EasyManua.ls Logo

Subaru 1998 Forester User Manual

Subaru 1998 Forester
298 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
TOKYO, JAPAN
1998
Wear Seat Belts at All Times for Your Own Safety.
Issued: April 1997A
Printed in USA
A8010BE
1998
OWNER’S
MANUAL
GAS STATION REFERENCE
Fuel:
Use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
AKI or higher. This octane rating is the average of the Re-
search Octane and Motor Octane numbers and is com-
monly referred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI).
Refer to Fuel Requirement Section in this manual.
Fuel capacity:
15.9 US gal (60 liters, 13.2 Imp gal)
Engine oil:
Use only API classification SJ or SH with the words
“ENERGY CONSERVING II”
or the new API certification mark (Starbrust mark) dis-
played on the container.
Engine oil capacity:
4.8 US qt (4.5 liters, 4.0 Imp qt)
Cold tire pressure:
See the label located under the driver’s door latch.

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Subaru 1998 Forester and is the answer not in the manual?

Subaru 1998 Forester Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSubaru
Model1998 Forester
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

How to Use This Owner's Manual

Chapter 1: Doors and Locks

Information on operating keys, locks, power windows, rear gate, fuel filler, engine hood, and roof rails.

Chapter 2: Seat, Seat Belt and SRS AIRBAG

Details on seat adjustment, seat belt usage, child restraint systems, and SRS AIRBAG system operation.

Chapter 3: Instruments and Controls

Overview of the instrument panel, gauges, warning lights, and various controls for vehicle operation.

Chapter 4: Climate Control

Information on the ventilation system, heating, air conditioning, and operating tips for climate control.

Chapter 5: Audio

Guide to operating the radio, cassette player, and understanding audio system features and settings.

Chapter 6: Interior Equipment

Details on interior features like sun visors, storage compartments, lighting, and cup holders.

Chapter 7: Starting and Operating

Instructions for vehicle break-in, fuel requirements, starting/stopping the engine, driving, and trailer towing.

Chapter 8: In Case of Emergency

Procedures for handling emergencies like overheating, flat tires, jump starting, and towing the vehicle.

Chapter 9: Appearance Care

Guidelines for exterior and interior cleaning, waxing, polishing, and corrosion protection for the vehicle.

Chapter 10: Maintenance and Service

Information on routine maintenance, fluid checks, filter replacement, and basic service procedures.

Chapter 11: Specifications

Technical data including dimensions, engine, electrical system, capacities, tires, and fuses.

Chapter 12: Consumer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Details on uniform tire quality grading standards and procedures for reporting safety defects.

Safety Warnings

Safety Precautions When Driving

Essential safety advice for driving, covering seat belts, airbags, child safety, and hazardous substances.

Doors and Locks

Door Locks

Instructions for locking and unlocking doors from outside and inside, including child safety locks.

Power Windows

Details on operating power windows, including safety precautions and switch functions.

Seat, Seat Belt and SRS AIRBAG

Front Seats

Adjustments for front seats including fore/aft, reclining, height, lumbar support, and seat heaters.

Rear Seats

Details on reclining, folding down seatbacks, and headrest adjustments for rear seats.

3-Point Type Seat Belts

Instructions on fastening, unfastening, and safety tips for 3-point seat belts.

2-Point Type Seat Belts

Information on fastening and unfastening 2-point lap belts and related safety advice.

Child Restraint Systems

Guidelines for installing child restraint systems, including precautions for airbags and seat positions.

SRS AIRBAG

Explanation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) AIRBAG, its operation, and safety precautions.

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Overview

Diagram identifying major controls and indicators on the vehicle's instrument panel.

Combination Meter Overview

Explanation of the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights in the combination meter.

Gauges

Details on the speedometer, odometer/trip meter, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.

Warning and Indicator Lights

Descriptions of various warning and indicator lights and their meanings.

Climate Control

Audio

Interior Equipment

Starting and Operating

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine in manual and automatic transmission vehicles, including cold weather tips.

Cruise Control (if Equipped)

Guide to setting, canceling, and changing cruise control speed, with safety warnings.

Tips for Using the Brakes

Advice on brake operation, including wet brakes, engine braking, tire punctures, and brake system components.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) (if Equipped)

Information on ABS operation, self-checking, warning light, and driving precautions.

Trailer Towing

Comprehensive guide to towing trailers, including equipment, operation, and warranty information.

In Case of Emergency

Engine Overheating

Procedures for handling engine overheating, including checking coolant and dealing with steam.

Jump Starting

Detailed steps and safety precautions for jump starting a vehicle with a discharged battery.

Flat Tires

Guidance on changing a flat tire, including safety warnings for using the jack and tools.

Towing

General procedures for towing the vehicle, including flat-bed transport and wheel-raised towing.

Appearance Care

Maintenance and Service

Engine Oil

Instructions for checking engine oil level, changing oil/filter, and recommended grades/viscosities.

Engine Coolant

Procedures for checking and changing engine coolant, with safety warnings about hot coolant.

Spark Plugs

Information on platinum-tipped spark plugs, their replacement, and recommended types.

Manual Transmission Oil

Instructions for checking manual transmission oil level and recommended grade/viscosity.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Procedures for checking automatic transmission fluid level (hot/cold) and recommended fluid types.

Front Differential Gear Oil (Automatic Transmission)

Instructions for checking front differential gear oil level and recommended grade/viscosity.

Rear Differential Gear Oil (AWD Vehicles)

Guidance on checking rear differential gear oil level and recommended grade/viscosity.

Power Steering Fluid

Procedures for checking power steering fluid level (hot/cold) and recommended fluid types.

Brake Fluid

Instructions for checking brake fluid level and recommended fluid types, with safety warnings.

Clutch Fluid

Guidelines for checking clutch fluid level and recommended fluid types, with safety and usage precautions.

Battery

Safety precautions for working with the battery and instructions for checking fluid level.

Replacement of Brake Pad and Lining

Information on audible brake pad wear indicators and breaking-in new brake pads.

Tires and Wheels

Advice on tire inspection, rotation, pressure checking, adjusting, and aluminum wheel care.

Replacing a Fuse

Step-by-step guide for replacing fuses located behind the coin tray.

Replacing Bulbs

Guide to replacing various vehicle bulbs, including wattage and bulb numbers.

Specifications

Specifications

General vehicle specifications including dimensions, engine, electrical system, and capacities.

Engine

Engine model, type, displacement, bore, stroke, compression ratio, and firing order.

Electrical System

Details on battery type, reserve capacity, amperage, alternator, and spark plugs.

Capacities

Fluid capacities for fuel tank, engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant.

Tires

Information on tire type, size, pressure, and trailer towing tire specifications.

Consumer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

Explanation of tire grading standards for treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance.

Related product manuals