Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 28

(450,1)

Rear window wiper blade assembly .................... 477
Rear window wiper blade rubber ......................... 478

11-20. Battery ......................................................... 479
11-21. Fuses ........................................................... 481
11-22. Installation of accessories ......................... 482
11-23. Replacing bulbs .......................................... 483

Headlights .......................................................... 483
Front turn signal light ......................................... 484
Front side marker lights (if equipped) ................. 485
Front fog light (if equipped) ................................ 485
Rear turn signal lights ........................................ 485

Backup light....................................................... 487
Vanity mirror light .............................................. 488
Door step light ................................................... 488
Cargo area light ................................................. 488
Other bulbs........................................................ 488
Adjusting headlight aim ..................................... 488

11-24. Replacing key battery .................................489

Safety precautions ............................................. 489
Replacing battery of access key fob ................... 490
Replacing transmitter battery ............................. 491

Maintenance and service

(451,1)

11-1. Maintenance schedule

U.S. models

The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Mainte-
nance Booklet”. For details, read the
separate “Warranty and Maintenance
Booklet”.

Canada models

The scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Warranty and Service
Booklet”. For details, read the separate
“Warranty and Service Booklet”.

Except for U.S. and Canada models

Some items of your vehicle are required to
be serviced at scheduled intervals. For
details about your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Warranty and Main-
tenance Booklet”.

NOTE

For models with a multi-function dis-
play (color LCD), you can set a remin-
der to be displayed when a scheduled
maintenance item is almost due. For
details, refer to “Maintenance settings”

�

P223.

11-2. Maintenance precau-
tions

When maintenance and service are re-
quired, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized SUBARU dealer.

If you perform maintenance and service by
yourself, you should familiarize yourself
with the information provided in this sec-
tion on general maintenance and service
for your SUBARU.

Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera-
tion. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.

WARNING

Always select a safe area when

performing maintenance on your
vehicle.

Always be very careful to avoid

injury when working on the vehi-
cle. Remember that some of the
materials in the vehicle may be
hazardous if improperly used or
handled, for example, battery
acid.

Your vehicle should only be ser-

viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experi-
enced in servicing vehicles.

Always use the proper tools and

make certain that they are well
maintained.

Never get under the vehicle sup-

ported only by a jack. Always use
safety stands to support the
vehicle.

Never keep the engine running in

a poorly ventilated area, such as
a garage or other closed areas.

Do not smoke or allow open

flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.

Because the fuel system is under

pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only
by your SUBARU dealer.

Wear adequate eye protection to

guard against getting oil or fluids
in your eyes. If something does
get in your eyes, thoroughly
wash them out with clean water.

Do not tamper with the wiring of

the SRS airbag system or seat-
belt pretensioner system, or at-

– CONTINUED –

Maintenance schedule

449

Maintenance

and

service

(452,1)

tempt to take its connectors
apart, as this may activate the
system or render it inoperative.
NEVER use a circuit tester for
this wiring. If your SRS airbag or
seatbelt pretensioner needs ser-
vice, consult your nearest
SUBARU dealer.

Check the inside of the engine

compartment to see if there are
any cloths and tools left. If they
are left inside, they may be a
cause of malfunction and fire.

NOTE

SUBARU does not endorse the use of
non-SUBARU approved flushing sys-
tems and strongly advises against
performing these services on a
SUBARU vehicle. Non-SUBARU ap-
proved flushing systems use chemi-
cals and/or solvents which have not
been tested or approved by SUBARU.
SUBARU warranties do not cover any
part of the vehicle which is damaged by
adding or applying chemicals and/or
solvents other than those approved or
recommended by SUBARU.

Before checking or servicing
in the engine compartment

WARNING

Always stop the engine and apply

the parking brake firmly to pre-
vent the vehicle from moving.

Always let the engine cool down.

Engine parts become very hot
when the engine is running and
remain hot for some time after the
engine has stopped.

Do not spill engine oil, engine

coolant, brake fluid or any other
fluid on hot engine components.
This may cause a fire.

When the ignition switch is in the

“ON” position, the cooling fan
may operate suddenly even when
the engine is stopped. If your
body or clothes come into con-
tact with a rotating fan, that could
result in serious injury. To avoid
risk of injury, perform the follow-
ing precautions.

– Models with push-button start

system:
Always turn the push-button
ignition switch to the “OFF”
position and confirm that the

operation indicator on the
switch is turned off. Then take
the access key fob out from
the vehicle.

