Ignition switch (models without push-
button start system)......................................... 3-3
LOCK.................................................................. 3-3
ACC.................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime............................................ 3-4
Ignition switch light............................................. 3-4
Push-button ignition switch (models with
push-button start system)............................... 3-5
Safety precautions.............................................. 3-5
Operating range for push-button start system...... 3-5
Switching power................................................. 3-6
When access key does not operate properly........ 3-7
Hazard warning flasher....................................... 3-7
Meters and gauges.............................................. 3-7
Combination meter illumination........................... 3-7
Canceling the function for meter/gauge needle
movement upon turning on the ignition
switch............................................................... 3-8
Speedometer....................................................... 3-8
Odometer............................................................ 3-8
Double trip meter................................................ 3-9
Tachometer......................................................... 3-9
Fuel gauge......................................................... 3-10
Temperature gauge............................................ 3-11
ECO gauge........................................................ 3-11
Warning and indicator lights............................. 3-12
Seatbelt warning light and chime........................ 3-12
SRS airbag system warning light........................ 3-14Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators........................................................ 3-14
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator light.................................................. 3-15
Charge warning light.......................................... 3-15
Oil pressure warning light.................................. 3-15
Engine low oil level warning indicator................ 3-16
AT OIL TEMP warning light (CVT models)........... 3-16
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S. spec.
models)........................................................... 3-16
ABS warning light.............................................. 3-18
Brake system warning light................................ 3-18
Electronic parking brake indicator light.............. 3-20
Hill Holder indicator light................................... 3-21
Low fuel warning light....................................... 3-21
Door open indicator........................................... 3-22
Windshield washer fluid warning indicator.......... 3-22
All-Wheel Drive warning light (CVT models) ........ 3-22
Power steering warning light.............................. 3-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle
Dynamics Control operation indicator light ....... 3-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light..... 3-24
Warning chimes and warning indicator of the
keyless access with push-button start system (if
equipped)........................................................ 3-24
Security indicator light....................................... 3-29
Select lever/gear position indicator..................... 3-30
Turn signal indicator lights................................. 3-30
High beam indicator light................................... 3-30
Cruise control indicator..................................... 3-30
Cruise control set indicator................................ 3-30
Instruments and controls
3
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then go out
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the“ON”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the“ON”position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and turn off after several sec-
onds or after the engine has started:
: Seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens the
seatbelt.)
: Front passenger’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
ON /
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag
ON indicator light
/: Front passenger’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator light
/: CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light
(CVT models)
/: ABS warning light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light/Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indica-
tor light
/: Brake system warning light
: Hill Holder indicator light
: All-Wheel Drive warning light (CVT
models)
: Power steering warning light
: Low tire pressure warning light
(U.S. spec. models)
: Low fuel warning light
: Hill descent control indicator (if
equipped)
If any lights fail to illuminate, 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
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt
warning device at the driver’s and front
passenger’s seat, as required by current
safety standards.
With the ignition switch turned to the“ON”
position, this device reminds the driver
and front passenger to fasten their seat-
belts by the warning lights in the locations
indicated in the following illustration and a
chime.
Driver’s warning light
3-12
Front passenger’s warning light
!Operation
If the driver and/or front passenger have/
has not yet fastened the seatbelt(s) when
the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”
position, the seatbelt warning light(s) will
flash for 6 seconds, to warn that the
seatbelt(s) is/are unfastened. If the dri-
ver’s seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will
also sound simultaneously.
NOTE
.If the driver’s and/or front passen-
ger’s seatbelt(s) are/is still not fastened
6 seconds later, the seatbelt warning
device operates as follows according
to the vehicle speed.
–At speeds lower than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h)The warning light(s) for unfastened
seatbelt(s) will alternate between
steady illumination and flashing at
15-second intervals. The chime will
not sound.
–At speeds higher than approxi-
mately 9 mph (15 km/h)
The warning light(s) for unfastened
seatbelt(s) will alternate between
flashing and steady illumination at
15-second intervals and the chime
will sound while the warning light(s)
is/are flashing.
If there is no passenger on the front
passenger’s seat, the seatbelt warning
device for the front passenger’s seat will
be deactivated. The front passenger’s
occupant detection system monitors
whether or not there is a passenger on
the front passenger’s seat.
Observe the following precautions. Failure
to do so may prevent the device from
functioning correctly or cause the device
to fail.
.Do not install any accessory such as a
table or TV onto the seatback.
.Do not store a heavy load in the
seatback pocket.
.Do not allow the rear seat occupant to
place his/her hands or legs on the front
passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her topull the seatback.
.Do not use front seats with their back-
ward-forward position and seatback not
being locked into place securely. If any of
them are not locked securely, adjust them
again. For adjusting procedure, refer to
“Manual seat”F1-4 (models equipped
with manual seats only).
If the seatbelt warning device for the front
passenger’s seat does not function cor-
rectly (e.g., it is activated even when the
front passenger’s seat is empty or it is
deactivated even when the front passen-
ger has not fastened his/her seatbelt),
take the following actions.
.Ensure that no article is placed on the
seat other than a child restraint system
and its child occupant.
.Ensure that there is no article left in the
seatback pocket.
.Ensure that the backward-forward po-
sition and seatback of front passenger’s
seat are locked into place securely by
moving the seat back and forth. (Models
equipped with manual seats only)
If still the seatbelt warning device for front
passenger’s seat does not function cor-
rectly after taking relevant corrective ac-
tions described above, immediately con-
tact your SUBARU dealer for an inspec-
tion.
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED–3-13
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
&SRS airbag system
warning light
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of
the following conditions, there may
be a malfunction in the seatbelt
pretensioners and/or SRS airbag
system.
.Flashing or flickering of the warn-
ing light
.No illumination of the warning
light when the ignition switch is
first turned to the“ON”position
.Continuous illumination of the
warning light
.Illumination of the warning light
while driving
Immediately take your vehicle to
your nearest SUBARU dealer to
have the system checked. Unless
checked and properly repaired, the
seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS
airbags will operate improperly (e.g.
SRS airbags may inflate in a very
minor collision or not inflate in a
severe collision), which may in-
crease the risk of injury.
For details about the components mon-itored by the warning light, refer to“SRS
airbag system monitors”F1-68.
&Front passenger’s frontal
airbag ON and OFF indica-
tors
NOTE
For details about the operating condi-
tions of SRS seat cushion airbag, refer
to“SRS seat cushion airbag operation”
F1-61.
ON /: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
/: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
and OFF indicators show you the status of
the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag.The indicators are located as shown in the
illustration.
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON”position, both the ON and OFF
indicators illuminate for 6 seconds during
which time the system is checked. Follow-
ing the system check, both indicators turn
off for 2 seconds. After that, one of the
indicators illuminates depending on the
status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbag determined by the SUBARU ad-
vanced frontal airbag system monitoring.
If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag
ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF
indicator will remain off.
If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal
airbag ON indicator will remain off while
the OFF indicator will illuminate.
With the ignition switch turned to the“ON”
position, if both the ON and OFF indica-
tors remain illuminated or off simulta-
neously even after the system check
period, the system is malfunctioning.
Contact your SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately for an inspection.
3-14
&CHECK ENGINE
warning light/Malfunc-
tion indicator light
CAUTION
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light illumi-
nates while you are driving, have
your vehicle checked/repaired by
your SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible. Continued vehicle opera-
tion without having the emission
control system checked and re-
paired as necessary could cause
serious damage, which may not be
covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
If this light illuminates steadily or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate
that there is a problem or potential
problem somewhere in the emission con-
trol system.
!If the light illuminates constantly
If the light illuminates constantly while
driving or does not turn off after the engine
starts, an emission control system mal-
function has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by
an authorized SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
NOTE
This light also illuminates 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 indicator light coming on
could be a loose or missing fuel filler 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 ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator light
turn off immediately. It may take several
driving trips. If the light does not turn off,
take your vehicle to your authorized
SUBARU dealer immediately.
!If the light is blinking
If the light is blinking while driving, an
engine misfire condition has been de-
tected which may damage the emission
control system.
To prevent serious damage to the emis-
sion control system, you should conform
to the following instructions.
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard acceleration.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble.
.Stop towing a trailer as soon as
possible.The CHECK ENGINE warning light/mal-
function indicator light may stop blinking
and illuminate steadily after several driv-
ing trips. You should have your vehicle
checked by an authorized SUBARU deal-
er immediately.
&Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does
not turn off 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 illuminated,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.
&Oil pressure warning
light
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light on. This
may cause serious engine damage.
