Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / Hill start assist system

WARNING

• The Hill start assist system is a device only for helping the driver to START the vehicle on an uphill grade. To prevent accidents when the vehicle is parked on a slope, be sure to firmly set the parking brake. When setting the parking brake, make sure that the vehicle remains stationary when the brake pedal is released.
• Do not turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position while the Hill start assist system is operating. The Hill start assist system will be deactivated and may lead to an accident.

The Hill start assist system is a device to make the following vehicle operations easier.

1. Starting forward facing uphill
2. Starting backward facing downhill

1. Brake pedal

When the vehicle has stopped with the brake pedal depressed, the Hill start assist system operates.

Braking power is maintained temporarily (for approximately 2 seconds) by the Hill start assist system after the brake pedal is released. The driver is therefore able to start the vehicle in the same way as on a level grade, just using the accelerator pedal.

If the braking power of the Hill start assist system is insufficient after the brake pedal is released, apply more braking power by depressing the brake pedal again.

The Hill start assist system may not operate on slight grades. Also, the Hill start assist system does not operate in the following cases.

• When starting backward facing uphill
• When starting forward facing downhill
• While the parking brake is applied
• While the ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK”/“OFF” position
• While the Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light is illuminated. Refer to “Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/ Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light”.
• While the Auto Start Stop warning light is illuminated. Refer to “Auto Start Stop warning light/Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)”.

When using the Hill start assist system, a braking effect may be felt even after the brake pedal has been released.

CAUTION

The braking power of the Hill start assist system may not be sufficient when strong braking power is needed (e.g., when towing a trailer).

NOTE

A slight jolt may be felt when the vehicle begins to move forward after being reversed.