Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / Power steering
Power steering warning light

Power steering system features
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,
this may result in a malfunction of the
power steering control system.
Other information:
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
bottom of driver’s side door pillar shows
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue
load...
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the select
lever back and forth between “D” and “R”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the
best possible traction, avoid spinning the
wheels when trying to free the vehicle...