Subaru Forester 2020 Owner's Manual

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Foreword

SFWAA

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 found in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. SUBARU CORPORATION 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.

SUBARU CORPORATION, TOKYO, JAPAN

“SUBARU” and the six–star cluster design are registered trademarks of SUBARU CORPORATION.

Vehicle types

SFWAB

This manual describes the following vehicle types.

S00

Warranties

S00AA

& Warranties for U.S.A.

S00AA01

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 Warranties

. Federal Emission Control Systems

Warranties

. California Emissions Control Systems Warranties

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

& Warranties for Canada

S00AA05

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

. Emission Control System Warranty

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

&Warranties except for U.S.A. and Canada

S00AA06

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

How to use this Owner’s Manual

S00AB

& Using your Owner’s Manual

S00AB01

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.

– CONTINUED –

Chapter 4: Climate control

This chapter informs you how to operate the climate control.

Chapter 5: Audio

This chapter informs you about 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, 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.

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’s in this manual. You can use it to quickly find something you want to read.

For models with EyeSight system:

For details about the EyeSight system, refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

& Safety warnings

S00AB02

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.

Vehicle symbols

S00AC

There are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

For warning and indicator lights, refer to “Warning and indicator lights” FP24.

Mark Name

WARNING

CAUTION

Read these instructions carefully

Wear eye protection

Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid

Keep children away

Keep flames away

Prevent explosions

Safety precautions when driving

S00AD

& Seatbelt and SRS airbag

S00AD01

WARNING

.All persons in the vehicle must 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 must always wear seatbelts when in the vehicle. 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.

.The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of the 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 “Seatbelts” FP49.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” FP75.

& Child safety

S00AD02

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, infants and small children should always be seated 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.

.Place children 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 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 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” FP139.

.Always lock the passenger’s windows 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” FP140.

.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.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seatbelts” FP49.

. For the child restraint system, refer to “Child restraint systems” FP61.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” FP75.

– CONTINUED –

&Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)

S00AD03

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 engine 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

S00AD04

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 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 con-

sumed 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

S00AD05

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

S00AD06

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

S00AD07

WARNING

.Do not remove the SUBARU genuine navigation and/or audio system. If the SUBARU genuine navigation and/or audio system is removed, the rear view camera image and help lines (distance marker, dynamic guidelines and vehicle width lines) will no longer be displayed.

.For some models with Reverse Automatic Braking, even if the Reverse Automatic Braking and object detection warning is ON, the visible alert of Reverse Automatic Braking will not be displayed. However, the audible alert and its function will operate.

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.

&Use of cell phones/texting and driving

S00AD16

CAUTION

Do not talk on a cell phone or text while driving; it may distract your attention from driving and lead to an accident. If you use a cell phone to talk or text, first pull off the road and park in a safe place. In some States/ Provinces, it may be lawful to talk on a phone while driving, but only if the phone is hands-free.

&Driving vehicles equipped with navigation system

S00AD09

WARNING

Do not allow the monitor to distract your attention from driving. Also, do not operate the controls of the navigation system while driving. The loss of attention to driving could lead to an accident. If you wish to operate the controls of the naviga-

– CONTINUED –

tion system, first take the vehicle off the road and stop it in a safe location.

& Driving with pets

S00AD10

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

S00AD11

Check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure of each tire and the spare (if equipped) 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” FP467.

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.

& Attaching accessories

S00AD15

WARNING

.Do not attach any accessories, labels or stickers (other than properly placed inspection stickers) to the windshield. Such items may obstruct your view.

.If it is necessary to attach an accessory (such as an electronic toll collection (ETC) device or

security pass) to the windshield, consult your SUBARU dealer for details on the proper location.

General information

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&California Perchlorate Advisory

S00AK03

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

S00AK01

NOTE

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

& Event data recorder

S00AK04

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 air bag

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	1
Keys and doors	2
Instruments and controls	3
Climate control	4
Audio	5
Interior equipment	6
Starting and operating	7
Driving tips	8
In case of emergency	9
Appearance care	10
Maintenance and service	11
Specifications	12
Consumer information and reporting safety defects	13
Index	14

1)Rear window defogger (page 253)

2)Fuel filler lid and cap (page 298)

3)Child safety locks (page 139)

4)Tie-down hole (page 431)

5)Replacing bulbs (page 484)

6)Rear window wiper (page 242)

7)Rear gate (page 143)

8)Towing hook (page 431)

– CONTINUED –

1)Power windows (page 140)

2)Door locks (page 134)

3)Select lever (page 317)

4)USB power supply (page 286)

5)Front power supply socket (page 284)

6)Glove box (page 282)

7)Cup holder (page 282)

8)Center console (page 282)

– CONTINUED –

1)Button for SUBARU STARLINK

2)Moonroof switch (page 152)

3)Electronic parking brake switch (page 339)

4)Auto Vehicle Hold switch (page 341)

5)X-MODE switch (page 333)

6)Front seat heater switches (page 47)

7)USB power supply (page 286)

8)Rear seat heater switches (page 48)

NOTE

. For U.S.-spec. and Canada-spec. models with SUBARU STARLINK: Refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security.

