Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english

(175,1)

lower limit to avoid erroneous light-
ing.

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
0.6 US qt (0.6 liters, 0.5 Imp qt)).

AT OIL TEMP warning
light

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.

Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (if equipped)

CAUTION

If the R.DIFF TEMP warning light
illuminates, reduce vehicle speed
and stop the vehicle in a safe loca-
tion as soon as possible. Continuing
to drive with this light illuminated
may damage the rear differential and
other parts of the powertrain.

If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear
differential oil temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, reduce
vehicle speed and stop the vehicle in the
nearest safe location. Park the vehicle for
several minutes. After the light turns off,
you can start driving.
If the light does not turn off, contact the
nearest SUBARU dealer for service.

NOTE

If the tire pressures are not correct
and/or the tires are not all the same
size and brand, the rear differential
will be heavily loaded when the
vehicle is driven, resulting in an
abnormally high oil temperature.

The rear differential oil will deterio-
rate if its temperature increases
enough for the rear differential oil
temperature warning light to illumi-
nate. It is advisable to have the rear
differential oil replaced as soon as
possible.

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 recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
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

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

173

Instruments

and

controls

(176,1)

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
as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low

tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunc-
tions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning prop-
erly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels
allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Should the warning light illuminate steadily
after blinking for approximately one min-
ute, have the system inspected by your
nearest SUBARU dealer as soon as
possible.

WARNING

If this light does not illuminate
briefly after the ignition switch is
turned on or the light illuminates
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute, you should have
your Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem checked at a SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.

If this light illuminates while driving,
never brake suddenly and keep
driving straight ahead while gradu-
ally reducing speed. Then slowly
pull off the road to a safe place.

Otherwise an accident involving
serious vehicle damage and serious
personal injury could occur.

If this light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may have significant
damage and a fast leak that causes
the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have
a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire
as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the Low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute. This indicates
the TPMS is unable to monitor all
four road wheels. Contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible
for tire and sensor replacement and/
or system resetting.

If the light illuminates steadily after
blinking for approximately one min-
ute, promptly contact a SUBARU
dealer to have the system inspected.

CAUTION

The tire pressure monitoring system
is NOT a substitute for manually

Warning and indicator

174

(177,1)

checking tire pressure. The tire
pressure should be checked peri-
odically (at least monthly) using a
tire gauge. After any change to tire
pressure(s), the tire pressure mon-
itoring system will not re-check tire
inflation pressures until the vehicle
is first driven more than 20 mph (32
km/h). After adjusting the tire pres-
sures, increase the vehicle speed to
at least 20 mph (32 km/h) to start the
TPMS re-checking of the tire infla-
tion pressures. If the tire pressures
are now above the severe low pres-
sure threshold, the low tire pressure
warning light should turn off a few
minutes later. Therefore, be sure to
install the specified size for the front
and rear tires.

ABS warning light

CAUTION

If any of the following conditions

occur, we recommend that you
have the ABS repaired at the first
available opportunity by your
SUBARU dealer.

– The warning light does not

illuminate when the ignition

switch is turned to the “ON”
position.

– The warning light illuminates

when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position,
but it does not turn off even
after the vehicle is started.

– The warning light illuminates

during driving.

When the warning light is on (and

the brake system warning light is
off), the ABS function shuts
down. However, the conventional
brake system continues to oper-
ate normally.

The ABS warning light, Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light, and brake system
warning light illuminate simultaneously if
the EBD system malfunctions. For further
details of the EBD system malfunction
warning, refer to “Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD) system warning”

�

P176.

NOTE

If the warning light behavior is as
described in the following conditions,
the ABS may be considered normal.

The warning light illuminates when
the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and turns off approxi-

mately 2 seconds after the engine
has started.

The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns
off immediately, remaining off.

The warning light remains illumi-
nated after the engine has been
started, but it turns off while driving.

The warning light illuminates during
driving, but it turns off immediately
and remains off.

When driving with an insufficient battery
voltage, such as when the engine is jump
started, the ABS warning light may illumi-
nate. This is due to the low battery voltage
and does not indicate a malfunction. When
the battery becomes fully charged, the
light will turn off.

Brake system warn-
ing light (red)

WARNING

Driving with the brake system

warning light on is dangerous.
This indicates your brake system
may not be working properly. If
the light remains illuminated,
have the brakes inspected by a
SUBARU dealer immediately.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

175

Instruments

and

controls

(178,1)

If at all in doubt about whether the

brakes are operating properly, do
not drive the vehicle. Have your
vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.

