2021 Subaru Forester Owners Manual - Hill start assist system

Hill start assist system

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

Starting forward facing uphill

Starting backward facing downhill

Brake pedal

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

Hill start assist system 357

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 indi- cator light”  P181.

While the Auto Start Stop warning light is illuminated. Refer to “Auto Start Stop warning light/Auto Start Stop OFF indica- tor light (yellow)”  P191.

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