Subaru Forester: Keyless access with push-button start system (if equipped) / Safety precautions

WARNING

If you wear an implanted pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, stay at least 8.7 in (22 cm) away from the transmitting antennas installed on the vehicle.

The radio waves from the transmitting antennas on the vehicle could adversely affect the operation of implanted pacemakers and implanted defibrillators.

If you wear electronic medical equipment other than an implanted pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, before using the keyless access with push-button start system, refer to “Radio waves used for the keyless access with push-button start system” mentioned later, and contact the electronic medical equipment manufacturer for more information. The radio waves from the transmitting antennas on the vehicle could adversely affect the operation of the electronic medical equipment.

“Radio waves used for the keyless access with push-button start system”

• The keyless access with pushbutton start system uses radio waves of the following frequency* in addition to the radio waves used for the remote keyless entry system. The radio waves are periodically output from the antennas installed on the vehicle as shown in the following illustrations.

  *: Radio frequency: 134 kHz

1. Antennas

CAUTION

• Never leave or store the access key fob inside the vehicle or within 6.6 ft (2 m) around the vehicle (e.g., in the garage). The access key fob may be locked inside the vehicle, or the battery may discharge rapidly. Note that the push-button ignition switch may not turn on in some cases depending on the location of the access key fob.
• The access key fob contains electronic components. Observe the following precautions to prevent malfunctions.
  • It is recommended to have the access key battery replaced at an authorized SUBARU dealer to avoid the risk of damage.
  • Do not get the access key fob wet. If the access key fob gets wet, wipe it off immediately and let it dry completely.
  • Do not apply strong impacts to the access key fob.
  • Never leave the access key fob in direct sunlight or anywhere that may become hot, such as on the dashboard. It may damage the battery or cause circuit malfunctions.
  • Do not wash the access key fob in an ultrasonic washer.
  • Do not leave the access key fob in humid or dusty locations. Doing so may cause malfunctions.
  • Keep the access key fob away from magnetic sources.
  • Do not leave the access key fob near a personal computer or home electrical appliance.
  • Do not leave the access key fob near a battery charger or any electrical accessories.
  • Do not apply metallic window tint or attach metallic objects to the windows.
  • Do not fit non genuine accessories or parts.
• If the access key fob is dropped, the integrated emergency key inside may become loose. Be careful not to lose the emergency key.
• When traveling in an airplane, do not press the button of the access key fob. If any button of the access key fob is pressed, radio waves are emitted and may affect the operation of the airplane. in a bag, take measures to prevent the buttons from being pressed accidentally.

NOTE

The operational/non-operational setting for the keyless access function can be changed. For the setting procedure, refer to “Disabling keyless access function”.

• For detailed information about the operation method for the push-button ignition switch while the keyless access function is switched to the nonoperational mode, refer to “Access key fob – if access key fob does not operate properly”.
• The keyless access with push-button start system uses weak radio waves. The status of the access key fob and environmental conditions may interfere with the communication between the access key fob and the vehicle under the following conditions, and it may not be possible to lock or unlock the doors or start the engine.
  • When operating near a facility where strong radio waves are transmitted, such as a broadcast station and power transmission lines.
  • When products that transmit radio waves are used, such as an access key fob or a remote transmitter key of another vehicle.
  • When carrying the access key fob of your vehicle together with the access key fob or the remote transmitter of another vehicle.
  • When the access key fob is placed near wireless communication equipment such as a cell phone.
  • When the access key fob is placed near a metallic object.
  • When metallic accessories are attached to the access key fob.
  • When carrying the access key fob with an electronic appliance such as a laptop computer.
  • When the battery of the access key fob is discharged.
• The access key fob is always communicating with the vehicle and is continuously using the battery. Although the life of the battery varies depending on the operating conditions, it is approximately 1 to 2 years. If the battery becomes fully discharged, replace it with a new one.
• If an access key fob is lost, it is recommended that all of the remaining access key fobs be reregistered. For reregistration of an access key fob, contact a SUBARU dealer.
• For a spare access key fob, contact a SUBARU dealer.
• Up to 7 access key fobs can be registered for one vehicle.
•  Do not leave the access key fob in the storage spaces inside the vehicle, such as the door pocket, dashboard or inside the corner of the cargo area. Vibrations may damage the key fob or turn on the switch, possibly resulting in a lockout.
• After the vehicle battery is discharged or replaced, initialization of the steering lock system may be required to start the engine. In this case, perform the following procedure to initialize the steering lock.

  (1) Turn the push-button ignition switch to the “OFF” position. For details, refer to “Switching power status”.

  (2) Open and close the driver’s door.

  (3) Wait for approximately 10 seconds.

  When the steering is locked, the initialization is completed.

• Do not leave the access key fob in the following places.
  • On the instrument panel
  • On the floor
  • Inside the glove box
  • Inside the door trim pocket
  • On the rear seat
  • In the cargo area

  If you do, the following situations may occur.

  • The access key fob is mistakenly locked inside the vehicle.
  • A false warning issues although no malfunction actually occurs.
  • No warning issues even when a malfunction occurs.