2023 Subaru Forester Child safety locks and Rear gate

Child safety locks and a rear gate that prioritizes the security of young passengers while offering easy access to the vehicle’s cargo area are features found on the 2023 Subaru Forester. Child safety locks usually let guardians and parents lock the back doors to keep kids from opening them from inside the car. Child passenger safety during transit is guaranteed by this function. Furthermore, the Rear Gate provides effortless access to the cargo compartment and a hands-free or power liftgate option, which simplify the process of loading and unloading goods. The rear gate and child safety locks on the Forester combine convenience and safety to improve the driving experience for both families and individuals with active lifestyles.

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Child safety locks

Each rear door has a child safety lock. When the child safety lock lever is in the lock position, the door cannot be opened from the inside. The door can only be opened from the outside.

WARNING
Always turn the child safety locks to the “LOCK” position when children sit in the rear seat. Serious injury could result if a child accidentally opens the door and falls out.

WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury caused by entrapment, always conform to the following instructions without exception.

• When operating the power windows, be extremely careful to prevent anyone’s body parts or any other objects from being caught in the window.
• Always lock the passengers’ windows
  using the lock switch when children are riding in the vehicle.
• Always carry the key when you leave the vehicle for safety reasons and never allow an unattended child to remain in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child operating the power window.
  NOTE
• If the power window system detects resistance, an impact or abnormality, the window operation may be automatically stopped to prevent further jamming, entrapment or malfunction.
• The closing window slides down slightly and stops.
• The opening window stops sliding down.
• The power window system may detect resistance, an impact or an abnormality in the following cases.
• A substantial-sized object is caught between the window and the window frame.
• A foreign object is caught between the window and the window frame.
• The vehicle drives over a deep pothole.
• The window cannot be closed for a few seconds after the window is automatically stopped by the system.

Power window operation

Power window switches
Driver’s side power window switches:

1.  For front left window (with one-touch auto up and down feature)
2.  For front right window (with one-touch auto up and down feature (if equipped))
3.  For rear left window
4.  For rear right window
5.  Lock switch

All door windows can be controlled by the power window switch cluster on the driver-side door. These switches illuminate when activated.

•  Passenger’s side power window switches:

Each passenger’s window can be controlled by the power window switch located on the door. These switches illuminate when activated.

Operating the window
With one-touch auto up-and-down feature

1. Automatically close*
2.  Close
3. Open
4.  Automatically open*

*: To stop the window halfway, operate the switch to the opposite side.

Without one-touch auto up-and-down feature

1. Close
2.  Open

NOTE

Avoid the following.

•  Continuously operating a switch in the same direction after the window is fully closed or fully opened.
•  Continuously operating three or more switches all at once in the same direction after the windows are fully closed or fully opened.

Either of the operations described above may cause the power window breaker to operate making it impossible to open or close the window. Be sure to initialize the power windows.

Anti-entrapment function (windows with off delay function)

While closing the window, if the window senses a substantial enough object trapped between the window and the window frame, it automatically moves down slightly and stops. If a foreign object is caught while window is opening, the window will stop.

CAUTION

• Never attempt to test the power window operation using body parts.
•  If an object is caught just before the window fully closes, the system may not operate properly.

NOTE

• If a window detects an impact similar to that caused by trapping an object (for example, when the vehicle encounters a deep pothole), the ant entrapment function may operate.
• You cannot close the window for a few seconds after the anti-entrapment function operates.
  Off delay function (if equipped)

The windows can be operated for approximately 40 seconds even after the ignition switch is turned to the “ACC” or “OFF” position. If a front door is opened within 40 seconds, the off delay function is canceled.

 Locking the passengers’ windows

1. Lock
2. Unlock

The lock switch is in the lock position, the rear windows cannot be operated by the driver’s side switches. The passenger’s side switches and the rear seat side switches are not operational either. When the indicator on the window switches does not illuminate, the window switch cannot be operated.

