Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual / Starting and operating / Preparing to drive

Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / Preparing to drive

You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day before you start driving.

Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unobstructed.
Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for proper inflation.
Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
Check that no small animals enter the engine compartment.
Check that the hood and rear gate are fully closed.
Check the adjustment of the seat.
Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors.
Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
Check the gauges, indicator and warning lights after starting the engine.

CAUTION

Trapping small animals in the cooling fan and belts of the engine may result in a malfunction. Check that no small animal enters the engine compartment or under the vehicle before starting the engine.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.
When towing a trailer, refer to “Trailer hitch (dealer option)”.

State emission testing (U.S. only)

W..

Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system)

CAUTION Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than 10 seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for 5 to 10 seconds, wait for 10 seconds or more before trying again...

Other information:

Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Multi-function display (color LCD)

NOTE For models with multi-function display (black and white), refer to “Multi-function display (black and white)”. WARNING Always pay adequate attention to safe driving when operating the multi-function display (color LCD) while the vehicle is in motion...

Subaru Forester 2019-2025 Owners Manual: Warning and indicator lights

Seatbelt warning light / Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light Rear seatbelt warning light SRS airbag system warning light Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light Coolant temperature low indicator light / Coolant temperature high warning light Charge warning light Oil pressure warning light Engine low oil level warning light AT OIL TEMP warning light ABS warning light Brake system warning light (red) Electronic parking brake indicator light Door open warning light Engine hood open warning light AWD warning light Power steering warning light Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light Depress brake indicator light (if equipped) Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light Turn signal indicator lights LED headlight warning light High beam indicator light High beam assist indicator light (if equipped) Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light Steering Responsive Headlight warning light/Steering Responsive Headlight OFF indicator light Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) Access key warning indicator light (if equipped) Security indicator light Sport (S) mode indicator (if equipped) Intelligent (I) mode indicator (if equipped) Sport Sharp (S#) mode indicator (if equipped) Headlight indicator light (if equipped) Cruise control indicator light (if equipped) Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped) X-MODE indicator light (if equipped) Hill descent control indicator light (if equipped) Low fuel warning light Low tire pressure warning light (U...

Windshield wiper and washer switches

The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.