Subaru Forester 2023 Jump Starting Base
If the battery runs out, you may easily jump-start the 2023 Subaru Forester in base configuration to make sure you can return to the road as soon as possible. Make sure the parking brakes are on and both cars are switched off first. Locate the battery, which is normally located in the engine bay, by opening the Forester’s hood. Next, attach the positive (red) jumper cable to the Forester’s battery’s positive terminal, and attach the other end to the battery of the donor car. Next, attach the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable to a bare metal surface on the Forester’s engine, away from the battery, and connect it to the negative terminal of the donor car’s battery. To charge the Forester’s battery, turn on the donor car and let it drive for a short while. Then try to get the Forester to start. After it starts, disconnect the jumper cables in the opposite order that they were connected, and you should be able to resume driving. When your Forester’s battery dies, jump starting it can be a simple fix, keeping your vehicle trustworthy even in unforeseen circumstances.
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Jump starting
WARNING
- Battery fluid is SULFURIC ACID Do not let it come in contact with the eyes, skin, clothing or the vehicle.
If battery fluid gets on you, thoroughly flush the exposed area with water immediately. Get medical help if the fluid has entered your eyes.
If battery fluid is accidentally swallowed, immediately drink a large amount of milk or water, and obtain immediate medical help. Keep everyone including children away from the battery. - The gas generated by a battery explodes if a flame or spark is brought near it. Do not smoke or light a match while jump-starting.
- Never attempt jump-starting if the discharged battery is frozen. It could cause the battery to burst or explode. Whenever working on or around a battery, always wear suitable eye protectors, and remove metal objects such as rings, bands, or other metal jewelry.
- Be sure the jumper cables and clamps on them do not have loose or missing insulation. Do not jump start unless cables in suitable condition are available.
- A running engine can be dangerous. Keep your fingers, hands, clothing, hair, and tools away from the cooling fan, belt, and any other moving engine parts. Removing rings, watches, and ties is advisable.
- Jumpstarting is dangerous if it is done incorrectly. If you are unsure about the proper procedure for jump starting, consult a competent mechanic.
When your vehicle does not start due to a run-down (discharged) battery, the vehicle may be jump-started by connecting your battery to another battery (called the booster battery) with jumper cables.
- Make sure the booster battery is 12 volts and the negative terminal is grounded.
- If the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not let the two vehicles touch.
- Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
- connect the jumper cables exactly in the sequence illustrated.
- Booster battery
- Strut mounting nut
- Connect one jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal on the discharged battery.
- Connect the other end of the jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
- Connect one end of the other cable to the negative (−) terminal of the booster battery.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the strut mounting nut of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure that the cables are not near any moving parts and that the cable clamps are not in contact with any other metal.
- Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster battery and run it at moderate speed. Then start the engine of the vehicle that has the discharged battery.
- When finished, carefully disconnect the cables in exactly the reverse order.
Engine overheating
Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has been shut off and has fully cooled down. When the engine is hot, the coolant is under pressure. Removing the cap while the engine is still hot could release a spray of boiling hot coolant, which could burn you very seriously. If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe location.
If steam is coming from the engine compartment
If the engine overheats, safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle in a safe location.
If steam is coming from the engine compartment
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
- Contact an authorized SUBARU dealer.
If no steam is coming from the engine compartment
- Keep the engine running at idling speed.
- Open the engine hood to ventilate the engine compartment. Confirm that the cooling fan is turning. If the fan is not turning, immediately turn off the engine and contact an authorized SUBARU dealer for repair.
- After the coolant temperature, the high warning light that has blinked or illuminated in RED turns off, turn off the engine.
- After the engine has fully cooled down, check the coolant level in the reserve tank. If the coolant level is below the “LOW” mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” mark.
NOTE
If there is no coolant in the reserve tank, add coolant to the reserve tank. Then remove the radiator cap and fill the radiator with coolant. If you remove the radiator cap from a hot radiator, first wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap, then turn the cap counterclockwise slowly without pressing down until it stops. Release the pressure from the radiator. After the pressure has been fully released, remove the cap by pressing down and turning it.
Towing
If towing is necessary, it is best done by your SUBARU dealer or a commercial towing service. Observe the following procedures for safety.
WARNING
Never tow AWD models with the front wheels raised off the ground while the rear wheels are on the ground, or with the rear wheels raised off the ground while the front wheels are on the ground. This will cause the vehicle to spin away due to the operation or deterioration of the center differential.
Towing hooks and tie-down hooks/holes
Use only the specified towing hooks and tie-down hooks/holes. Never use suspension parts or other parts of the body for towing or tie-down purposes.
Front towing hook
Take the towing hook, screwdriver, and jack handle out of the cargo area.
Cover the tip of a flat-head screwdriver with vinyl tape or cloth so that it will not scratch the bumper. Insert the flathead screwdriver into the cutout of the cover and pry open the cover.
Screw the towing hook into the thread hole until its thread can no longer be seen.
After towing, remove the towing hook from the vehicle and stow it in the tool bucket. Fit the towing hook cover on the bumper.
WARNING
- Do not use the towing hook except when towing your vehicle.
- Be sure to remove the towing hook after towing. Leaving the towing hook mounted on the vehicle could interfere with proper operation of the fuel pump shut-off function when the vehicle is struck from behind.
CAUTION
To prevent deformation to the bumper and the towing hook, do not apply an excessive load to the towing hook.
Front tie-down hooks
The front tie-down hooks are located between each of the front tires and the front bumper.
Rear tie-down holes
Rear tie-down hole
The rear tie-down holes are located near each of the jack-up reinforcements. There is a plug in each rear tie-down hole. To use the rear tie-down holes, remove the plugs. After using the rear tie-down holes, return the plugs to their original places.
WARNING
Use the rear tie-down holes only for downward anchoring. If they are used to anchor the vehicle in any other direction, cables may slip out of the holes, possibly causing a dangerous situation.
Using a flat-bed truck
- Release the parking brake and put the transmission in the neutral position.
- The ignition switch should be in the “ON” position while the vehicle is being towed.
- Take up slack in the towline slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle.
WARNING
- Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position while the vehicle is being towed because the steering wheel and the direction of the wheels will be locked..
- Remember that the brake booster and power steering do not function when the engine is not running. Because the engine is turned off, it will take greater effort to operate the brake pedal and steering wheel.
CAUTION
- If transmission failure occurs, transport your vehicle on a flatbed truck.
- Sometimes damaged vehicles cannot be towed because of their damaged condition. In that case, use a flatbed truck for transportation.
- The traveling speed must be limited to less than 20 mph (32 km/h) and the traveling distance to less than 31 miles (50 km). For greater speeds and distances, transport your vehicle on a flatbed truck.
- Use a flatbed truck if there are long-distance downgrades or steep slopes. However, do not apply the brake pedal for a long time because the engine braking will not work while towing. Doing so could overheat the brake.
- Drive carefully and do not make an impact on the towing rope by suddenly starting.
- Use a specific towing rope for towing. If wire ropes and metal chains are needed to be used for towing, wrap the contact portion of the bumper with a cloth to protect it from damage.
FAQ
You can jump-start the Forester using jumper cables and a working vehicle’s battery.
The battery is typically located in the engine bay of the Forester.
Ensure that both vehicles are turned off, their parking brakes are engaged, and you are in a safe location away from traffic.
Connect the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the Forester’s battery and the other end to the donor vehicle’s positive terminal. Then, connect the negative (black) jumper cable to the donor vehicle’s negative terminal and the other end to a bare metal surface in the Forester’s engine bay. Start the donor vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, and then attempt to start the Forester.
Yes, a portable jump starter or booster pack can be used as an alternative to another vehicle for jump-starting.
It’s essential to use jumper cables with adequate gauge thickness to handle the current safely. Thicker cables are generally better.
Ensure that the jumper cable clamps do not touch each other and are securely attached to the battery terminals and engine surfaces.
Let the donor vehicle run for a few minutes to allow the Forester’s battery to charge.
Jump-starting a completely dead battery can be more challenging. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance or towing in such cases.
If the Forester doesn’t start after jump-starting, it may indicate a more significant issue with the battery or electrical system. Consult a mechanic or Subaru dealership for further diagnosis.
Jump-starting, when done correctly, should not damage the electrical system. However, improper connection or reverse polarity can lead to electrical system damage, so it’s crucial to follow the correct procedure.
A proper jump start should not harm the vehicle’s electronics or computer systems. However, incorrect jump-starting procedures can potentially cause electrical issues.
Regularly check and maintain the battery, and ensure that all electrical systems are turned off when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.
Subaru may offer roadside assistance services that can help with jump-starting and addressing battery issues. Check your vehicle’s warranty or Subaru’s service offerings for details.
Yes, extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Cold weather can reduce battery capacity, while hot weather can accelerate battery degradation.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
2023 Subaro Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)