Initialization of power window (windows with off delay function)
If the one-touch auto up and down function or off delay function does not operate properly, operate each window according to the following procedure in order to initialize the power window system.

1. Close the door.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
3. Open the window completely and then press and hold down the power window switch for approximately 1 second.
4. Close the window completely and then pull and hold the power window switch for approximately 1 second.

CAUTION
When loading and unloading cargo, be careful not to come in contact with the hot engine exhaust gas or the exhaust pipe, because they  could burn you.

Manual rear gate

The rear gate can be locked and unlocked using any of the following systems.

•  Power door locking switch:
• Keyless access with the push-button start system (if equipped):
•  Remote keyless entry system:
• Automatic door locking/unlocking:

To open:

Rear gate opener button

1. Unlock the rear gate.
2. Press and hold the rear gate opener button. The rear gate will open slightly.
3. Hold the rear gate and lift it up slowly

NOTE
If the rear gate cannot be opened due to a discharged vehicle battery, a malfunction in the door locking/unlocking system or other causes, the rear gate can be unlocked by manually operating the rear gate lock release lever.

To close:

Lower the rear gate slowly and push down firmly until the latch engages. The rear gate can be lowered easily if you pull it down holding the handle.

WARNING

• To prevent dangerous exhaust gas from entering the vehicle, always keep the rear gate closed while the engine is running.
• Do not attempt to shut the rear gate while holding the handle.
• Do not close the rear gate by pulling the handle from inside the cargo space. There is a danger of your hand being caught and injured.

CAUTION

• Do not jam a plastic bag in or place cellophane tape on the rear gate stays or scratch the stays while loading or unloading cargo. Doing so could cause leakage of gas from the stays, which may result in their inability to hold the rear gate open.
• Be careful not to hit your head or face on the rear gate when opening or closing the rear gate and when loading or unloading cargo.

Power rear gate (if equipped)

WARNING

• When operating the power rear gate, observe the following precautions. Ignoring the precautions may result in an injury (e. g., anyone’s body is hit against the rear gate or is caught in the rear gate, etc.)
• Make sure there are no people around the rear gate.
• Never let anyone get close to the rear gate.
• When closing the rear gate, be sure to prevent anyone’s body parts or any other objects from being caught in the rear gate. Otherwise, serious personal injury may be caused by entrapment.
• After opening the rear gate on a slope using the power rear gate feature, the rear gate may close. Make sure that the rear gate has stopped completely after opening it.
• When leaving the vehicle, always carry the key for safety and never allow an unattended child to remain in the vehicle. Doing so could result in injury to the child operating the power rear gate.
• The driver should be aware of and pay careful attention to his/her responsibilities.
• Use the power rear gate only when the area around the rear gate is clearly visible and when you have checked that there is no danger of people being caught in the gate.

CAUTION

• When closing the rear gate after opening it, make sure to use the power rear gate. If the rear gate is closed manually with extra force, the power rear gate may be damaged.
• Do not install any accessories other than genuine SUBARU parts on the rear gate. If the weight of rear gate increases excessively, the rear gate stays cannot support the rear gate sufficiently when opening the rear gate. Also, the power rear gate may not function properly or may malfunction.

The power rear gate operates only when all of the following conditions are satisfied.

• The vehicle is stopped completely.
• The outside temperature is within a range of −228F to 1408

The ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/ “OFF” or “ACC” position. Or, the ignition switch is in the “ON” position and the select lever is in the “P” position. We recommend using the power rear gate function in most circumstances instead of manual operation.

NOTE

• Do not press the power rear gate button repeatedly while the power rear gate is operating. Otherwise, the system may ignore the button operation in order to avoid being damaged.
• If the vehicle starts to move while the power rear gate is operating, the system sounds a buzzer and closes the rear gate automatically. At this time, if the system detects jamming,
  it will deactivate the power rear gate and the rear gate will not be closed. If this occurs, close the rear gate manually.
• If you try to open the rear gate using the power rear gate function immediately after closing the rear gate using the power rear gate function, an electronic chirp will sound and the rear gate will not open. Wait for a while before trying to open the rear gate via the power rear gate function.
• If either of the operating conditions has not been satisfied while operating the power rear gate, an electronic chirp will sound and the power rear gate will be deactivated. In this case, the rear gate may stop opening or closing suddenly.

