
!Refueling
Only one person should be involved in
refueling. Do not allow others to approach
the area of the vehicle near the fuel filler
pipe while refueling is in progress.
Be sure to observe any other precautions
that are posted at the service station.
1. Stop the vehicle and turn the ignition
switch to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position and
turn off all the other electrical components.
2. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid
release lever up. The lever is on the floor
at the left of the driver’s seat.
WARNING
Before opening the fuel filler cap,
first touch the vehicle body or a
metal portion of the fuel pump or
similar object to discharge any
static electricity that may be present
on your body. If your body is carry-
ing an electrostatic charge, there is
a possibility that an electric spark
could ignite the fuel, which could
burn you. To avoid acquiring a new
static electric charge, do not get
back into the vehicle while refueling
is in progress.
1) Open
2) Close
3. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
WARNING
.Gasoline vapor is highly flam-
mable. Before refueling, always
turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position first and
then close all vehicle doors and
windows. Make sure that there
are no lighted cigarettes, open
flames or electrical sparks in the
adjacent area. Only handle fuel
outdoors. Quickly wipe up any
spilled fuel.
.When opening the cap, grasp itfirmly and turn it slowly to the
left. Do not remove the cap
quickly. Fuel may be under pres-
sure and spray out of the fuel
filler neck, especially in hot
weather. If you hear a hissing
sound while you are removing
the cap, wait for the sound to
stop and then slowly open the
cap to prevent fuel from spraying
out and creating a fire hazard.
4. Set the fuel filler cap on the cap holder
inside the fuel filler lid.
WARNING
.When refueling, insert the fuel
nozzle securely into the fuel filler
pipe. If the nozzle is lifted or not
Starting and operating/Fuel
–CONTINUED–7-5 

Starting and operating/Fuel
fully inserted, its automatic stop-
ping mechanism may not func-
tion, causing fuel to overflow the
tank and creating a fire hazard.
.Stop refueling when the auto-
matic stop mechanism on the
fuel nozzle activates. If you con-
tinue to add fuel, temperature
changes or other conditions
may cause fuel to overflow from
the tank and create a fire hazard.
5. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
6. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while
tightening.
CAUTION
Make sure that the cap is tightened
until it clicks to prevent fuel spillage
in the event of an accident.
7. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
CAUTION
If you spill any fuel on the painted
surface, rinse it off immediately.Otherwise, the painted surface
could be damaged.
NOTE
.You will see the“”sign in the fuel
gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler
door (lid) is located on the right side of
the vehicle.
.If the fuel filler cap is not tightened
until it clicks or if the tether is caught
under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE
warning light/malfunction indicator
light may illuminate. Refer to“CHECK
ENGINE warning light/Malfunction in-
dicator light”F3-16.
CAUTION
.Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause da-
mage to the fuel system.
.After refueling, turn the cap to the
right until it clicks to ensure that
it is fully tightened. If the cap is
not securely tightened, fuel may
leak out while the vehicle is being
driven or fuel spillage could
occur in the event of an accident,
creating a fire hazard..Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be
sure to wipe off any spilled fuel
quickly. Paint damage caused by
spilled fuel is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.
.Always use a genuine SUBARU
fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting and your fuel tank
and emission control system
may be damaged. It could also
lead to fuel spillage and a fire.
.Immediately put fuel in the tank
whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
as a result of an empty tank
could cause damage to the en-
gine. Continuing to operate your
vehicle at an extremely low fuel
level may result in a reduction of
engine performance.
7-6 

Starting and operating/Preparing to drive
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 and rear gate 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.
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.
.When towing a trailer, refer to“Trai-
ler hitch (dealer option)”F8-15.
7-8 

