necessary to keep your SUBARU in excellent condition and to properly maintain the emission control system for minimizing emission pollutants. We urge you to read this manual carefully so that you may understand your vehicle and its operation. For information not found in this Owner’s Manual, such as details concerning repairs or adjustments, please contact the SUBARU dealer from whom you purchased your SUBARU or the nearest SUBARU dealer.

The information, specifications and illustrations fo und in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD. reserves the right to change specifications and designs at any time without prior notice and without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes on vehicles previously sold. This Owner’s Manual applies to all models and covers all equipment, including factory installed options. Some explanations, therefore may be for equipment not installed in your vehicle.

Please leave this manual in the vehicle at the time of resale. The next owner will need the information found herein.

FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD., TOKYO, JAPAN

is a registered trademark of FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.

This manual describes the following vehicle types.

Warranties

& Warranties for U.S.A.

All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru of America, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in the United States come with the following warranties:

. SUBARU Limited Warranty . Emission Control Systems Warranty . Emissions Performance Warranty

All warranty information, including details of coverage and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Please read these warranties carefully.

& Warranties for Canada

All SUBARU vehicles distributed by Subaru Canada, Inc. and sold at retail by an authorized SUBARU dealer in Canada come with the following warranties:

. SUBARU Limited Warranty . Anti-Corrosion Warranty . Emission Control Warranty

All warranty information, including details of coverage and exclusions, is in the “Warranty and Service Booklet”. Please read these warranties carefully.

How to use this Owner’s Manual

& Using your Owner’s Manual

Before you operate your vehicle, carefully read this manual. To protect yourself and extend the service life of your vehicle, follow the instructions in this manual. Failure to observe these instructions may result in serious injury and damage to your vehicle.

This manual is composed of fourteen chapters. Each chapter begins with a brief table of contents, so you can usually tell at a glance if that chapter contains the information you want.

Chapter 1: Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

This chapter informs you how to use the seat and seatbelt and contains precautions for the SRS airbags.

Chapter 2: Keys and doors

This chapter informs you how to operate the keys, locks and windows.

Chapter 3: Instruments and controls

This chapter informs you about the operation of instrument panel indicators and how to use the instruments and other switches.

Chapter 4: Climate control

This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.

Chapter 5: Audio

This chapter informs you how to operate your audio system.

Chapter 6: Interior equipment

This chapter informs you how to operate interior equipment.

Chapter 7: Starting and operating

This chapter informs you how to start and operate your SUBARU.

Chapter 8: Driving tips

This chapter informs you how to drive your SUBARU in various conditions and explains some safety tips on driving.

Chapter 9: In case of emergency

This chapter informs you what to do if you have a problem while driving, such as a flat tire or engine overheating.

Chapter 10: Appearance care

This chapter informs you how to keep your SUBARU looking good.

Chapter 11: Maintenance and service

This chapter informs you when you need to take your SUBARU to the dealer for scheduled maintenance and informs you how to keep your SUBARU running properly.

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Chapter 12: Specifications

This chapter informs you about dimensions and capacities of your SUBARU.

Chapter 13: Consumer information and Reporting safety defects

This chapter informs you about Uniform tire quality grading standards and Reporting safety defects.

Chapter 14: Index

This is an alphabetical listing of all that’sin this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

& Safety warnings

You will find a number of WARNINGs, CAUTIONs and NOTEs in this manual.

These safety warnings alert you to potential hazards that could result in injury to you or others.

Please read these safety warnings as well as all other portions of this manual carefully in order to gain a better understanding of how to use your SUBARU vehicle safely.

WARNING

A WARNING indicates a situation in which serious injury or death could result if the warning is ignored.

CAUTION

A CAUTION indicates a situation in which injury or damage to your vehicle, or both, could result if the caution is ignored.

NOTE

A NOTE gives information or suggestions how to make better use of your vehicle.

& Safety symbol

You will find a circle with a slash through it in this manual. This symbol means “Do not”, “Do not do this”,or“Do not let this happen”, depending upon the context.

& Abbreviation list

You may find several abbreviations in this manual. The meanings of the abbreviations are shown in the following list.

Abbreviation Meaning

A/C Air conditioner

A/ELR

ABS Anti-lock brake system

AKI Anti knock index

ALR Automatic locking retractor

AWD All-wheel drive

CVT

DRL Daytime running light

EBD

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

HID High intensity discharge

INT Intermittent

Automatic/Emergency locking retractor

Continuously variable transmission

Electronic brake force distribution

Abbreviation Meaning

LATCH

LED Light emitting diode

MIL Malfunction indicator light

MMT

MT Manual transmission

OBD On-board diagnostics

RON Research octane number

SI-DRIVE SUBARU Intelligent Drive

SRS

TIN Tire identification number

TPMS

Lower anchors and tethers for children

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl

Supplemental restraint system

Tire pressure monitoring system

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” F20.

Mark Name

WARNING

CAUTION

Safety precautions when driving

& Seatbelt and SRS airbag

WARNING

. All persons in the vehicle should

fasten their seatbelts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

. To obtain maximum protection in

the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle should always wear seatbelts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbag does not do away with the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best combined protection in case of a serious accident.

Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the vehicle has the SRS airbag.

– CONTINUED –

. The SRS airbags deploy with

considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seat- belts” F1-13.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-37.

& Child safety

WARNING

. Never hold a child on your lap or

in your arms while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision, because the child will be caught between the passenger and objects inside the vehicle.

. While riding in the vehicle, in-

fants and small children should always be placed in the REAR seat in an infant or child restraint system which is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the REAR seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat.

. Put children aged 12 and under in

the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt.

The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.

. NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD

FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

. Always turn the child safety locks

to the “LOCK” position when children sit in the rear seat. Serious injury could result if a child accidentally opens the door and falls out. Refer to “ Child safety locks” F2-27.

. Always lock the passenger’s win-

dows using the lock switch when children are riding in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child operating the power window. Refer to “Windows” F2-27.

. Never leave unattended children,

adults or animals in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to them.

. When leaving the vehicle, close

all windows and lock all doors.

. In models with power rear gate,

when it operates, the rear gate moves with remarkable force. It is possible to be injured if anyone is caught in or hit by the rear gate so be sure to obey the following cautions.

– Check that there are no chil-

dren around the rear gate before operating the power rear gate.

– Do not allow children to oper-

ate the power rear gate.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seat- belts” F1-13.

. For the child restraint system, refer to “Child restraint systems” F1-25.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-37.

& Engine exhaust gas (carbon

monoxide)

WARNING

. Never inhale engine exhaust gas.

Engine exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

. Always properly maintain the en-

gine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

. Never run the engine in a closed

space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.

. Avoid remaining in a parked

vehicle for a lengthy time while the engine is running. If that is unavoidable, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle.

. Always keep the front ventilator

inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly.

. If at any time you suspect that

exhaust fumes are entering the vehicle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possible. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open.

. Keep the rear gate closed while

driving to prevent exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.

& Drinking and driving

WARNING

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Alcohol in the bloodstream delays your reaction time and impairs your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after drinking – even if you drink just a little – it will increase the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident, injuring or killing yourself, your passengers and others. In addition, if you are injured in the accident, alcohol may increase the

– CONTINUED –

severity of that injury. Please don’t drink and drive.

Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Since alcohol affects all people differently, you may have consumed too much alcohol to drive safely even if the level of alcohol in your blood is below the legal limit. The safest thing you can do is never drink and drive. However if you have no choice but to drive, stop drinking and sober up completely before getting behind the wheel.

& Drugs and driving

WARNING

There are some drugs (over the counter and prescription) that can delay your reaction time and impair your perception, judgment and attentiveness. If you drive after taking them, it may increase your, your passengers’ and other persons’ risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident.

If you are taking any drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist or read the literature that accompanies the medication to determine if the drug you are taking can

impair your driving ability. Do not drive after taking any medications that can make you drowsy or otherwise affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have a medical condition that requires you to take drugs, please consult with your doctor.

Never drive if you are under the influence of any illicit mind-altering drugs. For your own health and well-being, we urge you not to take illegal drugs in the first place and to seek treatment if you are addicted to those drugs.

& Driving when tired or sleepy

WARNING

When you are tired or sleepy, your reaction time will be delayed and your perception, judgment and attentiveness will be impaired. If you drive when tired or sleepy, your, your passengers’ and other persons’ chances of being involved in a serious accident may increase.

Please do not continue to drive but instead find a safe place to rest if you are tired or sleepy. On long trips, you should make periodic rest stops to refresh yourself before continuing on your journey.

When possible, you should share the driving with others.

& Modification of your vehicle

CAUTION

Your vehicle should not be modified other than with genuine SUBARU parts and accessories. Other types of modifications could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under warranties.

