Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
- Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
- Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
- Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
- Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
- Check that the hood and rear gate are
fully closed.
- Check the adjustment of the seat.
- Check the adjustment of the inside and
outside mirrors.
- Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
- Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
- Check the gauges, indicator and warning
lights after starting the engine.
CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cooling
fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment or under the vehicle
before starting the engine.
NOTE
- Engine oil, engine coolant, brake
fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
- When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer
hitch (dealer option)”.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than 10 seconds.
If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again...
Other information:
A head-on collision against a thick concrete
wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19
mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates
only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbags. The airbag(s) will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a
frontal impact similar in fashion and
magnitude to the collision described
above...
WARNING
Never turn the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position while the
vehicle is being driven or towed
because that will lock the steering
wheel, preventing steering
control. And when the engine is
turned off, it takes a much greater
effort than usual to steer...