The brake system warning light has the
following functions.

Brake fluid level warning

The light illuminates when the brake fluid
level has dropped to near the “MIN” level of
the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition
switch in the “ON” position and with the
parking brake fully released.

If the 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. For details, refer to “Brake fluid”

�

P463. If the fluid level is below the “MIN”

mark in the reservoir, do not drive the
vehicle. We recommend that you have the
vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU
dealer for repair. For details, refer to
“Towing”

�

P429.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning

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 vehicle’s
motion may therefore become somewhat
harder to control.

If the brake system warning light, Vehicle
Dynamics Control 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. Fully release the parking brake.
4. Even if all the warning lights do not

come back on, the EBD system may
have a possible malfunction. Drive
carefully to the nearest SUBARU deal-
er and have the system inspected.

5. If all the warning lights stay illuminated

or come back on after approximately 2
seconds, shut down the engine, apply

the parking brake and check the brake
fluid level. For details, refer to “Brake
fluid”

�

P463.

If the brake fluid level is not below the
“MIN” mark, the EBD system may be
malfunctioning. We recommend that
you drive carefully to the nearest
SUBARU dealer and have the system
inspected.

If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN”
mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.
Instead, we recommend that you have
the vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair. For details,
refer to “Towing”

�

P429.

Electronic parking
brake light

Parking brake indicator

The light illuminates with the parking brake
applied while the ignition switch is in the
“ON” position. It turns off when the parking
brake is fully released.

Electronic parking brake system
warning

WARNING

When you release the electronic

parking brake while the engine is
running, the electronic parking

Warning and indicator

176

(179,1)

brake indicator light will turn off.
However, if the light still illumi-
nates, stop the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and have the
system inspected by a SUBARU
dealer.

If at all in doubt about whether the

brakes are operating properly, do
not drive the vehicle. Have your
vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.

If the electronic parking brake

indicator light flashes, the elec-
tronic parking brake system may
be malfunctioning. Immediately
stop your vehicle in a safe loca-
tion, use tire stops under the tires
to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing and contact your SUBARU
dealer. For details, refer to “Elec-
tronic parking brake”

�

P341.

NOTE

When the ignition switch is turned to
the “LOCK”/“OFF” position with the
electronic parking brake applied, the
electronic parking brake indicator
light remains illuminated for ap-
proximately 30 seconds and then
turns off.

When the electronic parking brake
switch is pulled to apply the electro-
nic parking brake while the ignition
switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” posi-
tion, the electronic parking brake
indicator light illuminates, remains
illuminated for approximately 30
seconds and then turns off.

Even if the electronic parking brake
indicator light flashes, if the warning
light behavior is as described in the
following examples, the electronic
parking brake system is not mal-
functioning.

– The indicator light turns off when

the electronic parking brake is
released.

The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light may flash immediately after
the engine is started. However, it is
not malfunctioning if the indicator
light turns off after the electronic
parking brake is released.

The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light may flash after the electro-
nic parking brake is frequently ap-
plied and released. However, the
electronic parking brake system is
not malfunctioning if the light turns
off for a short period of time.

The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes when the electronic parking brake

system is malfunctioning. If the indicator
light flashes, promptly park in a safe
location as soon as possible and contact
your SUBARU dealer.
The electronic parking brake indicator light
remains illuminated when the parking
brake cannot be released even if the
parking brake switch is pushed. For de-
tails, refer to “Electronic parking brake”

�

P341.

Parking brake apply inhibit warn-
ing

The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound
will be heard if the parking brake switch is
operated when the parking brake cannot
be applied.

Frequent operation warning

The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound
will be heard if the parking brake switch is
operated too frequently. In this case, the
operation of the parking brake switch is
restricted to protect the electronic parking
brake system.

NOTE

Wait until the indicator light turns off.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

177

Instruments

and

controls

(180,1)

Auto Vehicle Hold ON
indicator light

CAUTION

If the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator
light does not illuminate even when
the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is
pressed to activate the Auto Vehicle
Hold function, the electronic parking
brake system may be malfunction-
ing.

This indicator light illuminates when the
Auto Vehicle Hold is activated. For details,
refer to “Auto Vehicle Hold function”

�

P343.

Auto Vehicle Hold op-
eration indicator light

This indicator light illuminates while the
vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold
function. For details, refer to “Auto Vehicle
Hold function”

�

P343.

Depress brake indicator
light (if equipped)

This light illuminates if the brake pedal is
not depressed in the following conditions.

The Auto Vehicle Hold switch is
pressed to deactivate the Auto Vehicle
Hold function while the vehicle is
stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold
function.

The electronic parking brake is re-
leased.

Low fuel warning light

The low fuel warning light illuminates when
the tank is nearly empty, at approximately
2.5 US gal (9.5 liters, 2.1 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.

Door open warning light

The warning light illuminates if any door or
the rear gate is not fully closed. This
function is effective even if the ignition
switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC”
position, or the key is removed from the
ignition switch.

For some models, only the open doors are
indicated by the warning lights.

Always make sure this light is not illumi-
nated before you start to drive.

Engine hood open
warning light

The warning light illuminates if the engine
hood is not fully closed. This function is
effective even if the ignition switch is in the
“LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position, or the
key is removed from the ignition switch.

Always make sure this light is not illumi-
nated before you start to drive.

All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light

This light blinks if the vehicle is driven with
tires of differing diameters fitted on the
wheels or with an excessively low air
pressure in any of the tires.

WARNING

If the AWD warning light flashes,
promptly park in a safe location then
check whether all four tires are the
same diameter and whether any of
the tires has a puncture or has lost
air pressure for some other reason.

Warning and indicator

178

(181,1)

Continuing to drive with the AWD
warning light flashing can lead to
powertrain damage.

NOTE

If the temporary spare tire is used, the
AWD warning light may flash. Use of the
temporary spare tire should therefore
be restricted to the minimum time
necessary. Replace the temporary
spare tire with a conventional tire as
soon as possible.

Power steering warning
light

While the engine is running, this warning
light illuminates when a malfunction has
been detected in the electric power steer-
ing system.

CAUTION

When the power steering warning
light is illuminated, there may be
more resistance when the steering
wheel is operated. Drive carefully to
the nearest SUBARU dealer and
have the vehicle inspected immedi-
ately.

NOTE

If the steering wheel is operated in the
following ways, the power steering
control system may temporarily limit
the power assist in order to prevent the
system components, such as the con-
trol computer and drive motor, from
overheating.

The steering wheel is operated fre-
quently and turned sharply while the
vehicle is maneuvered at extremely
low speeds, such as while frequently
turning the steering wheel during
parallel parking.

The steering wheel remains in the
fully turned position for a long
period of time.

At this time, there will be more resis-
tance when steering. However this is
not a malfunction. Normal steering
force will be restored after the steering
wheel is not operated for a while and
the power steering control system has
an opportunity to cool down. However,
if the power steering is operated in a
non-standard way which causes power
assist limitation to occur too frequently,
that may result in a malfunction of the
power steering control system.

Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light/Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control
operation indicator
light

Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light

CAUTION

The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem provides its ABS control
through the electrical circuit of the
ABS. Accordingly, if the ABS is
inoperative, the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system becomes unable to
provide ABS control. As a result, the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system
also becomes inoperative, causing
the warning light to illuminate.
Although both the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system and ABS are inop-
erative in this case, the ordinary
functions of the brake system are
still available. You will be safe while
driving with this condition, but drive
carefully and have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

179

Instruments

and

controls

(182,1)

NOTE

If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system itself mal-
functions, the warning light only
illuminates. At this time, the ABS
(Anti-lock Brake System) remains
fully operational.

The warning light illuminates when
the electronic control system of the
ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem malfunctions.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control warn-
ing light, ABS warning light, and
brake system warning light illumi-
nate simultaneously if the EBD sys-
tem malfunctions. For further details
of the EBD system malfunction
warning, refer to “Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD) system
warning”

�

P176.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably inoperative under any of the
following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.

The warning light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position.

The warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is running.

NOTE

If the warning light behavior is as
described in the following examples,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
may be considered normal.

The warning light illuminates when
the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position and turns off approxi-
mately 2 seconds after the engine
has started.

The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns
off immediately, remaining off.

The warning light illuminates after
the engine has started and turns off
while the vehicle is subsequently
being driven.

The warning light illuminates during
driving, but it turns off immediately
and remains off.

The warning light illuminates when
the engine has stalled and continues
to illuminate after the engine has
been restarted. However, it will turn
off once the vehicle starts moving.

Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light

The indicator light flashes during activation
of the skid suppression function and during
activation of the traction control function.

NOTE

The light may remain illuminated for
a short period of time after the
engine has been started, especially
in cold weather. This does not in-
dicate the existence of a problem.
The light should turn off as soon as
the engine has warmed up.

The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator light is
on.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the follow-
ing condition. Have your vehicle checked
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

The light does not turn off even after the
lapse of several minutes (the engine
has warmed up) after the engine has
started.

Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol OFF indicator light

The light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF switch is pressed
or turned to deactivate the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under any of the

Warning and indicator

180

(183,1)

following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.

The light does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position.

The light does not turn off even once
several seconds have elapsed after the
ignition switch has been turned to the
“ON” position.

Warning chimes and
warning indicator of the
keyless access with
push-button start sys-
tem (if equipped)

Access key warning indicator

The keyless access with push-button start
system sounds a warning chime and
flashes the access key warning indicator
on the combination meter in order to
minimize improper operations and help
protect your vehicle from theft.
When the warning chime sounds and/or
the warning indicator flashes, take the
appropriate action.

WARNING

Never drive the vehicle if the indica-
tor on the push-button ignition
switch is flashing in green when
starting the engine. This indicates
the status that the steering wheel is
not released and could result in an
accident involving serious injury or
death.

CAUTION

When starting the engine again

after the operation indicator on
the push-button ignition switch
flashes in green, if the operation
indicator is still flashing in green,
there could be a steering lock
m a l f u n c t i o n . C o n t a c t y o u r
SUBARU dealer as soon as pos-
sible.

When the operation indicator on

the push-button ignition switch
flashes in orange, contact a
SUBARU dealer immediately.

NOTE

Even when the access key fob is
within the operating ranges inside
the vehicle, the access key warning
for engine start may be provided
depending on the status of the
access key fob and the environmen-
tal conditions.

When the access key fob is taken out
of the vehicle through an open
window, the access key fob takeout
warning or passenger access key
fob takeout warning will not be
provided.

List of warnings

CAUTION

When any of the following warnings
occurs even if the access key warn-
ing indicator does not appear, take
the appropriate action.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

181

Instruments

and

controls

(184,1)

Inside warning

chime

Outside warning

chime

Operation indicator

on push-button igni-

tion switch

Status

Action

Ding, ding ...
(intermittent)

—

The driver’s door was opened while the
push-button ignition switch is “ACC”
(when the select lever is in the “P”
position).

Switch the push-button ignition switch to
“OFF”, or close the driver’s door.
When exiting the vehicle, be sure to
switch the push-button ignition switch to
“OFF”.

The push-button ignition switch was
switched to “OFF” while the driver’s door
is open.

Close the driver’s door.

Ding

Short beep

(2 seconds)

—

Lockout warning:

An attempt was made to lock all doors
using the power door locking switch or
access key fob while the access key fob is
left inside the vehicle. For details, refer to
“Key lock-in prevention function”

�

P135.

Take out the access key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the doors.
The doors cannot be locked while the
access key fob is inside the vehicle.
A chirp sound will be heard, and all doors
will be unlocked.

—

Short beep

(2 seconds)

—

Access key fob lock-in warning:

The door lock sensor was touched while
the push-button ignition switch is “OFF”
and the access key fob is inside the
vehicle.

Take out the access key fob from the
vehicle, and lock the doors.
If the access key fob is inside the vehicle,
the doors cannot be locked.

—

Beep, beep, beep,

beep, beep

(5 times)

—

Door ajar warning:

The door lock sensor is touched while the
ignition switch is in the “OFF” position and
one of the doors including the rear gate is
opened.

Close the doors securely and lock them.
If one of the doors including the rear gate
is opened, the doors cannot be locked.

Ding

Long beep

(60 seconds max.)

—

Power warning:

The door lock sensor was touched while
carrying the access key fob, the push-
button ignition switch is in a position other
than “OFF” (when the select lever is in the
“P” position).

Return the access key fob inside the
vehicle, or switch the push-button ignition
switch to “OFF”.
If the push-button ignition switch is not
switched to “OFF”, the doors cannot be
locked.

Ding, ding ...

(7 seconds)

—

Access key warning:

The vehicle was driven while the access
key fob is not inside the vehicle.

Carry the access key fob, and drive the
vehicle.

Warning and indicator

182

(185,1)

Inside warning

chime

Outside warning

chime

Operation indicator

on push-button igni-

tion switch

Status

Action

Ding

—

Access key warning for engine start:

The push-button ignition switch was
pressed while the access key fob is not
inside the vehicle.

Carry the access key fob, and press the
push-button ignition switch.

Ding

Beep, beep, beep

(3 times)

—

Access key takeout warning:

The driver exited the vehicle with the
access key fob and closed the driver’s
door while the push-button ignition switch
is in a position other than “OFF” (when the
select lever is in the “P” position).

Switch the push-button ignition switch to
“OFF”, and get out of the vehicle.

Ding

Beep, beep, beep

(3 times)

—

Passenger access key takeout warn-
ing:

A fellow passenger exited the vehicle with
the access key fob and closed a door
other than the driver’s door while the
push-button ignition switch is in a position
other than “OFF”.

Return the access key fob to inside the
vehicle, or switch the push-button ignition
switch to “OFF”.

Long beep

(continuous)

Long beep

(continuous)

—

Access key takeout without “P” posi-
tion warning:

The driver exited the vehicle with the
access key fob and closed the driver’s
door while the push-button ignition switch
is in a position other than “OFF” and the
select lever is in a position other than the
“P” position.

Shift the select lever to the “P” position,
switch the push-button ignition switch to
“OFF” and exit the vehicle.

Long beep

(continuous)

—

Select lever position warning:

The engine is turned off by pressing the
push-button ignition switch and the select
lever is in a position other than the “P”
position.

Start the engine, shift the select lever to
the “P” position, switch the push-button
ignition switch to “OFF” and exit the
vehicle.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

183

Instruments

and

controls

(186,1)

Inside warning

chime

Outside warning

chime

Operation indicator

on push-button igni-

tion switch

Status

Action

Long beep

(continuous)

—

Select lever position warning:

The driver’s door was opened while the
push-button ignition switch is in a position
other than “OFF” and the select lever is in
a position other than the “P” position.

Shift the select lever to the “P” position,
switch the push-button ignition switch to
“OFF” and exit the vehicle.

Ding

—

The battery of the access key fob is low.

Replace the battery of the access key fob.

Ding

—

Flashes in green

(15 seconds max.)

Steering lock warning:

The engine start procedure was per-
formed, but the steering is still locked.

While turning the steering wheel right and
left lightly, depress the brake pedal and
press the push-button ignition switch.

Ding

—

Flashes in orange

(15 seconds max.)

System malfunction warning:

A malfunction was detected in the power
system or steering lock.

Contact a SUBARU dealer immediately
and have the vehicle inspected.

Warning and indicator

184

(187,1)

Security indicator light

This indicator light shows the status of the
alarm system. It also indicates operation of
the immobilizer system.

Alarm system

It blinks to show the driver the operational
status of the alarm system. For detailed
information, refer to “Alarm system”

�

P136.

Immobilizer system

The security indicator light starts blinking
in the following conditions.

For models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”:

Immediately after the push-button igni-
tion switch is turned to the “OFF”
position.

Immediately after the driver’s door is
opened or closed when all of the
following conditions are met.

– The push-button ignition switch is in

the “ON” or “ACC” position.

– The engine is not running.

In the event that an unauthorized key is
used (for example, the key is unregistered
or the ID code does not match), the power
is not switched to “ON” and the security
indicator light continues blinking.

For models without “keyless access
with push-button start system”:

Immediately after the key is pulled out.

Approximately 60 seconds after the
ignition switch is turned from the “ON”
position to the “ACC” or “LOCK” posi-
tion.

If the indicator light does not blink in the
above conditions, it may indicate that
immobilizer system may be malfunction-
ing. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer
immediately.

In the event that an unauthorized key (for
example, an unauthorized duplicate) is
used to start the engine, the security
indicator light illuminates. For details about
the immobilizer system, refer to “Immobi-
lizer”

�

P127.

NOTE

The security indicator light remains
off in the following conditions. It
means that the matching of the ID
code is completed and the immobi-
lizer system is deactivated, and it
does not indicate a malfunction.

Models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”:

– While the engine is running.
– The push-button ignition switch

has been turned to the “ON” or
“ACC” position and the driver’s
door has not been opened or
closed.

Models without “keyless access
with push-button start system”:

– While the engine is running.
– When the ignition switch is in the

“ON” position.

– For approximately 60 seconds

after the ignition switch is turned
from the “ON” position to the
“ACC” or “LOCK” position.

Even if a malfunction occurs, such
as the security indicator light
flashes irregularly, it will not affect
the functionality of the immobilizer
system.

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

185

Instruments

and

controls

(188,1)

SI-DRIVE indicator light

Sport (S) mode (if equipped)

Intelligent (I) mode

Sport Sharp (S#) mode (if equipped)

This light indicates the current SI-DRIVE
mode.
For details of SI-DRIVE mode, refer to
“SI-DRIVE”

�

P325.

