Subaru Forester 2023 Ignition switch and Meters and gauges Base 

In the 2023 Subaru Forester, the ignition system is reliable and easy to use. To start the engine, just insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it clockwise. Some trim levels also offer keyless ignition for added ease. The car’s metre and gauge set was carefully thought out to make things easier for the driver. It shows important data like speed, engine RPM, fuel level, temperature, and several warning lights for keeping an eye on important car systems. The 2023 Subaru Forester makes it easy for drivers to get to important information while having a smooth ride. It comes with customizable features and, in some models, digital speedometers and heads-up displays.

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

Ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”)

WARNING

• Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the vehicle is being driven or towed because that will lock the steering wheel, preventing steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer.
• Before leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the ignition switch for safety and never allow an unattended child to remain in the vehicle. Failure to follow this procedure could result in injury to a child or others. Children could operate the power windows, the moonroof or other controls or even make the vehicle move.

CAUTION
Do not attach a large key holder or key case to either key. If it banged against your knees or hands while you are driving, it could turn the ignition switch from the “ON” position to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, thereby stopping the engine. Also, if the key is attached to a key holder or to a large bunch of other keys, centrifugal force may act on it as the vehicle moves, resulting in unwanted turning of the ignition switch.

The ignition switch has four positions:
LOCK, ACC, ON and START

NOTE

• Keep the ignition switch in the “LOCK” position when the engine is not running.
• Using electrical accessories for a long time with the ignition switch in the “ON” or “ACC” position can cause the battery to go dead.
• If the ignition switch will not move from the “LOCK” position to the “ACC” position, turn the steering wheel slightly to the left and right as you turn the ignition switch.

 Key positions

Position	Description
LOCK	The key can only be inserted or removed in this position. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel when you remove the key.
ACC	In this position, the electrical accessories (audio, accessory power outlet, etc.) can be used.
ON	This is the normal operating position after starting the engine.
START	The engine is started in this position.

CAUTION
Do not turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while the engine is running.

NOTE

•  To turn the key from the “ACC” to the “LOCK” position, the select lever must be in the “P” position and the key must be pushed in and turned.
• If your registered key fails to start the engine, pull out the key once (the security indicator light will blink), and then insert the key again and turn it to the “START” position again to restart the engine.
• The engine may not start in the following cases:

• • The key grip is touching another key or a metallic key holder.
    
  • The key is near another key that contains an immobilizer transponder.
  •  The key is near or touching another transmitter.

Key reminder chime
The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened and the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” position. The chime stops under the following conditions.

• The ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
• The key is removed from the ignition switch.
• The driver’s door is closed.

 Ignition switch light
For easy access to the ignition switch in the dark, the ignition switch light illuminates when the driver’s door is opened or when the driver’s door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter. The light remains illuminated for several tens of seconds and then gradually turns off under the following conditions.

• The driver’s door is closed.
•  The doors are unlocked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.

The light turns off immediately under the following conditions:

• The ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
• All doors and the rear gate are locked using the remote keyless entry transmitter.

Push-button ignition switch (models with “keyless access with push-button start system”)

Safety precautions

Refer to “Safety precautions” 

 Operating range for push button start system

1. Antennas
2. Operating range

NOTE

• If the access key fob is not detected within the operating range of the antennas inside the vehicle, the push-button ignition switch and the engine start cannot be operated.
• Even when the access key fob is outside the vehicle, if it is placed too close to the glass, it may be possible to switch the power or start the engine.
• Do not leave the access key fob in the following places. It may become impossible to operate the push-button ignition switch and the engine start. It may also cause a false warning to issue although no malfunction actually occurs, or not to issue a warning when any malfunction occurs.
  •  On the instrument panel
  • On the floor
  • Inside the glove box
  • Inside the door trim pocket
  • On the rear seat
  •  In the cargo area
• When operating the push-button ignition switch or starting the engine, if the access key fob battery is discharged, perform the procedure described in “Access key fob – if access key fob does not operate properly”. In such a case, replace the battery immediately. Refer to “Replacing the battery of access key fob”.

Switching power status

 

1. Operation indicator
2. Push-button ignition switch

The power is switched every time the push-button ignition switch is pressed.

1. Carry the access key fob, and sit in the driver’s seat.
2. Shift the select lever into the “P”/“N” position.
3. Press the push-button ignition switch without depressing the brake pedal. Every time the button is pressed, the power is switched in the sequence of “OFF”, “ACC”, “ON” and “OFF”. When the engine is stopped and the push-button ignition switch is in “ACC” or “ON”, the operation indicator on the push-button ignition switch illuminates.