Operation

NOTE

• The rear gate will remain unlocked even after closing it. Always lock the rear gate when leaving the vehicle.
•  If you cannot open/close the rear gate by performing the operation described here, a short electronic chirp will sound three times (beep, beep, beep).

By the power rear gate button (other than the buttons on the rear gate)

Power rear gate button on the instrument panel

Power rear gate button on the access key fob

Power rear gate button on the transmitter To open the rear gate

Press and hold the power rear gate button when the rear gate is closed. The rear gate will open automatically. Then an electronic chirp and the hazard warning flashers will operate as follows:

• When operating the power rear gate button on the instrument panel/transmitter: sounds and flashes twice.
• When operating the power rear gate button on the access key fob: sounds and flashes four times.

NOTE

•  If the rear gate cannot be opened by operating the power rear gate button on the instrument panel, unlock it with the keyless access function or the remote keyless entry system. Then, it will be possible to open the power rear gate using the power rear gate button on the instrument panel.
• The factory setting (default setting) of the operation for the “ ” button on the access key fob or the transmitter is pressing and holding. This setting can be changed to non-operation
  or pressing twice at SUBARU dealers. For more details, contact a SUBARU dealer.

To pause the opening rear gate
Briefly press the power rear gate button while the rear gate is being opened. Then an electronic chirp will sound twice and the hazard warning flashers will flash twice. If you press the power rear gate button again, the rear gate will close. You can open the rear gate by pressing the power rear gate button briefly while the rear gate is being closed.

NOTE
The rear gate cannot be paused when it is in the approximately 2 in (5 cm) range from the fully closed position. The system will ignore any button operation and the rear gate will continue to open.

To close the rear gate:
Press and hold the power rear gate button. Then an electronic chirp will sound twice and the hazard warning flashers will flash twice. If you briefly press the power rear gate button again, the rear gate will open.

NOTE
The factory setting (default setting) of the operation for the “ ” button on the access key fob or the transmitter is pressing and holding. This setting can be changed to non-operation or pressing twice at SUBARU dealers. For more details, contact a SUBARU dealer.

 By the buttons on the rear gate

NOTE
After performing the following procedures, an electronic chirp will sound twice and the hazard warning flashers will flash twice.

Rear gate opener button

Power the rear gate button on the inside edge of the rear gate:

1. Power rear gate button
2. Power rear gate lock button
   To open the rear gate:
3. For models with “keyless access with push-button start system”, carry the access key fob. For models without “keyless access with push-button start system”, unlock the rear gate.
   Briefly press the rear gate opener button when the rear gate is closed. The rear gate will open automatically. To pause the opening rear gate: Briefly press either of the following buttons while the rear gate is being opened.
4. Rear gate opener button
5. Power rear gate button on the inside edge of the rear gate

If you press the power rear gate button again, the rear gate will close. You can open the rear gate by pressing the power rear gate button briefly while the rear gate is being closed.

NOTE
The rear gate cannot be paused when it is in the approximately 2 in (5 cm) range from the fully closed position. The system will ignore any button operation and the rear gate will continue to open.

To close the rear gate:
Briefly press either of the following buttons.

• Rear gate opener button
•  Power rear gate button on the inside edge of the rear gate
  If you press the power rear gate button again, the rear gate will open.
  To Lock the doors using the power rear gate lock button: Carry the access key fob, and press the power rear gate lock button. All doors, the rear gate and the fuel filler lid are locked, and the rear gate will be closed. Also, the hazard warning flashers will flash once, and an electronic chirp will sound once.

NOTE

• By pushing the power rear gate lock button for more than 2 seconds, all doors are locked, however, the auto door closing function of the rear gate will be canceled.. If any of the doors is not fully closed, the outside warning chime sounds five times to alert you that the doors are not properly closed.! By manual operationS02AJ011103 To open the rear gate :Lift up the rear gate, when the rear gate at mid way position.
• The rear gate will open automatically .To close the rear gate :Pull down the rear gate when the rear gate is opened. The rear gate will close automatically .NOTE. If the rear gate is moved slowly, it may not operate automatically open or close.. When leaving the vehicle, make sure that all doors and the rear gate are completely locked.! Manual operation.

NOTE

Using the power rear gate operation is recommended. Manual operation will require physical effort .The power rear gate can be closed manually.

Memory switch

Memory switch status

1. ON status
2. OFF status

Your desired rear gate height can be registered.

Registration of the rear gate height:
To register the rear gate height, perform the following procedures.

1. Open the rear gate using the power rear gate function.
2. With the rear gate at the desired height, stop it using the power rear gate function.
3. Press the memory switch to select the “ON” status.

Power rear gate button on the inside edge of the rear gate

1. Power rear gate button
2. Power rear gate lock button
3. With the rear gate at the desired height, press and hold the power rear gate button on the inside edge of the rear gate until an electronic chirp is heard and the hazard warning flashers flash three times. The electronic chirp and the flashing hazard warning flashers confirm the selected rear gate height has been registered.

NOTE

•  To change the registered height, press the memory switch to select the “OFF” status and perform the registering procedure again.
• It is possible to register the height from approximately 2 in (5 cm) or more from the completely closed position.

Retrieval of the rear gate height:
To open the rear gate and stop it at the registered height, perform the following procedure.

1. Press the memory switch to select the ON status.
2.  Press and hold any of the power rear gate switches. Even if any of the power rear gate switches are pressed and held while the memory switch is in the OFF status, you can stop it
   at the registered height by pressing the memory switch to select the ON status before the rear gate reaches the registered height.

NOTE
The rear gate will open to the position that is stored in the memory function even if the rear gate is opened by the

 Reverse function
WARNING

• Do not let parts of your body get caught when operating the revers function. If the reverse function does not operate for some reason, this may lead to serious injury or accidents.
• The reverse function may not operate if foreign objects are caught in the rear gate just before it closes completely. Be careful not to catch your fingers and other body parts.
• The reverse function may not operate depending on the object shape and the manner in which it was caught. Be careful not to catch your fingers and other body parts.

CAUTION

• If the reverse function is operated  times consecutively, automatic opening and closing of the power rear gate function will be canceled and the rear gate will stop opening or closing suddenly. However, the rear gate may open or close depending on the rear gate height when automatic operation is ceased. Be careful that the rear gate does not hit anyone’s head or face, etc. and that fingers and baggage, etc. are not caught in it.
• Take care not to damage the touch sensors. Otherwise, the reverse function may cease to operate.

If, while opening or closing using power rear gate, the rear gate catches persons or baggage or hits an obstacle, an electronic chirp will sound 3 times and the rear gate will operate as follows.

When opening the rear gate:
The rear gate will automatically close.

When closing the rear gate:
The rear gate will automatically open.

Touch sensors are attached on the left and right edges of the rear gate. If the touch sensors detect fingers, baggage, etc. while closing by the power rear gate function, an electronic chirp will sounds 3 times and the rear gate will open automatically.

NOTE
When the rear gate is opened using the reverse function, it will be opened fully or to the height registered in the memory function.

Rear gate drop prevention function
The rear gate is lowered by the weight of snow and such, an electronic chirp will sound and the rear gate drop prevention function will apply braking to the rear gate so that it prevents a rapid closure of the rear gate.

NOTE
If there is snow on the rear gate, only use the power rear gate function after removing the snow.

