Subaru FORESTER 2008 Service Guide
Maintenance and service
Maintenance schedule ....................................... 11-3
Maintenance precautions................................... 11-3
Before checking or servicing in the engine
compartment.................................................... 11-4
When you do checking or servicing in the engine
compartment while the engine is running.......... 11-4
Engine hood ....................................................... 11-4
Engine compartment overview.......................... 11-6
Non-turbo models .............................................. 11-6
Turbo models ..................................................... 11-7
Engine oil............................................................ 11-8
Checking the oil level ......................................... 11-8
Changing the oil and oil filter.............................. 11-9
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-10
Recommended grade and viscosity under severe
driving conditions .......................................... 11-11
Synthetic oil ..................................................... 11-11
Cooling system ................................................ 11-12
Cooling fan, hose and connections................... 11-12
Engine coolant ................................................. 11-12
Air cleaner element .......................................... 11-15
Replacing the air cleaner element ..................... 11-15
Spark plugs ...................................................... 11-17
Recommended spark plugs .............................. 11-18
Drive belts ........................................................ 11-18
Manual transmission oil .................................. 11-19
Checking the oil level ....................................... 11-19
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-20
Automatic transmission fluid.......................... 11-20
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-20
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-21
Front differential gear oil (AT vehicles).......... 11-21
Checking the oil level ...................................... 11-21
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-22
Rear differential gear oil.................................. 11-22
Checking the gear oil level............................... 11-22
Recommended grade and viscosity .................. 11-23
Power steering fluid ........................................ 11-24
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-24
Recommended fluid ......................................... 11-25
Brake fluid........................................................ 11-25
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-25
Recommended brake fluid ............................... 11-26
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles) ............................... 11-26
Checking the fluid level.................................... 11-26
Recommended clutch fluid............................... 11-27
Brake booster .................................................. 11-27
Brake pedal ...................................................... 11-27
Checking the brake pedal free play .................. 11-27
Checking the brake pedal reserve distance...... . 11-28
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles).............................. 11-28
Checking the clutch function............................ 11-28
Checking the clutch pedal free play.................. 11-28
Hill holder (MT vehicles – if equipped) .......... 11-29
11
Maintenance and service
Replacement of brake pad and lining............. 11-29
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings........ 11-29
Parking brake stroke........................................ 11-30
Tires and wheels .............................................. 11-30
Types of tires ................................................... 11-30
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
(if equipped)................................................... 11-31
Tire inspection ................................................. 11-32
Tire pressures and wear ................................... 11-33
Wheel balance.................................................. 11-34
Wear indicators ................................................ 11-35
Tire rotation direction mark .............................. 11-35
Tire rotation ..................................................... 11-35
Tire replacement .............................................. 11-36
Wheel replacement ........................................... 11-36
Aluminum wheels (if equipped) ...................... 11-37
Windshield washer fluid.................................. 11-37
Replacement of wiper blades ......................... 11-39
Windshield wiper blades .................................. 11-39
Rear window wiper blade ................................. 11-40
Battery .............................................................. 11-42
Fuses ................................................................ 11-43
Main fuse.......................................................... 11-44
Installation of accessories .............................. 11-45
Replacing bulbs............................................... 11-46
Headlights (Vehicle with HID headlights)........... 11-48
Headlights (Vehicle without HID headlights) ...... 11-48
Rear combination lights ................................... 11-50
License plate light ........................................... 11-50
Dome light and map light................................. 11-51
High mount stop light ...................................... 11-51
Maintenance and service 11-3
Maintenance schedule
The scheduled maintenance it ems required to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
For details of your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Maintenance precautions
When maintenance and service are required, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service
by yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this
section on general maintenance and
service for your SUBARU.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle operation. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.
WARNING
. Testing of an All-Wheel Drive
vehicle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel
dynamometer or similar apparatus. Attempting to do so will
result in tr ansmission damage
and in uncontrolled vehicle
movement and may cause an
accident or injuries to persons
nearby.
. Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
. Always be very careful to avoid
injury when working on the vehicle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, battery
acid.
. Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experienced in servicing vehicles.
. Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
. Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
a safety stands to support the
vehicle.
. Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.
. Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
. Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.
. Wear adequate eye protection to
– CONTINUED –
11-4 Maintenance and service
guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.
. Do not tamper with the wiring of
the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pretensioner system, or attempt to take its connectors
apart, as that may activate the
system or it can render it inoperative. The wiring and connectors of these systems are yellow
for easy identification. NEVER
use a circuit tester for these
wiring.
If your SRS airbag or seatbelt
pretensioner needs service, consult your nearest SUBARU dealer.
& Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
WARNING
. Always stop the engine and set
the parking brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving.
. Always let the engine cool down.
Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after
the engine is stopped.
. Do not spill engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.
. Always remove the key from the
ignition switch. When the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position,
thecoolingfanmayoperate
suddenly even when the engine
is stopped.
& When you do checking or
servicing in the engine compartment while the engine is
running
WARNING
A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, belts and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.
Engine hood
To open the hood:
1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the
windshield, return them to their original
positions.
2. Pull the hood release knob under the
instrument panel.
3. Release the secondary hood release
located under the front grille by moving the
lever toward the left.
Maintenance and service 11-5
hood prop into the slot in the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the
hood prop from the slot in the hood and
return the prop to its retainer.
2. Lower the hood until it approaches
approximately 12 in (30 cm) from the
closed position and let it drop.
After closing the hood, be sure the hood is
securely locked.
If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position. Do not push
the hood forcibly to close it. It could
deform the metal.
WARNING
Always ch eck that the hood is
properly locked before you start
driving. If it is not, it might fly open
while the vehicle is moving and
block your view, which may cause
an accident and serious bodily injury.
Lift up the hood, release the hood prop
from its retainer and put the end of the
11-6 Maintenance and service
Engine compartment overview
& Non-turbo models
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)
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 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge
(page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-43)
7) Battery (page 11-42)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-37)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-12)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-12)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
Maintenance and service
11-7
& Turbo models
1) Air cleaner element (page 11-15)
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 11-26)
4) Automatic transmission fluid level gauge
(page 11-20)
5) Brake fluid reservoir (page 11-25)
6) Fuse box (page 11-43)
7) Battery (page 11-42)
8) Windshield washer tank (page 11-37)
9) Engine coolant reservoir (page 11-12)
10) Engine oil level gauge (page 11-8)
11) Engine oil filler cap (page 11-8)
12) Radiator cap (page 11-12)
13) Power steering fluid reservoir
(page 11-24)
11-8 Maintenance and service
Engine oil
NOTE
. The engine oil consumption rate is
not stabilized, and therefore cannot be
determined until the vehicle has traveled at least several thousand miles
(kilometers). Even after break-in, when
the vehicle is used under severe driving co nditions such as those mentionedintheWarrantyandMaintenance Booklet, engine oil is consumed
or deteriorated more quickly than under normal driving conditions. If you
drive your vehicle under these severe
conditions, you should check the oil
level at least at every second fuel fill-up
time, and change the oil more frequently. Please refer to the Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet for more details.
. If the oil consumption rate seems
abnormally high after the break-in
period, for example more than 1 quart
per 1,200 miles or 1 liter per 2,000
kilometers, we recommend that you
contact your SUBARU dealer.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
2. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
insert it again.
3. Be sure the dipstick is correctly inserted until it stops with the graphic
symbol “
shown in the illustration.
” on its top appearing as
1) Notch
2) Upper level
3) Lower level
4. Pull out the dipstick again and check
the oil level on it. If it is below the lower
level, add oil to bring the level up to the
upper level.
CAUTION
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and viscosity.
& Checking the oil level
Check the engine oil level at each fuel
stop.
Maintenance and service 11-9
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
If you check the oil level just after stopping
the engine, wait a few minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking
the level.
Just after driving or while the engine is
warm, the engine oil level reading may be
in a range between the upper level and
the notch mark. This is caused by thermal
expansion of the engine oil.
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do not
add any additional oil above the upper
level when the engine is cold.
& Changing the oil and oil filter
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be
changed more frequently than listed in
the maintenance schedule when driving
on dusty roads, when short trips are
frequently made, when towing a trailer, or
when driving in extremely cold weather.
engine idle for approximately 10 minutes
to ease draining the engine oil.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Open the access cover by removing
the eight clips and turning the access
cover counterclockwise. The drain plug
will be exposed.
5. Drain out the engine oil by removing
the drain plug while the engine is still
warm. The used oil should be drained into
an appropriate container and disposed of
properly.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself with
hot engine oil.
6. Wipe the seating surface of the drain
plug with a clean cloth and tighten it
securely with a new sealing washer after
the oil has completely drained out.
1. Warm up the engine by letting the
– CONTINUED –
11-10 Maintenance and service
7. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench.
8. Before installing a new oil filter, apply a
thin coat of engine oil to the seal.
9. Clean the rubber seal seating area of
the bottom of engine and install the oil
filter by hand turning. Be careful not to
twist or damage the seal.
10. Tighten the oil filter by the amount
indicated in the following table after the
seal makes contact with the bottom of
engine.
Oil filter
color
Black
White 15208AA09A
Part
number
15208AA100 1 rotation
Amount of
rotation
2/3 – 3/4
rotation
CAUTION
. Never over tighten the oil filter
because that can result in an oil
leak.
. Thoroughly wipe off any engine
oil that has spilled over the
exhaust pipe and/or under-cover.
If left unremoved, the oil could
catch fire.
11. Close the access cover by turning it
clockwise and reinstall the eight clips in
their original positions.
12. Pour engine oil through the filler neck.
Oil capacity (Guideline):
4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
The oil quantity indicated above is only a
guideline. The necessary quantity of oil
depends on the quantity of oil that has
been drained. The quantity of drained oil
differs slightly depending on the temperature of the oil and the time the oil is left
flowing out. After pouring oil into the
engine, therefore, you must use the dipstick to confirm that the level is correct.
13. Start the engine and make sure that no
oil leaks appear around the filter’s rubber
seal.
14. Run the engine until it reaches the
normal operating temperature. Then stop
the engine and wait a few minutes to allow
the oil drain back. Check the oil level
again and if necessary, add more engine
oil.
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
Oil grade:
ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified with
the ILSAC certification mark (Starburst
mark)
or API classification SM with the words
“ENERGY CONSERVING”
These recommended oil grades can be
identified by looking for either or both of
the following marks displayed on the oil
container.
Maintenance and service 11-11
API Service label
1) Indicates the oil quality by API designations
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity grade
3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving
capabilities
In choosing an oil, you want the proper
quality and viscosity, as well as one that
will add to fuel economy. The following
table lists the recommended viscosities
and applicable temperatures.
When adding oil, different brands may be
used together as long as they are the
same API classification and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by SUBARU.
SAE viscosity number and applicable
temperature
*: 5W-30 is recommended.
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel
economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide
better fuel economy. However, in hot
weather, oil of higher viscosity is required
to properly lubricate the engine.
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recommended grade and viscosity.
& Recommended grade and
viscosity under severe driving conditions
If the vehicle is used in desert areas, in
areas wit h very high temperatures, or
used for heavy-duty applications such as
towing a trailer, use of oil with the following
grade and viscosities is recommended.
API classification SM (or SL):
SAE viscosity No.:
30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
& Synthetic oil
You can use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual, and must follow
the oil and filter changing intervals shown
in the maintenance schedule.
ILSAC Certification Mark (Starburst Mark)
11-12 Maintenance and service
Cooling system
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
CAUTION
. The cooling s ystem has been
filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting,
year-around coolant which provides protection against freezing
down to −338F(−368C).
Subaru engines use aluminum
components that require the
anti-corrosive and anti-freeze
properties of Subaru Genuine
Coolant, which is specifically
formulated for the Subaru cooling system. Failure to use Subaru
Genuine Coolant along with
Subaru Cooling System Conditioner at the recommended main-
tenance intervals may result in
problems, including, but not limited to shortened life of engine
components and cooling system
clogging, coolant leaks and engine damage from overheating.
Problems caused by the failure to
use Subaru Genuine Coolant and
Subaru Cooling System Conditioner at recommended intervals
are not covered under the
Subaru Limited Warranty.
While there may be other generic
products that may provide the
required protection, they have
not been tested for compatibility
with Subaru engines and cooling
system components, and therefore they are not recommended.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
& Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections
Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant temperature gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit ma y be
defective. Check the fuse and replace it
if necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have
the cooling system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
& Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Maintenance and service 11-13
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW” level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL” level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
Always add genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner whenever the coolant is
replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add
genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner using the following procedures
according to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.
WARNING
Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down
completely. Since the coolant is
under pressure, you may suffer
serious burns from a spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.
4. Install the under cover.
– CONTINUED –
11-14 Maintenance and service
Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
Turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough
room to add genuine Subaru cooling
system conditioner in the radiator. Add
genuine Subaru cooling system conditioner until the coolant level reaches the
filler neck. Do not pour the coolant too
quickly, as this may lead to insufficient air
bleeding and trapped air in the system.
Guideline of coolant quantity (including
coolant in reservoir tank):
Non-turbo models:
MT: 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
AT: 7.2 US qt (6.8 liters, 6.0 Imp qt)
Turbo models:
MT: 7.8 US qt (7.4 liters, 6.5 Imp qt)
AT: 7.7 US qt (7.3 liters, 6.4 Imp qt)
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s “FULL” level mark.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
Maintenance and service 11-15
7. Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten firmly. At this time, make sure that
the rubber gasket in the radiator cap is
correctly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than
five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the
coolant cools down (122 to 1408F [50 to
608C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and to
the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10. Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters
intake air but also stops flames if
the engine backfires. If the air
cleaner element is not installed
when the engine backfires, you
could be burned.
The air cleaner element functions as a
filter screen. When the element is perforated or removed, engine wear will be
excessive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element has a viscous
type and a dry type.
Be sure to use the appropriate type of air
cleaner element, which depends on the
vehicle type.
If there is the embossed requirement “Use
of genuine dry air cleaner element is
required” on the air cleaner case cover,
which is shown in the following figure, use
the dry type air cleaner element.
type air cleaner element.
1) Embossed requirement
& Replacing the air cleaner
element
Replace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts.
For vehicles without the requirement on
the air cleaner case cover, use the viscous
– CONTINUED –
11-16 Maintenance and service
! Non-turbo models
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
drawing.
1) Air cleaner case cover
2) Viscous air cleaner element
Dry air cleaner element (if required)
3. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
4. Clean the inside of the air cleaner
cover and case with a damp cloth and
install a new air cleaner element.
5. To install the air cleaner case cover,
insert the three projections on the air
cleaner case into the slits on the air
cleaner case cover and then snap the
two clamps on the air cleaner case cover.
2. Push the air cleaner case cover in the
direction of the arrow shown in the
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