– Models without push-button

start system:
Always remove the key from
the ignition switch.

Before performing any servicing

on a vehicle equipped with a
remote engine start system (a
dealer option), temporarily place
the remote engine start system in
service mode to prevent it from
unexpectedly starting the engine.

Maintenance precautions

450

(453,1)

When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment

CAUTION

Do not touch the engine cover

while checking the components
in the engine compartment.
Doing so may cause your hand
to slip off the cover and result in
an unexpected injury.

Do not touch the oil filter until the

engine has cooled down comple-
tely. Doing so may result in a burn
or other injury. Note that the oil
filter becomes very hot when the
engine is running and remains
hot for some time after the engine
has stopped.

When checking or servicing
in the engine compartment
while the engine is running

WARNING

A running engine can be dangerous.
Keep your fingers, hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from the cooling
fan, drive belt and any other moving
engine parts. Removing rings,
watches and ties is advisable.

11-3. Maintenance tips

Some clips and fender linings must be
removed before replacing the air cleaner
elements or specific bulbs.

Removing and reinstalling
clips

Removing clips

There are several types of clips used for
your vehicle.

Type A clips

1. Turn the clips counterclockwise using

a flat-head screwdriver until the center
portion of the clip is raised.

2. Remove the clips with a flat-head

screwdriver using leverage.

– CONTINUED –

Maintenance tips

451

Maintenance

and

service

(454,1)

3. Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.

Type B clips

1. Pull out the center portion of the clip

using a flat-head screwdriver as shown
in the illustration.

2. Pull the protruded center portion to

remove the entire body of the clip.

Type C clips

1. Turn the clip counterclockwise using a

Phillips screwdriver until the center
portion of the clip is raised.

2. Remove the entire clip by pulling it up.

Reinstalling clips

Type A clips

Type B clips

Maintenance tips

452

(455,1)

Type C clips

Insert the clip without the center portion
first and then push the center portion of the
clip into the hole.

11-4. Engine hood

CAUTION

Be extremely careful not to catch

fingers or other objects when
closing the engine hood.

Do not push the hood forcibly to

close it. It could deform the metal.

Be extremely careful opening the

engine hood when the wind is
strong. The engine hood could
close suddenly, possibly causing
injuries from slamming.

Do not install accessories other

than genuine SUBARU parts to
the engine hood. If the engine
hood becomes too heavy, the
stay may not be able to support
holding it open.

Check that the end of the hood

stay is inserted into the slot. If it is
not inserted properly, the hood
may drop and cause injury.

To open the hood:

1. If the wiper blades are lifted off the

windshield, return them to their original
position.

2. Pull the hood release knob under the

instrument panel.

– CONTINUED –

Engine hood

453

Maintenance

and

service

(456,1)

3. Release the secondary hood release

by moving the lever between the front
grille and the hood toward the left.

Grip

4. Lift up the hood, release the hood prop

from its retainer and put the end of the

hood prop into the slot in the hood.
Hold the grip for handling the hood
prop.

To close the hood:

1. Lift the hood slightly and remove the

hood prop from the slot in the hood and
return the prop to its retainer.

2. Lower the hood to a height of approxi-

mately 7.8 to 11.8 in (20 to 30 cm)
above its closed position and then let it
drop.

3. After closing the hood, be sure the

hood is securely locked.

If this does not close the hood, release it
from a slightly higher position.

WARNING

Always check that the hood is
properly locked before you start
driving. If it is not, it might fly open
while the vehicle is moving and
block your view, which may cause
an accident and serious bodily in-
jury.

Engine hood

454

(457,1)

11-5. Engine compartment overview

Brake fluid reservoir (page 463)

Fuse box (page 481)

Battery (page 479)

Windshield washer tank (page 473)

Engine oil filler cap (page 456)

Engine coolant reservoir (page 459)

Radiator cap (page 459)

Engine oil filter (page 457)

Engine oil level gauge (page 456)

Air cleaner case (page 460)

Engine compartment overview

455

Maintenance

and

service

(458,1)

11-6. Engine oil

CAUTION

If the level gauge cannot be

pulled out easily, twist the level
gauge right and left, then gently
pull it out. Otherwise, you may be
injured accidentally straining
yourself.

Use only engine oil with the

recommended grade and vis-
cosity.

Be careful not to spill engine oil

when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

Engine oil consumption

Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and may
require refilling between maintenance in-
tervals.

When the engine is new and within the
break-in period.

When the engine oil is of lower quality.

When the incorrect oil viscosity is used.

When engine braking is employed
(repeatedly).

When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time).

When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of
time).

When towing a trailer

When the engine idles for extended
periods of time.

When the vehicle is operated in stop-
and-go and/or heavy traffic situations.

When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions.

When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently.

Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil more
frequently. Different drivers in the same
car may experience different results. If
your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU dealer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.

Locations of the oil level
gauge, oil filler cap and oil
filter

Oil level gauge

Oil filler cap

Oil filter

Checking the oil level

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position. If you check the oil
level just after turning the ignition
switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position,
wait for at least 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before
checking the level.

Engine oil

456

(459,1)

CAUTION

If the level gauge cannot be pulled
out easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then gently pull it out.
Otherwise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.

2. Pull out the level gauge, wipe it clean,

and insert it again.

3. Be sure the level gauge is correctly

inserted until it stops.

Full level

Low level

Approximately 1.1 US qt (1.0 liters, 0.9
Imp qt) from low level to full level

4. Pull out the oil level gauge again.
5. Check the oil levels on both sides of the

level gauge. The engine oil level must

be judged by the lowest of the two
levels. If the oil level is below the low
level mark, add oil so that the full level
is reached.

CAUTION

Be careful not to touch the engine

oil filter when removing the oil
filler cap. Doing so may result in a
burn, a pinched finger, or may
cause some other injury.

Use only engine oil with the

recommended grade and vis-
cosity.

Be careful not to spill engine oil

when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.

To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.

NOTE

To prevent overfilling the engine oil,
do not add any additional oil above

the upper level when the engine is
cold.

After adding or changing the engine
oil, warm up the engine and stop it
on a level surface, then start the
engine after a lapse of 1 minute or
more. Confirm that the warning light
has turned off after the engine has
started. Refer to “Engine low oil level
warning light”

�

P172.

Changing the oil and oil filter

Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
The engine oil and oil filter must be
changed more frequently than listed in
the maintenance schedule when driving
on dusty roads, when short trips are
frequently made, or when driving in ex-
tremely cold weather.

NOTE

Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a well-
t r a i n e d e x p e r t . C o n t a c t y o u r
SUBARU dealer for changing the
engine oil and oil filter. Fully trained
mechanics are on standby at a
SUBARU dealer to utilize the special
tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also,

– CONTINUED –

Engine oil

457

Maintenance

and

service

(460,1)

used oils are properly disposed of.

If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations
and dispose of waste oil properly.

Recommended grade and
viscosity

CAUTION

Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.

Refer to “Engine oil”

�

P495.

NOTE

Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity
provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.

Synthetic oil

You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using syn-
thetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil”

�

P495. Also, you must follow the oil

and filter changing intervals shown in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

NOTE

Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.

11-7. Cooling system

Safety precautions

WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has
cooled down completely. Since the
coolant is under pressure, you may
suffer serious burns from a spray of
boiling hot coolant when the cap is
removed.

CAUTION

Vehicles are filled at the factory

with SUBARU SUPER COOLANT
that does not require the first
change for 11 years/137,500
miles (11 years/220,000 km). This
coolant should not be mixed with
any other brand or type of cool-
ant during this period. Mixing
with a different coolant will re-
duce the life of the coolant. When
necessary to add the coolant for
any reason, use only SUBARU
SUPER COOLANT.

If the SUBARU SUPER COOLANT
is diluted with another brand or

Cooling system

458

(461,1)

type, the maintenance interval is
shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.

Do not splash the engine coolant

over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.

Cooling fan, hose and con-
nections

Your vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.

If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the coolant temperature high
warning light blinks or illuminates in

RED

the cooling fan circuit may be defective.
Refer to “Coolant temperature low indica-
tor light/Coolant temperature high warning
light”

�

P171.

Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “Fuses”

�

P481. If the fuse is not

blown, have the cooling system checked
by your SUBARU dealer.

If the frequent addition of coolant is
necessary between vehicle service visits,
it is recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized

SUBARU dealer to check for leaks, da-
mage, or looseness.

Engine coolant

Checking the coolant level

WARNING

“FULL” level mark

“LOW” level mark

Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside

of the reservoir while the engine is
cool.

2. If the level is close to or lower than the

“LOW” level mark, add coolant up to
the “FULL” level mark. If the reserve
tank is empty, remove the radiator cap
and refill coolant up to just below the
filler neck as shown in the following
illustration.

Fill up to this level.

– CONTINUED –

Cooling system

459

Maintenance

and

service

(462,1)

3. After refilling the reserve tank and the

radiator, reinstall the cap and check
that the rubber gaskets inside the
radiator cap are in the proper position.

CAUTION

Be careful not to spill engine

coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.

Do not splash the engine coolant

over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.

Changing the coolant

It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.

The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

11-8. Air cleaner element

WARNING

Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters in-
take air but also stops flames if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner
element is not installed when the
engine backfires, you could be
burned.

CAUTION

When replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment, use a genuine SUBARU air
cleaner element. If it is not used, it
will cause a negative effect to the
engine.

The air cleaner element functions as a filter
screen. When the element is perforated or
removed, engine wear will be excessive
and engine life shortened.

It is not necessary to clean or wash the air
cleaner element.

Air cleaner element

460

(463,1)

Replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment

Replace the air cleaner element according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Under
extremely dusty conditions, replace it
more frequently. It is recommended that
you always use genuine SUBARU parts.

1. Unsnap the two clips holding the air

cleaner case (rear).

2. Open the air cleaner case and pull the

cover rearward while lifting it up.

3. Remove the air cleaner element.
4. Clean the inside of the air cleaner case

(both front and rear) with a damp cloth
and install a new air cleaner element.

5. To install the air cleaner case (rear),

insert the three projections on the air

cleaner case (rear) into the slits on the
air cleaner case (front).

6. Install in the reverse order of removal.

NOTE

Install the air cleaner element so that
the surface with “UPR” printed on it
faces upward.

Air cleaner element

461

Maintenance

and

service

(464,1)

11-9. Spark plugs

It may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have the
spark plugs replaced by your SUBARU
dealer.

The spark plugs should be replaced
according to the maintenance schedule
in the “Warranty and Maintenance Book-
let”.

CAUTION

Make sure the cables are replaced in
the correct order.

Recommended spark plugs

For the recommended spark plugs, refer to
“Electrical system”

�

P498.

11-10. Drive belt

It is unnecessary to check the deflection of
the drive belt periodically because your
engine is equipped with an automatic belt
tension adjuster. However, replacement of
the belt should be done according to the
maintenance schedule in the “Warranty
and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult your
SUBARU dealer for replacement.
If the drive belt is loose, cracked or worn,
contact your SUBARU dealer.

11-11. Continuously variable
transmission fluid

It is not necessary to check the transmis-
sion fluid level. Check that there are no
cracks, damage or leakage. However, the
fluid inspection should be performed ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule in
the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
Consult your SUBARU dealer for details.

Spark plugs

462

(465,1)

11-12. Front differential gear
oil and rear differential gear
oil

It is not necessary to check the gear oil
level. Check that there are no cracks,
damage or leakage. However, the oil
inspection should be performed according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”. Consult
your SUBARU dealer for details.

Recommended grade and
viscosity

Each oil manufacturer has its own base
oils and additives. Never use different
brands together. For details, refer to “Front
differential and rear differential gear oil”

�

P497.

CAUTION

Using a differential gear oil other
than the specified oil may cause a
decline in vehicle performance.

11-13. Brake fluid

Checking the fluid level

WARNING

Never let brake fluid contact your

eyes because brake fluid can be
harmful to your eyes. If brake
fluid gets in your eyes, immedi-
ately flush them thoroughly with
clean water. For safety, when
performing this work, wearing
eye protection is advisable.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture

from the air. Any absorbed moist-
ure can cause a dangerous loss
of braking performance.

If the vehicle requires frequent

refilling, there may be a leak. If
you suspect a problem, have the
vehicle checked at your SUBARU
dealer.

CAUTION

When adding brake fluid, be care-

ful not to allow any dirt into the
reservoir.

Never splash the brake fluid over

painted surfaces or rubber parts.

Alcohol contained in the brake
fluid may damage them.

Be careful not to spill brake fluid

when adding it. If brake fluid
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If brake fluid gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.

“MAX” level line

“MIN” level line

Check the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the
reservoir. Be sure to check the fluid level
for the brake system at the

shaded area in

the illustration

– CONTINUED –

Front differential gear oil and rear differential gear oil

463

Maintenance

and

service

Content .. 26 27 28 29 ..