Forester 2011

Quick Reference Guide.

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 Complete U.S. specifications and illustrations may
not have been available at time of publication.
Specifications are based on the latest product
information available at time of publication. Some
images shown are for illustration purposes only.
Some equipment shown may be optional at
extra cost. Specific options may be available
only in combination with other options. Specific
combinations of equipment or features may vary
from time to time and by geographic area. Certain
accessories and equipment may not be available at
the time of publication.

This Quick Reference Guide applies to all Forester
models. Therefore, some explanations may be for
equipment not installed on your vehicle. Subaru
of America, Inc., reserves the right to change or
discontinue at any time, without notice, prices,
colors, materials, equipment, accessories,
specifications, models and packages without
incurring any obligation to make the same or
similar changes on vehicles previously sold. Colors
shown may vary due to reproduction process.

For detailed operating and safety information,

please consult the Owner’s Manual.

Subaru, Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza,
WRX, WRX/STI, BOXER, SPORTSHIFT, SI-DRIVE,
Lineartronic, Alcantara, Circle Surround, Audyssey
MultiEQ, HD Radio, XM and Sirius are
registered trademarks.

All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or
electronically reproduced in whole or in part without
prior written approval of Subaru of America, Inc.

© 2010 Subaru of America, Inc.

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784214_11a_Subaru_Forester_QRG_110410.indd 4 11/4/10 8:21 AM
 Table of Contents

Getting Started 2-3

Instrument Panel 4-5

Gauges 6-9

Personalize 10 - 11

Controls 12 - 27

While Operating 28 - 29

Safety/In Case of Emergency 30 - 31

Additional Information 32 - 33

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 Remote Keyless Entry

Lock/Arm Unlock/Disarm
• Press to lock all doors and • Press once to unlock the
rear gate. driver’s door.
• If any of the doors or the rear • Press twice (within five
gate are not fully closed, an seconds) to unlock all doors.
electronic chirp will sound five • When the “Unlock/Disarm”
times and the hazard lights will button is pressed, the dome
flash five times to alert you that and map lights will illuminate
the doors or the rear gate are if the dome light switch is in
not properly closed. the middle position.
• To activate the vehicle finder
function, press three times
(within five seconds). If you are
within 30 feet of the vehicle,
the horn will sound one time
and the hazard lights will flash
three times.

Unlocking the
Rear Gate
Press the button to unlock
the rear gate.

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 Seating

Started
Getting
Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
2

Gauges
Heated Seats 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat
(if equipped) (if equipped)

Personalize
Press the switch in the 1. Forward/Backward, Angle and Height
corresponding direction for Move the switch toward the front or rear to move
the desired seat temperature. the seat forward or backward. Pull the switch up
To turn off the seat heater, or push down on the front of the switch to adjust
slightly press in the opposite the angle of the seat cushion. Pulling the switch
direction of the current position. up or pushing down on the rear of the switch will

Controls
adjust the height of the seat cushion.
2. Seatback
Folding the Move the switch in the corresponding direction
Rear Seat to adjust the angle of the seatback.
Lower the headrests. Pull up on
3. Lumbar
the release knob on the seat side
Operating

Press the front part of the switch to increase

While

that you want to fold down. To

lumbar support; press the rear part of the switch
return the seatback to its original
to decrease lumbar support.
position, raise the seatback until
it locks into place and make sure
Safety / In Case

that it is securely locked.

of Emergency
Information
Additional

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 Instrument Panel

pg. 12 pg. 10 pg. 28 pg. 12 pg. 26 pg. 6-9 pg. 27

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Instrument
Panel
Panel
Gauges
Personalize
Controls
Operating
While
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

pg. 13 pg. 14-19 pg. 20-25

Clock
Press the “+” button to advance time or the
Information
Additional

“–” button to reverse the time. Vehicles with a

navigation system please refer to the separate
“Operating Instructions for Navigation System.”