Power status	Indicator color	Operation
OFF	Turned off	The power is turned off.
ACCESS	Orange	The following systems can be used: audio and accessory power outlet.
ON	Orange (while the engine is stopped)	All electrical systems can be used.
	Turned off (while the engine is running)

CAUTION

• When the push-button ignition switch is left in “ON” (while the engine is not running) or “ACC” for a long time, it may result in vehicle battery discharge.
• Do not spill drinks or other liquids on the push-button ignition switch. It may cause a malfunction.
• Do not touch the push-button ignition switch with a hand soiled with oil or other contaminants. It may cause a malfunction.
• If the push-button ignition switch does not operate smoothly, stop the operation. Contact a SUBARU dealer immediately.
• If the push-button ignition switch does not illuminate even when the instrument panel illumination is turned on, have the vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer.
• If the vehicle is left in the hot sun for a long time, the surface of the push-button ignition switch may get hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.

NOTE

• When operating the push-button ignition switch, firmly press it all the way.
• If the push-button ignition switch is pressed quickly, the power may not turn on or off
• If the indicator light on the pushbutton ignition switch flashes in green when the pushbutton ignition switch is pressed, the steering is locked. When this occurs, press the push-button ignition switch while turning the steering wheel left and right.

Battery drainage prevention function
The push-button ignition switch automatically switches to the “OFF” position to prevent the battery from going dead under either of the following conditions:

• The push-button ignition switch is left in the “ACC” position for about 20 minutes when the select lever is in the “P” position.
• The push-button ignition switch is left in the “ON” position for about 1 hour when the select lever is in the “P” position.

When the access key fob does not operate properly
Refer to “Access key fob – if access key fob does not operate properly” 

Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other drivers when you have to park your vehicle under emergency conditions. The hazard warning flasher works regardless of the position of the ignition switch. To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the hazard warning flasher switch on the instrument panel. All the turn signal lights and the turn signal indicator lights will flash. To turn off the flasher, push the switch again.

NOTE
When the hazard warning flasher is on, the turn signals do not work.

Meters and gauges

NOTE
Some of the meters and gauges on the combination meter use liquid-crystal displays. You will find their indications hard to see if you wear polarized glasses.

Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed.

Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed in thousands of revolutions per minute.

CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the pointer of the tachometer in the red zone. In this range, fuel injection will be cut by the engine control module to protect the engine from overrevving. The engine will resume running normally after the engine speed is reduced below the red zone.

Odometer

1. TRIP RESET switch
2. Odometer

This meter displays the odometer when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. The odometer shows the total distance that the vehicle has been driven.

NOTE
If you press the TRIP RESET switch when the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position, the odometer/trip meter will light up. Reset trip odometer 2023 Subaru Forester is a straightforward process that allows you to keep track of your mileage for a specific trip or interval. In this brief guide, we’ll explain how to reset the trip odometer in your Forester, providing you with a clear and easy-to-follow set of steps to ensure you can start your next journey with a fresh count.

The indicators will turn off when:

• The TRIP RESET switch is not operated for approximately 10 seconds.
• The driver’s door is opened and then closed.

Double trip meter

1. TRIP RESET switch
2. Trip meter

This meter displays the two trip meters when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. The trip meter shows the distance that the vehicle has been driven since you last set it to zero. The display can be switched as shown in the following sequence by pressing the TRIP RESET switch.

To set the trip meter to zero, select the A trip or B trip meter by pressing the TRIP RESET switch and keep the knob pressed for more than 2 seconds.

CAUTION
To ensure safety, do not attempt to change the function of the indicator during driving, as an accident could result.

NOTE

• If the connection between the combination meter and the battery is broken for any reason such as vehicle maintenance or fuse replacement, the data recorded on the trip meter will be lost.
• If you press the TRIP RESET switch when the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position, the odometer/trip meter will light up. It is possible to switch between the A trip meter and B trip meter indications while the odometer/trip meter is lit up.

In addition, it is possible to reset the trip meter by pressing and holding the TRIP RESET switch.
The indicators will turn off when:

• The TRIP RESET switch is not operated for approximately 10 seconds.
• The driver’s door is opened and then closed.

Fuel gauge

1. TRIP RESET switch
2. Fuel gauge

The fuel gauge is displayed when the ignition is in the “ON” position, and it shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the tank. The gauge indication may change slightly during braking, turning or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.

NOTE

• You will see the sign in the fuel gauge. This indicates that the fuel filler lid is located on the right side of the vehicle.
• If you press the TRIP RESET switch while the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” or “ACC” position, the fuel gauge will light up and indicate the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

The indicators will turn off when:

• The TRIP RESET switch is not operated for approximately 10 seconds.
• The driver’s door is opened and then closed.

ECO gauge

The ECO gauge shows the difference between the current rate of fuel consumption and the average rate of fuel consumption since the trip meter was last reset. If the ECO gauge moves towards the + side, this indicates better fuel efficiency.

NOTE

• The ECO gauge shows only an approximate indication of fuel efficiency.
• After resetting the trip meter, the average rate of fuel consumption is not shown until you have driven for 1 mile (or 1 km). Before that time, the ECO gauge does not operate.

Combination meter settings
Meter and vehicle settings can be set on the combination meter display (color LCD). Refer to “Menu screens” 

FAQ

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)