2018 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual

2018 Subaru Forester owners manual
Year:
2018
Make:
Subaru
Model:
Forester
Rating:
(6)

Online manual

Size:
23.97 MB

Table of Contents

Prologue
4
Warranties
4
How to use this Owner’s Manual
4
Vehicle symbols
7
Safety precautions when driving
7
General information
12
Illustrated index
15
Function settings
28
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
30
Front seats
31
Seat heater
38
Rear seats
40
Seatbelts
45
Seatbelt warning light and chime
47
Front seatbelt pretensioners
54
Child restraint systems
59
*SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
72
Keys and doors
104
Keys
106
Immobilizer
106
Door locks
109
Power door locking switches
112
Keyless access with push‐button start system
113
PIN Code Access (models with “keyless access with push‐button start system”)
123
Remote keyless entry system
124
Alarm system
128
Child safety locks
135
Windows
135
Rear gate
141
Moonroof
149
Instruments and controls
152
Ignition switch (models without push‐button start system)
155
Push‐button ignition switch (models with push‐button start system)
157
Hazard warning flasher
159
Meters and gauges
160
Warning and indicator lights
164
Seatbelt warning light and chime
165
SRS airbag system warning light
166
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light
167
Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light
168
Charge warning light
169
Oil pressure warning light
169
Engine low oil level warning light
169
Windshield washer fluid warning light
170
AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT models)
170
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.‐spec. models)
170
ABS warning light
172
Brake system warning light
172
Low fuel warning light
173
Hill start assist warning light/Hill start assist OFF indicator light
174
Door open warning light
174
All‐Wheel Drive warning light (CVT models)
174
Power steering warning light
174
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
175
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
176
Security indicator light
181
Turn signal indicator lights
183
High beam indicator light
183
High beam assist indicator light
183
Cruise control indicator light
183
Cruise control set indicator light
183
Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light
183
Steering Responsive Headlight warning light/Steering Responsive Headlight OFF indicator light
184
Front fog light indicator light
184
Headlight indicator light
184
X‐mode indicator light
184
Hill descent control indicator light
184
Steering responsive fog lights warning indicator/Steering responsive fog lights OFF indicator
184
BSD/RCTA warning indicator
184
BSD/RCTA OFF indicator
185
RAB warning light
185
RAB OFF indicator light
185
Information display (Mexico‐spec. models)
185
Multi information display (models with type B combination meter)
190
Multi function display
195
Light control switch
244
Steering Responsive Headlight (SRH)
250
Turn signal lever
251
Illumination brightness control
252
Headlight beam leveler
253
Fog light switch
253
Wiper and washer
255
Mirrors
258
Defogger and deicer
267
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
269
Horn
270
Heated Steering Wheel system
270
Climate control
272
Ventilator control
273
Climate control panel
274
Automatic climate control operation (type B, C and D)
278
Manual climate control operation
279
Defrosting
282
Operating tips for heater and air conditioner
283
Air filtration system
284
Audio
288
Antenna
289
Audio set
290
Steering switches for audio
350
Bluetooth® settings
353
Hands‐free phone system
358
Voice command system
368
What to do if...
376
Appendix
380
Interior equipment
382
Interior lights
383
Sun visors
385
Storage compartment
387
Cup holders
388
Bottle holders
390
Accessory power outlets
390
Ashtray
392
Floor mat
393
Shopping bag hook
394
Convenient hook
394
Cargo area cover
395
Cargo tie‐down hooks
397
Under‐floor storage compartment
398
Rear view camera
398
Starting and operating
404
Fuel
406
State emission testing (U.S. only)
410
Preparing to drive
411
Starting and stopping the engine (models without push‐button start system)
412
Starting and stopping engine (models with push‐button start system)
415
Remote engine start system (dealer option)
417
Manual transmission
425
Continuously variable transmission
428
SI‐DRIVE
435
Power steering
438
Braking
439
ABS (Anti‐lock Brake System)
440
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system
441
Vehicle Dynamics Control system
443
X‐mode
446
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.‐spec. models)
450
Parking your vehicle
451
Hill start assist system
453
Cruise control
457
BSD/RCTA
462
Reverse Automatic Braking System
470
Driving tips
480
New vehicle break‐in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)
481
Fuel economy hints
481
Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)
481
Catalytic converter
482
Periodic inspections
483
Driving in foreign countries
483
Driving tips for AWD models
484
On‐road and off‐road driving
485
Winter driving
487
Loading your vehicle
491
Trailer hitch (dealer option)
495
Trailer towing
498
In case of emergency
506
If you park your vehicle in case of an emergency
507
Temporary spare tire
507
Maintenance tools
508
Flat tires
510
Jump starting
514
Engine overheating
517
Towing
518
Access key fob – if access key fob does not operate properly
522
Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be opened
524
Power rear gate ‐ if power rear gate does not operate properly
525
If your vehicle is involved in an accident
527
Appearance care
528
Exterior care
529
Corrosion protection
531
Cleaning the interior
532
Maintenance and service
534
Maintenance schedule
536
Maintenance precautions
536
Maintenance tips
538
Engine hood
540
Engine compartment overview
541
Engine oil
543
Cooling system
545
Air cleaner element
547
Spark plugs
549
Drive belts
549
Manual transmission oil
550
Continuously variable transmission fluid
550
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and rear differential gear oil
550
Brake fluid
551
Clutch fluid (MT models)
552
Brake booster
553
Brake pedal
553
Clutch pedal (MT models)
554
Hill start assist system
554
Replacement of brake pad and lining
555
Parking brake stroke
556
Tires and wheels
556
Alloy wheels
563
Windshield washer fluid
563
Replacement of wiper blades
565
Battery
569
Fuses
570
Installation of accessories
571
Replacing bulbs
572
Replacing key battery
577
Specifications
582
Specifications
583
Fuses and circuits
593
Bulb chart
597
Vehicle identification
600
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
602
For U.S.A.
603
Tire information
603
Uniform tire quality grading standards
616
Reporting safety defects (U.S.A.)
617

2018 Subaru Forester Overview

Introduction

The 2018 Subaru Forester is a versatile compact SUV that blends practicality, safety, and off-road capability seamlessly. Designed with a focus on the adventurous spirit, this model excels in providing comfort and utility for both urban and rural driving. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and reliable all-wheel drive, the Forester is the perfect companion for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Powertrains

The 2018 Forester is equipped with two robust powertrains, offering a blend of power and efficiency. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth acceleration. For those seeking a sportier experience, the 2.0XT trims feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing an exhilarating 250 horsepower. Both configurations ensure excellent handling and stability across various terrains.

Trims

This model is available in five well-equipped trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, and the performance-oriented 2.0XT series. Each trim level builds upon the last, offering a range of features such as upgraded infotainment systems, premium audio, and leather seating. The higher trims further enhance comfort with heated front seats, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced safety technology.

Features

The 2018 Subaru Forester prioritizes the driver and passengers with a host of features designed for convenience and safety. It includes standard all-wheel drive, a rearview camera, and the SUBARU STARLINK multimedia system with a touchscreen interface. Advanced safety technologies such as EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning add an extra layer of confidence on the road.

Owner's Manual

For new Forester owners, the comprehensive owner's manual serves as an essential guide, providing valuable insights into vehicle operation, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. It ensures that drivers can maximize their 2018 Subaru Forester experience, keeping it in peak condition for all adventures ahead. Owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the manual to enjoy the full suite of features and benefits this remarkable SUV has to offer.

User manual download

The Subaru Forester owner manual for the 2018 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2018 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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