Subaru Forester 2 5X 2012 Owner's 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 found 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.*

* The illustrated vehicle is one of the FORESTER series.

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.

& Models with HID headlights

CAUTION

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights contain mercury. For that reason, it is necessary to remove HID headlights before vehicle disposal. Once removed, please reuse, recycle or dispose of the HID headlights as hazardous waste.

& Models without HID head-

lights

NOTE

This vehicle does not contain mercury devices or parts.

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.

– CONTINUED –

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.

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 inj ur y or damag e 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 will 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

AT Automatic transmission

ATF Automatic transmission fluid

AWD All-wheel drive

DRL Daytime running light

EBD

ELR Emergency locking retractor

FWD Front-wheel drive

GAW Gross axle weight

GAWR Gross axle weight rating

GVW Gross vehicle weight

GVWR Gross vehicle weight rating

HID High intensity discharge

INT Intermittent

Automatic/Emergency locking retractor

Electronic brake force distribution

Abbreviation Meaning

LATCH

LED Light emitting diode

LSD Limited slip differential

MIL Malfunction indicator light

MMT

MT Manual transmission

OBD On-board diagnostics

RON Research octane number

SRS

TIN Tire identification number

TPMS

VDC

Lower anchors and tethers for children

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl

Supplemental restraint system

Tire pressure monitoring system

Vehicle dynamics control

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” F21.

Mark Name

WARNING

CAUTION

Power door lock

Power door unlock

Power window with automatic open (all models) and close (if equipped) function

Passengers’ windows lock and unlock

Fuel

Front fog lights

– CONTINUED –

Mark Name

Hazard warning flasher

Engine hood

Seat heater

Child restraint top tether anchorages

Child restraint lower anchorages

Horn

Wiper intermittent

Windshield washer

Windshield wiper mist (for single wipe)

Rear window wiper

Mark Name

Lights

Tail lights, license plate light and instrument panel illumination

Headlights

Turn signal

Illumination brightness

Fan speed

Instrument panel outlets

Instrument panel outlets and foot outlets

Foot outlets

Windshield defroster and foot outlets

Mark Name

Rear window defogger/Outside mirror defogger

Air recirculation

Engine oil

Washer

Door lock (Transmitter)

Door unlock (Transmitter)

Rear gate (Transmitter)

Rear window washer

Windshield defroster

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.

. 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” F1-12.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-34.

& 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.

– CONTINUED –

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 on the rear seat. Serious injury could result if a child accidentally opens the door and falls out. Refer to “Child safety locks” F2-19.

. 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” F2-20.

. Never leave unattended children

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.

For instructions and precautions, carefully read the following sections.

. For the seatbelt system, refer to “Seat- belts” F1-12.

. For the child restraint system, refer to “Child restraint systems” F1-22.

. For the SRS airbag system, refer to “*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)” F1-34.

& 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 reactions 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 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 reactions 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 reactions 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.

– CONTINUED –

& 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

WARNING

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 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 protecti on society or pet shop.

& Tire pressures

Check and, if necessary, adj ust 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” F11-29.

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.

& 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.

& 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

& Noise from under the vehicle NOTE

You may hear a noise from under the vehicle approximately 5 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 the operation is normal. The noise will stop after approximately 15 minutes.

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

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 3-30)

3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-45)

4) Wiper switch (page 3-34)

5) Moonroof (page 2-24)

6) Roof rail (page 8-14)

7) Door locks (page 2-4)

8) Tire pressure (page 11-31)

9) Flat tires (page 9-6)

10) Tire chains (page 8-11)

11) Front fog light switch (page 3-32)

12) Tie-down hooks (page 9-14)

13) Towing hook (page 9-14)

1) Rear window defogger button (page 3-45)

2) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-3)

3) Child safety locks (page 2-19)

4) Tie-down hook (page 9-14)

5) Rear gate (page 2-23)

6) Towing hook (page 9-14)

– CONTINUED –

& Interior

! Passenger compartment area

1) Lower anchorages for child restraint system (page 1-29)

2) Seatbelt (page 1-12)

3) Parking brake lever (page 7-29)

4) Front seat (page 1-2)

5) Rear seat (page 1-7)

1) Center console (page 6-5)

2) Cup holder (page 6-8)

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

4) Glove box (page 6-5)

– CONTINUED –

& Instrument panel

1) Door locks (page 2-4)

