2021 Subaru Forester Owners Manual - Starting and stopping the engine (models without push- button start system)

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

NOTE

It may be difficult to start the engine when the battery has been discon- nected and reconnected (for mainte- nance or other purposes). This diffi- culty is caused by the electronically controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis function. To overcome it, keep the ignition switch in the “ON” position for approximately 10 seconds before starting the engine.

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

NOTE

. Avoid rapid racing and rapid accel- eration immediately after the engine has started.

. For a short time after the engine has started, the engine speed is kept high. When the warm-up is completed, the engine speed lowers automatically.

. On rare occasions, it may be difficult to start the engine depending on the fuel and the usage condition (repeated driving of a distance in which the engine has not warmed up sufficiently). In such a case, it is recommended that you change to a different brand of fuel.

. On rare occasions, transient knock- ing may be heard from the engine when the accelerator is operated rapidly such as a rapid start-up and a rapid accel- eration. This is not a malfunction.

. The engine starts more easily when the headlights, air conditioner and rear window defogger are turned off.

. Do not shift the select lever while the starter is cranking.

Apply the parking brake.

Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories.

Shift the select lever to the “P” or “N” position (preferably the “P” position).

The starter motor will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position.

Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and check the operation of the warning and indicator lights. Refer to “Warning and indicator”  P168.

Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelera- tor pedal. Release the key immediately after the engine has started.

If the engine does not start, try the following procedure.

Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and wait for at least 10 seconds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while depressing the accelerator pedal slightly (approximately a quarter of the full stroke). Release the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts.

If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accel- erator pedal and turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the

Starting and stopping the engine (models without push-button start system) 309

engine starts, quickly release the ac- celerator pedal.

If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “LOCK”/ “OFF” position. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal.

If the engine still does not start, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for assistance.

Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have turned off after the engine has started. The fuel injection system auto- matically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up.

While the engine is warming up, make sure that the select lever is in the “P” or “N” position and that the parking brake is applied.

Stopping the engine

The ignition switch should be turned off only when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling.

Steering lock

After stopping the engine and the key is removed from ignition switch, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function.

When the engine is restarted, the steering lock will be automatically released.

When you cannot unlock the steering wheel, perform the following steps.

Check that the parking brake is ap- plied.

Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories.

Check that the select lever is set in the “P” position.

Depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.

Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position while turning the steering wheel left and right.

If you cannot unlock the steering wheel by doing the steps, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer.