Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english

(336,1)

Type B

Press or turn the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol OFF switch to deactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system. Creating ade-
quate driving wheel slip by deactivating the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system may
help to recover from the loss of traction.
Use the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
switch as necessary.

A standing start on a steeply sloping
road with a snowy, gravel-covered, or
otherwise slippery surface

Extrication of the vehicle when its
wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow

When the switch is pressed or turned
during engine operation, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control OFF indicator light “ ” on
the combination meter illuminates. The
Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be
deactivated and the vehicle will behave
like a model not equipped with the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system. When the
switch is pressed again (type A) or turned
to the “NORMAL” side (type B) to reacti-
vate the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem, the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
indicator light turns off.
With the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
deactivated, traction and stability en-
hancement offered by the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is unavailable.
Therefore, you should not deactivate the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system except

under the above-mentioned situations.

NOTE

When the switch has been pressed
(type A) or turned (type B) to deac-
tivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system, the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system automatically reacti-
vates itself the next time the ignition
switch is turned to the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position and the engine is
restarted.

If the switch is pressed (type A) or
turned (type B) and held for 30
seconds or longer, the indicator light
turns off, the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is activated, and
the system ignores any further
pressing of the switch. To make the
switch usable again, turn the igni-
tion switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF”
position and restart the engine.

When the switch is pressed (type A)
or turned (type B) to deactivate the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system,
the vehicle’s running performance is
comparable to that of a vehicle that
does not have a Vehicle Dynamics
Control system. Do not deactivate
the Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem except when absolutely neces-
sary.

Vehicle Dynamics Control system

334

(337,1)

Even when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is deactivated, com-
ponents of the brake control system
may still activate. When the brake
control system is activated, the
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light flashes.

7-14. X-MODE (if equipped)

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving a vehicle
with X-MODE could easily lead to
a serious accident.

Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving a vehicle
with hill descent control function
(if equipped) could easily lead to
a serious accident. Be especially
careful, and depress the brake
pedal if necessary when driving
on extremely steep downhill, fro-
zen, muddy or sandy roads. Fail-
ure to control the vehicle’s speed
may cause a loss of control and
result in a serious accident.

CAUTION

Even if your vehicle is equipped

with X-MODE, winter tires should
be used when driving on snow-
covered or icy roads; in addition,
vehicle speed should be reduced
considerably. Simply having

X-MODE does not guarantee that
the vehicle will be able to avoid
accidents in any situation.

Activate X-MODE when you en-

counter a very slippery surface at
low speed. However, having
X-MODE is no guarantee that full
vehicle control will be maintained
at all times and under all condi-
tions. When activating X-MODE,
the speed of the vehicle should
be reduced considerably.

Whenever suspension compo-

nents, steering components, or
an axle are removed from a
vehicle, have the system in-
s p e c t e d b y a n a u t h o r i z e d
SUBARU dealer.

Observe the following precau-

tions in order to ensure that
X-MODE is operating properly:

– All four wheels should be

fitted with tires of the same
size, type, and brand. Further-
more, the amount of wear
should be the same for all four
tires.

– Keep the tire pressure at the

proper level as shown on the
label attached to the vehicle’s
door pillar.

– CONTINUED –

X-MODE

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(338,1)

– Use only the special tempor-

ary spare tire to replace a flat
tire. With a normal temporary
spare tire, the effectiveness of
X-MODE is reduced and this
should be taken into account
when driving the vehicle in
such a condition.

Models with hill descent control:

If the hill descent control function
has operated continuously for a
long time, the temperature of the
brake disc may increase and the
hill descent control function may
be temporarily disabled. In this
case, the hill descent control
indicator will disappear. When
the hill descent control indicator
disappears, the hill descent con-
trol function is disabled.

X-MODE is the integrated control system
of the engine, AWD and Vehicle Dynamics
Control system, etc. for driving with bad
road conditions. Using X-MODE, you can
drive more comfortably even in slippery
road conditions including uphill and down-
hill.

X-MODE has the following functions.

Hill descent control function (if
equipped):

Using the hill descent control function, you
can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed
driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is
likely to increase, the brake control system
will be activated to adjust the vehicle
speed.

Driving ability control:

This mode increases the hill-climbing
ability and driving ability as well as
enabling smooth application of torque for
easier control of the steering wheel.

To activate/deactivate
X-MODE

X-MODE switch (models with 2
modes)

Type A

X-MODE

336

(339,1)

Type B

X-MODE switch (models with 1
mode)

X-MODE indicator (models with 2 modes)

D.SNOW/MUD mode indicator

SNOW/DIRT mode indicator

X-MODE indicator (models with 1 mode)

To activate

Models with 2 modes

Turn the X-MODE switch to the right or left
and select SNOW/DIRTor D.SNOW/MUD.
While X-MODE is activated, the X-MODE
indicator appears.

Models with 1 mode

Press the X-MODE switch. While X-MODE
is activated, the X-MODE indicator ap-
pears.

To deactivate

Press the X-MODE switch. The X-MODE
indicator will disappear when X-MODE is
deactivated.

NOTE

SNOW/DIRT is suitable for driving
on a snow-covered road where the
points of contact between the tires
and road surface are visible, or for
driving on an unpaved road.

D.SNOW/MUD is suitable for driving
on a road covered with deep snow
where the points of contact between
the tires and road surface are not
visible, or for driving on a muddy
road.

Even if you try to activate X-MODE
by turning (models with 2 modes) or
pressing (models with 1 mode) the
X-MODE switch when the vehicle

– CONTINUED –

X-MODE

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speed is 12 mph (20 km/h) or more,
X-MODE will not be activated. At this
time, a buzzer will sound twice.

If the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph
(40 km/h) or more while X-MODE is
activated, a buzzer will sound once
and X-MODE will be deactivated.
X-MODE will automatically reacti-
vate when the vehicle speed drops
below 22 mph (35 km/h).

– When you use the cruise control

after X-MODE is automatically
deactivated, X-MODE will not be
automatically reactivated when
the vehicle speed drops below
22 mph (35 km/h).

If the engine could overheat because
of a temperature increase of the
engine coolant, it may not be possi-
ble to activate X-MODE. Even while
X-MODE is activated, X-MODE will
be deactivated when the engine
coolant temperature increases.

The Auto Start Stop system will be
stopped while X-MODE is activated.

NOTE

The SI-DRIVE mode will change to
the Intelligent (I) mode when
X-MODE is deactivated.

The SI-DRIVE mode cannot be chan-
ged while X-MODE is activated. At

this time, a buzzer will sound twice.

X-MODE will be deactivated if any of
the following conditions is met while
the engine is running.

– The CHECK ENGINE warning

light/malfunction indicator light
illuminates.

– The AT OIL TEMP warning light

flashes.

– The ABS warning light illumi-

nates.

– The Vehicle Dynamics Control

warning light illuminates.

When this occurs, it is not possible
to activate X-MODE. Also, for models
with SI-DRIVE, type A changes to the
Sport (S) mode, and type B remains
in the state that was in effect before
the warning light turned on. In this
case, it is not possible to change to
another mode.
For information on the types of
S I - D R I V E , r e f e r t o “ S I - D R I V E
switches”

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If there is a possibility that the
engine could overheat because of a
temperature increase of the engine
coolant, it is not possible to change
to X-MODE. While the vehicle is in
X-MODE, it changes to the Sport (S)
mode or Sport Sharp (S#) mode

when the engine coolant tempera-
ture increases.

It is not possible to activate X-MODE
when the engine is not running,
because the hill descent control
function is not activated.

When X-MODE automatically reacti-
vates, the hill descent control func-
tion also reactivates.

Hill descent control function

The hill descent control function will be in
standby mode when X-MODE is activated
and the vehicle speed is less than approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h).
The function will operate when the vehicle
speed is less than approximately 12 mph
(20 km/h) and the accelerator ratio is less
than approximately 10%.
The function will turn off when the vehicle
speed is more than approximately 12 mph
(20 km/h) and the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

CAUTION

The braking power of the hill des-
cent control function may not be
sufficient when strong braking
power is needed (e.g., when towing
a trailer).

X-MODE

338

(341,1)

NOTE

Even while the hill descent control
function is operating, you can vary
the vehicle speed using the brake
pedal or accelerator pedal.

During braking by the hill descent
control function, the stop lights will
illuminate.

The hill descent control function is
operable regardless of the gradient
of the road.