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED–3-15
Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
.A vehiclefails the OBDII inspection if
the“CHECK ENGINE”warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
.A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors“NOT
READY”is greater than one. If the
vehicle’s battery has been recently re-
placed or disconnected, the OBDII system
inspection may indicate that the vehicle is
not ready for the emission test. Under this
condition, the vehicle driver should be
instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few
days to reset the readiness monitors and
return for an emission re-inspection.
.Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector
not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer.Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.
Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected for
state emission testing.
Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checks
and adjustments 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 (Legacy)
and rear gate (Outback) are fully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
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”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.
10. Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
7-8
CAUTION
Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.
Starting and stopping the
engine (models without
push-button ignition switch)
&Starting engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than 10 sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again.
NOTE
It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically
controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis
function. To overcome it, keep the
ignition switch in the“ON”position
for approximately 10 seconds before
starting the engine.!General precautions when starting
engine
WARNING
.Never start the engine from out-
side the vehicle (except when
using the remote engine start
system). It may result in an
accident.
.Do not leave the engine running
in locations with poor ventilation,
such as a garage and indoors.
The exhaust gas may enter the
vehicle or indoors, and it may
result in carbon monoxide poi-
soning.
.Do not start the engine near dry
foliage, paper, or other flam-
mable substances. The exhaust
pipe and exhaust emissions can
create a fire hazard at high
temperatures.
CAUTION
.If the engine is stopped during
driving, the catalyst may over-
heat and burn.
.When starting the engine, be sure
to sit in the driver’s seat (except
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine (models without push–button ignition switch)
–CONTINUED–7-9
Starting and operating/Parking your vehicle
warning light”F3-18.
NOTE
.If the parking brake switch is
pressed with the ignition switch in the
“ACC”or“LOCK”/“OFF”position, the
parking brake is not released.
.If the parking brake switch is
pressed without depressing the brake
pedal (all models) and/or clutch pedal
(MT models), the parking brake is not
released.
.The electronic parking brake system
uses motors to apply the parking
brake. Therefore, operating sounds
from the motors will be heard when
applying or releasing the parking
brake. Make sure that the motor
sounds are heard when applying or
releasing the parking brake.
.When the electronic parking brake
system has a malfunction or the elec-
tronic parking brake operation is pro-
hibited temporarily, if the parking brake
switch is operated, a chirp sound is
heard and the electronic parking brake
indicator light flashes.
.When you cannot release the park-
ing brake due to, for example, a system
malfunction, contact your SUBARU
dealer and have your SUBARU dealer
release the parking brake.
.If the operation of the electronicparking brake switch is stopped mid-
way or performed extremely slowly, the
system may detect an error and turn on
the brake system warning light. How-
ever, this does not indicate a malfunc-
tion if the warning light turns off after
operating the switch.
.When the electronic parking brake
has not been used for a long period of
time, the electronic parking brake may
operate automatically after the ignition
switch is turned to the“LOCK”/“OFF”
position. This occurs due to checking
the proper operation of the electronic
parking brake and does not indicate a
malfunction.
.If the electronic parking brake
switch is malfunctioning and the elec-
tronic parking brake cannot be re-
leased, refer to the instructions de-
scribed in“Automatic release function
by accelerator pedal”F7-44.
After activating the EPB, you may hear
a short sound several minutes after the
indicator lamp illuminates as the sys-
tem confirms proper engagement. This
sound is different from the apply and
release sound.
This can occur:
–If the brakes are extremely hot.
–If the car is parked on a steep
incline.–If the electronic parking brake is
applied after the ignition switch is
turned OFF.
This is a normal operating sound under
any of these conditions.
!Automatic release function by ac-
celerator pedal
The electronic parking brake system has
an automatic release function. The park-
ing brake will be automatically released by
depressing the accelerator pedal. How-
ever, the automatic release function does
not operate under the following conditions.
.Any door (other than the trunk lid or
rear gate) is open.
.The driver’s seatbelt is not fastened.
.The clutch pedal is released from the
fully depressed position to partially en-
gaged position (MT models).
If the parking brake is automatically
released, the electronic parking brake
indicator light and the indicator light on
the parking brake switch turn off.
NOTE
Even if you have applied the parking
brake, the parking brake will be auto-
matically released when the accelera-
tor pedal is depressed.
7-44