Maintenance and service -> Cooling system for your Subaru Forester 2019-2024
Cooling system
464
used oils are properly disposed of.
If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations
and dispose of waste oil properly.
and filter changing intervals shown in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
11-7. Cooling system
.
& Safety precautions
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.
WARNING
& Recommended grade and
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.
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil” �P501.
CAUTION
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.
.
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.
& 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” �P501. Also, you must follow the oil
If the SUBARU SUPER COOLANT
is diluted with another brand or
Cooling system 465
SUBARU dealer to check for leaks, da-
mage, or looseness.
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
type, the maintenance interval is
shortened to that of the mixing
coolant.
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.
& Engine coolant
.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Checking the coolant level
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.
& 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” �P173.
Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
Refer to “Fuses” �P487. If the fuse is not
blown, have the cooling system checked
by your SUBARU dealer.
1
Fill up to this level.
If the frequent addition of coolant is
necessary between vehicle service visits,
it is recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized
1
2
“FULL” level mark
“LOW” level mark
– CONTINUED –
Air cleaner element
466
! Changing the coolant
11-8. Air cleaner element
It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.
WARNING
The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
It is not necessary to clean or wash the air
cleaner element.