Starting and stopping the
engine (models without
push-button start system)
&General precautions when
starting/stopping 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
when using the remote engine
start system).
NOTE
.Avoid rapid racing and rapid accel-
eration immediately after the engine
has started.
.For a short time after the engine has
started, the engine speed is kept high.
When the warm-up is completed, the
engine speed lowers automatically.
.On rare occasions, it may be difficult
to start the engine depending on the
fuel and the usage condition (repeated
driving of a distance in which the
engine has not warmed up sufficiently).
In such a case, it is recommended that
you change to a different brand of fuel.
.On rare occasions, transient knock-
ing may be heard from the engine when
the accelerator is operated rapidly
such as a rapid start-up and a rapid
acceleration. This is not a malfunction.
.The engine starts more easily whenthe headlights, air conditioner and rear
window defogger are turned off.
&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.
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine (models without push–button start system)
–CONTINUED–7-9 

Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine (models without push–button start system)
!MT models
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac-
cessories.
3. Depress 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 depressed 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
“Warning and indicator lights”F3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the“START”
positionwithoutdepressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, try the
following procedure.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position and wait for at
least 10 seconds. After checking that
the parking brake is firmly set, turn the
ignition switch to the“START”position
while depressing the accelerator pedal
slightly (approximately a quarter of the
full stroke). Release the accelerator
pedal as soon as the engine starts.
(2) If this fails to start the engine, turnthe ignition switch back to the“LOCK”/
“OFF”position and wait for at least 10
seconds. Then fully depress the accel-
erator pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the“START”position. If the
engine starts, quickly release the
accelerator pedal.
(3) If this fails to start the engine, turn
the ignition switch again to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position. After waiting
for 10 seconds or longer, turn the
ignition switch to the“START”position
without depressing the accelerator
pedal.
(4) If the engine still does not start,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
for assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started. The fuel injection system auto-
matically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up.
!CVT models
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac-
cessories.
3. Shift the select lever to the“
P”or“N”
position (preferably the
“
P”position).
The starter motor will only operate when
the select lever 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
“Warning and indicator lights”F3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the“START”
positionwithoutdepressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, try the
following procedure.
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position and wait for at
least 10 seconds. After checking that
the parking brake is firmly set, turn the
ignition switch to the“START”position
while depressing the accelerator pedal
slightly (approximately a quarter of the
full stroke). Release the accelerator
pedal as soon as the engine starts.
(2) If this fails to start the engine, turn
the ignition switch back to the“LOCK”/
“OFF”position and wait for at least 10
seconds. Then fully depress the accel-
erator pedal and turn the ignition
switch to the“START”position. If the
engine starts, quickly release the
accelerator pedal.
(3) If this fails to start the engine, turn
the ignition switch again to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position. After waiting
for 10 seconds or longer, turn the
ignition switch to the“START”position
7-10 

without depressing the accelerator
pedal.
(4) If the engine still refuses to start,
contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
for assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started. The fuel injection system auto-
matically lowers the idle speed as the
engine warms up.
While the engine is warming up, make
sure that the select lever is at the“P”or
“N”position and that the parking brake is
applied.
CAUTION
If you restart the engine while the
vehicle is moving, shift the select
lever into the“N”position. Do not
attempt to place the select lever of a
moving vehicle into the“P”posi-
tion.
&Stopping the engine
The ignition switch should be turned off
only when the vehicle is stopped and the
engine is idling.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause
loss of power to the power steering
and the brake booster, making steer-
ing and braking more difficult. It
could also result in accidental acti-
vation of the“LOCK”/“OFF”posi-
tion on the ignition switch, causing
the steering wheel to lock.
Starting and stopping engine
(models with push-button
start system)
&Safety precautions
Refer to“Safety precautions”F2-10.
&Operating range for push-
button start system
Refer to“Operating range for push-button
start system”F3-6.
&Starting engine
WARNING
.There are some general precau-
tions when starting the engine.
Carefully read the precautions
described in“General precau-
tions when starting/stopping en-
gine”F7-9.
.If the indicator on the push-
button ignition switch flashes in
green after the engine has
started, never drive the vehicle.
The steering is still locked, and it
may result in an accident.
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping engine (models with push–button start system)
–CONTINUED–7-11 

