Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english

(109,1)

center pillar, a rear pillar, the
windshield, a side window, an
assist grip, or any other cabin
surface that would be near a
deploying SRS curtain airbag.

– Installation of additional elec-

trical/electronic equipment
such as a mobile two-way
radio on or near the SRS air-
bag system components and/
or wiring is not advisable. This
could interfere with proper
operation of the SRS airbag
system.

– Modifications on or inside the

front door panels for the pur-
pose of a speaker replace-
ment or sound insulation.

The impact sensors, which detect

the pressure of an impact, are
located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the
doors or door trims, such as the
addition of door speakers for
example. Any modifications to
the doors create a risk of the
airbag system becoming inop-
erative or unintended airbag de-
ployment.

CAUTION

Do not perform any of the following
modifications. Such modifications
can interfere with proper operation
of the SRS airbag system.

Attachment of any equipment

(bush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than genu-
ine SUBARU accessory parts to
the front end.

Modification of the suspension

system or front end structure.

Installation of a tire of different

size and construction from the
tires specified on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver’s
door pillar or specified for indivi-
dual vehicle models in this Own-
er’s Manual.

Attachment of any equipment

(side steps or side sill protectors,
etc.) other than genuine SUBARU
accessory parts to the side body.

Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you
want to install any accessory parts on your
vehicle.

How to contact the vehicle
manufacturer concerning
modifications for persons
with disabilities that may af-
fect the advanced airbag
system

Changing or moving any parts of the front
seats, rear seat, seatbelts, front bumper,
front side frame, radiator panel, instrument
panel, combination meter, steering wheel,
steering column, tire, suspension or floor
panel can affect the operation of the
SUBARU advanced airbag system. If you
have any questions, you may contact the
following SUBARU distributors.

<Continental U.S., Alaska and the District
of Columbia>
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department
One Subaru Drive
P.O. Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)

<Hawaii>
Subaru Hawaii
2850-A Pukoloa St.,
Honolulu, HI 96819
877-215-0338

– CONTINUED –

SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)

107

Seat,

seatbelt

and

SRS

airbags

(111,1)

2-1. Keys ..................................................................111

Key number plate ............................................... 111

2-2. Keyless access with push-button start

system (if equipped) ......................................111

Safety precautions.............................................. 112
Locking and unlocking by holding the access

key fob ............................................................. 115

Unlock using PIN Code Access........................... 119
Power saving function ........................................ 121
Power saving function of access key fob ............ 122
Disabling keyless access function ...................... 122
Selecting audible signal operation ...................... 125
Warning chimes and warning indicator ............... 125
When access key fob does not operate

properly............................................................ 125

Replacing battery of access key fob.................... 125
Replacing access key fob ................................... 125
Certification for keyless access with

push-button start system .................................. 125

2-3. Immobilizer...................................................... 127

Security indicator light........................................ 127
Key replacement................................................. 127
Certification for immobilizer system .................... 127

2-4. Remote keyless entry system ....................... 128

Locking the doors .............................................. 130
Unlocking the doors ........................................... 130
Unlocking the rear gate....................................... 130
Vehicle finder function ........................................ 130
Sounding a panic alarm ...................................... 130

Setting audible signal operation (models

without “keyless access with push-button
start system”) .................................................. 130

Replacing the battery ......................................... 131
Replacing lost transmitters................................. 131
Certification for remote keyless entry system ..... 131

2-5. Door locks........................................................132

Locking and unlocking from the outside............. 132
Locking and unlocking from the inside ............... 133
Automatic door locking/unlocking ...................... 134
Key lock-in prevention function .......................... 135
Battery drainage prevention function.................. 135

2-6. Alarm system...................................................136

Alarm system operation ..................................... 136
Arming the system ............................................. 136
Disarming the system ........................................ 137
Alarm system setting ......................................... 138
If you have accidentally triggered the alarm

system............................................................. 138

Valet mode......................................................... 138

2-7. Child safety locks............................................139
2-8. Windows...........................................................139

Power window operation .................................... 140
Initialization of power window (windows with

off delay function) ............................................ 142

2-9. Rear gate..........................................................142

Manual rear gate ................................................ 142
Power rear gate (if equipped) ............................. 143

Keys and doors

Keys

and

doors

(113,1)

2-1. Keys

NOTE

For models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”, refer to
“Keyless access with push-button start
system”

�

P111.

The following keys are provided with the
vehicle.

Master keys

Valet key

Key number plate

These keys can be used in the following
locations.

Ignition switch

Driver’s door

Glove box (except the valet key)

The valet key fits only the ignition switch
and door locks. You can keep the glove
box locked when you leave your vehicle
and valet key at a parking facility.

NOTE

Locking/unlocking using the remote
keyless entry system can also be con-
trolled with the buttons on the key. For
details, refer to “Remote keyless entry
system”

�

P128.

CAUTION

Do not attach a large key holder or
key case to either key. If it bangs
against your knees while you are
driving, it could turn the ignition
switch from the “ON” position to
the “ACC” or “LOCK” position,
thereby stopping the engine.

Key number plate

The key number is stamped on the key
number plate attached to the key set. Write
down the key number and keep it in
another safe place, not in the vehicle. This
number is needed to make a replacement
key if you lose your key or lock it inside the
vehicle. Refer to “Key replacement”

�

P127.

2-2. Keyless access with
push-button start system (if
equipped)

The following access key fobs are pro-
vided with the vehicle.

Access key fobs

Key number plate

The “keyless access with push-button start
system” allows the following functions to
be performed when the access key fob is
being carried.

Locking and unlocking of doors, rear
gate and fuel filler lid (For details, refer
to “Locking and unlocking by holding
the access key fob”

�

P115.)

Starting and stopping the engine (For
details, refer to “Starting and stopping

– CONTINUED –

Keys

111

Keys

and

doors

(114,1)

engine (models with push-button start
system)”

�

P308.)

Arming and disarming the alarm sys-
tem (For details, refer to “Alarm system”

�

P136.)

NOTE

Locking/unlocking using the remote
keyless entry system can also be
controlled with the buttons on the
access key fob. For details, refer to
“Remote keyless entry system”

�

P128.

Carefully store the key number plate
supplied with the access key fob. It
is necessary for vehicle repair and
additional registration of access key
fobs. For details, refer to “Key
replacement”

�

P127.

An emergency key is attached to each
access key fob.

Release button

Emergency key

Press the release button of the access key
fob to take out the emergency key.
The emergency key is used for the follow-
ing operations.

Locking and unlocking the driver’s door

Locking and unlocking the glove box

NOTE

The glove box can be kept locked when
the vehicle and the access key fob (with
the emergency key removed) are left at
a parking facility.

Safety precautions

WARNING

If you wear an implanted pacemaker
or an implanted defibrillator, stay at
least 8.7 in (22 cm) away from the
transmitting antennas installed on
the vehicle.

The radio waves from the transmit-
ting antennas on the vehicle could
adversely affect the operation of
implanted pacemakers and im-
planted defibrillators.

If you wear electronic medical equip-
ment other than an implanted pace-
maker or an implanted defibrillator,
before using the keyless access
with push-button start system, refer
to “Radio waves used for the key-
less access with push-button start
system” mentioned later, and con-
tact the electronic medical equip-
ment manufacturer for more infor-
mation. The radio waves from the
transmitting antennas on the vehicle
could adversely affect the operation
of the electronic medical equipment.

“Radio waves used for the keyless
access with push-button start sys-
tem”

Keyless access with push-button start system

112

(115,1)

The keyless access with push-

button start system uses radio
waves of the following fre-
quency* in addition to the radio
waves used for the remote key-
less entry system. The radio
waves are periodically output
from the antennas installed on
the vehicle as shown in the
following illustrations.

*: Radio frequency: 134 kHz

Antennas

CAUTION

Never leave or store the access

key fob inside the vehicle or
within 6.6 ft (2 m) around the
vehicle (e.g., in the garage). The
access key fob may be locked
inside the vehicle, or the battery
may discharge rapidly. Note that
the push-button ignition switch
may not turn on in some cases
depending on the location of the
access key fob.

The access key fob contains

electronic components. Observe
the following precautions to pre-
vent malfunctions.

– It is recommended to have the

access key battery replaced at
an authorized SUBARU dealer
to avoid the risk of damage.

– Do not get the access key fob

wet. If the access key fob gets
wet, wipe it off immediately
and let it dry completely.

– Do not apply strong impacts to

the access key fob.

– Never leave the access key

fob in direct sunlight or any-
where that may become hot,
such as on the dashboard. It

– CONTINUED –

Keyless access with push-button start system

113

Keys

and

doors

(116,1)

may damage the battery or
cause circuit malfunctions.

– Do not wash the access key

fob in an ultrasonic washer.

– Do not leave the access key

fob in humid or dusty loca-
tions. Doing so may cause
malfunctions.

– Keep the access key fob away

from magnetic sources.

– Do not leave the access key

fob near a personal computer
or home electrical appliance.

– Do not leave the access key

fob near a battery charger or
any electrical accessories.

– Do not apply metallic window

tint or attach metallic objects
to the windows.

– Do not fit non genuine acces-

sories or parts.

If the access key fob is dropped,

the integrated emergency key in-
side may become loose. Be care-
ful not to lose the emergency key.

When traveling in an airplane, do

not press the button of the ac-
cess key fob. If any button of the
access key fob is pressed, radio
waves are emitted and may affect

the operation of the airplane. in a
bag, take measures to prevent
the buttons from being pressed
accidentally.

NOTE

The operational/non-operational
setting for the keyless access func-
tion can be changed. For the setting
procedure, refer to “Disabling key-
less access function”

�

P122.

For detailed information about the
operation method for the push-but-
ton ignition switch while the keyless
access function is switched to the
non-operational mode, refer to “Ac-
cess key fob – if access key fob does
not operate properly”

�

P433.

The keyless access with push-but-
ton start system uses weak radio
waves. The status of the access key
fob and environmental conditions
may interfere with the communica-
tion between the access key fob and
the vehicle under the following con-
ditions, and it may not be possible to
lock or unlock the doors or start the
engine.

– When operating near a facility

where strong radio waves are
transmitted, such as a broadcast

station and power transmission
lines.

– When products that transmit

radio waves are used, such as
an access key fob or a remote
transmitter key of another vehi-
cle.

– When carrying the access key fob

of your vehicle together with the
access key fob or the remote
transmitter of another vehicle.

– When the access key fob is

placed near wireless communi-
cation equipment such as a cell
phone.

– When the access key fob is

placed near a metallic object.

– When metallic accessories are

attached to the access key fob.

– When carrying the access key fob

with an electronic appliance such
as a laptop computer.

– When the battery of the access

key fob is discharged.

The access key fob is always com-
municating with the vehicle and is
continuously using the battery.
Although the life of the battery varies
depending on the operating condi-
tions, it is approximately 1 to 2 years.
If the battery becomes fully dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.

Keyless access with push-button start system

114

(117,1)

If an access key fob is lost, it is
recommended that all of the remain-
ing access key fobs be reregistered.
For reregistration of an access key
fob, contact a SUBARU dealer.

For a spare access key fob, contact a
SUBARU dealer.

Up to 7 access key fobs can be
registered for one vehicle.

Do not leave the access key fob in
the storage spaces inside the vehi-
cle, such as the door pocket, dash-
board or inside the corner of the
cargo area. Vibrations may damage
the key fob or turn on the switch,
possibly resulting in a lockout.

After the vehicle battery is dis-
charged or replaced, initialization
of the steering lock system may be
required to start the engine. In this
case, perform the following proce-
dure to initialize the steering lock.

(1) Turn the push-button ignition

switch to the “OFF” position.
For details, refer to “Switching
power status”

�

P161.

(2) Open and close the driver’s

door.

(3) Wait for approximately 10 sec-

onds.

When the steering is locked, the
initialization is completed.

Do not leave the access key fob in
the following places.

– On the instrument panel
– On the floor
– Inside the glove box
– Inside the door trim pocket
– On the rear seat
– In the cargo area

If you do, the following situations
may occur.

– The access key fob is mistakenly

locked inside the vehicle.

– A false warning issues although

no malfunction actually occurs.

– No warning issues even when a

malfunction occurs.

Locking and unlocking by
holding the access key fob

When the access key fob is carried within
the operating range, the doors, rear gate
and fuel filler lid can be locked/unlocked
just by touching the door handle.

NOTE

The vehicle can also be locked/un-
locked with the remote keyless entry
system. For details, refer to “Remote
keyless entry system”

�

P128.

Operating ranges

Antennas

Operating range (approximately 16 to 32
in (40 to 80 cm))

– CONTINUED –

Keyless access with push-button start system

115

Keys

and

doors

(118,1)

LED indicator

When the access key fob is within either of
the operating ranges of the front doors, the
LED indicator on the access key fob
flashes. When the keyless access func-
tions are disabled, the LED indicator does
not flash unless a button on the access key
fob is pressed.

NOTE

If the access key fob is placed too
close to the vehicle body, the key-
less access functions may not oper-
ate properly. If it does not operate
properly, repeat the operation from
farther away.

If the access key fob is placed near
the ground or in an elevated location
from the ground, even if it is in the

indicated operating range, the key-
less access function may not oper-
ate properly.

When the access key fob is within
the operating range, it is possible for
anyone, even someone who is not
carrying the access key fob, to
operate the keyless access function.
Note that the keyless access func-
tion can be operated only by the
door handle, door lock sensor, rear
gate opener button or rear lock
button in the operating range in
which the access key fob is de-
tected.

It is not possible to lock the doors,
rear gate and fuel filler lid using the
keyless access function when the
access key fob is inside the vehicle.
However, depending on the status of
the access key fob and the environ-
mental conditions, the access key
fob may be locked inside the vehicle.
Before locking the vehicle, make
sure that you have the access key
fob.

When the battery of the access key
fob is discharged, or when operating
it in a location with strong radio
waves or noise (e.g., near a radio
tower, power plant, broadcast sta-
tion or an area where wireless equip-
ment is used), or while talking on a

cell phone, the operating ranges
may be reduced, or the keyless
access function may not operate.
In such a case, perform the proce-
dure described in “Locking and
unlocking”

�

P434.

The doors may lock or unlock when
the car is being washed or exposed
to a significant amount of water that
contacts the door handle while the
key fob is still in the operating range.

How to lock and unlock

It is possible to perform the following
operations when you are carrying the
access key fob.

Lock and unlock the doors.

Lock and unlock the rear gate.

Lock and unlock the fuel filler lid.

NOTE

It is not possible to lock the doors,
rear gate and fuel filler lid using the
keyless access function when the
push-button ignition switch is in the
“ACC” or “ON” position. Refer to
“Switching power status”

�

P161.

If the door handle is gripped with a
gloved hand, the door lock may not
be released.

If the door lock sensor is touched
three times or more repeatedly, the

Keyless access with push-button start system

116

(119,1)

system will ignore the sensor opera-
tion.

When performing the locking proce-
dure too quickly, locking may not
complete. After performing the lock-
ing procedure, it is recommended to
pull the REAR door handle to con-
firm that the doors have been
locked.

If any of the doors (or the rear gate)
are not fully closed, the following
will occur to alert you that the doors
(or the rear gate) are not properly
closed.

– An electronic chirp sounds five

times.

– The hazard warning flashers

flash five times.

It is possible to lock the doors even
when one of the doors is open. After
performing the locking procedure,
close the opened door or rear gate to
lock it.

Within 3 seconds after locking the
doors and the rear gate using the
keyless access function, it is not
possible to unlock doors and/or the
rear gate using the keyless access
function.

When locking, be sure to carry the
access key fob to prevent locking
the access key fob in the vehicle.

The setting of the hazard warning
flasher operation and the volume of
the audible signal can be changed
by your SUBARU dealer. Contact
your SUBARU dealer for details.
Also, the setting of the hazard warn-
ing flasher operation can be chan-
ged by operating the combination
meter display (color LCD). For de-
tails, refer to “Keyless Entry Sys-
tem”

�

P197.

Locking with the door lock sensor

Door lock sensor

Carry the access key fob, close all doors
including the rear gate, and touch the door
lock sensor on the door handle. All doors
including the rear gate and fuel filler lid will
be locked. Also, an electronic chirp will

sound once and the hazard warning
flashers will flash once.

Locking with the rear lock button

Rear lock button

Carry the access key fob, close all doors
including the rear gate, and press the rear
lock button. The rear gate, fuel filler lid and
all doors will be locked. Also, an electronic
chirp will sound once and the hazard
warning flashers will flash once.

– CONTINUED –

Keyless access with push-button start system

117

Keys

and

doors

(120,1)

Locking with the power rear gate
lock button

Power rear gate lock button

Carry the access key fob, and press the
power rear gate lock button. It will close
automatically, and the rear gate, all doors
and the fuel filler lid will be locked. Also, the
hazard warning flashers will flash once,
and an electronic chirp will sound once.

Unlocking

Carry the access key fob, and touch the
sensor behind the door handle.

The driver’s door handle:

Either the driver’s door and fuel filler lid will
unlock, or all doors and the fuel filler lid will
unlock.

The front passenger’s door handle:

The fuel filler lid, rear gate and all doors will
be unlocked.

Also, an electronic chirp will sound twice
and the hazard warning flashers will flash
twice.

Unlocking rear gate

Rear gate opener button

Carry the access key fob, and press the
rear gate opener button. Either only the
rear gate will unlock, or all doors and the
fuel filler lid will unlock. Also, an electronic
chirp will sound twice and the hazard
warning flashers will flash twice.

Keyless access with push-button start system

118

(121,1)

Door unlock selection function

When the door is unlocked using the
keyless access function, only the doors
that were set can be unlocked.
The settings can be changed with the
following methods.

The setting can be changed by operat-
ing the combination meter display
(color LCD). Refer to “Keyless Entry
System”

�

P197.

The setting can be changed by a
SUBARU dealer.

Unlock using PIN Code Ac-
cess

When all doors including the rear gate are
locked, you can unlock the doors (includ-
ing rear gate) without a key by pressing the
rear lock button.

Rear lock button

NOTE

PIN Code Access will be helpful if the
key fob is accidentally left in the
vehicle. It is recommended that a 5-
digit security code (PIN code) be regis-
tered.

– CONTINUED –

Keyless access with push-button start system

119

Keys

and

doors

(122,1)

Registration for a PIN code

Steps

Operation

Time from the previous step

Turn off the ignition switch.

—

Close all doors (including rear gate).

—

Press and hold the “ ” button on the access key fob, and press and hold the
rear lock button until a chirp sounds.

Within 5 seconds

Press and hold the “ ” button on the access key fob until a chirp sounds.

Within 30 seconds

The PIN code is inputted by using the rear lock button within 30 seconds after
the chirp sound of step 4.
For example, to register “32468” as the PIN code, perform the following
procedure.

Within 30 seconds

(1)

Press the button three times.

(2)

After a chirp sounds once, press the button twice.

(3)

After a chirp sounds once, press the button four times.

(4)

After a chirp sounds once (ding), press the button six times.

(5)

After a chirp sounds once (ding), press the button eight times.

Perform step 5 again within approximately 30 seconds after the chirp starts
sounding intermittently.

—

All doors will be unlocked and locked. Then the PIN code will be registered.

—

NOTE

Press the “ ” button within 30 seconds of step 6 to end the preparation mode and move on to the registration stage. Unless the
“ ” button is pressed within 30 seconds after step 6, the PIN code registration will be canceled.

Keyless access with push-button start system

120

(123,1)

NOTE

Press the rear lock button ten times
to enter “0”.

Change the PIN code frequently to
protect your vehicle from theft.

If you have lent your vehicle to
another person, confirm that the
PIN code has not been changed or
deleted. If the PIN code has been
changed or deleted, reregister a new
PIN code.

