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:
Press the AUTO button. The indicator
light “FULL AUTO” on the multi-function
display (color LCD) illuminates.
Set the preferred temperature using
the temperature control dial.
NOTE
If you operate any of the buttons on the
control panel other than the ON/OFF
button, the rear window defogger button,
the SYNC button (if equipped) and
the temperature control dial(s) during
FULL AUTO mode operation, the
“FULL” indicator light on the control
panel will turn off and the “AUTO”
indicator light will remain illuminated...
Before going down a steep hill, slow
down and shift to a lower gear (if necessary,
use 1st gear) in order to utilize the
engine braking effect and prevent overheating
of your vehicle’s brakes. Do not
make sudden downshifts.
When driving uphill in hot weather, the
air conditioner may turn off automatically
to protect the engine from overheating...