Starting and operating/Starting and stopping engine (models with push–button start system)
CAUTION
.When the operation indicator on
the push-button ignition switch is
flashing in orange, there may be
a malfunction with the vehicle.
Contact a SUBARU dealer imme-
diately.
.If the indicator on the push-
button ignition switch is flashing
in green after the engine has
started, it means that the steering
is still locked. Depress the brake
pedal while moving the steering
wheel to the right and left, and
press the push-button ignition
switch.
.Do not continue pressing the
push-button ignition switch for
more than 10 seconds. Doing so
could cause a malfunction. If the
engine does not start, stop
pressing the push-button ignition
switch. Instead, press the push-
button ignition switch without
depressing the brake pedal to
switch the power status to
“OFF”. Wait 10 seconds, and
then press the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine.
NOTE
.When the push-button ignition
switch is pressed while depressing
thebrakepedal,theenginestarter
operates for a maximum of 10 seconds
and after starting the engine, the starter
stops automatically.
.When the push-button ignition
switch is pressed while depressing
the brake pedal, the engine can be
started regardless of the status of the
push-button ignition switch.
.If the security indicator light illumi-
nates when you attempt to start the
engine but the engine does not start,
press the push-button ignition switch
to switch the power to“OFF”and then
try to start the engine again.
.If the engine does not start, press
the push-button ignition switch without
depressing the brake pedal to switch
the power to“OFF”. Then, while de-
pressing the brake pedal more force-
fully, press the push-button ignition
switch.
.The engine start procedures may
not function depending on the radio
wave conditions around the vehicle. In
such a case, refer to“Starting engine”
F9-18.
.If the vehicle battery is discharged,
the steering cannot be unlocked.Charge the battery.
1) Operation indicator
2) Push-button ignition switch
When the push-button ignition switch is
pressed while depressing the brake pedal,
the engine will start. The starting proce-
dure for the engine is as follows.
1. Carry the access key, and sit in the
driver’s seat.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the select lever into the“P”
position. The engine can also start when
the select lever is in the“N”position,
however, for safety reasons, start in the
“P”position.
4. Depress the brake pedal until the
operation indicator on the push-button
ignition switch turns green. When starting
7-12 

with the select lever in the“N”position, the
indicator does not turn green.
5. While depressing the brake pedal,
press the push-button ignition switch.
NOTE
.While pressing the select lever but-
ton in, the indicator on the push-button
ignition switch will not turn green even
when the select lever is in the“P”
position.
.In case the engine does not start by
the normal engine start procedure,
move the select lever to the“P”posi-
tion, and switch the power to“ACC”.
Depress the brake pedal, and press the
push-button ignition switch for at least
15 seconds. The engine may start. Only
use this engine start procedure in case
of emergency.
.When the engine is not started, the
brake pedal may feel stiff. In such a
case, depress the brake pedal more
forcefully than usual. Check that the
operation indicator on the push-button
ignition switch turns green, and press
the push-button ignition switch to start
the engine.
&Stopping engine
1. Stop the vehicle completely.
2. Move the select lever to the“P”
position.
3. Press the push-button ignition switch.
The engine will stop, and the power will be
switched off.
WARNING
.Do not touch the push-button
ignition switch during driving.
When the push-button ignition
switch is operated as follows,
the engine will stop.
–The switch is pressed and held
for 3 seconds or longer.
–The switch is pressed briefly 3
times or more in succession.
When the engine stops, the brake
booster will not function. A great-
er foot pressure will be required
on the brake pedal.
The power steering system will
not operate either. A greater
force will be required to steer,
and it may result in an accident.
.If the engine stops during driving,
do not operate the push-button
ignition switch or open any of thedoors until the vehicle is stopped
in a safe location. It is dangerous
because the steering lock may be
activated. Stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and contact a
SUBARU dealer immediately.
CAUTION
.Do not stop the engine while the
select lever is in a position other
than the“P”position.
.If the engine is stopped while the
select lever is in a position other
than the“P”position, the power
will be in“ACC”. If the vehicle is
left in this condition, the battery
may be discharged.
NOTE
Although you can stop the engine by
operating the push-button ignition
switch, do not stop the engine during
driving except in an emergency.
&When access key does not
operate properly
Refer to“Access key–if access key does
not operate properly”F9-17.
Starting and operating/Starting and stopping engine (models with push–button start system)7-13