2) Outside mirror switch (page 3-44)

3) Illumination brightness control (page 3-32)

4) Light control lever (page 3-29)

5) Combination meter (page 3-6)

6) Wiper control lever (page 3-33)

7) Hazard warning flasher switch (page 3-5)

8) Audio (page 5-1)

9) Shift lever (MT) (page 7-13)/ Select lever (AT) (page 7-15)

10) Climate control (page 4-1)

11) Cruise control (page 7-32)

12) Horn (page 3-47)

13) SRS airbag (page 1-34)

14) Tilt/telescopic steering (page 3-47)

15) Hands-free switches (page 5-42)

16) Audio control buttons (page 5-37)

17) Fuse box (page 11-44)

18) Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch (page 7-27)

19) Hood lock release knob (page 11-5)

20) Power windows (page 2-20)

& Light control and wiper control levers/switches

1) Windshield wiper (page 3-34)

2) Mist (page 3-35)

3) Windshield washer (page 3-35)

4) Rear window wiper and washer switch (page 3-36)

5) Wiper intermittent time control switch (page 3-35)

6) Wiper control lever (page 3-33)

7) Light control switch (page 3-29)

8) Fog light switch (page 3-32)

9) Headlight ON/OFF (page 3-30)

10) Headlight flasher High/Low beam change (page 3-30)

11) Turn signal (page 3-31)

– CONTINUED –

& Combination meter

! Type A

1) Tachometer (page 3-10)

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

3) Select lever and gear position indicator (page 3-24)

4) Speedometer (page 3-8)

5) Information display switching knob (page 3-26)

6) ECO gauge (page 3-12)

7) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

8) Temperature gauge (page 3-11)

9) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-6)

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

1) Tachometer (page 3-10)

2) Speedometer (page 3-8)

3) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

4) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-6)

5) Odometer/Trip meter (page 3-8)

6) Select lever and gear position indicator (AT models) (page 3-24)

7) Coolant temperature low indicator light/ Coolant temperature high warning light (page 3-16)

– CONTINUED –

! Type B (except U.S.-spec. models)

1) Tachometer (page 3-10)

2) Speedometer (page 3-8)

3) Fuel gauge (page 3-10)

4) Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob (page 3-6)

5) Odometer/Trip meter (page 3-8)

6) Select lever and gear position indicator (AT models) (page 3-24)

7) Coolant temperature low indicator light/ Coolant temperature high warning light (page 3-16)

& Warning and indicator lights

Mark Name Page

Seatbelt warning light 3-13

Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light

SRS airbag system warning light

Front passenger’s fron-

tal airbag ON indicator

Front passenger’s fron-

tal airbag OFF indicator

CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light

Coolant temperature low indicator light (if equipped)/Coolant temperature high warning light (if equipped)

Charge warning light 3-17

Oil pressure warning light

AT OIL TEMP warning light (AT models)

3-13

3-15

3-16

3-17

3-18

Mark Name Page

/ ABS warning light 3-19

Brake system warning

light

Door open warning light 3-21

AWD warning light (AT models)

Hill start assist warning light (MT models)

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

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light

Turn signal indicator lights

High beam indicator light 3-25

Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light (models with HID headlights)

3-20

3-21

3-22

3-23

3-24

3-22

Mark Name Page

Front fog light indicator light (if equipped)

Security indicator light 3-23

Headlight indicator light 3-25

Cruise control indicator light

Cruise control set indicator light

Low fuel warning light 3-21

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

SPORT mode indicator light (AT models)

3-25

3-18

3-24

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 the genuine SUBARU DVD navigation system, the settings for some of these functions can be changed using the navigation monitor. For details, please refer to the Owner’s Manual supplement for the navigation system.

Item Function Possible settings Default setting

Alarm system Alarm system Operation/Non-operation Operation

Monitoring start delay time (after closure of doors)

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

Passive arming Operation/Non-operation Non-operation

Dome light/map lights illumination ON/OFF OFF

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

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

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

Map light/Dome light Operation of map light/dome light OFF delay

Battery drainage prevention function

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

*: The setting can only be changed at a SUBARU dealer.