The hill descent control function
may be considered normal when
the following conditions occur.

– An operating sound is heard

briefly from the engine compart-
ment while the hill descent con-
trol function is operating.

– The sensation of depressing the

brake pedal is different, (harder
than usual etc.) when the brake
pedal is depressed during hill
descent control function opera-
tion.

Hill descent control indicator

This indicator appears while the hill des-
cent control function is in the standby
mode. It flashes while the function is
operating. It will disappear when the
function is in the disabled mode. When
this function is changed from operational
to non-operational, it will disappear when
the vehicle speed reaches more than
approximately 18 mph (30 km/h).

7-15. Tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) (U.S.-
spec. models)

Low tire pressure warning light

The tire pressure monitoring system pro-
vides the driver with a warning message
when tire pressure is severely low.
The tire pressure monitoring system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h). Also, this
system may not react immediately to a
sudden drop in tire pressure (for example,
a blow-out caused by running over a sharp
object).

– CONTINUED –

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec. models)

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WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning

light illuminates while driving,
never brake suddenly. Instead,
perform the following procedure.
Otherwise, an accident involving
serious vehicle damage and ser-
ious personal injury could occur.

(1) Keep driving straight ahead

while gradually reducing
speed.

(2) Slowly pull off the road to a

safe location.

(3) Check the pressure for all four

tires and adjust the pressure
to the COLD tire pressure
shown on the tire inflation
pressure label. The tire infla-
tion pressure label is located
on the door pillar on the
driver’s side.

Even when the vehicle is driven a

very short distance, the tires get
warm and their pressures in-
crease accordingly. Be sure to
let the tires cool thoroughly be-
fore adjusting their pressures to
the standard values shown on the
tire inflation pressure label. Refer
to “Tires and wheels”

�

P465.

The tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem does not function when the
vehicle is stationary. After adjust-
ing the tire pressures, increase
the vehicle speed to at least 20
mph (32 km/h) to start the TPMS
rechecking of the tire inflation
pressures. If the tire pressures
are now above the severe low
pressure threshold, the low tire
pressure warning light should
turn off a few minutes later.

If this light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may have signifi-
cant 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/trans-
mitter being transferred, the low
tire pressure warning light will
illuminate steadily after blinking
for approximately 1 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 sys-

tem resetting.

When a tire is repaired with liquid

sealant, the tire pressure warning
valve and transmitter may not
operate properly. If a liquid sea-
lant is used, contact your nearest
SUBARU dealer or other qualified
service shop as soon as possi-
ble. Make sure to replace the tire
pressure warning valve and
transmitter when replacing the
tire. You may reuse the wheel if
there is no damage to it and if the
sealant residue is properly
cleaned off. Do not inject any tire
liquid or aerosol tire sealant into
the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors. If the light illuminates
steadily after blinking for ap-
proximately 1 minute, promptly
contact a SUBARU dealer to have
the system inspected.

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec. models)

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CAUTION

Do not place metal film or any metal
parts in the cargo area. This may
cause poor reception of the signals
from the tire pressure sensors, and
the tire pressure monitoring system
will not function properly.

NOTE

This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This de-
vice may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

FCC CAUTION
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.

7-16. Parking your vehicle

Electronic parking brake

Parking brake switch

Indicator light

Release the electronic parking brake

Apply the electronic parking brake

WARNING

Before exiting the vehicle, make

sure that you turn off the engine.
Otherwise, the parking brake may
be released and an accident may
occur.

If the brake system warning light

turns on, the electronic parking
brake system may be malfunc-
tioning. Immediately stop your

vehicle in a safe location, use tire
stops under the tires to prevent
the vehicle from moving and
contact your SUBARU dealer.

If you operate the electronic park-

ing brake when the brake is over-
heated or the vehicle is on a steep
slope, the electronic parking
brake indicator light may flash.
In this case, the vehicle may start
to move and it may lead to an
accident. Always use the tire
stops.

CAUTION

When the electronic parking

brake system has a malfunction
and the parking brake cannot be
applied, contact your SUBARU
dealer immediately for an inspec-
tion. If you have to park your
vehicle in such conditions, per-
form the following procedure.

– Stop your vehicle in a flat

location.

– Shift the select lever in the “P”

position. When the select le-
ver cannot be shifted into the
“P” position, you must release
shift lock. Refer to “Shift lock

– CONTINUED –

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function”

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P324.

– Use tire stops under the tires

to prevent the vehicle from
moving.

Never drive with the parking

brake applied. Doing so will
cause unnecessary brake pad
wear. Before driving off, always
make sure that the parking brake
has been released and the brake
system warning light has turned
off.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
parking brake. You can apply/release the
parking brake by operating the parking
brake switch.

To apply:

Depress the brake pedal and

pull up the parking brake switch.

To release:

Press the parking brake

switch firmly while the ignition switch is in
the “ON” position and the brake pedal is
depressed.

When the parking brake is applied while
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position,
the electronic parking brake indicator light
and the indicator light on the parking brake
switch illuminate. Refer to “Brake system
warning light (red)”

�

P175.

NOTE

If you press the parking brake switch
under the following conditions, the
parking brake will not be released.

– The ignition switch is in the

“ACC” or “LOCK”/“OFF” posi-
tion.

– You are not depressing the brake

pedal.

The electronic parking brake system
uses motors to apply the parking
brake. Therefore, operating sounds
from the motors will be heard when
applying or releasing the parking
brake. Make sure that the motor
sounds are heard when applying or
releasing the parking brake.

If you operate the parking brake
switch under the following condi-
tions, a chirp will sound and the
electronic parking brake indicator
light will flash.

– When the electronic parking

brake system has a malfunction.

– When the electronic parking

brake operation is prohibited
temporarily.

When you cannot release the park-
ing brake due to, for example, a
system malfunction, contact your
SUBARU dealer and have your
SUBARU dealer release the parking

brake.

If you stop operating the electronic
parking brake switch midway or
operate extremely slowly, the sys-
tem may detect an error and turn on
the brake system warning light.
However, this does not indicate a
malfunction if the brake system
warning light turns off after operat-
ing the switch.

When the electronic parking brake
has not been used for a long period
of time, the electronic parking brake
may operate automatically after the
ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK”/“OFF” position. This oc-
curs due to checking the proper
operation of the electronic parking
brake and does not indicate a mal-
function.

If you cannot release the electronic
parking brake due to the switch
malfunction, refer to the instructions
described in “Automatic release
function by accelerator pedal”

�

P343.

After activating the electronic parking
brake, you may hear a short sound
several minutes after the electronic
parking brake indicator light illumi-
nates as the system confirms proper
engagement. This sound is different

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from the apply and release sound.
This can occur:

– If the brakes are extremely hot.
– If the car is parked on a steep

incline.

– If the electronic parking brake is

applied after the ignition switch is
turned OFF.

This is a normal operating sound under
any of these conditions.

The Auto Start Stop system is deac-
tivated while the electronic parking
brake is applied.

If you operate the electronic parking
brake switch while the Auto Start
Stop system is activated, the Auto
Start Stop system will be deacti-
vated. The electronic parking brake
will activate after the engine is
restarted. After the electronic park-
ing brake indicator light is illumi-
nated, release your foot from the
brake pedal.

When starting the engine or restart-
ing the engine using the Auto Start
Stop system, if you operate the
electronic parking brake switch, the
electronic parking brake indicator
light may flash temporarily. How-
ever, this is not a malfunction if the
light turns off after the electronic

parking brake is deactivated.

Automatic release function by ac-
celerator pedal

The parking brake will be automatically
released by depressing the accelerator
pedal. However, the automatic release
function does not operate under the
following conditions.

Any door (other than the rear gate) is
open.

The driver’s seatbelt is not fastened.

If the parking brake is automatically
released, the electronic parking brake
indicator light and the indicator light on
the parking brake switch turn off.

Auto Vehicle Hold function

The Auto Vehicle Hold function will auto-
matically keep the vehicle stopped even
after releasing the brake pedal when the
vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at
traffic signals.

WARNING

Do not use the Auto Vehicle Hold

function on a steep hill or slip-
pery road. The vehicle may move
even when using the Auto Vehicle
Hold function, causing serious
injury or accidents.

Do not use the Auto Vehicle Hold

function to park the vehicle. The
vehicle may move unexpectedly,
causing serious injury or acci-
dents. Make sure to shift the
select lever to the “P” position
and apply the electronic parking
brake in the following cases.

– When you are going to park

your vehicle.

– When passengers are getting

in or out of the vehicle.

– When you are loading or un-

loading.

When using the Auto Vehicle

Hold function, do not release the
brake pedal before the Auto Ve-
hicle Hold operation indicator
illuminates. The vehicle may
move unexpectedly, causing ser-
ious injury or accidents.

Deactivate the Auto Vehicle Hold

function in the following cases.
Otherwise, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly, causing serious
injury or accidents.

– When washing your vehicle in

an automatic car wash

– When being towed

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CAUTION

When stopping on a steep slope

with the Auto Vehicle Hold func-
tion turned on, the electronic
parking brake may be automati-
cally applied. Then the electronic
parking brake indicator light will
flash. In such a case, depress and
hold the brake pedal while stop-
ping. Otherwise, the vehicle may
move.

When being towed, turn off the

Auto Vehicle Hold function.

NOTE

We recommend turning on the Auto
Vehicle Hold function when stopping
on an incline. If the Auto Vehicle Hold
function is turned off, the vehicle may
roll backward when driving off.

To turn on/off the Auto Vehicle
Hold function

Auto Vehicle Hold switch

Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light

To turn on:

Press the Auto Vehicle Hold switch when
the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light is
OFF. Then the Auto Vehicle Hold ON
indicator light will illuminate.

To turn off:

Press the Auto Vehicle Hold switch when
the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light
illuminates. Then the Auto Vehicle Hold
ON indicator light will turn off.

NOTE

When the electronic parking brake
system has a malfunction while the
Auto Vehicle Hold function is turned
on, a chirp will sound, the Auto
Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will
turn off and the brake system warn-
ing light will turn on.

Every time when starting the engine,
the Auto Vehicle Hold function will
be set to “OFF”.

If the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is
pressed and held for more than 30
seconds, the Auto Vehicle Hold ON
indicator light will turn off, and the
system will ignore any further press-
ing of the switch. To activate the
function again, restart the engine.

When the Auto Vehicle Hold function
is deactivated while the Auto Vehicle
Hold function has a malfunction, if

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you press the Auto Vehicle Hold
switch, a chirp will sound.

To operate the Auto Vehicle Hold
function

Stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal when all of the following conditions
are met. Then the Auto Vehicle Hold
function will operate.

Driver’s door is closed.

The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.

The select lever is in a position other
than the “P” position.

Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light

While the vehicle is kept stopped by the
Auto Vehicle Hold function, the Auto
Vehicle Hold operation indicator light will
illuminate.

To release the Auto Vehicle Hold
function

Perform any of the following operations to
release the Auto Vehicle Hold function.

Depress the accelerator pedal.

Depress the brake pedal again.

Apply the electronic parking brake.

Shift the select lever to the “P” position
with the brake pedal pressed.

Press the Auto Vehicle Hold switch with
the brake pedal pressed (The Auto
Vehicle Hold function turns off).

When the Auto Vehicle Hold function is
released, the Auto Vehicle Hold operation
indicator light will turn off.

Under any of the following conditions, the
Auto Vehicle Hold function will be auto-
matically released and the electronic
parking brake will be automatically ap-
plied.

The Auto Vehicle Hold function has
been in operation for 10 minutes.

The driver’s seatbelt is unfastened.

The ignition switch is turned to the
“LOCK”/“OFF” position.

The vehicle is stopped on a steep
slope.

The Auto Vehicle Hold function is
malfunctioning.

In such cases, the Auto Vehicle Hold
operation indicator light will turn off and
the electronic parking brake indicator light
will illuminate.

Tips

When the electronic parking brake is
automatically applied with the vehicle
kept stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold
function, release the electronic parking
brake by either of the following opera-
tions before starting off. Then make
sure that the electronic parking brake
indicator light is off.

– Depress the accelerator pedal with

the driver’s seatbelt fastened and
with the doors closed.

– Press the electronic parking brake

switch with the brake pedal de-
pressed.

Under certain conditions, including a
malfunction of the Auto Vehicle Hold, a
warning buzzer will sound and a warn-
ing message will appear on the combi-
nation meter display (color LCD). All
warning messages should be strictly
observed.

On a steep slope, the vehicle cannot be
kept stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold
function. In such a case, depress and
hold the brake pedal.

When stopping on a steep slope with

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the Auto Vehicle Hold function acti-
vated, the electronic parking brake may
automatically applied after stopping,
then the electronic parking brake in-
dicator light may flash. In such a case,
depress and hold the brake pedal while
stopped. Otherwise, the vehicle may
move. When getting out of the vehicle,
stop the vehicle on a flat surface, then
apply the electronic parking brake.

If the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator
light does not illuminates even after
pressing the Auto Vehicle Hold switch
with the operating conditions met, the
function may have a malfunction. Con-
tact your SUBARU dealer for an in-
spection.

You may hear a sound while the Auto
Vehicle Hold function is keeping your
vehicle stopped. This is normal, and
does not represent a malfunction.

When you depress the brake pedal to
release the Auto Vehicle Hold function,
an operation sound or vibration may be
generated, or the brake pedal may
return slowly. This is not a malfunction.

While the vehicle is kept stopped by the
Auto Vehicle Hold function, the brake
pedal may feel stiff. However, this is not
a malfunction.

When using the Auto Vehicle Hold
function, depress the brake pedal

firmly. Otherwise, the Auto Vehicle Hold
may not operate.

When the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is
pressed and held for more than 30
seconds, the Auto Vehicle Hold ON
indicator light will turn off and further
operation of the switch will be ignored.
To make the switch usable again, turn
the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF”
position and then turn it to the “ON”
position.

Emergency brake

CAUTION

Use the emergency brake only in
case of an emergency. If the emer-
gency brake is excessively used, the
brake parts will wear down faster or
the brake may not work sufficiently
due to brake overheating.

NOTE

While using the emergency brake:

The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light and the indicator light on the
parking brake switch illuminate and
a chirp sounds.

A sound may be heard from the
engine compartment. This is the
operating sound of the brake that is

activated by the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system, and does not indi-
cate a malfunction.

If the foot brake has a malfunction, you can
stop the vehicle by pulling the parking
brake switch continuously.
While applying the emergency brake, the
electronic parking brake indicator light and
the indicator light on the parking brake
switch illuminate and a chirp sounds.

Electronic parking brake system
warning

CAUTION

If the brake system warning light
turns on, the electronic parking
brake system may be malfunction-
ing. Immediately stop your vehicle in
the nearest safe location and con-
tact your SUBARU dealer.

If a malfunction occurs in the electronic
parking brake system, the brake system
warning light turns on. Refer to “Electronic
parking brake light”

�

P176.

Parking your vehicle

346

(349,1)

Parking tips

When parking your vehicle, always per-
form the following items.

Apply the parking brake firmly.

Put the select lever in the “P” position.

Never rely on the mechanical friction of the
transmission alone to hold the vehicle.

When parking on a hill, always turn the
steering wheel. When the vehicle is
headed up the hill, the front wheels should
be turned away from the curb.

When facing downhill, the front wheels
should be turned into the curb.

WARNING

Never leave unattended children

or pets in the vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on
hot or sunny days, the tempera-
ture in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to
cause severe or possibly fatal
injuries to people.

Do not park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as
they may burn easily if they come

near hot engine or exhaust sys-
tem parts.

Be sure to stop the engine if you

take a nap in the vehicle. If engine
exhaust gas enters the passen-
ger compartment, occupants in
the vehicle could die from carbon
monoxide (CO) contained in the
exhaust gas.

CAUTION

If your vehicle has a bumper

under guard (optional), pay atten-
tion to blocks and other obstruc-
tions on the ground when park-
ing. The underspoiler could be
damaged by contact with them.

The braking power of the parking

brake may not be sufficient when
s t r o n g e r b r a k i n g p o w e r i s
needed (e.g., when parking on a
steep slope while towing a trai-
ler).

Parking your vehicle

347

Starting

and

operating

(350,1)

7-17. Auto Start Stop system

The Auto Start Stop system is designed to
automatically stop and restart the engine
when the vehicle is stationary for a short
period of time (while waiting for a traffic
light or in a traffic jam) after the engine has
warmed up. The system operates in order
to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emis-
sions and undesired idling noise.

System operation

CAUTION

The Auto Start Stop system is de-
signed to automatically stop and
restart the engine for a short period
of time during idling. Do not use the
system when parking the vehicle
normally.

So that it can be used safely and comfor-
tably, in addition to driver operations, the
Auto Start Stop system is designed to
constantly monitor the vehicle conditions
as well as the environment inside and
outside the vehicle, in order to control
stopping and restarting of the engine.
After the vehicle has been completely
stopped by depressing the brake pedal
with the select lever in the “D” position, the

engine will be automatically stopped.
If you release the brake pedal with the
select lever kept in the “D” position, the
engine will be automatically restarted.
However, when the Auto Vehicle Hold ON
indicator light illuminates, the engine will
not restart.

Auto Start Stop indicator light (green)

If the engine is temporarily stopped by the
system, the Auto Start Stop indicator light
on the combination meter will illuminate in
green. This indicator light will turn off when
the system restarts the engine.

NOTE

After starting the engine, if the
vehicle is left idling without being
driven, the Auto Start Stop system
will not operate.

Your vehicle is equipped with a
special high-performance battery.
When replacing the vehicle battery,
be sure to replace it with a genuine
SUBARU battery (or equivalent) de-
signed specifically for use in a
vehicle equipped with the Auto Start
Stop system. For details, we recom-
m e n d t h a t y o u c o n s u l t y o u r
SUBARU dealer.

Operational conditions

The engine can be automatically stopped
by the Auto Start Stop system when all of
the following conditions are met.

The engine is sufficiently warmed up.

The engine hood is closed.

The driver’s door is closed.

The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.

The malfunction indicator light (Check
Engine light) is off.*

The airflow mode selection is set to a
mode other than “

” mode.

The rear window defogger is not in use.

X-MODE has been turned off (if
equipped).

After the vehicle is stopped, the engine will
be automatically stopped when the follow-
ing conditions are met.

The steering wheel is in the straight
ahead position.

Auto Start Stop system

348

(351,1)

The steering wheel is not being oper-
ated.

*1: Even if the malfunction indicator light

(CHECK ENGINE warning light) is illumi-
nated, the Auto Start Stop system may
operate when the system recovers from the
malfunction (Subaru Forester Wilderness
models only).

NOTE

After the vehicle is stopped, the
engine may not automatically stop
under the following conditions.

– The vehicle is stopped on a road

with a steep slope.

– The vehicle is stopped by hard

braking.

After the vehicle is stopped, the
engine may not automatically stop
if the brake pedal is not fully de-
pressed. Make sure to depress the
brake pedal firmly when stopping
the vehicle.

In the following cases, it may take
some time for the Auto Start Stop
system to operate.

– When the battery is discharged

because the vehicle has not been
used for a long period of time,
etc.

– The coolant temperature is low.

– When the battery terminals have

been reconnected after replacing
the battery, etc.

Non-operational conditions

In any of the following cases, the Auto
Start Stop system will not operate.

When the Auto Start Stop warning light/
Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light
(yellow) is illuminating or flashing.

When the malfunction indicator light
(Check Engine light) is illuminating.*

The electronic parking brake is applied.

When the engine hood is opened.

When the CVT fluid is not sufficiently
warmed up.

When the temperature of the CVT fluid
is abnormally high.

When the vehicle battery is not in good
condition.

When using the climate control system,
the temperature difference between the
setting temperature and the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is significant.

When using the climate control system,
the amount of air flow is significant.

*1: Even if the malfunction indicator light

(CHECK ENGINE warning light) is illumi-
nated, the Auto Start Stop system may
operate when the system recovers from the

malfunction (Subaru Forester Wilderness
models only).

NOTE

The Auto Start Stop system may not
operate in the following cases:

The malfunction indicator light
(CHECK ENGINE warning light) or
other warning lights on the combi-
nation meter are illuminated or
flashing.

You are driving the vehicle in a high-
elevation area.

Engine restart operational condi-
tions

In any one of the following cases, the
engine will be automatically restarted even
if the brake pedal is kept depressed.

When slightly releasing the brake pedal
on road with a steep slope and the
vehicle begins rolling

When further depressing the brake
pedal

When depressing the accelerator pedal

When you move the select lever to the
“R” position.

When turning the steering wheel

When operating the electronic parking
brake switch

When activating X-MODE (if equipped)

– CONTINUED –

Auto Start Stop system

349

Starting

and

operating

Subaru Forester (2023 year). Manual in english - page 21