If you make an error during the
registration procedure, press the
“ ” or “

” button on the access

key fob. Then, start over from the
procedure described in “Prepara-
tion for registering a PIN code”.

To protect your vehicle from theft,
you cannot register a string of the
same five numbers together, such as
“00000”, nor “12345” as a PIN code.

Do not register your vehicle license
plate number or simple numbers
such as “11122” or “12121” as a
PIN code. Doing so will increase the
risk of vehicle theft.

When you try to register “22222”, the
registered PIN code will be deleted.
You cannot unlock the doors by PIN
Code Access until a new code is
registered.

After registering a new PIN code,

make sure that you can unlock the
doors using the PIN code.

The PIN code cannot be deleted
while the keyless access function
is disabled by operating the access
key fob.

Reregister the PIN code in the fol-
lowing cases.

– When you forget the PIN code.
– When you want to change the PIN

code.

Unlocking

Perform step 5 described in “Registration
for a PIN code”.

NOTE

You cannot unlock by PIN Code
Access in the following cases.

– When the access key fob is within

the operating ranges.

– When the ignition switch is in the

“ACC” or “ON” position.

If you make an operation error dur-
ing the unlocking procedure, start
over with the unlocking procedure
after waiting for 5 seconds or longer.

To protect your vehicle from theft, a
buzzer will sound if incorrect PIN
codes are entered five times con-
tinuously. If this occurs, you cannot
unlock the doors by PIN Code Ac-

cess for 5 minutes.

Power saving function

The keyless access function will be dis-
abled in the following cases to protect the
access key fob battery and the vehicle
battery.

Case 1

: When the keyless access

function and the remote keyless entry
system have not been used for 2 weeks
or longer while all doors are locked.

Operate one of the following items to
recover the keyless access function:

– Unlock the doors by any procedure

other than gripping the front pas-
senger’s door handle.

– Lock the doors.
– Open a door and then close it.

Case 2

: When the access key fob has

been left in the operating range for 10
minutes or longer while all doors are
locked.

Operate one of the following items to
recover the keyless access function:

– Unlock the doors by gripping the

door handle.

– Unlock the doors by pressing the

rear gate opener button.

– Lock the doors by touching the door

– CONTINUED –

Keyless access with push-button start system

121

Keys

and

doors

(124,1)

lock sensor.

– Lock or unlock the doors using the

remote keyless entry system.

– Lock or unlock the doors using the

power door locking switch.

– Open either of the front doors.

Power saving function of ac-
cess key fob

This function stops the access key fob
from receiving signals and helps minimize
the battery consumption of the access key
fob.
1. Press the “ ” button twice while hold-

ing the “ ” button.

LED indicator

2. Confirm that the LED indicator blinks 4

times to notify that the setting is

complete.

When the access key fob is in the power
save mode, the keyless access function
and push-button start system will not be
available.
To cancel the power save mode, press one
of the buttons on the access key fob.

Disabling keyless access
function

WARNING

If you wear an implanted pacemaker
or an implanted defibrillator, per-
form the procedure described in
“By operating the driver’s door”

�

P123 to disable the keyless access

function. If you perform the proce-
dure described in “By operating the
access key fob”

�

P122, the opera-

tion of an implanted pacemaker or
implanted defibrillator may be af-
fected by the radio waves from the
transmitter antenna.

When the vehicle is not going to be used
for a long time or when you choose not to
use the keyless access function, the key-
less access function can be disabled.

NOTE

The locking and unlocking function
by the remote keyless entry system
is not disabled.

To start the engine while the func-
tions are disabled, perform the pro-
cedure described in “Starting en-
gine”

�

P434.

Disabling functions

By operating the access key fob

If you have registered a PIN code for PIN
Code Access, you can disable the keyless
access function by operating the access
key fob. For details about registering a PIN
code, refer to “Unlock using PIN Code
Access”

�

P119.

1. Open the driver’s door.
2. Rotate the lock lever toward the lock

position.

Keyless access with push-button start system

122

Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 7