Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english

(304,1)

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.

6. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler

pump automatically stops. Do not add
any more fuel.

7. Put the cap back on and turn it clock-

wise 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.

8. 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/Mal-
function indicator light”

�

P170.

To lock the fuel filler lid, perform one
of the operations below. However if
these operations are performed
when the fuel filler lid is open, the
fuel filler lid will not lock when it is
subsequently closed.

– Press the lock/arm button on the

key fob.

– Press the lock side of the power

door locking switch.

When the doors are locked or un-
locked using the automatic door
lock system, the fuel filler lid will be
locked or unlocked at the same time.

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 oc-
cur 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 engine.
Continuing to operate your vehi-
cle at an extremely low fuel level
may result in a reduction of

Fuel

302

(305,1)

engine performance.

If the fuel filler lid cannot be opened

If the fuel filler lid cannot be opened due to
malfunction or a dead battery, it can be
opened from the cargo area.

1. Remove the access cover at the right-

side of the cargo area trim using flat-
head screwdriver.

Clip

2. Remove the orange knob from the clip.

3. Pull the orange knob to unlock the fuel

filler lid.

7-2. State emission testing
(U.S. only)

WARNING

Only use a four-wheel dynamometer
when testing an All-Wheel Drive
model.

Testing of an AWD model must
NEVER be performed on a single
two-wheel dynamometer. Attempt-
ing to do so will result in uncon-
trolled vehicle movement and may
cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.

CAUTION

At state inspection time, remem-

ber to tell your inspection or
service station in advance not to
place your SUBARU AWD vehicle
on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.

Resultant vehicle damage due to

improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or

– CONTINUED –

State emission testing (U.S. only)

303

Starting

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(306,1)

its contractors or licensees.

California and a number of federal states
have Inspection/Maintenance programs to
inspect your vehicle’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’s registration.

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have implemented emission inspection
of the OBDII system.

The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the “

CHECK ENGINE

” warning light/

malfunction indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with
an electronic scan tool.

A vehicle passes the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“

CHECK ENGINE

” warning light is

observed, there are no stored diagnos-
tic trouble codes, and the OBDII readi-
ness monitors are all complete.

A vehicle fails the OBDII inspection if
the “

CHECK ENGINE

” warning light is

not properly operating (light is illumi-
nated or is not working due to faulty
LED [Light Emitting Diode]) or there is
one or more diagnostic trouble codes
stored in the vehicle’s computer.

A state emission inspection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number
of OBDII system readiness monitors
“

NOT READY

” is greater than one. If

the vehicle’s battery has been recently
replaced or disconnected, the OBDII
system inspection may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for the emission
test. Under this condition, the vehicle
driver should be instructed to drive his/
her vehicle for a few days to reset the
readiness monitors and return for an
emission re-inspection.

Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU dealer
for service.

Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in

one place. Prior to your vehicle being put
on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer.

Otherwise, serious transmis-

sion damage will result.

The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.

Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected in
an attempt to bypass AWD for state
emission testing. An AWD vehicle must
be tested using an AWD dynamometer
with all 4 wheels driven and loaded.

State emission testing (U.S. only)

304

(307,1)

7-3. 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 no small animals enter the

engine compartment.

5. Check that the hood and rear gate are

fully closed.

6. Check the adjustment of the seat.
7. Check the adjustment of the inside and

outside mirrors.

8. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your

passengers have fastened their seat-
belts.

9. Check the operation of the warning

and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.

10. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-

ing lights after starting the engine.

CAUTION

Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belt of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment or 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)”

�

P405.

7-4. Starting and stopping the
engine (models without push-
button start system)

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.

– CONTINUED –

Preparing to drive

305

Starting

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(308,1)

Starting engine

General precautions when starting
engine

WARNING

Never start the engine from out-

side the vehicle (except when
using the remote engine start
system). It may result in an acci-
dent.

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 flammable
substances. The exhaust pipe
and exhaust emissions can cre-
ate a fire hazard at high tempera-
tures.

CAUTION

If the engine is stopped while

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.

After the engine starts, the engine
speed will be kept high.

On rare occasions, it may be difficult
to start the engine depending on the
fuel and the usage condition (re-
peated 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 when
the headlights, air conditioner and
rear window defogger are turned off.

Do not shift the select lever while the
starter is cranking.

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-

sories.

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”

�

P166.

5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START”

position

without

depressing the accel-

erator pedal. Release the key immedi-
ately 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 depres-
sing 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 accelerator pedal and

Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system)

306

(309,1)

turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position. If the engine
starts, quickly release the accel-
erator pedal.

(3) If this fails to start the engine, turn

the ignition switch again to the
“LOCK”/“OFF” position. After wait-
ing 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
automatically lowers the idle speed as
the engine warms up.

While the engine is warming up, make sure
that the select lever is in 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” position.