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 Gauges Immediate Attention Caution Informational

Tachometer Speedometer

Forester 2.5X
Forester 2.5X Premium
Forester 2.5X Limited

Seatbelt warning Brake system

Front passenger Hot coolant temperature /

seatbelt warning Cold coolant temperature

SRS airbag system High beam indicator light

AT OIL TEMP
Security indicator light (AT models)

Door open ABS warning

Charge warning Low fuel

All-Wheel Drive
Oil pressure warning (AT models)

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 Started
Getting
Trip meter and odometer

Instrument
Panel
Fuel Gauge

Gauges
Gauges
Personalize
Trip meter A/B selection and trip meter reset knob

Controls
Vehicle Dynamics
Control/Vehicle Dynamics Turn signals
Control operation

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Front fog light indicator

light (if equipped)
Operating
While

CHECK ENGINE /
Malfunction indicator Headlight indicator light

SPORT mode
Tire pressure warning light
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

(AT models)

Cruise control
Front passenger airbag ON indicator light

Cruise control set

Front passenger airbag OFF indicator light
Information
Additional

Incline Start Assist warning

(MT models)

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 Gauges Immediate Attention Caution Informational

Tachometer

Forester 2.5X Touring

Forester 2.5XT Touring

Temperature Gauge

Trip meter A/B selection and trip

meter reset knob

Fuel Gauge

Seatbelt warning Brake system

Front passenger
High beam indicator light
seatbelt warning

Automatic headlight beam

SRS airbag system
leveler warning

AT OIL TEMP
Security indicator light (AT models)

Door open ABS warning

Charge warning Low fuel

All-Wheel Drive
Oil pressure warning (AT models)

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 Started
Getting
Trip meter and odometer Speedometer

Instrument
Panel
Gauges
Gauges
Information display
switching knob

Personalize
ECO Gauge

Controls
Vehicle Dynamics
Control/Vehicle Dynamics Turn signals
Control operation

Front fog light indicator

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF light (if equipped)
Operating
While

CHECK ENGINE / Headlight indicator light

Malfunction indicator

SPORT mode
Tire pressure warning light
Safety / In Case

(AT models)
of Emergency

Cruise control
Front passenger airbag ON indicator light

Cruise control set

Front passenger airbag OFF indicator light
Information
Additional

Incline Start Assist warning

(MT models)

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 Personalize

Tilt and Telescopic

Steering Column
Push the lever down firmly to adjust the
vertical and lengthwise position of the column;
firmly push the lever back up to lock the
column in place. Do not adjust while driving.

Power Exterior Mirrors

Push the mirror selection switch to the “L”
side to adjust the left-hand mirror or to the “R”
side to adjust the right-hand mirror. Push and
hold the direction mirror control switch in the
direction you want to move the mirror. Push
the mirror selection switch back to the middle
to prevent unintended operation.

10

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
Gauges
Personalize
Personalize
1

Controls
2 Operating
While

Power Moonroof (if equipped)

Safety / In Case
of Emergency

With the moonroof in the fully closed

position, press the switch 1 to fully open the
moonroof. Press the switch 2 to close the
moonroof. To stop the moonroof in a midway
position while opening or closing, momentarily
press the switch to the 1 side or 2 side.
Information
Additional

11

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 Controls

Light Controls

Push up for right

turn signal.

Turns on headlights,
instrument panel
illumination, front side
marker lights, taillights
and license plate lights.

Turns on
fog lights
(if equipped).

Push down for

left turn signal.

 urns on instrument panel lights, tail

T
lights, front side marker lights and
license plate lights.

While the light switch is

on, rotate the dial downward
to dim the instrument panel
illumination. Rotate the
dial upward to make the
illumination brighter. When the
dial is fully rotated upward, the
instrument panel illumination
becomes full bright.

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
OFF

Gauges
1 INT.

2 LOW

Personalize
3 HIGH

Controls
Windshield Wipers

Controls
To turn on the wipers, press the wiper control lever down
one level for intermittent, two levels for low, or three levels for
high speed. Return the lever to the “OFF” position to stop
the wipers. For a single wipe move the lever up. To spray
washer fluid, pull and hold the lever toward you.
Operating
While

To operate the rear wiper, rotate the end of the knob upward
to the intermittent, continuous, or wash position. When the
rear wiper is off, rotate the knob downward to wash and
wipe the rear window.
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime running lights are standard on your vehicle. Only a
reduced brightness high beam will be automatically turned
on when the engine has started and the parking brake is
fully released or the light switch is in the “OFF” or “ ”
Information

position. The brightness of the illumination of the high beam

Additional

headlights is reduced by the daytime running light system.

You must always switch on your headlights when it’s dark
outside by turning the light switch to the position.

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 Controls

Manual Climate Control

(if equipped)
1. Temperature Control Dial 3. Recirculated / Outside Air Button
Rotate the temperature control dial from Press the air inlet selection button to
blue for cool, to red for warm. prevent outside air from being drawn into
2. Air Conditioning Button the passenger compartment. If the button
Press the “A/C” button to activate the is pushed in, press it again to draw outside
air conditioning. Press it again to turn off air into the compartment. TO PREVENT
the air conditioning. WINDSHIELD FOGGING, DO NOT
REMAIN IN THE RECIRCULATED MODE
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
4. Fan Speed Control Dial
Rotate the fan speed control dial to select
one of four fan speeds.

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
Gauges
1

Personalize
4

2 3

Controls
Controls
Operating
While

5. Rear Window Defogger Button Defrost / Defog

Press the rear window defogger button To clear the windshield and front door
Safety / In Case

windows of fog or frost, rotate the air

of Emergency

to turn on the defogger. The defogger

will automatically shut off after about flow control dial to the defrost position,
15 minutes. If the window clears set the temperature control to the red
before that time, you can press the position, and set the fan speed control
button again to turn it off. to the fastest speed.

6. Air Flow Control Dial

Information
Additional

The air flow control dial allows you to

choose the direction of air flow. Rotate
the dial for the desired air flow position.

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 Controls

3 5

Automatic Climate Control

(if equipped)
1. Air Flow Control Dial 2. Rear Window Defogger Button
On the automatic setting, the system Press the rear window defogger button
determines the air flow location to achieve to turn on the defogger. The defogger
the desired temperature or you can will automatically shut off after about 15
choose the direction of air flow. Rotate the minutes. If the window clears before that
dial for the desired air flow position. time, you can press the button again to
Defrost / Defog turn it off.
To clear the windshield and front door 3. Fan Speed Control Dial
windows of fog or frost, rotate the air flow On the automatic setting, the system
control dial to the defrost position, set the determines the fan speed to achieve the
temperature control to the red position, desired temperature or you can rotate
and set the fan speed control of the the fan speed control dial to select one of
fastest speed. seven fan speeds.

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 Started
Getting
6

Instrument
Panel
8

Gauges
Personalize
Controls
Controls

4. Air Conditioning Button the compartment. TO PREVENT

Operating

Press the “A/C” button to activate the WINDSHIELD FOGGING, DO NOT

While

air conditioning. Press it again to turn REMAIN IN THE RECIRCULATED

off the air conditioning. MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD
5. Recirculated / Outside Air Button OF TIME.
Safety / In Case

In the automatic mode, the system 6. Temperature Control Dial

of Emergency

will determine if recirculated air Rotate the temperature control dial

is needed to achieve a desired from 65 for cool to 85 for warm.
temperature. In manual mode,
press the air inlet selection button to
prevent outside air from being drawn
into the passenger compartment.
Information
Additional

If the button is pushed in, press

it again to draw outside air into

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 Controls

3 4

Automatic Climate Control

(if equipped)
1. Automatic On and Off settings can be made for the driver’s side
This system automatically controls and passenger’s side by adjusting the
outlet air temperature, fan speed, air dials appropriately.
flow distribution, air inlet control, and air Operation in Manual Mode
conditioner compressor operation. Press
3. Recirculated / Outside Air Button
“AUTO” to activate. Press “OFF” to turn
Press the air inlet selection button to
off the system.
prevent outside air from being drawn
2. Temperature Control Dial into the passenger compartment. Press
Rotate the dial clockwise to increase the the button again to allow outside air
temperature or rotate the dial clockwise into the compartment. TO PREVENT
to decrease the temperature and maintain WINDSHIELD FOGGING, DO NOT
a comfortable climate within the driver REMAIN IN THE RECIRCULATED MODE
and passenger compartment. The FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
temperature is displayed digitally on
the radio screen. Separate temperature

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
8

Gauges
9

Personalize
5 7

Controls
Controls

4. Fan Speed Control Buttons 7. Air Conditioner Button

Operating

Press the fan speed control buttons Press the “A/C” button to activate the
While

to select seven different fan air conditioning. Press it again to turn

speed positions. off the air conditioning.
5. Air Flow Mode Selection Button 8. Defroster Button
Press the button to select the desired
Safety / In Case

Press the button to defrost or

of Emergency

air flow mode. The selected air flow

dehumidify the windshield and front
mode – either ventilation, bi-level,
door windows.
heat or heat-defrost – is shown on
the display. 9. Rear Window Defogger Button
Press the button to turn on the
6. Dual Mode Button
defogger. It will automatically shut off
Press the “DUAL” button to activate
after about 15 minutes. If the window
Information
Additional

or deactivate the dual mode. Dual

mode makes it possible to have clears before that time, you can
separate temperature settings for the press the button again to turn it off.
driver’s side and passenger’s side.

