Subaru Forester 2020 User manual

2020 FORESTER NEW CAR INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE INDEX
U8270BE
FOREWORD
This manual has been prepared to pro-
vide information for the construction,
operation and other technical details of
SUBARU vehicles.
Read this manual thoroughly and make
the most of it to give better service to
your customers and improve your
knowledge of vehicle maintenance.
For information on systems etc. that
remains unchanged, refer to the 19MY
new car information.
All information, illustration and specifi-
cations contained in this manual are
based on the latest product information
available at the time of publication
approval.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
ENGINE (FB25)
DRIVE TRAIN
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
WHEEL & TIRE
BRAKE SYSTEM
STEERING
BODY STRUCTURE
EXTERIOR
INTERIOR TRIM
ENTERTAINMENT
ADVANCED SAFETY SYSTEM

1-1
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CONTENTS
1.1 General Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.1.1 Vehicle Composition List Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1.1.2 Vehicle Type Classification Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.2 Major Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

1-2
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 General Overview
1.1 General Overview
1.1.1 Vehicle Composition List Table
Vehicle
shape Ty p e Destination code Engine Driving method Grade Transmission
Forester SK U5 2.5 L DOHC NA AWD 2.5i EyeSight CVT
C4 2.5i Plus
U5, C5 2.5i Plus EyeSight
U5, C5 2.5i-Premium EyeSight
base
U5, C5, C4 2.5i-Premium EyeSight
U5 2.5i-Sport EyeSight base
U5, C5, C4 2.5i-Sport EyeSight
U5 2.5i-Limited EyeSight
base
U5, C5, C4 2.5i-Limited EyeSight
U5, C5, C4 2.5i-Touring EyeSight

1-3
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 General Overview
1.1.2 Vehicle Type Classification Symbol
VIN
Display example: ]JF2SK##C#LH######[
The starting and ending brackets ( ] [ ) are stop marks.
#: Differs depending on the vehicle model.
Digits Meaning Details
1 to 3 Vehicle
classification
JF2: MPV manufactured by SUBARU CORPORATION
4 Car line S: FORESTER
5 Body classification K: Wagon
6 Displacement class A : 2.5 L NA U5 4 CYLINDERS GASOLINE 182HP
D : 2.5 L NA C4 4 CYLINDERS GASOLINE 182HP
E : 2.5 L NA C5 4 CYLINDERS GASOLINE 182HP
7 Grade A: Base, EyeSight
B: Base Plus
C: Base Plus, Key less Access
D: Base Plus, EyeSight
E: Base Plus, EyeSight, Key less Access
F: Premium Base, EyeSight, Key less Access
G: Premium Base, EyeSight
H: Premium Base, EyeSight, NAVI
J: Premium, EyeSight, Key less Access
K: Premium, EyeSight
L: Sport Base, EyeSight, Key less Access
M: Sport, EyeSight, Key less Access
N: Sport, EyeSight, NAVI, Key less Access
P: Sport, EyeSight, NAVI (H/K), Key less Access
R: Sport, EyeSight, H/K, Key less Access
S: Limited Base, EyeSight, Key less Access
T: Limited Base, EyeSight, NAVI (H/K)
U: Limited, EyeSight, NAVI (H/K), Key less Access
V: Limited, EyeSight, Key less Access
W: Limited, EyeSight, H/K, Key less Access
X: Touring, EyeSight, NAVI (H/K), Key less Access
Y: Touring, EyeSight, H/K, Key less Access
8 Restraints and
GVWR class
C: Manual belts + dual airbag + side airbag for seat bag + curtain airbag for roof + driver's
knee airbag, class C (GVWR 4,001 to 5,000 lb)
9 Check digit X or 0 to 9
10 Model year L: 2020MY
11 Transmission type H: Full-time AWD CVT (Yajima plant, Gunma)
12 to
17
Serial number 400001 to 699999

1-4
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 General Overview
Vehicle type classification
Display example: SK9BY#L
#: Depends on the vehicle model.
Digits Meaning Details
1 Series S: Forester
2 Body type K: Wagon
3 Total engine displacement/Drive system 9: 2.5 L AWD NA
4 Model year B: 2020MY
5 Destination Y: for U.S., Canada, and Mexico
6 Grade 1: 2.5i EyeSight
3: 2.5i +
4: 2.5i + EyeSight
6: 2.5i Premium EyeSight
7: 2.5i Premium EyeSight base
9: 2.5i Sport EyeSight
A: 2.5i Sport EyeSight base
D: 2.5i Limited EyeSight
E: 2.5i Limited EyeSight base
H: 2.5i Touring EyeSight
7 Fuel feed system/Transmission L: DI DOHC NA CVT

1-5
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 General Overview
Engine
Display example: FB25DXZH##
#: Differs depending on the vehicle model.
Digits Meaning Details
1 to 2 Engine type symbol FB: 4-cylinder gasoline
3 to 4 Displacement 25: 2.5 L
5 Valve train/fuel supply system/
steering wheel
D: DOHC DI NA (LH)
6 Exhaust regulations X: North America (Tier 3/LEV III)
7 Intake/exhaust system Z: Intake AVCS, exhaust AVCS, TGV, EGR
8 Mounted transmission H: CVT
9 to 10 Detailed specifications Used when ordering parts. For details, refer to the parts catalog.