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.

Steering lock

After stopping the engine and the key is
removed from ignition switch, the steering
wheel will be locked due to the steering
lock function.
When the engine is restarted, the steering
lock will be automatically released.

When the steering lock cannot be
released

When you cannot unlock the steering
wheel, perform the following steps.
1. Check that the parking brake is ap-

plied.

2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-

sories.

3. Check that the select lever is set in the

“P” position.

4. Depress the brake pedal and keep it

depressed.

5. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”

position while turning the steering
wheel left and right.

If you cannot unlock the steering wheel by
doing the steps, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer.

Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system)

307

Starting

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(310,1)

7-5. Starting and stopping
engine (models with push-
button start system)

Safety precautions

Refer to “Safety precautions”

�

P112.

Operating range for push-
button start system

Refer to “Operating range for push-button
start system”

�

P160.

Starting engine

WARNING

There are some general precau-

tions when starting the engine.
Carefully read the precautions
described in “Starting engine”

�

P306.

If the indicator on the push-but-

ton 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.

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-but-

ton 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 pushing the

push-button ignition switch for
more than 10 seconds. Doing so
could cause a malfunction. If the
engine does not start, stop push-
ing 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
push the push-button ignition
switch to start the engine.

NOTE

After the engine starts, the engine
speed will be kept high.

When the push-button ignition
switch is pressed while depressing
the brake pedal, the engine starter
operates for a maximum of 10 sec-
onds. 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
depressing the brake pedal more
forcefully, 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

Starting and stopping engine (models with push-button start system)

308

(311,1)

engine”

�

P434.

It may be difficult to start the engine
when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for main-
tenance or other purposes). This
difficulty is caused by the electro-
nically controlled throttle’s self-di-
agnosis function. To overcome it,
keep the ignition switch in the “ON”
position for approximately 10 sec-
onds before starting the engine.

If the vehicle battery is discharged,
the steering cannot be unlocked.
Charge the battery.

Do not shift the select lever while the
starter is cranking.

Operation indicator

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 fob, 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 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”
position, 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 2 seconds or longer.

– CONTINUED –

Starting and stopping engine (models with push-button start system)

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(312,1)

– 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 the
doors until the vehicle is stopped
in a safe location. It is dangerous
because the steering lock may be
activated. Stop the vehicle in a
s a f e p l a c e , a n d c o n t a c t 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

If you press the push-button ignition
switch while driving, the emergency
engine stop interrupt screen alerts
the driver by messages on the
combination meter display (color
LCD) and beeps.

Although you can stop the engine by
operating the push-button ignition
switch, do not stop the engine dur-
ing driving except in an emergency.

When access key fob does
not operate properly

Refer to “Access key fob – if access key
fob does not operate properly”

�

P433.

Steering lock

After stopping the engine and any door
including the rear gate is opened, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the
steering lock function.
When the engine is restarted, the steering
lock will be automatically released.

When the steering lock cannot be
released

Operation indicator

Push-button ignition switch

When you cannot restart the engine due to
the steering lock, check the status of
operation indicator and perform the follow-
ing steps.

Starting and stopping engine (models with push-button start system)

310

(313,1)

Operation indicator flashing in
green

1. Check that the select lever is set in the

“P” position.

2. Depress the brake pedal and keep it.
3. Press the push-button ignition switch

while turning the steering wheel left
and right.

Operation indicator flashing in
orange

There may be a malfunction in the steering
lock function. Immediately contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer.

7-6. Remote engine start
system (dealer option)

WARNING

There are some general precau-

tions when starting the engine.
Carefully read the precautions
described in “General precau-
tions when starting engine”

�

P306.

Do not remote start a vehicle in an

enclosed environment (e.g.
closed garage). Prolonged opera-
tion of a motor vehicle in an
enclosed environment can cause
a harmful build-up of carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
harmful to your health. Exposure
to high levels of carbon monox-
ide can cause headaches, dizzi-
ness or in extreme cases uncon-
sciousness and/or death.

The remote engine start system allows you
to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
In addition, the remote engine start system
can activate the heater or air conditioner,
providing you with a comfortable cabin
upon entry. For more details, refer to the
Owner’s Manual supplement for the re-

mote engine start system.

NOTE

The length of time for which it is
acceptable to allow the engine to
remain idling may be bound by local
laws and regulations. Check the
local rules when using the remote
engine start system.

When taking your vehicle in for
service, it is recommended that you
inform the service personnel that
your vehicle is equipped with a
remote engine start system.

Remote engine starter trans-
ceiver (fob)

Fob button

– CONTINUED –

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

311

Starting

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(314,1)

Starting the engine

NOTE

All vehicle doors (including rear gate)
and the engine hood must be closed
prior to activating the remote engine
start system. Any open entry point will
prevent starting or cause the engine to
stop.

The remote engine start system is acti-
vated by pressing the fob button on your
remote engine starter transceiver (fob)
twice within 3 seconds. If the fob is within
operating range of the system and the start
request is received, the following will
occur.

The fob flashes and beeps once.

The horn sounds once.

The side marker lights, tail lights, and
parking lights flash once.

If the fob is not within range (the user is too
far away from the vehicle), the fob will
indicate two long flashes without beeping.

The system will check certain safety
preconditions before starting, and if all
conditions are met, the engine will start
within 5 seconds. After the engine starts,
the following will occur.

The fob flashes and beeps twice.

The horn sounds once.

The side marker lights, tail lights, and
parking lights flash once.

While the engine is idling via the remote
engine start system, the following will
occur.

The side marker lights, tail lights, and
parking lights remain illuminated.

The fob button flashes once every 3
seconds.

The power windows are disabled.

If the engine turns over but does not start
(or starts and stalls) the remote engine
start system will power off and then
attempt to start the engine 3 additional
times. The system will not attempt to
restart the engine if it determines a vehicle
malfunction is preventing starting. If the
engine does not start after 3 additional
attempts, the remote engine start request
will be aborted.

Stopping the engine

Press and hold the fob button for at least 2
seconds to stop the engine. The fob will
flash and beep three times, indicating the
engine has stopped. If the stop request is
not received (for example, if the user is too
far away from the vehicle), the fob will
continue to flash once every 3 seconds.
The system will automatically stop the
engine after 15 minutes.

Remote start safety features

For safety and security reasons, the
remote engine start system will prevent
starting (or stop the engine if running) and
sound the horn twice if any of the following
conditions is detected. In addition, the fob
will flash and beep 3 times.

The total run-time has exceeded 20
minutes.

The brake pedal is depressed.

A key is in the ignition switch.

The engine hood is open.

The engine idle speed exceeds 3,500
rpm.

The security alarm is triggered.

The select lever is not in the “P”
position.

If the system detects any door (including
the rear gate) open during operation, it will
prevent starting or stop the engine, and
sound the horn and flash side marker
lights, tail lights, and parking lights 6 times.

In addition to the items above, if the
vehicle’s engine management system
determines there is a safety risk due to a
vehicle-related problem, the vehicle will
power down and the horn will sound 3
times.

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

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(315,1)

NOTE

If the alarm system is armed at the
time of remote engine starter activa-
tion (the security indicator light on
the combination meter is flashing),
the alarm system will remain armed
throughout the remote start run
cycle.

If the alarm system is disarmed at
the time of remote engine starter
activation (the security indicator
light on the combination meter is
not flashing), the alarm system will
remain disarmed throughout the
remote start run cycle.

Remote start operation - fob con-
firmation

Your remote engine starter fob is a
bidirectional transceiver that can confirm
system operation with several different
visual and audible indications. The fob’s
LED-backlit button and internal piezo
buzzer will indicate status of the system
using the following flash and beep se-
quences, provided the fob is within opera-
tional range of the system.

– CONTINUED –

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Precondition

Fob Indication

Meaning

Flash

Beep

Fob start button is being pressed

Continuous while button is
held down

—

The fob is transmitting an RF signal

User attempts to start engine by pressing fob
button twice within 3 sec

1 flash

1 beep

Engine start request received

2 flashes

2 beeps

Engine started successfully

1 flash every 3 sec

—

Engine idling

3 flashes

3 beeps

Vehicle is in range but engine not started

2 long flashes

—

Vehicle not in range (engine not started)

Engine idling by remote engine start operation

1 flash every 3 sec

—

Engine idling

3 flashes

3 beeps

Engine stopped by system timeout or for safety
reasons (see sections above)

User attempts to stop engine by pressing and
holding fob button for at least 2 sec

3 flashes

3 beeps

Engine stopped by user request

1 flash every 3 sec

—

Stop request not received. Engine still idling.

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

314

(317,1)

Alternate operation method
for models with “keyless ac-
cess with push-button start
system”

Access key fob

Lock button

An access key fob can be used as the
remote engine start transmitter. Operate
the lock button to start or stop the engine
as follows.

Before starting the engine

Before using the remote engine start
system to start the engine, confirm the
following conditions.

The select lever is in the “P” position.

All doors including the rear gate are
closed.

The engine hood is closed.

The push-button ignition switch is in the
“OFF” position.

When starting the engine

To start the engine with remote engine
start system, briefly press the lock button
twice within 2 seconds, then press and
hold the lock button for 3 seconds.

1. Press the lock button briefly. The

hazard warning flashers then flash
once and the keyless buzzer chirps
once.

2. Within 2 seconds, press the lock button

briefly again. The hazard warning
flashers then flash once again, and
the keyless buzzer chirps once again.

3. After step 2, immediately press and

hold the lock button. Some exterior
lights then flash three times, and the
horn will honk once.

4. Approximately 3 seconds after step 3,

release the lock button. The engine will
then start successfully.

When stopping the engine

Press and hold the lock button to stop the
engine with remote engine start system.

Remote start safety features

For detailed information, refer to “Remote
start safety features”

�

P312.

Entering the vehicle while it is
running via remote start
(models without “keyless ac-
cess with push-button start
system”)

1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the

remote keyless entry system.

NOTE

If the vehicle’s doors are unlocked
manually using the key, the vehicle’s
alarm system will trigger (if the alarm
system is armed prior to activating the
remote engine start system) and the
engine will turn off. Perform either of
the following procedures to disarm the
alarm system. Refer to “Alarm system”

�

P136.

– Insert the key into the ignition

switch and turn it to the “ON”
position.

– Press any button on the remote

keyless entry transmitter.

2. Enter the vehicle. The engine will shut

down when any door or rear gate is
opened.

3. Insert the key into the ignition switch

and turn it to the “START” position to
restart the engine.

– CONTINUED –

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

315

Starting

and

operating

(318,1)

Entering the vehicle while it is
running via remote start
(models with “keyless access
with push-button start sys-
tem”)

1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the

keyless access function and remote
keyless entry system.

NOTE

�

P136.

– Turn the push-button ignition

switch to the “ACC” or “ON”
position.

– Press any button on the access

key fob.

2. Enter the vehicle. The engine will

remain running provided the access
key fob is present and detected by the
vehicle.

3. Press the push-button ignition switch

once while depressing the brake pedal
before driving your vehicle. The remote

engine starter transceiver (fob) will
flash and beep 3 times to indicate that
the remote start system has been shut
down.

Entering the vehicle following
remote engine start shut-
down

An alarm trigger may occur if the vehicle is
opened by the remote keyless entry
transmitter within a few seconds immedi-
ately following remote engine start shut-
down.

Pre-heating or pre-cooling
the interior of the vehicle

Before exiting the vehicle, set the tem-
perature controls to the desired setting and
operation. After the system starts the
engine, the heater or air conditioning will
activate and heat or cool the interior to
your setting.

Remote transmitter program
(Remote engine starter
transceiver)

New transmitters can be programmed to
the remote engine start system in the
event that a transmitter is lost, stolen,
damaged or additional transmitters are
desired (the system will accept up to eight

transmitters). New remote engine start
transmitters can be programmed accord-
ing to the following procedure.
1. Open the driver’s door (the driver’s

door must remain open throughout the
entire process).

2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to “ON” then

“LOCK”/“OFF”, back to “ON” then
“LOCK”/“OFF”, back to “ON” then
“LOCK”/“OFF”, then back to “ON”
again and leave the ignition “ON”
throughout the programming process.

4. The system will flash the side marker

lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn three times, indicating
that the system has entered the trans-
mitter learn mode.

5. Press and release the “ ” button on

the transmitter that you want to pro-
gram.

6. The system will flash the side marker

lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn one time, indicating that
the system has learned the transmitter.
Upon successful programming, the
remote start confirmation transmitter
button will flash one time.

7. Repeat step 5 for any additional

transmitters (the system will accept
up to eight transmitters).

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

316

(319,1)

8. The system will exit the transmitter

learn mode if the key is turned to the
“LOCK”/“OFF” position, the door is
closed or after 2 minutes.

System maintenance

NOTE

For remote engine starter transceiver:
In the event that the vehicle’s battery is
replaced, discharged or disconnected,
it will be necessary to start the vehicle a
minimum of one time using the key
prior to activating the remote engine
start system. This is required to allow
the vehicle electronic systems to re-
synchronize.

Changing the battery

CAUTION

Do not let dust, oil or water get on

or in the remote engine start
transmitter when replacing the
battery.

Be careful not to damage the

printed circuit board in the re-
mote engine start transmitter
when replacing the battery.

Be careful not to allow children to

touch the battery and any re-

moved parts; children could
swallow them.

There is a danger of explosion if

an incorrect replacement battery
is used. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type of bat-
tery.

Battery should not be exposed to

excessive heat such as sunshine,
fire or the like.

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

Perform the procedure described in “Re-
placing battery of access key fob”

�

P490.

For remote engine starter transceiver:

The 3-volt lithium battery (model CR-2450)
supplied in your remote engine start
transmitter should last approximately one
year, depending on usage. When the
battery begin to weaken, you will notice a
decrease in range (distance from the
vehicle that your remote control operates).
Follow the instructions below to change
the remote engine start transmitter battery.

1. Remove the small phillips screw lo-

cated on the back side lower left corner
of the transmitter.

2. Carefully pry the remote engine start

transmitter halves apart using a small
flat-head screwdriver.

– CONTINUED –

Remote engine start system (dealer option)

317

Starting

and

operating

Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 19