& Car phone/cell phone and

driving

CAUTION

Do not use a car phone/cell phone while driving; it may distract your attention from driving and can lead to an accident. If you use a car phone/cell phone, pull off the road and park in a safe place before using your phone. In some States/ Provinces, only hands-free phones

may legally be used while driving.

& Driving vehicles equipped

with navigation system

WARNING

Do not allow the monitor to distract your attention from driving. Also, do not operate the controls of the navigation system whi le driving. The loss of attention to driving could lead to an accident. If you wish to operate the controls of the navigation system, first take the vehicle off the road and stop it in a safe place.

& Driving with pets

Unrestrained pets can interfere with your driving and distract your attention from driving. In a collision or sudden stop, unrestrained pets or cages can be thrown around inside the vehicle and hurt you or your passengers. Besides, the pets can be hurt under these situations. It is also for their own safety that pets should be properly restrained in your vehicle. Restrain a pet with a special traveling harness which can be secured to the rear

seat with a seatbelt or use a pet carrier which can be secured to the rear seat by routing a seatbelt through the carrier’s handle. Never restrain pets or pet carriers in the front passenger’s seat. For further information, consult your veterinarian, local animal protection society or pet shop.

& Tire pressures

Check and, if n ecessary, adjust the pressure of each tire (including the spare) at least once a month and before any long journey.

Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust the tire pressures to the values shown on the tire placard. For detailed information, refer to “Tires and wheels” F11-22.

WARNING

Driving at high speeds with excessively low tire pressures can cause the tires to deform severely and to rapidly become hot. A sharp increase in temperature could cause tread separation, and destruction of the tires. The resulting loss of vehicle control could lead to an accident.

& On-road and off-road driving

This vehicle is classified as a utility vehicle. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance and higher center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over than ordinary passenger cars. It also handles and maneuvers differently from other passenger cars. For this reason, please read carefully the following section and follow the instructions and precautions in order to prevent serious injury or death due to loss of control, rollover and other accidents. Refer to “On-road and off-road driving” F8-6.

General information

& California proposition 65

warning

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids in vehicles and certain components of product wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

& California Perchlorate Advi-

sory

Certain vehicle components such as airbag modules, seatbelt pretensioners and keyless entry transmitter batteries may contain perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/ hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

& Noise from under the vehicle NOTE

You may hear a noise from under the vehicle approximately 5 to 10 hours after the engine is turned off. However, this does not indicate a malfunction. This noise is caused by the operation of the fuel evaporation leakage checking system and is normal. The noise will stop after approximately 15 minutes.

& Event data recorder

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

. How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

. Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;

. How far (if at all) the driver was

depressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

. How fast the vehicle was traveling.

These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

Table of contents

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Keys and doors

Instruments and controls

Climate control

Audio

Interior equipment

Starting and operating

Driving tips

In case of emergency

Appearance care

Maintenance and service

Specifications

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects

Index

Illustrated index

& Exterior

1) Engine hood (page 11-5)

2) Headlight switch (page 3-89)

3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-38)

4) Wiper switch (page 3-95)

5) Moonroof (page 2-37)

6) Roof rails (page 8-14)

7) Door locks (page 2-4)

8) Outside mirrors (page 3-104)

9) Tire pressure (page 11-24)

10) Flat tires (page 9-5)

11) Snow tires (page 8-11)

12) Fog light switch (page 3-93)

13) Tie-down hooks (page 9-12)

14) Towing hook (page 9-12)

1) Rear window defogger (page 3-106)

2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-5)

3) Child safety locks (page 2-27)

4) Tie-down hole (page 9-12)

5) Rear gate (page 2-30)

6) Towing hook (page 9-12)

– CONTINUED –

& Interior

! Passenger compartment area

1) Lower anchorages for child restraint system (page 1-33)

2) Seatbelt (page 1-13)

3) Front seat (page 1-2)

4) Rear seat (page 1-8)

1) Power windows (page 2-27)

2) Door locks (page 2-4)

3) Glove box (page 6-6)

4) Front power supply socket (page 6-9)

5) Shift lever (MT) (page 7-21)/Select lever (CVT) (page 7-23)

6) Parking brake lever (page 7-43)

7) Cup holder (page 6-7)

8) Center console (page 6-6)

– CONTINUED –

& Instrument panel

1) Outside mirror switch (page 3-104)

2) Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch (models with power rear gate) (page 7-37)

3) Illumination brightness control (page 3-92)

4) Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch (models without power rear gate) (page 7-37)/Memory switch (models with power rear gate) (page 2-34)

5) Combination meter (page 3-7)

