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3-4
Instruments and controls
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
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3-5
Instruments and controls
– CONTINUED –
opens and the key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” positions.
The chime stops when the key is removed from the ig- nition switch. !Ignition switch light (if equipped)
For easy access to the ignition switch in the dark, the
ignition switch light comes on when driver’s door is
opened. The light remains on for 10 seconds and goes
out after driver’s door is closed or if the key is turned
to the “ON” position. ! Key interlock release (AT vehicles only)
If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position
even when the selector lever is in the “P” position:
1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 2. Remove the cover under the steering column using
a phillips screwdriver.
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3-6
Instruments and controls
3. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key inter-
lock release lever.
Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the key interlock system repaired.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other driv-
ers when you have to park your vehicle under emer-
gency conditions. The hazard warning flasher works with the ignition switch in any position.
To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the haz-
ard warning button on the instrument panel. To turn off
the flasher, push the button again.
NOTE
When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn
signals do not work.
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6-2
Interior equipment
Interior equipmentInterior light
When leaving your vehicle, make sure the light goes
out to avoid battery discharge. !
Dome light
The dome light switch has three positions: ON: The light stays on continuously.
DOOR (middle position): The dome light comes on
when any of the doors (or the rear gate on wagon) is
opened. The light remains on for several seconds and
gradually goes out after all doors (and the rear gate on
the wagon) are closed or if the key is inserted in the ig- nition switch.
The light also can be turned on by use of the remote
keyless entry transmitter. See the “Remote keyless
entry system” in chapter 2 for detailed information.
OFF:
The light stays off.
! Cargo area light (if equipped)
DOOR: The light comes on only when the rear gate is
opened.
OFF: The light stays off.
ON
DOOR
OFF
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OFF
DOOR
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6-6
Interior equipment
!
Glove box
1) Lock
2) Unlock
To open the glove box, pull the handle. To close it,
push the lid firmly upward.
To lock the glove box, insert the key and turn it clock-
wise. !
Center console
To open the lid, push the release button.
1 2
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7-9
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED –
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks and adjust-
ments every day before you start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires.
Also check tires for proper inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear gate are fully
closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mir-
rors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers
have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator
lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” po-sition.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights af-
ter starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer flu-
id and other fluid levels should be checked daily,
weekly or at fuel stops.
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to
start after operating the starter for five to ten
seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before
trying again.
! Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift
lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
Page 279 of 491

7-10
Starting and operating
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a
while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position again while depressing the accelerator pedal
half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection
system automatically lowers the idle speed as the en-
gine warms up. !
Automatic transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position
(preferably “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when the select le-
ver is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicator lights.
Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section
(chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait a
while and then turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position again while depressing the accelerator pedal half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injec-
tion system automatically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up.
While the engine is warming up, make sure that the
selector lever is at the “P” or “N” position and that the
parking brake is applied.
If you restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift the selector lever into the “N” po-
sition. Do not attempt to place the selector lever
of a moving vehicle into the “P” position.
! Starting the engine during cold weath- er below −4 °F ( −20 °C)
If the engine is difficult to start using the normal meth-
od (without depressing the accelerator pedal), turn the
ignition switch to the “START” position while slightly
depressing the accelerator pedal.
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9-22
In case of emergency
Rear gate – if the rear gate cannot be
unlocked
In the event that you cannot unlock the rear gate by
operating the power door locking switches or the re-
mote keyless entry system, you can unlock it from in-
side the cargo area.
0
1. Remove the access cover at the bottom-center of
the rear gate trim.
2. Locate the rear gate lock release lever behind the
rear gate trim panel.
3. Unlock the rear gate by pressing the lever inside
the trim to the left.
4. Open the rear gate from outside by raising the rear
gate handle.
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