. For models with EyeSight system:

Refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

1)Audio control switches*

2)INFO button for type A multi-function display (black and white) (page 200)/ INFO button for type B multi-function display (color LCD) (page 207)

3)Cruise control switches (page 353)

4)Shift paddle (page 320)

5)SI-DRIVE switches (page 325)

6)Heated Steering Wheel switch (page 255)

7)SRS airbag (page 75)

8)Horn (page 256)

9)Combination meter display control switches (page 191)

10)Talk switch for voice command system*/ Hands-free phone switches*

*: For details about how to use the switches, refer to the separate navigation/audio Owner’s Manual.

NOTE

For models with EyeSight system: Refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the EyeSight system.

– CONTINUED –

& Warning and indicator lights

		S00AE06
Mark	Name	Page	Mark
	Seatbelt warning light	167
	Front passenger’s	167
	seatbelt warning light	167
	seatbelt warning light
	SRS airbag system	169
	warning light	169
	warning light
/	Front passenger’s	169	/
/	frontal airbag ON indi-	169	/
	cator
/	Front passenger’s	169
/	frontal airbag OFF in-	169
	dicator
	CHECK ENGINE	170
	warning light/Malfunc-	170
	tion indicator light
	Coolant temperature
	low indicator light/	170
	Coolant temperature	170
	Coolant temperature
	high warning light
	Charge warning light	171
	Oil pressure warning	171
	light	171
	light

	Engine low oil level	172
	warning light	172
	warning light

Name

AT OIL TEMP warning light

ABS warning light

Brake system warning light (red)

Electronic parking brake indicator light

Door open warning light

Engine hood open warning light

AWD warning light

Power steering warning light

Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light

Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light

Depress brake indicator light

Page	Mark	Name	Page
172		Vehicle Dynamics
172		Control warning light/	178
		Vehicle Dynamics	178
		Control operation indi-
174		cator light
174		Vehicle Dynamics
		Vehicle Dynamics	180
		Control OFF indicator	180
175		light
175
		Turn signal indicator	187
175		lights	187
		lights

		LED headlight warning	188
177		light (if equipped)	188
		light (if equipped)

		High beam indicator	187
177		light	187
		light

		High beam assist indi-	187
177		cator light (if equipped)	187
		cator light (if equipped)
		Automatic headlight
		Automatic headlight	188
		beam leveler warning	188

178light (if equipped) Steering Responsive

	Headlight warning
177	light/Steering Respon-	188
	sive Headlight OFF in-

dicator light (if equipped)

	177
	Front fog light indicator	188
	light (if equipped)	188
	light (if equipped)
	177

Mark Name

Access key warning indicator light (if equipped)

Security indicator light

Sport (S) mode indicator (if equipped)

Intelligent (I) mode indicator (if equipped)

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

Headlight indicator light (if equipped)

Cruise control indicator light (if equipped)

Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped)

X-MODE indicator light (if equipped)

Hill descent control indicator light (if equipped)

Low fuel warning light

Page	Mark	Name
		Low tire pressure

180warning light (U.S.-spec. models)

185Windshield washer fluid warning light

Auto Start Stop warn-

186ing light/Auto Start

Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)

186Auto Start Stop indicator light (green)

Auto Start Stop No 186 Activity Detected indi-

cator light

188BSD/RCTA warning light (if equipped)

187BSD/RCTA OFF indicator light (if equipped)

188RAB warning light (if equipped)

RAB OFF indicator

	189	light (if equipped)
	189
		Driver Monitoring Sys-
		tem operation indicator
		light (green) (if
	189	equipped)
	189	Driver Monitoring Sys-
		Driver Monitoring Sys-
		tem warning light (yel-
	177	low) (if equipped)
	177

Page	Mark	Name
		Driver Monitoring Sys-

173tem OFF indicator light (if equipped)

Driver Monitoring Sys-

172tem temporary stop indicator light (if

equipped)

188Icy road surface warning light (if equipped)

189

190

Page

190

Function settings

S00AF

& Function settings and adjustments on the combination meter display (color LCD)

S00AF01

If your vehicle is equipped with a combination meter display (color LCD), setting adjustments to the following items can be manually changed within the display to meet your personal requirements.

NOTE

. If your vehicle is not equipped with a combination meter display (color LCD), setting changes to the following items will need to be performed by a SUBARU dealer. Refer to “Function settings and adjustments performed by a dealer” FP29.

. For setting adjustments to the following items, refer to the appropriate page for details.

	Item
1st menu/vehicle	2nd menu/adjustable ve-	3rd menu/selectable ve-
system	hicle system setting	hicle system setting
	Welcome Screen	—
	Good-bye Screen	—
	Gauge Initial Movement	—
Screen Settings	Units	—
	Tire Pressure Units*1	—
	Languages	—

Available settings	Factory default setting	Page reference for
Available settings	Factory default setting	the vehicle system
		operation
On/Off	On	192
On/Off	On	192
On/Off	On	165
km, km/h, Liter/mile,	U.S.-spec models: mile,
km, km/h, Liter/mile,	MPH, Gallon	199 and 205
MPH, Gallon	Other models: km, km/h,	199 and 205
MPH, Gallon	Other models: km, km/h,
	Liter
kPa/PSi	PSi	195
English/Español/Fran-	U.S.-spec models: Eng-	205
English/Español/Fran-	lish
çais	lish
çais	Other models: Français
	Other models: Français

+ 522 hidden pages