6) Information display (page 3-30)/ Multi function display (page 3-35)

7) Hazard warning flasher switch (page 3-7)

8) Audio (page 5-1)

9) Climate control (page 4-1)

10) Power rear gate switch (page 2-31)

11) Fuse box (page 11-36)

12) Hood lock release (page 11-5)

& Steering wheel

1) Audio control buttons (page 5-34)

2) Cruise control (page 7-48)

3) Shift paddle (page 7-25)

4) Hands-free switches (page 5-39)

5) Multi function display control switches (page 3-35)

6) SRS airbag (page 1-37)

7) Horn (page 3-108)

8) SI-DRIVE switches (page 7-30)

– CONTINUED –

& Light control and wiper control levers/switches

1) Windshield wiper (page 3-93)

2) Mist (page 3-95)

3) Windshield washer (page 3-95)

4) Rear window wiper and washer switch (page 3-96)

5) Wiper intermittent time control switch (page 3-95)

6) Wiper control lever (page 3-95)

7) Light control switch (page 3-88)

8) Fog light switch (page 3-93)

9) Headlight ON/OFF/AUTO (page 3-89)

10) Headlight flasher High/Low beam change (page 3-90)

11) Turn signal lever (page 3-91)

& Combination meter

! U.S.-spec. models (type A)

The illustration above is a typical example. For some models, the combination meter may be slightly different than that shown in the illustration.

1) Tachometer (page 3-9)

2) Trip meter and odometer (page 3-8)

3) Select lever/gear position indicator (page 3-29)

4) Speedometer (page 3-8)

5) Information display selection knob (page 3-30)

6) ECO gauge (if equipped) (page 3-10)

7) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

8) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-9)

– CONTINUED –

! U.S.-spec. models (type B)

The illustration above is a typical example. For some models, the combination meter may be slightly different than that shown in the illustration.

1) Tachometer (page 3-9)

2) Trip meter and odometer (page 3-8)

3) Select lever/gear position indicator (page 3-29)

4) Speedometer (page 3-8)

5) Information display selection knob (page 3-30)

6) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

7) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-9)

! Except U.S.-spec. models

The illustration above is a typical example. For some models, the combination meter may be slightly different than that shown in the illustration.

1) Tachometer (page 3-9)

2) Trip meter and odometer (page 3-8)

3) Select lever/gear position indicator (page 3-29)

4) Speedometer (page 3-8)

5) Information display selection knob (page 3-30)

6) ECO gauge (if equipped) (page 3-10)

7) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

8) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-9)

– CONTINUED –

& Warning and indicator lights

Mark Name Page

Seatbelt warning light 3-11

Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light

SRS airbag system warning light

Front passenger’s

frontal airbag ON indicator

Front passenger’s

frontal airbag OFF indicator

CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light

Coolant temperature low indicator light/ Coolant temperature high warning light

Charge warning light 3-16

Oil pressure warning light

Engine oil level warning light

3-11

3-13

3-14

3-15

3-16

Mark Name Page

AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT models)

ABS warning light 3-18

Brake system warning light

Door open warning light

AWD warning light (CVT models)

Power steering warning light

Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF indicator light

Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/ Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light

Turn signal indicator lights

3-17

3-19

3-20

3-21

3-20

3-22

3-23

3-29

Mark Name Page

High beam indicator light

Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light (if equipped)

Front fog light indicator light (if equipped)

Access key warning light (if equipped)

Security indicator light 3-28

Headlight indicator light (if equipped)

Cruise control indicator light

Cruise control set indicator light

X-mode indicator light (if equipped)

Hill descent control indicator light (if equipped)

Low fuel warning light 3-20

3-29

3-30

3-23

3-30

3-29

3-30

Mark Name Page

Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models)

Windshield washer fluid warning light

3-17

3-16

Sport (S) mode indicator light (if equipped)

Intelligent (I) mode indicator light (if equipped)

Sport Sharp (S#) mode indicator light (if equipped)

3-29

Function settings

A SUBARU dealer can change the settings of the functions shown in the following table to meet your personal requirements. Contact the nearest SUBARU dealer for details. If your vehicle is equipped with a multi function display, the settings for some of these functions can be changed using the display. For details, refer to “Multi function display” F3-35.

