Subaru Forester: Instruments and controls / Ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start
system”)
WARNING
- Never turn the ignition switch to
the “LOCK” position 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.
CAUTION
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 key
holder 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.
- Using electrical accessories for a
long time with the ignition switch in the
“ON” or “ACC” position can cause the
battery to go dead.
- 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.
CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position while the engine
is running.
NOTE
To turn the key from the “ACC” to
“LOCK” position, the select lever must
be in the “P” position and the key must
be pushed in and turned...
Other information:
A head-on collision against a thick concrete
wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19
mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates
only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbags. The airbag(s) will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a
frontal impact similar in fashion and
magnitude to the collision described
above...
Overloading could affect vehicle
handling, stopping distance, and
vehicle and tire performance in the
following ways. This could lead to
an accident and possibly result in
severe personal injury.
Vehicle stability will deteriorate.
Heavy and/or high-mounted loads could increase the risk of
rollover...