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 Controls

11
6
8

9 17 16

3 10

7 14

15
5 5
1 2 4 12
13 13
15

AM/FM Stereo with Single

Disc CD/MP3/WMA Player
(if equipped)
Radio Functions
1. Power / Volume Control 5. Seek
Press the power / volume control knob Press the right or left arrow of the “SEEK”
for on or off; rotate the knob to control button to pick up the next highest or
the volume. lowest frequency.

2. Bass, Treble, Balance and Fader 6. Presets

Each press of the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” You can save up to six favorite stations
button will cycle you through Bass, for each band – FM1, FM2, FM3 and AM.
Midrange, Treble, Fade or Balance. Rotate Select a frequency and press one of the
the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” knob to adjust preset buttons for more than 1.5 seconds
the desired level. to store it.

3. FM / AM 7. Satellite Radio
Press the “FM/AM” button to choose An optional satellite radio tuner and
FM1, FM2, FM3 or AM reception. antenna can be connected to this audio
unit. You can hear satellite radio programs
4. Tune / Track
by pressing the “SAT” button after
Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/CH”
connecting optional equipment. To receive
knob clockwise to increase the
satellite radio service, it is necessary to
tuning frequency; rotate the knob
enter into a separate contract with a
counter-clockwise to decrease it.
satellite radio provider.

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 Started
Getting
CD Player Functions
8. L
 oad 14. Scan
Insert a disc into the slot. The CD Press the “SCAN” button to begin

Instrument
will automatically be drawn in and previewing the first 10 seconds

Panel
will begin play at the first track. of each track on the disc. Normal
playback will resume after all
9. P
 lay CD
tracks have been scanned. Press
Press the “CD/AUX” button and
the “SCAN” button again to stop
playback will begin.
scanning and listen to the track
10. R
 epeat / Random being previewed.

Gauges
Pressing the “RPT/RDM” button
MP3/WMA Formatted CD
once to repeat the current track,
Player Functions
two presses to repeat the current
folder and a third press to turn 15. Folder Selection
off repeat. Press the up arrow of the

Personalize
“FOLDER” button to select the
Press and hold the “RPT/RDM” next folder. Press the down arrow
button once to hear all the tracks to go back to the first music file.
on the disc in random order. Two Quickly press the down arrow
presses to randomize folders on a again to go back to the previous
CD, a third press to randomize the folder.

Controls
Controls
entire disc and a fourth press to
turn off random. 16. Page Scroll
Press the “TEXT” button to select
11. E
 ject title display. Press and hold again
Press the button to eject the disc. to scroll through the title, 8
12. F
 orward / Reverse characters at a time. Up to a
Operating

Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” maximum of 64 characters.

While

knob clockwise to skip to the 17. Display

beginning of the next track; rotate Press and hold the “TEXT” button
the knob counter-clockwise to during playback to change the
skip to the beginning of the display to show the play time, disc
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

current track. Rotate the knob title, artist name and track title. If
counter-clockwise again to go to the disc is formatted with MP3/
the previous selection. WMAs, press the “TEXT” button to
13. F
 ast Forward / Fast Reverse change the display to show play
Press the right arrow of the time, folder name and file name.
“SEEK” button for more than one
Information
Additional

second to fast forward. Release

the button to stop. To fast reverse,
press the left arrow for more
than one second and release the
button to stop.
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 Controls

12 9 17 18

1 2 4 13

10
8 5 5
3 11
16
7 14 14 15

AM/FM Stereo with Single

Disc CD/MP3/WMA Player
(if equipped)
Radio Functions
1. Power / Volume Control 5. Seek
Press the power / volume control knob Press the right or left arrow of the “SEEK”
for on or off; rotate the knob to control button to pick up the next highest or
the volume. lowest frequency.

2. Bass, Treble, Balance and Fader 6. Presets

Each press of the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” You can save up to six favorite stations
button will cycle you through Bass, for each band – FM1, FM2, FM3 and AM.
Midrange, Treble, Fade or Balance. Rotate Select a frequency and press one of the
the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” knob to adjust preset buttons for more than 1.5 seconds
the desired level. to store it.

3. FM / AM 7. Satellite Radio
Press the “FM/AM” button to choose An optional satellite radio tuner and
FM1, FM2, FM3 or AM reception. antenna can be connected to this audio
unit. You can hear satellite radio programs
4. Tune / Track
by pressing the “SAT” button after
Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/CH”
connecting optional equipment. To receive
knob clockwise to increase the
satellite radio service, it is necessary to
tuning frequency; rotate the knob
enter into a separate contract with a
counterclockwise to decrease it.
satellite radio provider.

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 Started
Getting
8. P
 TY / CAT 14. Fast Forward / Fast Reverse
Press the “PTY/CAT” button to Press the right arrow of the
change to program type selection “SEEK” button for more than one
mode. The PTY group that you are second to fast forward. Release

Instrument
currently listening to is displayed the button to stop. To fast reverse,

Panel
for 10 seconds. press the left arrow for more
than one second and release the
button to stop.
CD Player Functions 15. Scan
Press the “SCAN” button to begin
9. L
 oad
previewing the first 10 seconds

Gauges
Insert a disc into the slot. The CD of each track on the disc. Normal
will automatically be drawn in and playback will resume after all
will begin play at the first track. tracks have been scanned. Press
10. P
 lay CD the “SCAN” button again to stop
scanning and listen to the track
Press the “CD/AUX” button and
being previewed.

Personalize
playback will begin.

11. R
 epeat / Random
Press the “RPT/RDM” button MP3/WMA Formatted CD
once to repeat the current track, Player Functions
two presses to repeat the current
16. Folder Selection

Controls
folder and a third press to turn off Press the up arrow of the

Controls
repeat. Press and hold the “RPT/ “FOLDER” button to select the
RDM” button once to randomize next folder. Press the down arrow
folders on a CD. Two presses to to go back to the first music file.
hear all the tracks on the disc in Quickly press the down arrow
random order, and a third press to again to go back to the previous
turn off random. folder.
Operating
While

12. E
 ject 17. Page Scroll
Press the button to eject the disc. Press the “TEXT” button to select
title display. Press and hold again
13. F
 orward / Reverse to scroll through the title,
Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/ 8 characters at a time up to a
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

CH” knob clockwise to skip to maximum of 64 characters.

the beginning of the next track;
18. Display
rotate the knob counterclockwise
Press and hold the “TEXT” button
to skip to the beginning of the
during playback to change the
current track. Rotate the knob
display to show the play time, disc
counterclockwise again to go to
title, artist name and track title. If
the previous selection.
Information
Additional

the disc is formatted with MP3/

WMAs, press the “TEXT” button to
change the display to show play
time, folder name and file name.

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 Controls

14 10

1 4 2 15

11 5 16
17
3 5 16

7 8
6
9
12 13

AM/FM Stereo, HD Radio™

with Single Disc CD/MP3/
WMA Player (if equipped)
Radio Functions
1. Power / Volume Control 5. Seek
Press the power / volume control knob Press the right or left arrow of the “SEEK”
for on or off; rotate the knob to control button to pick up the next highest or
the volume. lowest frequency.

2. Bass, Treble, Balance and Fader 6. Presets

Press the “TUNE/TRACK/CH” button You can save up to six favorite stations for
to display the setting menu. Using the each band – FM1, FM2, FM-3 and AM.
“TUNE/TRACK/CH” dial you can adjust Select a frequency and press one of the
the settings on the Bass, Mid, Treble, preset buttons for more than 1.5 seconds
Balance and Fader. to store it.

3. FM / AM 7. Satellite Radio
Press the “FM/AM” button to An optional satellite radio tuner and
choose FM1, FM2, FM-AS, AM or antenna can be connected to this audio
AM-AS reception. unit. You can hear satellite radio programs
by pressing the “SAT” button after
4. Tune / Track
connecting optional equipment. To receive
Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/CH”
satellite radio service, it is necessary to
knob clockwise to increase the
enter into a separate contract with a
tuning frequency; rotate the knob
satellite radio provider.
counterclockwise to decrease it.

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 Started
Getting
8. PTY / CAT 15. Forward / Reverse
Press the “LIST” button to change Rotate the “TUNE/TRACK/
to program type selection mode. CH” knob clockwise to skip to
The PTY group that you are the beginning of the next track;

Instrument
currently listening to is displayed rotate the knob counterclockwise

Panel
for 10 seconds. to skip to the beginning of the
9. HD/TAG current track. Rotate the knob
Press the “HD/TAG” button while counterclockwise again to go to
receiving FM radio (except analog the previous selection.
broadcasts) to hear the
16. Fast Forward / Fast Reverse

Gauges
stations digitally.
Press and hold the right arrow of
the “SEEK” button to fast forward.
Release the button to stop. To fast
CD Player Functions
reverse, press and hold the left
10. Load arrow, release the button to stop.
Insert a disc into the slot. The CD

Personalize
will automatically be drawn in and
will begin play at the first track. MP3/WMA Formatted CD
11. Play CD Player Functions
Press the “CD/AUX” button and 17. Folder Selection
playback will begin. Press the right arrow of the

Controls
“FOLDER” button to select the

Controls
12. Repeat
Press the “RPT” button once next folder. Press the left arrow
to repeat the current track, two to go back to the first music file.
presses to repeat the current Quickly press the left arrow again
folder and a third press to turn off to go back to the previous folder.
repeat.
Operating

13. Random
While

Press the “RDM” button once to

hear all the tracks on the disc in
random order. Two presses to
randomize folders on a CD, and a
Safety / In Case

third press to turn off random.

of Emergency

14. Eject
Press the button to eject the disc.
Information
Additional

25

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 Controls

Steering Wheel Audio Controls (if equipped)

• Press the “+” button to • Press the button to select the

increase the volume. desired audio mode – FM,
Press the “-” button to AM, SAT, CD, AUX, MEDIA.
reduce the volume.

• With any of the radio modes selected, push the up

button or the down button to find the desired frequency.
In CD mode, push the up button or the down button to
skip forward or back a track.

Aux Jack
The aux jack is located in the center
console. You can connect a portable
music player to the auxiliary jack and
hear the music stored on it through
the vehicle speakers. Press the “CD/
AUX” button located on the audio
system; to select the auxiliary mode.

USB Storage Device /

iPod® (if equipped)
You can connect a USB equipped
portable music player to the USB
connector and hear the music stored
on it through the vehicle speakers.
Press the “CD/AUX” button located on
the audio system repeatedly until the
USB / iPod® mode is selected.

26

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 Cruise Control

Started
Getting
• To activate the cruise control, press the • To resume your speed after
“CRUISE” button. The “CRUISE” indicator canceling, press the “RES/
light on the instrument panel will turn on. ACC” button.
To quit cruise control, press the “CRUISE”

Instrument
button again.

Panel
Gauges
Personalize
Controls
Controls
• To cancel the cruise control, • Press the accelerator pedal until
push the brake pedal or press your vehicle reaches the desired
the “CANCEL” button. If you have speed. Press the “SET/COAST”
a manual transmission, you can button. Ease off the accelerator
push in the clutch pedal or shift pedal. Your vehicle will maintain
the selector lever into the “N” the desired speed.
Operating

(Neutral) position (AT and

While

MT models).

Increase speed Decrease speed

Safety / In Case
of Emergency

Press the “RES/ACC” button, Press the “SET/COAST” button,

hold until your vehicle reaches hold until your vehicle slows to the
the desired speed, and release. desired speed, and release. To
To increase speed using the decrease the speed using the brake
accelerator pedal, press the pedal, press the pedal to release
pedal until you reach the desired cruise control temporarily. When
Information

the speed decreases to the desired

Additional

speed. Press the “SET/COAST”

button to set the speed. speed, press the “SET/COAST”
button to set the speed.

27

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 While Operating

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Switch

Pressing the switch to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system can help in the following situations:

• A standing start on a steeply sloping road with a snowy,

gravel-covered, or otherwise slippery surface.

• When the vehicle’s wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow.

Fuel Filler Lid Release

The vehicle is equipped with a fuel filler lid release.
To open the fuel filler lid, pull the fuel filler lever up and release.

28

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
2

Gauges
1

Personalize
Automatic Transmission Shift Mode
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT® Manual Control
The automatic transmission gives you ultimate control with three different driving
modes: Normal Mode, Sport Mode and Manual Mode.

Normal Mode

Controls
When the selector lever is in the “D” (Drive) position, the transmission is in
Normal shift mode. The shift position indicator on the instrument panel shows
“D” and the transmission automatically shifts into a suitable forward gear.

Sport Mode
Operating

SPORT mode is used when power is needed for rapid acceleration or for uphill
While
Operating

driving. Moving the selector lever left into the manual gate 1 from “D” (Drive)
While

position causes the transmission to change into Sport Mode.

SPORTSHIFT® Manual Mode

In SPORTSHIFT® Manual Mode, you select the desired gear position to obtain
necessary acceleration and engine braking. While in SPORT Mode, move the
Safety / In Case
of Emergency

selector lever up 2 or down 3 to select Manual Mode. The shift position

indicator shows the selected gear position.

When Manual Shifting Operation is Possible

• Arrow-shaped lights in the center of the instrument panel show whether an
upshift is possible and whether a downshift is possible.
Information
Additional

• Both arrows are on: Upshifting and downshifting are both possible.
• Up arrow only is on: Only upshifting is possible.
• Down arrow only is on: Only downshifting is possible.

29

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 Safety / In Case of Emergency

Child Restraint System

For maximum safety, first carefully read the LATCH system instructions from the device
manufacturer, as well as the installation instructions in your Owner’s Manual, to properly
install the LATCH compatible restraint system. Use the appropriate seatbelts or anchorages
provided in your vehicle. Children age 12 and under must properly occupy the rear seat at
all times.

Child Safety Locks

The child safety locks are located on the inside edges of the rear doors. In the locked
position, the rear doors can only be opened from the outside.

30

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 Started
Getting
Instrument
Panel
Gauges
Location of Spare Tire and Jack
A jack and other maintenance tools are stored in the tool bucket in the center of the
spare tire, located in the trunk or cargo area. Raise the center lid and remove the bucket
from the center of the spare tire. Take the jack out of the bucket. The jack handle is
stowed on the back of the center lid of the cargo area.

Personalize
Towing Your All-Wheel Drive Vehicle
Since all-wheel drive distributes engine power to all four wheels, improper
towing will severely damage your AWD system. A flatbed truck is the only
recommended way to properly transport your AWD vehicle. If towing is

Controls
necessary, it is best done by your Subaru dealer or a commercial towing service.

Subaru Roadside Assistance

Subaru Roadside Assistance is free and standard on every 2011 Subaru vehicle.
Operating

Coverage is automatic; there are no forms to complete. Subaru Roadside

While

Assistance is available anytime during the 3-year/36,000-mile Subaru Limited

Warranty, whichever comes first.* A Subaru Roadside Assistance decal has
been affixed to the driver’s door window.
Emergency

Subaru Roadside Assistance: 1-800-261-2155

Inof Case
Safety
Safety
Emergency

Exclusions
/ In Case

Specifically excluded from Subaru Roadside Assistance coverage are service

/
of

requests or claims resulting from: accidents, vandalism, acts of God, violation of

any laws, or vehicle modifications not recommended by the manufacturer.

*See your dealer for details

Information
Additional

31

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 Additional Information

MY.SUBARU.COM
Your Subaru vehicle comes with a unique online resource that helps make your ownership
experience more convenient and enjoyable. My.Subaru.com is a website that you can
personalize and offers useful features and content that makes it easy for you to manage your
vehicle care and enjoy all the benefits of Subaru ownership. Log on to My.Subaru.com to
access features such as: automated service history, e-mail maintenance reminders, online
Owner’s Manual, warranty information, maintenance schedules and much more...

Access your site today @ My.Subaru.com

32

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 Started
Getting
Fuel
• 2.5 L DOHC Non-turbo models use regular unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher.

• 2.5 L DOHC Turbo models use premium unleaded gasoline

Instrument
with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher.

Panel
Fuel Capacity
• 16.9 US gal (64 liters, 14.1 lmp gal)

Gauges
• When the low fuel indicator light is displayed on the
instrument panel approximately 2.6 U.S. gallons of fuel remain.

• If you have recently fueled your vehicle, the Check

Engine light on the instrument panel may stay on due
to a missing or loose fuel filler cap (the cap should be

Personalize
tightened until a click is heard).

Engine Oil
Use only the following oils:

• ILSAC GF-4 or GF-5, which can be identified with the

Controls
ILSAC certification mark (Starburst mark).

•O
 r API classification SN or SM with the words
“ENERGY CONSERVING”.

- 2.5 L DOHC Non-turbo models use 0W 20 synthetic,

Operating

replacement interval 7,500 miles; no requirement at

While

the first 3,000 miles.

