Subaru Forester: Ignition switch

- Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK” while the vehicle is being driven or towed because that will lock the steering wheel, preventing steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer.

- Before leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the ignition switch for safety and never allow an unattended child to remain in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child or others. Children could operate the power windows, the moonroof or other controls or even make the vehicle move.

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

Also, if the key is attached to a keyholder or to a large bunch of other keys, centrifugal force may act on it as the vehicle moves, resulting in unwanted turning of the ignition switch.

The ignition switch has four positions:
LOCK, Acc, ON and START.

NOTE
- Keep the ignition switch in the “LOCK” position when the engine is not running.

- If the ignition switch will not move from the “LOCK” position to the “Acc” position, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left and right as you turn the ignition switch.

LOCK

The key can only be inserted or removed in this position. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel when you remove the key.

If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.

Automatic transmission models

Automatic transmission models

The key can be turned from “Acc” to “LOCK” only when the select lever is in the “P” position.

Manual transmission models

Manual transmission models

The key can be turned from “Acc” to “LOCK” only when the key is pushed in while turning it.

Acc

In this position the electrical accessories (radio, accessory power outlet, etc.) can be used.

ON

This is the normal operating position after the engine is started.

START

The engine is started in this position. The starter cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released (after the engine has started), the key automatically returns to the “ON” position.

Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while the engine is running.

If your registered key fails to start the engine, pull out the key once (the security indicator light will blink), and then insert the key in the ignition switch and turn it to the “START” position and again try to start the engine.

NOTE
The engine may not start in the following cases:

- The key grip is touching another key or a metallic key holder.

- The key is near another key that contains an immobilizer transponder.

- The key is near or touching another transmitter.

Key reminder chime

The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened and the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” or “Acc” position.

The chime stops under the following conditions.

- when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position
- when the key is removed from the ignition switch
- when the driver’s door is closed

Ignition switch light

For easy access to the ignition switch in the dark, the ignition switch light illuminates when the driver’s door is opened or when the driver’s door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.

The light remains illuminated for several tens of seconds and then gradually turns off under the following conditions.

- when the driver’s door is closed
- when the doors are unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter

The light turns off immediately under the following conditions.
- when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position
- when all doors and the rear gate are locked using the remote keyless entry transmitter

Hazard warning flasher

Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other drivers when you have to park your vehicle under emergency conditions.

The hazard warning flasher works regardless of the position of the ignition switch.

To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the hazard warning button on the instrument panel. To turn off the flasher, push the button again.

NOTE
When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn signals do not work.

Moonroof (if equipped)

Meters and gauges