Subaru Forester: Warning and indicator / Power steering warning light

While the engine is running, this warning
light illuminates when a malfunction has
been detected in the electric power steering
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 immediately.
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 control
computer and drive motor, from
overheating.
- The steering wheel is operated frequently
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 resistance
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.
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..
Other information:
WARNING
To avoid accidental activation of
the system or rendering the system
inoperative, which may result
in serious injury, no modifications
should be made to any
components or wiring of the SRS
airbag system.This includes following modifications...
Detecting range (width): Approximately 6
in (15 cm) outside of the vehicle width
Range that the system cannot detect:
Approximately 20 in (50 cm) behind the
rear of the vehicle
Detecting range (length): Approximately
5 ft (1.5 m) from the rear of the vehicle
WARNING
If your vehicle is trapped on a railroad
crossing and you are trying to
escape by reversing through the
crossing gate, the system may recognize
the crossing gate as an
obstacle and the brake may activate...