1-6
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 General Overview
Transmission
TR580DH###
#: Differs depending on the vehicle model.
Rear differential
Digits Meaning Details
1 Transmission symbol T: Transmission
2 Basic transmission system R: Full-time AWD CVT
3 to 4 Distance between pulley centers 58: Between pulley centers 6.22 in (158 mm)
5 Model series 0: CVT
6 Transmission basic specifications D: With Auto Start-Stop, with CVTF cooler
(with warmer function), without CVTF cooler (with air cooler)
7 Mounted engine H: 2.5 L DOHC NA
8 to 10 Detailed specifications Used when ordering parts. For details, refer to the parts catalog.
Identification Reduction speed ratio LSD
42 3.700 None

1-7
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.2 Major Changes
1.2 Major Changes
Chapter 5 WHEEL ＆TIRE
• ID registration of TPMS transmitter is automated.
Chapter 9 EXTERIOR
• LED light source is adopted for the license plate light.
Chapter 11 ENTERTAINMENT
• Infotainment system Gen.3.1αis adopted.
• Time setting method is changed.
• USB hub reset function is adopted.
• Telematics system is adopted for C5.
Chapter 12 ADVANCED SAFETY SYSTEM
• Lane centering control and preceding vehicle follow-up steering control are adopted.

1-8
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.2 Major Changes

5-1
5 WHEEL & TIRE
5 WHEEL & TIRE
CONTENTS
5.1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (For Some Grades) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
5.1.2 Construction and Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

5-2
5 WHEEL & TIRE
5.1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (For Some Grades)
5.1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (For Some Grades)
5.1.1 Overview
Registration of the transmitter IDs of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is automated to improve the
convenience when replacing tires.
5.1.2 Construction and Operation
A system that identifies the TPMS transmitters equipped on each wheel to register their IDs automatically is adopted.
ID registration of the TPMS transmitters using a dedicated tool is no longer necessary. This eliminates the need to visit
a dealer for TPMS setting required such as when replacing the tires with snow tires and improves convenience.
(A) Existing model vehicle (B) New model vehicle
(a) Sending IDs using transmitter registration tool
(b) Registering IDs using Subaru Select Monitor
(c) Automatic ID registration
(b)
(a)
(A) (B)
(c)
NC-04241

9-1
9 EXTERIOR
9 EXTERIOR
CONTENTS
9.1 Lighting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
9.1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
9.1.2 Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

9-2
9 EXTERIOR
9.1 Lighting System
9.1 Lighting System
9.1.1 Overview
LED is adopted for the license plate light.
9.1.2 Component
Component details
License plate light
Adoption of LED for the license plate light reduces power consumption and produces an advanced feeling with white
illumination of LED.
*1 ： Non-disassembly type
No. Name Capacity and wattage Type
(a) License plate light (LED) 13.5 V - 0.4 W (LED) *1
(a)
NC-00493

11-1
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11 ENTERTAINMENT
CONTENTS
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
11.1.2 Construction and Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
11.2 Telematics System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
11.2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
11.2.2 Component. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
11.2.3 Construction and Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15
11.3 Combination Meter/MFD/MID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-44
11.3.1 System Display Screen Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-44

11-2
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
11.1.1 Overview
The Gen.3.1αInfotainment System is adopted for the audio/navigation system.
The items enhanced on Gen.3.1αare as follows.
• The map can be updated wirelessly using a smartphone application.
• Vehicle time setting can be changed on the head unit.
• The auto reset function is added to the USB hub.
• Measures are taken to prevent USB device music source from switching to radio when ACC is OFF.

11-3
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
11.1.2 Construction and Operation
Gen.3.1αaudio/navigation system
Map update Over The Air (MOTA)
While map data can be updated only via Wi-Fi connection in the existing model vehicle, the new model vehicle
downloads using an app on a smartphone to upload the map data by connecting the smartphone and the head unit. This
improves convenience.
(a) Map data is downloaded to the smartphone from the server. (b) Downloaded map data is transmitted from the smartphone
to the head unit and the data is updated.
Server
(a)
(b)
USB/
Bluetooth
connection
NC-04444

11-4
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
Connectivity for smartphone link
■USB hub
The USB hub reset that checks the USB connection status every 4 seconds and automatically restarts the USB hub when
a connection error is detected is adopted for the head unit.
Is the USB properly connected?
USB connection state is checked every 4 seconds
USB connection detected
Apple CarPlay started
USB hub restarted
NO
YES
NC-04481

11-5
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
In a connection using a USB cable, when Apple CarPlay cannot recognize the compatible device due to a connection
error between the Apple CarPlay compatible device and the head unit, USB plugging and unplugging was necessary in
the existing model vehicle. In addition, when the USB hub itself froze due to repeated plugging and unplugging, the
USB hub needed to be reset by restarting the head unit manually. In the new model vehicle, the system checks the
connection status. When a connection error is detected, only the USB hub is automatically restarted to restore the
connection, eliminating need of manual restart for the head unit.
Connection error between the Apple
CarPlay compatible device and the H/U
Pull out and reinsert the
USB cable
Did it recover from
the connection error?
Repeatedly pull out and
reinsert the USB cable
Apple CarPlay started
Did it recover from
the connection error?
Did it recover from
the connection error?
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
Connection error between the Apple
CarPlay compatible device and the H/U
USB connection error
detected
Apple CarPlay started
Did it recover from
the connection error?
YES
NO
New model vehicleExisting model vehicle
Manually reset the H/U
USB hub is automatically
restarted
NC-04482

11-6
11 ENTERTAINMENT
11.1 Audio/Navigation and Speaker System
■AUX unit
The power supply path of the AUX unit is changed as shown in the following diagram so that the AUX unit can be used
without powering off even when ACC OFF is performed during playback of the USB device. This interlocks the power
supplies of the head unit and AUX unit and prevents the playback source from switching forcibly from the USB device
to the radio.
(A) Existing model vehicle (B) New model vehicle
AUDIO ASSY
or
NAVI ASSY
Communication line
+B +B
ACC
AUX unitUSB device
(B)
ACC
AUDIO ASSY
or
NAVI ASSY
Communication line
+B
ACC
AUX unitUSB device
(A)
NC-04330