Horn chirp confirmation ON/OFF ON

Rear window defogger, outside mirror defogger and windshield wiper deicer

timer

Battery drainage prevention function* Operation/Non-operation Operation

0 second/30 seconds 30 seconds

Operation/Non-operation Non-operation

Operation for 15 minutes/ Continuous operation

OFF/Short/Normal/Long Long

Operation for 15 minutes

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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

Manual seat ........................................................ 1-3

Power seat (driver’s seat – if equipped) ............... 1-4

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

Active head restraint ........................................... 1-6

Seat heater (if equipped) .................................... 1-6

Rear seats............................................................ 1-7

Armrest .............................................................. 1-8

Head restraint adjustment.................................... 1-8

Reclining the seatback (if equipped) ................... 1-10

Folding down the rear seatback.......................... 1-11

Seatbelts ............................................................. 1-12

Seatbelt safety tips............................................. 1-12

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ................... 1-13

Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor

(A/ELR) ............................................................ 1-13

Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 1-14

Fastening the seatbelt ........................................ 1-14

Seatbelt maintenance ......................................... 1-20

Front seatbelt pretensioners ............................. 1-20

System monitors ................................................ 1-21

System servicing ............................................... 1-21

Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-22

Child restraint systems ..................................... 1-22

Where to place a child restraint system.............. 1-23

Choosing a child restraint system ...................... 1-25

Installing child restraint systems with A/ELR

seatbelt ........................................................... 1-25

Installing a booster seat..................................... 1-28

Installation of child restraint systems by use of

lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) .............. 1-29

Top tether anchorages ....................................... 1-32

*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint

System airbag)................................................ 1-34

Models with SRS airbags and lap/shoulder

restraints for driver, front passenger, and

window-side rear passengers........................... 1-34

SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system ........... 1-38

SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag............. 1-48

SRS airbag system monitors .............................. 1-58

SRS airbag system servicing ............................. 1-59

Precautions against vehicle modification ............ 1-60

1-2 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

Front seats

WARNING

. Never adjust the seat while driv-

ing to avoid loss of vehicle control and 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

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

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-3

restraint device or in a seatbelt, 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” F1-22.

& Manual seat

! Forward and backward adjustment

Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to the desired position. Then release the lever and move the seat back and forth to make sure that it is securely locked into place.

! Reclining the seatback

Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the seatback to the desired position. Then release the lever and make sure the seatback is securely locked into place.

The seatback placed in a reclined position can spring back upward with force when the lever is pulled. While operating the lever to return the seatback, hold the seatback lightly so that it may be raised back gradually.

– CONTINUED –

1-4 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags

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 cushion height adjustment

1) When the lever is pushed down, the seat is lowered.

2) When the lever is pulled up, the seat rises.

The height of the seat can be adjusted by moving the seat cushion adjustment lever up and down.

& Power seat (driver’s seat – if

equipped)

1) Seat position forward/backward con-

trol switch

To adjust the seat forward or backward, move the control switch forward or backward. During forward/backward ad-

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags 1-5

justment of the seat, you cannot adjust the seat cushion angle or seat cushion height.

2) Seat cushion angle control switch To adjust the seat cushion angle, pull up or push down the front end of the control switch.

3) Seatback angle (reclining) control

switch

To adjust the angle of the seatback, tilt the control switch forward or backward.

4) Seat height control switch To adjust the seat height, pull up or push down the rear end of the control switch.

5) Lumbar support control switch To increase lumbar support, push the front side of the switch. To decrease lumbar support, push the rear side of the switch.

WARNING

To prevent the passenger from sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a collision, always put the seatback in the u pright 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.

& Head restraint adjustment

1) Head restraint

2) Release button

Both the driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat are equipped with head restraints.

The head restraint should be adjusted so that the center of the head restraint is closest to the top of the occupant’s ears.

To raise:

Pull the head restraint up.

To lower:

Push the head restraint down while pressing the release button on the top of the seatback.

To remove:

While pressing the release button, pull out the head restraint.

To install:

Install the head restraint into the holes that are located on the top of the seatback until the head restraint locks.

WARNING

. Never drive the vehicle with the

head restraints removed because they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear. Therefore, when you remove the head restraints, you must reinstall all head restraints to protect vehicle occu-

– CONTINUED –

+ 408 hidden pages

Subaru Forester 2 5X 2012 Owner's Manual

Foreword

Warranties

How to use this Owner’s Manual

Vehicle symbols

Safety precautions when driving

General information

Table of contents

Function settings

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags