Subaru Solterra (2023 year). Manual in english

498

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Vehicles with footwell lights:
Unplug the connector.

Unlock the filter cover ( ),
pull the filter cover out of the
claws ( ), and remove the
filter cover.

Hold the filter case and
remove the lower filter case.

Hold the filter case and
pull down the upper filter
case.

Hold the filter case and
remove the upper filter case.

Dust and dirt (fallen leaves, etc.)

may have accumulated within the

bottom of the air conditioning unit,

so remove it with a vacuum cleaner.

Remove the air conditioning
filter from the upper and
lower filter case and replace
it with a new one.

499

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Install so that the arrow points to

the rear of the vehicle.

When installing, reverse the

steps listed.

■

When installing the filter cover

Slide the recessed part

of the fil-

ter cover on the upper surface of the
upper filter case

as shown in the

figure, and attach it so that it is lifted
toward the insertion part of the
cover attachment.

■

Checking interval

Inspect and replace the air condi-

tioning filter according to the mainte-

nance schedule. In dusty areas or

areas with heavy traffic flow, early

replacement may be required. (For

scheduled maintenance information,

please refer to the “Warranty and

Maintenance Booklet” or “Warranty

and Service Booklet”.)

■

If air flow from the vents

decreases dramatically

The filter may be clogged. Check

the filter and replace if necessary.

■

Air conditioning filter with

deodorizing function

When fragrances are placed in your

vehicle, the deodorizing effect may

become significantly weakened in a

short period.
When an air conditioning odor

comes out continuously, replace the

air conditioning filter.

WARNING

■

When replacing the air condi-

tioning filter

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result

in the air conditioning system

operating during the procedure,

possibly resulting in injury.

●

Check that the charging con-

nector is not connected

●

Do not use the Remote Air Con-

ditioning System

NOTICE

■

When using the air condition-

ing system

●

Make sure that a filter is always

installed. Using the air condi-

tioning system without a filter

may cause damage to the sys-

tem.

●

The filter is replaceable. When

cleaning the filter, do not clean

with water or an air gun.

■

To prevent damage to the fil-

ter cover

When moving the filter cover in

the direction of arrow to release

the fitting, pay attention not to

apply excessive force to the

claws. Otherwise, the claws may

be damaged.

500

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

■

If the key battery is depleted

The following symptoms may occur:

●

The smart key system and wire-

less remote control will not func-

tion properly.

●

The operational range will be

reduced.

Prepare the following before
replacing the battery:



Flathead screwdriver



Small flathead screwdriver



Lithium battery CR2450

■

Use a CR2450 lithium battery

●

Batteries can be purchased at

your SUBARU dealer, local electri-

cal appliance shops or camera

stores.

●

Replace only with the same or

equivalent type recommended by

the manufacturer.

●

Dispose of used batteries accord-

ing to the local laws.

Release the lock and remove
the mechanical key.

Remove the key cover.

Use a screwdriver of an appropriate

size. Forcedly prying may cause

the cover damaged.
To prevent damage to the key,

cover the tip of the flathead screw-

driver with a rag.

Remove the depleted battery
using a small flathead screw-
driver.

When removing the cover, the elec-

tronic key module may stick to the

cover and the battery may not be

visible.
In this case, remove the electronic

key module in order to remove the

battery.
When removing the battery, use a

screwdriver of an appropriate size.
Insert a new battery with the “+” ter-

Electronic key battery

Replace the battery with a
new one if it is depleted.

Items to prepare

Replacing the battery

501

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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minal facing up.

When installing the key cover
and mechanical key, install
by conducting step 2 and
step 1 with the directions
reversed.

WARNING

■

Battery precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.
Failure to do so may result in

death or serious injury.

●

Do not swallow the battery.

Doing so may cause chemical

burns.

●

A coin battery or button battery

is used in the electronic key. If a

battery is swallowed, it may

cause severe chemical burns in

as little as 2 hours and may

result in death or serious injury.

●

Keep away new and removed

batteries from children.

●

If the cover cannot be firmly

closed, stop using the electronic

key and stow the key in the

place where children cannot

reach, and then contact your

SUBARU dealer.

●

If you accidentally swallow a

battery or put a battery into a

part of your body, get emer-

gency medical attention imme-

diately.

■

To prevent battery explosion

or leakage of flammable liq-

uid or gas

●

Replace the battery with a new

battery of the same type. If a

wrong type of battery is used, it

may explode.

●

Do not expose batteries to

extremely low pressure due to

high altitude or extremely high

temperatures.

●

Do not burn, break or cut a bat-

tery.

NOTICE

■

When replacing the battery

Use a flathead screwdriver of

appropriate size. Applying exces-

sive force may deform or damage

the cover.

■

For normal operation after

replacing the battery

Observe the following precautions

to prevent accidents:

●

Always work with dry hands.

Moisture may cause the battery

to rust.

●

Do not touch or move any other

component inside the remote

control.

●

Do not bend either of the battery

terminals.

502

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Turn the power switch off.

Confirm that the charging connec-

tor is not connected. Also, do not

use the Remote Air Conditioning

System during the procedure.

Open the fuse box cover.



Motor compartment

Push the tab in and lift the lid off.



Left side instrument panel

Remove the lid.

Remove the fuse.

Only type A fuse can be removed

using the pullout tool.

Check if the fuse is blown.

Replace the blown fuse with a new

fuse of an appropriate amperage

rating. The amperage rating can be

found on the fuse box lid.



Type A

Normal fuse

Blown fuse



Type B

Normal fuse

Checking and replac-

ing fuses

If any of the electrical com-
ponents do not operate, a
fuse may have blown. If this
happens, check and replace
the fuses as necessary.

Checking and replacing
fuses

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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Blown fuse



Type C

Normal fuse

Blown fuse

■

After a fuse is replaced

●

When installing the lid, make sure

that the tab is installed securely.

●

If the lights do not turn on even

after the fuse has been replaced,

a bulb may need replacement.

●

If the replaced fuse blows again,

have the vehicle inspected SUB-

ARU dealer.

■

If there is an overload in a cir-

cuit

The fuses are designed to blow, pro-

tecting the wiring harness from

damage.

■

When replacing an electronic

component, such as a lights,

etc.

SUBARU recommends that you use

genuine SUBARU products

designed for this vehicle. Because

certain bulbs are connected to cir-

cuits designed to prevent overload,

non-genuine parts or parts not

designed for this vehicle may be

unusable.

WARNING

■

To prevent system break-

downs and vehicle fire

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may cause dam-

age to the vehicle, and possibly a

fire or injury.

●

Never use a fuse of a higher

amperage rating than that indi-

cated, or use any other object in

place of a fuse.

●

Always use a genuine SUBARU

fuse or equivalent.

Never replace a fuse with a

wire, even as a temporary fix.

●

Do not modify the fuses or fuse

boxes.

NOTICE

■

Before replacing fuses

Have the cause of electrical over-

load determined and repaired

SUBARU dealer as soon as pos-

sible.

504

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

Adjustment bolt A

Adjustment bolt B



Make sure the vehicle has a
full tank of gasoline and the
area around the headlight is
not deformed.



Park the vehicle on level
ground.



Make sure the tire inflation
pressure is at the specified
level.



Have someone sit in the
driver’s seat.



Bounce the vehicle several
times.

Using a Phillips-head screw-
driver, turn bolt A in either
direction.
Remember the turning direc-
tion and the number of turns.

Turn bolt B the same number
of turns and in the same
direction as step

If the headlight cannot be adjusted

using this procedure, take the vehi-

cle to your SUBARU dealer to

adjust the headlight aim.

Headlight aim

Vertical movement adjust-
ing bolts

Before checking the head-
light aim

Adjusting the headlight
aim

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7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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■

LED lights

The lights consist of a number of

LEDs. If any of the LEDs burn out,

take your vehicle to your SUBARU

dealer to have the light replaced.

■

Condensation build-up on the

inside of the lens

Temporary condensation build-up

on the inside of the headlight lens

does not indicate a malfunction.

Contact your SUBARU dealer for

more information in the following sit-

uations:

●

Large drops of water have built up

on the inside of the lens.

●

Water has built up inside the

headlight.

■

When replacing an electronic

component, such as a lights,

etc.



P.503

Light bulbs

If any exterior light does not
turn on, have it replaced by
your SUBARU dealer.

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When trouble arises

8-1. Essential information

Emergency flashers ....

508

If your vehicle has to be

stopped in an emergency

..................................

509

If the vehicle is submerged

or water on the road is ris-
ing .............................

510

8-2. Steps to take in an emer-

gency

If your vehicle needs to be

towed.........................

511

If you think something is

wrong ........................

515

If a warning light turns on or

a warning buzzer sounds

..................................

516

If a warning message is dis-

played........................

525

If you have a flat tire....

529

If the EV system will not

start ...........................

540

If you lose your keys ...

542

If the electronic key does

not operate properly ..

542

If the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged .....................

544

If your vehicle overheats

..................................

548

If the vehicle becomes stuck

..................................

550

508

8-1. Essential information

8-1.Essential information

Press the switch.

All the turn signal lights will flash.
To turn them off, press the switch
once again.

■

Emergency flashers

●

If the emergency flashers are

used for a long time while the EV

system is not operating (while the

“READY” indicator is not illumi-

nated), the 12-volt battery may

discharge.

●

If any of the SRS airbags deploy

(inflate) or in the event of a strong

rear impact, the emergency flash-

ers will turn on automatically.

The emergency flashers will turn

off automatically after operating

for approximately 20 minutes. To

manually turn the emergency

flashers off, press the switch

twice. (The emergency flashers

may not turn on automatically

depending on the force of the

impact and conditions of the colli-

sion.)

Emergency flashers

The emergency flashers are
used to warn other drivers
when the vehicle has to be
stopped in the road due to a
breakdown, etc.

Operating instructions

509

8-1. Essential information

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Steadily step on the brake
pedal with both feet and
firmly depress it.

Do not pump the brake pedal

repeatedly as this will increase the

effort required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the shift position to N.



If the shift position is shifted to
N

After slowing down, stop the
vehicle in a safe place by the
road.

Stop the EV system.



If the shift position cannot be
shifted to N

Keep depressing the brake
pedal with both feet to reduce
vehicle speed as much as
possible.

To stop the EV system: Press
and hold the power switch for
2 consecutive seconds or

more, or press it briefly 3
times or more in succession.

Stop the vehicle in a safe
place by the road.

■

If emergency stopped

The functions of the air conditioning,

etc., may be partially limited in order

to reduce the power consumption of

the 12-volt battery.

If your vehicle has to

be stopped in an emer-

gency

Only in an emergency, such
as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the
normal way, stop the vehi-
cle using the following pro-
cedure:

Stopping the vehicle

WARNING

■

If the EV system has to be

turned off while driving

Turning the EV system off while

driving will not cause a loss of

steering or braking control. How-

ever, power assist for the steering

wheel may be lost making it diffi-

cult to steer smoothly before stop-

ping the vehicle depending on the

remaining charge in the 12-volt

battery or usage conditions.

Decelerate as much as possible

before turning off the EV system.

510

8-1. Essential information



If the door can be opened,
open the door and exit the
vehicle.



If the door can not be opened,
open the window using the
power window switch and
ensure an escape route.



If the window can be opened,
exit the vehicle through the
window.



If the door and window cannot
be opened due to the rising
water, remain calm, wait until
the water level inside the
vehicle rises to the point that
the water pressure inside of
the vehicle equals the water
pressure outside of the vehi-
cle and then open the door
after waiting for the rising
water to enter the vehicle, and
exit the vehicle. When the

outside water level exceeds
half the height of the door, the
door cannot be opened from
the inside due to water pres-
sure.

■

Water level exceeds the floor

When the water level exceeds the

floor and time has passed, the elec-

trical equipment will get damaged,

the power windows will not operate,

the motor stop, and the vehicle may

not be able to get moving.

■

Using an emergency escape
hammer

Laminated glass is used in the wind-

shield on this vehicle.
Laminated glass cannot be shat-
tered with an emergency hammer

Tempered glass is used in the win-

dows on this vehicle.

: Contact your SUBARU dealer or

aftermarket accessory manufac-
turer for further information about
an emergency hammer.

If the vehicle is sub-

merged or water on

the road is rising

This vehicle is not designed
to be able to drive on roads
that are deeply flooded with
water. Do not drive on roads
where the roads may be
submerged or the water
may be rising. It is danger-
ous to remain in the vehicle,
if it anticipated that the
vehicle will be flooded or
set a drift. Remain calm and
follow the following.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

Do not drive on roads where the

roads may be submerged or the

water may be rising. Otherwise

the vehicle may be damaged and

cannot move, as well as become

flooded and set a drift, which may

lead to death.

511

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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8-2.Steps to take in an emergency

In the following situations, it is
not possible to be towed by
another vehicle using cables or
chains, as the front wheels may
be locked due to the parking
lock. Contact your SUBARU
dealer or commercial towing
service.



There is a malfunction in the
shift control system. (



P.233,

525)



There is a malfunction in the
immobilizer system. (



P.66)



There is a malfunction in the
smart key system. (



P.542)



The 12-volt battery is dis-
charged. (



P.544)

The following may indicate a
problem with your transmission.
Contact your SUBARU dealer or
commercial towing service
before towing.



The EV system warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-
information display and the
vehicle does not move.



The vehicle makes an abnor-
mal sound.



From the front

Use a towing dolly under the
rear wheels.

If your vehicle needs

to be towed

If towing is necessary, we
recommend having your
vehicle towed by your SUB-
ARU dealer or commercial
towing service, using a
wheel-lift type truck or flat-
bed truck.

Use a safety chain system
for all towing, and abide by
all state/provincial and local
laws.

Situations when it is not
possible to be towed by
another vehicle

Situations when it is nec-
essary to contact dealers
before towing

Towing with a wheel-lift
type truck

512

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency



From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.

When using a flat-bed truck to
transport the vehicle, use tire
strapping belts. Refer to the
owner’s manual of the flat-bed
truck for the tire strapping
method.
In order to suppress vehicle
movement during transporta-
tion, set the parking brake and
turn the power switch off.

If a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using
cables or chains secured to the
emergency towing eyelets. This

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result

in death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle

Be sure to transport the vehicle

with all four wheels raised off the

ground. If the vehicle is towed

with the tires contacting the

ground, the drivetrain or related

parts may be damaged, the vehi-

cle may fly off the truck, or elec-

tricity generated by the operation

of the motor may cause a fire to

occur depending on the nature of

the damage or malfunction.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the

vehicle when towing using a

wheel-lift type truck

When raising the vehicle, ensure

adequate ground clearance for

towing at the opposite end of the

raised vehicle. Without adequate

clearance, the vehicle could be

damaged while being towed.

■

Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck

to prevent body damage.

Using a flatbed truck

Emergency towing

513

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for short
distances at under 18 mph (30
km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes.
The vehicle’s wheels, drive train,
axles, steering and brakes must
be in good condition.

To have your vehicle towed by
another vehicle, the towing eye-
let must be installed to your
vehicle. Install the towing eyelet
using the following procedure.

Take out the wheel bolt
wrench

and towing eyelet.

(



P.531)

: Wheel bolt wrench can be pur-

chased at your SUBARU dealer.

Remove the eyelet cover
using a flathead screwdriver.

To protect the bodywork, place a

rag between the screwdriver and

the vehicle body as shown in the

illustration.

Insert the towing eyelet into
the hole and tighten partially
by hand.

Tighten down the towing eye-
let securely using a wheel
bolt wrench

or hard metal

bar.

: Wheel bolt wrench can be pur-

chased at your SUBARU dealer.

Securely attach cables or
chains to the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehi-

cle body.

Enter the vehicle being towed
and start the EV system.

If the EV system does not start, turn

the power switch to ON.

Shift the shift position to N
and release the parking
brake.

Turn automatic mode off. (



P.244)

Emergency towing proce-
dure

514

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

While towing

If the EV system is off, the power

assist for the brakes and steering

will not function, making steering

and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel bolt wrench

Wheel bolt wrench can be pur-

chased at your SUBARU dealer.

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions. Failure to do so may result

in death or serious injury.

■

While towing

●

When towing using cables or

chains, avoid sudden starts,

etc., which place excessive

stress on the towing eyelets,

cables or chains. The towing

eyelets, cables or chains may

become damaged, broken

debris may hit people, and

cause serious damage.

●

Do not perform any of the fol-

lowing as doing so may cause

the parking lock mechanism to

engage, locking the front

wheels and possibly leading to

an accident resulting in death or

serious injury:

• Unfasten the driver’s seat belt

and open the driver’s door.

• Turn the power switch off.

■

Installing towing eyelets to

the vehicle

Make sure that towing eyelets are

installed securely. If not securely

installed, towing eyelets may

come loose during towing.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the

vehicle during emergency

towing

Do not secure cables or chains to

the suspension components.

Subaru Solterra (2023 year). Manual in english - page 31