2003 SUBARU FORESTER light

3-2
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK, ACC,
ON and START.
LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel
when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.
Automatic transmission vehicles
HS3014BA
HS3015BA
HS2020CA

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Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position. Manual transmission vehicles
The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.
Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” while
the vehicle is being driven or towed because
that will lock the steering wheel, preventing
steering control. And when the engine is turned
off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to
steer.
ACC
In this position the electrical accessories (radio, ciga-
rette lighter, etc.) can be used. ON
This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started. START
The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released
(after the engine has started), the key automatically
returns to the “ON” position.
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position while the engine is running.
Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door
HS2020DA

3-7
Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
fuel injection will be cut by the engine control
module to protect the engine from overrevving.
The engine will resume running normally after
the engine speed is reduced below the red
zone.
Fuel gauge
1) Low fuel warning light
The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel
remaining in the tank.
The gauge does not return to “E” even though the ig-
nition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position. The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.
NOTE
You will see the “FUEL DOOR ” sign near the
fuel gauge.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle.
Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [about 2.3 U.S. gal. (9.0 liters, 1.9 Imp.
gal.]. It only operates when the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position.
1
HS3022BB
HS3023AA

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Instruments and controls
NOTE
This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of about
4.0 U.S. gal. (15 liters, 3.3 Imp. gal.).
Temperature gauge
1) Normal operating range
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
the outside temperature and driving conditions. We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high
revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.
If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi- ble.
See “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.
1
HS3024BB

3-9
Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
Ambient temperature gauge
The ambient temperature gauge shows the ambient
temperature in a range from –22 °Fto122 °F(–30 °Cto
50 °C).
The gauge can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions: When there is too much sun.
During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
ing a shutdown. When the actual ambient temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range.Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out when the ignition switch
is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits
checking the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. The following lights come on:
Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indica-
tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
If any lights fail to come on, it indicates a burned-out
bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair. Seatbelt warning light and chime
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the seatbelt warning light will come on and the remind-
er chime will sound for about six seconds to remind the
HS3047BA

3-10
Instruments and controls
driver to fasten the seatbelt.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for about six
seconds and turns off automatically after six seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off by bucking
the driver’s side seatbelt or turn off automatically after
six seconds.
SRS airbag system warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for
about six seconds and go out. This shows the SRS air-
bag and SRS side airbag (if equipped) and seatbelt
pretensioners are in normal operation.
If this light comes on while driving or remains illuminat-
ed even after a period of about 6 seconds from when
the ignition has been turned on, it may indicate that the
SRS airbag system or SRS side airbag system (if
equipped) or seatbelt pretensioner system is not work-
ing properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator lamp
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on while you
are driving, have your vehicle checked/repaired
by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Continued vehicle operation without having the
emission control system checked and repaired
as necessary could cause serious damage,
which may not be covered by your vehicle

3-11
Instruments and controls
–CONTINUED –
NOTE
This light also comes on when the fuel filler cap is
not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of
the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indica-
tor lamp coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill-
er cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it clicks.
Make sure nothing is interfering with the sealing of the
cap. Tightening the cap will not make the CHECK EN-
GINE warning light turn off immediately. It may take
several driving trips. If the light does not go out, take
your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer im-
mediately. If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire
condition has been detected which may damage the
emission control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emission control
system, you should do the following: Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blinking and come on steadily after several driving trips. You
should have your vehicle checked by an authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate that the charging system is not
working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good condition but the
light remains on, contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er immediately. Oil pressure warning light
If this light comes on when the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low
and the lubricating system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the engine oil level. If the oil lev-
el is low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the
proper level but the light remains on, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

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Instruments and controls
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
AT OIL TEMPerature warning
light (for AT vehicles)
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature is too hot.
If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary to
stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep grades or
in stop and go traffic. Automatic transmission control system warn-
ing
If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system is
not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately. ABS warning light
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after
about two seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.
If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS
system may not work properly.
When the warning light is on, the ABS function
shuts down; however, the conventional brake
system continues to operate normally.
The warning light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. The warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it
does not go out even when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at
the first available opportunity by your SUBARU
dealer.
With a vehicle equipped with an EBD system, the ABS
warning light comes on together with the brake system
warning light if the EBD system becomes faulty. For
(U.S.) (Canada)