Subaru Forester: Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system) / Starting engine

General precautions when starting engine

WARNING

• Never start the engine from outside the vehicle (except when using the remote engine start system). It may result in an accident.
• 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 poisoning.
• Do not start the engine near dry foliage, paper, or other flammable substances. The exhaust pipe and exhaust emissions can create a fire hazard at high temperatures.

CAUTION

• If the engine is stopped while driving, the catalyst may overheat 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 acceleration immediately after the engine has started.
• For a short time after the engine has started, the engine speed is kept high. When the warm-up is completed, the engine speed lowers automatically.
• On rare occasions, it may be difficult to start the engine depending on the fuel and the usage condition (repeated 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 knocking 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 accessories.
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”.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release the key immediately 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 depressing 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 turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal.
   3. If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position. After waiting 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.