Selecting audible signal operation
Using an electronic chirp, the power rear gate will give you an audible signal before starting its operation. If desired, the audible signal can be turned off by a SUBARU dealer. Consult your SUBARU dealer for details. For models with “keyless access with push-button start system”, you can turn the audible signal off by operating the combination meter display (color LCD).  The ON/OFF setting of the audible signal also works as the audible signal settings for the “remote keyless entry system” and the “keyless access with push-button start system”.

Initialization of power rear gate
If the power rear gate detects some abnormality while operating, an electronic chirp will sound and the power rear gate operation will be automatically stopped in either opening or closing position. In this case, the system needs to be initialized in the following order to restart the function properly.

If the power rear gate is closed

1.  Keep pressing the rear gate opener button until it is unlocked (for approximately 5 seconds) and lift up the rear gate.
2. Pull down the rear gate until it starts to close automatically. The system will be initialized once the gate is fully closed.
3. Operate the power rear gate and check that the function operates properly.

If the power rear gate is opened

1.  Pull down the rear gate until it starts to close automatically. The system will be initialized once the gate is fully closed. If the rear gate will not close completely, keep pressing the rear gate opener button for approximately 5 seconds and pull down the rear gate.
2. Operate the power rear gate and check that the function operates properly.

CAUTION
If the power rear gate function does not operate properly, have your vehicle checked by the SUBARU dealer.

FAQ

What are Child Safety Locks in the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Child Safety Locks are a feature that can be activated on the rear doors, preventing children from opening them from inside the vehicle.

How do I activate the Child Safety Locks?
The Child Safety Locks can typically be engaged using a switch or button located on the interior of the rear doors. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Can the Child Safety Locks be activated on all rear doors?
Child Safety Locks are generally available for both rear doors, allowing you to secure both sides of the rear cabin.

Are there any age or weight restrictions for using Child Safety Locks?
Child Safety Locks are typically designed for use with young children who may inadvertently open rear doors. There are no specific age or weight restrictions, but they are especially useful when transporting infants and toddlers.

How can I unlock the rear doors with Child Safety Locks engaged?
The rear doors can typically still be opened from the outside using the door handles, but they cannot be opened from the inside by passengers.

Does the 2023 Forester offer a hands-free or power Rear Gate option?
Yes, some trim levels may offer a hands-free or power liftgate feature, allowing for convenient access to the cargo area.

How does the hands-free or power Rear Gate work?
With hands-free operation, you can open or close the Rear Gate by simply waving your foot under the rear bumper, while power operation allows you to control the gate using buttons on the key fob or within the vehicle.

Are there any height or clearance requirements for using the hands-free Rear Gate feature?
Hands-free Rear Gate operation typically requires you to be within a specific proximity to the vehicle and have sufficient clearance beneath the rear bumper.

Can the power Rear Gate be adjusted for opening height?
Some models may offer adjustable settings to customize the maximum opening height of the Rear Gate, accommodating various preferences and garage heights.

Is there a safety mechanism to prevent the Rear Gate from closing on objects or people?
Yes, the power Rear Gate usually includes sensors that detect obstacles and automatically stop or reverse the gate to prevent collisions.

Are there any maintenance requirements for the Child Safety Locks or Rear Gate?
Routine maintenance is generally not required for these features. However, occasional cleaning and lubrication may be recommended for smooth operation.

Can Child Safety Locks and the Rear Gate be activated or deactivated remotely?
Child Safety Locks are typically controlled manually from inside the vehicle, while the power Rear Gate can often be operated remotely using the key fob.

Are there any indications or warning lights related to Child Safety Locks or the Rear Gate on the dashboard?
There may not be specific dashboard indicators for these features, but the owner’s manual will provide information on their operation.

Can Child Safety Locks be disengaged while driving?
Child Safety Locks are typically designed to remain engaged while the vehicle is in motion for the safety of rear-seat passengers.

How can I find more information about Child Safety Locks and the Rear Gate in the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Refer to the owner’s manual, visit the Subaru website, or consult a Subaru dealership for detailed information about these features and their operation in the 2023 Forester.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html

2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)