Page 149 of 594

Instruments and controls/Ignition switch (models without“keyless access with push –button start system ”)
Ignition switch (models with-
out “keyless access with
push-button start system ”)
WARNING
. Never turn the ignition switch to
the “LOCK ”position while the
vehicle is being driven or towed
because that will lock the steer-
ing wheel, preventing steering
control. And when the engine is
turned off, it takes a much great-
er effort than usual to steer.
. Before leaving the vehicle, al-
ways remove the key from the
ignition switch for safety and
never allow an unattended child
to remain in the vehicle. Failure
to follow this procedure could
result in injury to a child or
others. Children could operate
the power windows, the moon-
roof or other controls or even
make the vehicle move.
CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or
key case to either key. If it banged
against your knees or hands while
you are driving, it could turn the
ignition switch from the “ON”posi-
tion to the “ACC”or “LOCK ”posi-
tion, thereby stopping the engine.
Also, if the key is attached to a key
holder or to a large bunch of other
keys, centrifugal force may act on it
as the vehicle moves, resulting in
unwanted turning of the ignition
switch.
The ignition switch has four positions:
LOCK, ACC, ON and START.
NOTE
. Keep the ignition switch in the
“LOCK ”position when the engine is
not running.
. Using electrical accessories for a
long time with the ignition switch in the
“ON ”or “ACC ”position can cause the
battery to go dead.
. If the ignition switch will not move
from the “LOCK”position to the “ACC”
position, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the left and right as you turn
the ignition switch.
& LOCK
The key can only be inserted or removed
in this position. 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.
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        Page 153 of 594

Instruments and controls/Hazard warning flasher
does not operate smoothly, stop
the operation. Contact a
SUBARU dealer immediately.
. If the push-button ignition switch
does not illuminate even when
the instrument panel illumination
is turned on, have the vehicle
inspected at a SUBARU dealer.
. If the vehicle was left in the hot
sun for a long time, the surface of
the push-button ignition switch
may get hot. Be careful not to
burn yourself.
NOTE
. The push-button ignition switch can-
not be switched to “OFF”when the
select lever is in a position other than
“P ”.
. When operating the push-button
ignition switch, firmly press it all the
way.
. If the push-button ignition switch is
pressed quickly, the power may not
turn on or off.
. If the indicator light on the push-
button ignition switch flashes in green
when the push-button ignition switch is
pressed, steering is locked. When this
occurs, press the push-button ignition
switch while turning the steering wheel left and right.
!
Battery drainage prevention func-
tion
When the push-button ignition switch is
left in the “ACC ”or “ON ”position for
approximately 1 hour, the push-button
ignition switch will be automatically
switched to “OFF”to prevent the battery
from going dead. This function is activated
when the select lever is in the “P”position.
& When access key does not
operate properly
Refer to “Access key –if access key does
not operate properly ”F 9-18.
Hazard warning flasher
Models without multi function display
Models with multi function display
The hazard warning flasher is used to
warn other drivers when you have to park
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        Page 409 of 594

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
mission.
. When parking the vehicle, first
securely apply the parking brake
and then place the select lever in
the “P”position. Do not park for
a long time with the select lever
in any other position as doing so
could result in a dead battery.
& Continuously variable trans-
mission features
The continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. For some models, it also
has a manual mode or an “L”position.
NOTE
. When the engine coolant tempera-
ture is still low, the transmission will
upshift or downshift at higher engine
speeds than when the coolant tempera-
ture is sufficiently high in order to
shorten the warm-up time and improve
driveability. The gearshift timing will
automatically shift to the normal timing
after the engine has warmed up.
. Immediately after transmission fluid
is replaced, you may feel that the
transmission operation is somewhat
unusual. This results from invalidation of data which the on-board computer
has collected and stored in memory to
allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the current
condition of your vehicle. Optimized
shifting will be restored as the vehicle
continues to be driven for a while.
.
When driving a CVT model under
continuous heavy load conditions such
as when towing a camper or climbing a
long, steep hill, the engine speed or the
vehicle speed may automatically be
reduced. This is not a malfunction. This
phenomenon results from the engine
control function maintaining the cool-
ing performance of the vehicle. The
engine and vehicle speed will return to
a normal speed when the engine is able
to maintain the optimum cooling per-
formance after the heavy load de-
creases. Driving under a heavy load
must be performed with extreme care.
Do not try to pass a vehicle in front
when driving on an uphill slope while
towing. .
The continuously variable transmis-
sion is a chain type system that
provides superior transmission effi-
ciency for maximum fuel economy. At
times, depending on varying driving
conditions, a chain operating sound
may be heard that is characteristic of
this type of system.
& Select lever
! Select lever positions
1) Select lever button
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