- 2.5 L DOHC Turbo models use 5W 30 synthetic,

replacement interval 7,500 miles; no requirement at
the first 3,000 miles.
Safety / In Case Additional
of Emergency Information

Engine Oil Capacity

• 2.5 L DOHC Non-turbo models: 5.5 US qt (5.2 liters, 4.6 lmp qt)

• 2.5 L DOHC Turbo models: 4.4 US qt (4.2 liters, 3.7 lmp qt)
Information
Additional

33

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 Notes

34

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 Notes

35

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 Notes

36

784214_11a_Subaru_Forester_QRG_110410.indd 36 11/4/10 8:26 AM

 Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Plaza,
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000

MSA5B1104A
Printed in USA 11/10
Issued 09/10

784214_11a_Subaru_Forester_QRG_110410.indd 1 11/4/10 8:21 AM

 Subaru Delivery Checklist
Owner Information
vehicle Id #

Delivery date
owner name
owner name

Owner Resources & Warranty

q Present the Subaru Owner’s Manual & Quick Reference Guide (detailed review in
“Operation & Controls” section)

q Review Subaru Roadside Assistance, Owner Cards & Provide

Toll-Free Number 1-800-261-2155

q Explain 3/36 BASIC Warranty / 5/60 Powertrain Warranty / Explain Wear Items &
Adjustments / PZEV (if applicable) / Review Rust Perforation Warranty / Tire Warranty

q Review Service & Maintenance Schedules & Terms

Explain Normal vs. Extreme Schedules (if applicable)

q Review New Owner’s My.SUbaru.com Website

q Review The Subaru Mastercard Program from CHASE & Explain The Card Benefits

q Explain Dealership’s New Owner Follow Up Procedure

Customer Signature
q Review Dealership Service Department Location, Payment Options & Hours of Operation

q Introduce The Subaru Service Advisor & Provide Their Business Card

q Explain Dealership Service Appointment Scheduling & Early Morning Service

Drop Off Procedures

q Review Dealership Parts Department Location & Hours

Vehicle Condition
q Exterior Condition Approval (New Owner indicated exterior of vehicle is clean & undamaged)

q Interior Condition Approval (New Owner indicates interior of vehicle is clean & undamaged)

q Operational Condition Approval (New Owner has driven vehicle & approves it is ready
for delivery)
new owner signature
Fold back and remove this
checklist from the QRG. Place
sales consultant signature this completed checklist in the
deal jacket for future reference.
sales manager signature Additional copies of this checklist
can be made by photocopying.

784214_11a_Subaru_Forester_QRG_110410.indd 37 11/4/10 8:26 AM

 Operation & Controls
Please use & reference the SUBARU OWNER’S Manual
& QUICK reference guide

Operation & Controls

q Review Master & Valet Keys q Show Yellow Caps & Explain Checking
& Filling of Vehicle Fluids
q Show Keyless Entry, Alarm System
& Remote Start (if equipped) q Show Fuel Filler Door & Gas
Cap Operation
q Show Hood & Gas Door Releases
q Show Location of Both Fuse Boxes
Rear & Side
q Show Trunk Release & Valet Feature q Explain AWD Towing
(sedans only) Requirements & Limitations

q Show Spare Tire, Tools & Jack Location q Show Latch System & Tethers
q Explain Temporary Spare Tire q Show Child Safety Lock Operation
Usage & Limitations

Interior

q Explain Operation of Manual Transmission q Show Seatbelt & Head Restraint Functions
& Incline Start Assist (if equipped)
q Show Tilt Steering Column & Telescopic
q Explain Operation of Automatic Feature (if equipped)
Transmission & Review Sportshift
Modes (if equipped) q Show All Weather Package - Heated Front
Seats, Windshield Wiper De-Icer & Heated
q Explain the Subaru Advanced Frontal Side Mirrors (if equipped)
Airbag System, Side Airbags (SRS) &
Side-Curtain Airbags (SRS)

Driver Controls & Operation

q Show Power Windows, Door Locks q Review Instrument Panel Gauges

& Side-View Mirror Operation & Warning Lights

q Explain Cruise Control & Power q Explain Tire Pressure Monitoring

Moonroof Operation (if equipped) System Light

q Show Headlights, Daytime Running q Show Audio System, Station Presets,

Lights, Parking Lights, Hazard Lights & Tone, Balance & Fade Controls
Fog Lights (if equipped)
q Activate Satellite Radio System
q Show Interior Lighting, Map Light (if equipped)
& Clock
q Show GPS Navigation System
q Show Front & Rear Wiper (if equipped)
& Washer Controls

q Show Climate Control System Including q Explain Operation of Other Vehicle

Front & Rear Defrosters Options, Equipment, or Genuine
Subaru Accessories Not Referenced
q Show & Explain Operation of VDC Above Where Applicable
Control Switch

784214_11a_Subaru_Forester_QRG_110410.indd 38 11/4/10 8:26 AM