Item Function Possible settings Default setting

Alarm system Alarm system Operation/Non-operation Operation

Monitoring start delay time (after closure of doors) 0 seconds/30 seconds 30 seconds

Impact sensor operation (only models with shock sensors (dealer option))

Passive arming (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”)

Dome light and map lights illumination ON/OFF OFF

Keyless access (if equipped) Hazard warning flasher Operation/Non-operation Operation

Audible signal Operation/Non-operation Operation

Door unlock selection function (driver’s door unlock) Driver’s door only/All doors Driver’s door only

Door unlock selection function (rear gate unlock) Rear gate only/All doors Rear gate only

Remote keyless entry system Hazard warning flasher Operation/Non-operation Operation

Audible signal Operation/Non-operation Operation

Key lock-in prevention Key lock-in prevention Operation/Non-operation Operation

Defogger and deicer system for models with the automatic climate control system

Dome light Operation of dome light/map light OFF delay timer OFF/10S/20S/30S 30S

Map light

Battery drainage prevention function Battery drainage prevention function Operation/Non-operation Operation

Seatbelt warning Sounds a chime while driving Operation/Non-operation Operation

Rear window defogger, outside mirror defogger and windshield wiper deicer

Operation/Non-operation Non-operation

Operation for 15 minutes/ Continuous operation

Operation for 15 minutes

Item Function Possible settings Default setting

Auto on/off headlights (if equipped) Sensitivity of the operation of the auto on/off headlights Low/Normal/High/Very high Normal

Reverse gear interlocked rear wiper Reverse gear interlocked rear wiper operation Operation/Non-operation Operation

————————————————————————————————————————

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seats........................................................... 1-2

Manual seat ........................................................ 1-4

Power seat (driver’s seat — if equipped) .............. 1-5

Head restraint adjustment.................................... 1-5

Seat heater (if equipped) .................................... 1-7

Rear seats............................................................ 1-8

Armrest (if equipped)........................................... 1-8

Head restraint adjustment.................................... 1-9

Folding down the rear seatback.......................... 1-10

Reclining the seatback (if equipped) ................... 1-12

Seatbelts ............................................................. 1-13

Seatbelt safety tips............................................. 1-13

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................... 1-14

Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor

(A/ELR) ............................................................ 1-14

Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 1-15

Fastening the seatbelt ........................................ 1-15

Seatbelt maintenance ......................................... 1-21

Front seatbelt pretensioners ............................. 1-21

Seatbelt with shoulder belt pretensioner . . ........... 1-21

Seatbelt with shoulder belt and lap belt

pretensioners................................................... 1-23

System monitors ................................................ 1-24

System servicing ............................................... 1-24

Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-25

Child restraint systems ..................................... 1-25

Where to place a child restraint system.............. 1-26

Choosing a child restraint system ...................... 1-28

Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR

seatbelt ........................................................... 1-28

Installing a booster seat..................................... 1-32

Installation of child restraint systems by use of

lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) .............. 1-33

Top tether anchorages ....................................... 1-36

*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint

System airbag)................................................ 1-37

General precautions regarding SRS airbag

system ............................................................ 1-38

Components...................................................... 1-44

SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system ........... 1-46

SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag............. 1-55

SRS airbag system monitors .............................. 1-63

SRS airbag system servicing ............................. 1-64

Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-65

1-2

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags/Front seats

Front seats

WARNING

. Never adjust the seat while driv-

ing to avoid losing control of the vehicle which can result in personal injury.

. Before adjusting the seat, make

sure the hands and feet of rear seat passengers and cargo are clear of the adjusting mechanism.

. After adjusting the seat, push it

slightly to make sure it is securely locked. If the seat is not securely locked, it may move or the seatbelt may not operate properly.

. Do not put objects under the front

seats. They may interfere with front seat locking and cause an accident.

. Seatbelts provide maximum re-

straint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running.

If the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.

. The SRS airbags deploy with

considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far f rom the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.

WARNING

Put children aged 12 and under in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are 12 years of age and under and are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater. For that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child seats and those that have outgrown child restraint devices) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child

restraint device or in a seatbel t, whichever is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Secure ALL types of child restraint devices (including forward facing child seat) in the REAR seats at all times.

NEVER INSTALL A REARWARD FACING CHILD SEAT IN THE FRONT SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. For instructions and precautions concerning child restraint systems, refer to “Child restraint systems” F1-25.

WARNING

To prevent the passenger from sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the upright position while the vehicle is in motion. Also, do not place objects such as cushions between the passenger and the seatback. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags/Front seats

WARNING

Do not let rear passengers rest their feet between the front seatback and seat cushion. Doing so may lead to defective operation of the following systems and could result in serious injury.

. Occupant detection system . SRS side airbag . Seat heater (if equipped) . Power seat (if equipped)

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