Select lever/gear position in-
dicator

Upshift indicator

Downshift indicator

Select lever/gear position indicator

This indicator shows the position of the
select lever.

For models with manual mode, when the
manual mode is selected, the gear position
indicator (which shows the current gear
selection) and the upshift/downshift indi-
cator light up. Refer to “Continuously
variable transmission”

�

P319.

Turn signal indicator
lights

These lights show the operation of the turn
signal or lane change signal.
If the indicator lights do not blink or blink
rapidly, the turn signal bulb may be burned
out. Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Refer to “Replacing bulbs”

�

P483.

High beam indicator
light

This light shows that the headlights are in
the high beam mode.
This indicator light also illuminates when
the headlight flasher is operated.

High beam assist indi-
cator light

This light illuminates when the high beam
assist function is activated. For details
about the high beam assist function, refer
to “High beam assist function”

�

P231.

Warning and indicator

186

(189,1)

Automatic headlight
beam leveler warning
light

This light illuminates when the automatic
headlight beam leveler does not operate
normally.
If this light illuminates during driving, have
your vehicle inspected at your SUBARU
dealer.

LED headlight warning
light

This light illuminates if the LED headlights
malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

Steering Responsive
Headlight warning light/
Steering Responsive
Headlight OFF indicator
light

This light illuminates when the Steering
Responsive Headlight OFF switch is
pressed to deactivate the Steering Re-
sponsive Headlight. Also, the light flashes
when a malfunction occurs in the Steering
Responsive Headlight. Refer to “Steering
Responsive Headlight (SRH)”

�

P234.

Front fog light indicator
light (if equipped)

This indicator light illuminates while the
front fog lights are illuminated.

Headlight indicator
light (if equipped)

This indicator light illuminates under the
following conditions.

The light control switch is in the “ ”
position and the following conditions
are fulfilled.

– The engine is running.
– The parking brake is fully released.
– The select lever is in a position other

than “P” position.

– The level of the ambient light is as

dark as the auto on/off headlights
turns on.

The light switch is turned to the “

” or

“

” position.

The light control switch is in the “AUTO”
position and the headlights illuminate
automatically.

Auto Start Stop warning
light/Auto Start Stop
OFF indicator light (yel-
low)

Auto Start Stop warning light (yel-
low)

CAUTION

If the Auto Start Stop warning

light is flashing in yellow, there
may be a malfunction in the Auto
Start Stop system. We recom-
mend that you have your vehicle
inspected at a SUBARU author-
ized dealer as soon as possible.

If the Auto Start Stop warning

light is illuminated in yellow at
any time other than in the follow-
ing cases, and will not turn off
even if the Auto Start Stop OFF
switch is pushed and held, we
recommend that you have your
vehicle inspected at a SUBARU
dealer as soon as possible.

The Auto Start Stop warning light will
illuminate in yellow if you open the engine
hood when the engine has been tempora-
rily stopped by the Auto Start Stop system.
In this case, to ensure safety, the engine

– CONTINUED –

Warning and indicator

187

Instruments

and

controls

(190,1)

will not be automatically restarted, even if
you release the brake pedal. Use normal
operation to restart the engine.

Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light
(yellow)

This light will illuminate in yellow when the
Auto Start Stop OFF switch is pressed to
prevent the Auto Start Stop system from
operating. It will turn off when the Auto
Start Stop OFF switch is pressed once
more to enable operation of the Auto Start
Stop system.

Auto Start Stop indica-
tor light (green)

This indicator light illuminates when the
engine has been temporarily stopped by
the Auto Start Stop system. It will turn off
when the engine is restarted.

Auto Start Stop No
Activity Detected indi-
cator light

When a vehicle is stopped, the indicator
light illuminates when the operating con-
dition of the Auto Start Stop system are not
meet. The light will turn off when the
vehicle starts driving. Refer to “Non-
operational conditions”

�

P349.

X-MODE indicator light (if
equipped)

X-MODE indicator (models with 1 mode)

X-MODE indicator (models with 2 modes)

X-MODE indicator or D.SNOW/MUD
mode indicator

SNOW/DIRT mode indicator

This indicator appears while X-MODE is
activated. It will disappear when X-MODE
is deactivated. Refer to “To activate/deac-
tivate X-MODE”

�

P336.

Hill descent control in-
dicator light (if
equipped)

This indicator appears while the hill des-
cent control function is in standby. It will
flash while the hill descent control function
is operating. It will disappear when the hill
descent control function is not available.
Refer to “Hill descent control function”

�

P338.

Warning and indicator

188

Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 11