2017 SUBARU FORESTER stop start

Keys and doors/Rear gate
The power rear gate operates only when
all of the following conditions are satisfied.
.The vehicle is stopped completely.
. The outside temperature is within a
range from −22 8F to 1588 F (from−30 8Cto
70 8C).
. The ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/
“OFF ”or “ACC ”position. Or, the ignition
switch is in the “ON”position and the
parking brake is applied (MT models)/the
select lever is in the “P”position (CVT
models).
NOTE
. If the button is pressed repeatedly
while the power rear gate is operating,
the system may ignore the button
operation in order to avoid being
damaged. Do not press the button
unnecessarily.
. It is not possible to stop the rear
gate temporarily while opening be-
tween the completely closed position
and approximately 12 in (30 cm) open.
If you press one of the power rear gate
buttons briefly during this range, the
rear gate will be closed.
. If the vehicle starts to move while
the power rear gate is operating, the
system sounds a buzzer and closes the
rear gate automatically. At this time, if
the system detects jamming, it will deactivate the power rear gate and the
rear gate will not be closed. If this
occurs, close the rear gate via regular
procedures.
.
If you try to open the rear gate using
the power rear gate function immedi-
ately after closing the rear gate using
the power rear gate function, an elec-
tronic chirp will sound and the rear
gate will not open. Wait for a while
before trying to open the rear gate via
the power rear gate function. If you
wish to open it right away, it can be
opened manually. !
Operation by the button on the
instrument panelPower rear gate button
To open the rear gate:
Press and hold the power rear gate button
when the rear gate is closed. Then an
electronic chirp will sound twice and the
hazard warning flashers will flash twice.
The rear gate will open automatically.
To stop the rear gate midway:
Briefly press the power rear gate button
while the rear gate is being opened. Then
the hazard warning flashers will flash
twice. If the button is pressed again, the
rear gate will close. If the button is briefly
pressed while the gate is closed, the rear
gate can be opened. However, the rear
gate cannot be stopped again while it is
2-40

Instruments and controls/Ignition switch (models without push–button start system)
Ignition switch (models with-
out push-button start sys-
tem)
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
keyholder 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.
3-4

The key can be turned from the“ACC”to
“ LOCK ”position only when the select
lever is in the “P”position (CVT models)
and the key is pushed in while turning it
(all models).
& ACC
In this position the electrical accessories
(audio, accessory power outlet, 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.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the
“START ”position while the engine
is running.
If your registered key fails to start the
engine, pull out the key once (the security
indicator light will blink), and then insert
the key in the ignition switch and turn it to
the “START ”position and again try to start
the engine.
NOTE
The engine may not start in the follow-
ing cases:
. The key grip is touching another key
or a metallic key holder.
. The key is near another key that
contains an immobilizer transponder.
. The key is near or touching another
transmitter.
& Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the
driver ’s door is opened and the ignition
switch is in the “LOCK ”or “ACC ”position.
The chime stops under the following
conditions.
. when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position
. when the key is removed from the
ignition switch
. when the driver ’s door is closed
Instruments and controls/Ignition switch (models without push –button start system)
–CONTINUED –3-5

&Switching power status
1) Operation indicator
2) Push-button ignition switch
The power is switched every time the
push-button ignition switch is pressed.
1. Carry the access key, and sit in the
driver ’s seat.
2. Shift the select lever into the “P ”
position.
3. Press the push-button ignition switch
without depressing the brake pedal. Every
time the button is pressed, the power is
switched in the sequence of “OFF ”,
“ACC ”,“ON ”and “OFF ”. When the engine
is stopped and the push-button ignition
switch is in “ACC”or “ON ”, the operation
indicator on the push-button ignition
switch illuminates in orange.
Power status Indicator color Operation
OFF Turned off Power is turned
off.
ACC Orange The following
systems can be used:
audio and ac-
cessory power
outlet.
ON Orange
(while engine is stopped) All electrical
systems can be
used.
Turned off
(while engine is
running)
CAUTION
.When the push-button ignition
switch is left in “ON ”or “ACC ”
for a long time, it may result in
vehicle battery discharge.
. Do not spill drinks or other
liquids on the push-button igni-
tion switch. It may cause a mal-
function.
. Do not touch the push-button
ignition switch with a hand soiled
with oil or other contaminants. It
may cause a malfunction.
. If the push-button ignition switch 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
. 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.
Instruments and controls/Push –button ignition switch (models with push –button start system)
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Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
If the engine coolant temperature in-
creases over the specified range, the
indicator light/warning light blinks in
RED. At this time, the engine is close to
overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature in-
creases further, the indicator light/warning
light illuminates in REDcontinuously. At
this time, the engine may be overheating.
When the indicator light/warning light
blinks in REDor illuminates in RED, safely
stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and
refer to the emergency steps to take in the
case of engine overheating. Refer to
“ Engine overheating ”F 9-12. After that,
have the system checked by your nearest
SUBARU dealer.
Also, if the indicator light/warning light
often blinks in RED, the electrical system
may be malfunctioning. Contact your
SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
NOTE
If the engine is restarted after a certain
driving condition, this indicator light/
warning light may illuminate in RED.
However, this is not a malfunction if the
indicator light/warning light turns off
after a short time.
&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
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating 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 engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is
at the proper level but the light remains
illuminated, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer immediately.
For details about checking the engine oil
level or adding the engine oil, refer to
“Engine oil ”F 11-10.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the
oil pressure warning light illumi-
nated. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.
&Engine low oil level
warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil
level decreases to the lower limit.
If the engine low oil level warning light
illuminates while driving, park the vehicle
in a safe and level location, and then
check the engine oil level. When the
engine oil level is not within the normal
range, refill with engine oil. Refer to
“Engine oil ”F 11-10.
If the warning light does not turn off after
refilling the engine oil, or the warning light
illuminates even though the engine oil
level is within the normal range, have the
vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
. After replacing or adding the engine
oil, if the engine oil level is within the
normal range when restarting the en-
gine on a level surface, the warning
light will turn off.
3-18

.The warning light may illuminate
temporarily in the following conditions
because a low oil level may be detected
as a result of significant oil movement
in the engine.
–when the vehicle is considerably
inclined on an uphill or steep slope
– when the vehicle has continu-
ously accelerated and decelerated
– when the vehicle is continuously
turned
– when the vehicle is driven on a
road that alternates continuously
between uphill and downhill
&Windshield washer
fluid warning light
This light illuminates when the fluid level in
the windshield washer fluid tank de-
creases to the lower limit (approximately
1.1 US qt, 1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt).
&AT OIL TEMP warning
light (CVT models)
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, im-
mediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off.
!
Transmission control system warn-
ing
If the “AT OIL TEMP ”warning light flashes
after the engine has started, it may
indicate that the transmission control
system is not working properly. Contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer for service
immediately.
&Low tire pressure
warning light (U.S.-spec.
models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON ”position, the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will illuminate for approximately 2
seconds to check that the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning
properly. If there is no problem and all tires
are properly inflated, the light will turn off.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle
’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
–CONTINUED –3-19

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
switch in the“ON”position and with the
parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should
illuminate while driving (with the parking
brake fully released and with the ignition
switch positioned in “ON”), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn
brake pads. If this occurs, immediately
stop the vehicle at the nearest safe
location and check the brake fluid level.
If the fluid level is below the “MIN”mark in
the reservoir, do not drive the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
! Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning
The brake system warning light also
illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the
EBD system. In that event, it illuminates
together with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be malfunctioning if
the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are
applied harder than usual and the vehi-
cle ’s motion may therefore become some-
what harder to control. If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously,
take the following steps.
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe,
flat location.
2. Shut down the engine, apply the
parking brake and then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. Even if
both warning lights turn off, the EBD
system may be malfunctioning. Drive
carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer
and have the system inspected.
4. If both warning lights illuminate again
and remain illuminated after the engine
has been restarted, shut down the engine
again, apply the parking brake, and check
the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the
“
MIN ”mark, the EBD system may be
malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the
“ MIN ”mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.
Instead, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.
! Vacuum pump system warning
(turbo models)
This light illuminates when a malfunction
is detected in the vacuum pump system.NOTE
The vacuum pump system assists the
boost pressure when driving at high
altitudes while the engine is cold.
&Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light illuminates
when the tank is nearly empty, at approxi-
mately 2.6 US gal (10.0 liters, 2.2 Imp gal).
It only operates when the ignition switch is
in the “ON”position.
CAUTION
Promptly put fuel in the tank when-
ever the low fuel warning light
illuminates. Engine misfires as a
result of an empty tank could cause
damage to the engine.
NOTE
This light does not turn off unless the
tank is replenished up to an internal
fuel quantity of approximately 4.5 US
gal (17 liters, 3.7 Imp gal).
3-22

The clock can be set to 12-hour or 24-hour
clock displays. Perform the following
procedure to switch the display format.
1. Place the ignition switch in the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position.
2. Press and hold the “−”button that is
located near the clock display for approxi-
mately 5 seconds. The clock display will
then start to flash.
3. While the clock display is flashing,
press and hold the “+”button for approxi-
mately 2 seconds. The clock format will
then change.
4. The clock display will continue to flash
for approximately 3 seconds to inform you
that the clock display has been changed.
If you want to change the clock display
again, press and hold the “+”button for
approximately 2 seconds while the clock
display is flashing.Multi information display
(models with type B combi-
nation meter)
WARNING
Always pay adequate attention to
safe driving when operating the
multi information display while the
vehicle is in motion. When operation
of the multi information display
interferes with your ability to con-
centrate on driving, stop the vehicle
before performing operations on the
screen. Also, do not concentrate on
the display while driving. Doing so
may cause you to look away from
the road and could result in an
accident.
Various information will be shown on the
multi information display. Also, a warning
message will appear on the display if a
malfunction, etc. is detected. In addition,
several settings for the displayed content
can be performed.
Multi information display
1) Fuel gauge (refer to “Fuel gauge ”F 3-
12.)
2) Warning screen (refer to “Warning
screen ”F 3-41.)/Basic screen (refer to
“ Basic screens ”F 3-41.)
3) Cruise control information display
4) Warning indicator
Instruments and controls/Multi information display (models with type B combination meter)
–CONTINUED –
3-39