2023 Subaru Forester llumination brightness and indicator Guidelines

2023 Subaru Forester illumination brightness control and Warning and indicator Base  

The 2023 Subaru Forester sets a new standard for brightness, warning, and signal systems in its class when it comes to lighting. The Forester’s lighting system has a lot of cutting-edge features that make it not only easy to see but also safer and more convenient. With powerful LED headlights that cut through the darkness and give you clear vision even in the worst driving conditions, the brightness of the lights is nothing short of impressive. Also, the warning and indicator systems have been made with the utmost care and precision to make sure that drivers are safe and aware while on the road. The long-awaited release of the Forester in 2023 is not just an upgrade; it’s a huge step forward in the world of car lighting that will set a new bar for what drivers can expect from their cars.

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

Illumination brightness control

The illumination brightness of the instrument panel illuminates under the following conditions.

• The light switch is in the “ ” or “ ” position when the ambient light is dark.
• The light control switch is in the “AUTO” position and the headlights illuminate automatically.

You can adjust the illumination brightness for better visibility. To brighten, turn the control dial upward. To darken, turn the control dial downward.

NOTE 

• When the control dial is turned fully upward, the illumination brightness becomes the maximum and the automatic dimming function does not work at all.
• The brightness setting is not canceled even when the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.

Auto dimmer cancel function
When the ambient light is bright, the illumination brightness is set to the maximum regardless of the position of the control dial. In this case, you cannot adjust the illumination brightness by using the control dial. When the ambient light is dark, you can dim the illumination brightness as described above. The operational/non-operational setting and sensitivity of the auto dimmer cancel function can be changed by your SUBARU dealer. Contact your SUBARU dealer for details.

Warning and indicator

Initial illumination for system check
Several of the warning and indicator lights illuminate when the ignition switch is initially turned to the “ON” position. This permits checking the operation of the bulbs. Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. For the system check, several of the following lights illuminate and then turn off after several seconds or after the engine has started.

• Seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off only when the driver fastens the seatbelt.)/Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off only when the front seat passenger fastens the seatbelt.)
• Rear seatbelt warning light
• SRS airbag system warning light
• Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator light
• Front passenger’s frontal airbag
• CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light
• Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light
• Charge warning light
• Oil pressure warning light: AT OIL TEMP warning light
• Low tire pressure warning light (U.S. spec. models)
• ABS warning light
• Brake system warning light
• Electronic parking brake light: Low fuel warning light
• AWD warning light
• Power steering warning light
• Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/ Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
• Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light

If any lights fail to illuminate, it indicates a burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system. Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair.

Seatbelt warning light and chime
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and passenger’s seats, as required by current safety standards.

Driver’s and front passenger’s seats
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.

Driver’s seat

Front passenger’s seat

Operation
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the driver’s and/or front passenger’s warning light will illuminate, then it will blink for several seconds. If the seatbelt of the driver’s seat is not fastened, the warning chime may make a peep sound.

NOTE

• If the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seatbelt(s) are/are not fastened while driving, the seatbelt warning system operates as follows according to the vehicle’s speed.
  •  The warning light will illuminate when driving approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or less.
  • The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will make a peep sound when driving between approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h). The warning chime will stop when the vehicle stops.
  • The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will sound loud when 15 seconds have elapsed while driving between approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h).
  • The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will sound loud when driving approximately more than 13 mph (20 km/h).
• The warning light will turn off and the warning chime will stop when the seatbelt is fastened.

If there is no passenger in the front passenger’s seat, the seatbelt warning system for the front passenger’s seat will be deactivated. The front passenger’s seatbelt warning system monitors whether or not there is a passenger in the front passenger’s seat.

CAUTION
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the device from functioning correctly or cause the device to fail.

• Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seat-back.
• Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket.
• Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
• Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. 

If the seatbelt warning system for the front passenger’s seat does not function correctly (e.g., it is activated even when the front passenger’s seat is empty or it is deactivated even when the front passenger has not fastened his/her seatbelt), take the following actions.

• Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than a child restraint system and its child occupant, although we strongly recommend that all children sit in the rear seat properly restrained.
• Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
• Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of the front passenger’s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth.

If still the seatbelt warning system for the front passenger’s seat does not function correctly after taking the relevant corrective actions described above, immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

Rear passenger’s seats

1. Rear left seat
2. Rear center seat
3. Rear right seat

With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning light and chime reminds the rear passenger to fasten their seatbelt by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the above illustration and sounding a chime.

WARNING

• The driver must check that all the passengers have fastened their seatbelts properly since the seat-belt warning system may not detect passengers under the following circumstances.
  •  When cushions or child restraint systems, etc., are used
  •  When a child or small adult is sitting in the seat
• Observe the following precautions
  • Do not apply any strong impact to the rear seat.
  • Do not fold the seatback forward when objects are on the seat.
  • Do not spill liquid on the rear seat. If the liquid is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
  • Do not remove or disassemble the rear seat.

NOTE

• The seatbelt warning system of the rear seat detects if the seat is occupied by a passenger. Heavy cargo or large pets on the rear seat may result in the activation of the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime. Fastening the rear seatbelt prior to loading cargo or large pets will avoid activating the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime.
• When folding the rear seat, ensure that the seat is empty prior to folding. Items caught between the seat bottom and seatback, when folded, may damage the seat surface or activate the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime.

Operation
If passengers in the rear seats do not fasten their seatbelts while the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning lights will illuminate or blink to indicate that their seatbelts are not fastened.

NOTE

• If the rear passenger’s seatbelt(s) are/is still not fastened while driving, the seatbelt warning system operates as follows according to the vehicle’s speed.
  • The warning light will illuminate when driving approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or less.
    When driving approximately between 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h), if the seatbelts are not fastened for 50 seconds, the seatbelt warning lights will blink and a warning chime will sound. The chime will make a peep sound for 15 seconds, and it then will become louder and continue for 35 seconds. The warning light will blink for 50 seconds, then it will illuminate steadily and the chime will stop.
  • When driving more than approximately 13 mph (20 km/h), if seatbelts are not fastened for 35 seconds, the warning lights of the unfastened seatbelts will blink and a chime will sound loud. If the rear seatbelts are not fastened after 35 seconds, the blinking warning light will illuminate steadily and the chime will stop. The warning lights will continue to illuminate until their seatbelts are fastened.
  • The warning light will turn off and the warning chime will stop when the seatbelt is fastened.

SRS airbag system warning light

WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and consult a SUBARU dealer. Unless a technician checks and repairs the system as needed, the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or the SRS airbag will not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may result in injury.

• Flashing or flickering of the warning light
• No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position
• Continuous illumination of the warning light
• Illumination of the warning light while driving

Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators

• Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
• Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator

The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag. The indicator is displayed near the map lights. When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, both the ON and OFF indicators illuminate for 6 seconds during which time the system is checked. Following the system check, both indicators turn off for 2 seconds. After that, one of the indicators illuminates depending on the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag determined by the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system monitoring. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will illuminate while the OFF indicator will remain off. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator will remain off while the OFF indicator will illuminate. With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, if both the ON and OFF indicators remain illuminated or off simultaneously even after the system check period, the system is malfunctioning. Contact your SUBARU dealer immediately for an inspection.

CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light illuminates while you are driving, have your vehicle checked/repaired by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. Continued vehicle operation without having the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could cause serious damage, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty. If this light illuminates steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is at least one problem or potential problem somewhere in the emis-sion control system.

If the light illuminates steadily
If the light illuminates steadily while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, an emission control system malfunction has been detected. You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU dealer immediately.

NOTE
This light also illuminates when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks. If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illuminating could be a loose or missing fuel filler cap. Remove the cap and retighten it until it clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering with the sealing of the cap. Tightening the cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE warning light turn off immediately. It may take several driving trips. If the light does not turn off, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer immediately.

If the light is blinking
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire condition has been detected which may damage the emission control system. To prevent serious damage to the emission control system, you should do the following.

• Reduce vehicle speed.
• Avoid hard acceleration.
• Avoid steep uphill grades.
• Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
• Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible.

The CHECK ENGINE warning light may stop blinking and illuminate steadily after several driving trips. You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU dealer immediately.

 Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light

• After turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position, if this indicator light/warning light be-haves in any of the following ways, the electrical system may be malfunction. Contact your SUBARU dealer immediately for an inspection.
  • It remains blinking in RED.
  • It remains illuminated in RED for more than 2 seconds.
  • It remains blinking in RED and BLUE alternately.
• While driving, if this indicator light/warning light behaves in any of the following ways, take the specified appropriate measure listed below.
  • Blinking or illuminated in RED:
    
    • Safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and refer to the emergency steps to take in the case of engine overheating. After that, have the system checked by your nearest SUBARU dealer? 
  • Blinking in RED and BLUE alternately:
    
    • The electrical system may be malfunction. Contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

This coolant temperature low indicator light/coolant temperature high warning light has the following three functions.

• Illumination in BLUE indicates insufficient warming up of the engine.
• Blinking in RED indicates that the engine is close to overheating.
• Illumination in RED indicates overheating condition of the engine.

For a system check, this indicator light/warning light illuminates in RED for approximately 2 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. After that, this indicator light/warning light changes to BLUE and maintains illumination in BLUE. This BLUE temp light Subaru turns off when the engine is warmed up sufficiently. If the engine coolant temperature increases over the specified range, the indicator light/warning light blinks in RED. At this time, the engine is close to overheating. If the engine coolant temperature increases further, the indicator light/warning light illuminates in RED continuously. At this time, the engine may be overheating. When the indicator light/warning light blinks in RED or illuminates in RED, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and refer to the emergency steps to take in the case of engine overheating. 

After that, have the system checked by your nearest SUBARU dealer?
Also, if the indicator light/warning light often blinks in RED, the electrical system may be malfunction. Contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.

NOTE
If the engine is restarted after a certain driving condition, this indicator light/warning light may illuminate in RED. However, this is not a malfunction if the indicator light/warning light turns off after a short time.

Charge warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the charging system is not working properly. If the light illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and check the drive belt. If the belt is loose or broken or if the belt is in good condition but the light remains illuminated, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

Oil pressure warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the engine oil pressure is low and the lubricating system is not working properly. If the light illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure warning light illuminated. This may cause serious engine damage.

Engine low oil level warning light
This light illuminates when the engine oil level decreases to the lower limit. If the warning light illuminates, check the engine oil level on a level surface. When the engine oil level is not within the normal range, refill with engine oil. After adding or changing the engine oil, warm up the engine and stop it on a level surface, then start the engine after a lapse of 1 minute or more. Confirm that the warning light has turned off after the engine has started. If the warning light does not turn off after refilling the engine oil, or the light illuminates even though the engine oil level is within the normal range, have the vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer.

NOTE

• The oil level will be detected by the system just after turning the ignition switch to the OFF position. If the oil level is below the lower limit when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the engine’s low oil level warning light will turn on.
• When the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, the engine’s low oil level warning light may not illuminate even if the oil level is below the lower limit to avoid erroneous lighting.

Windshield washer fluid warning light
This light illuminates when the fluid level in the windshield washer fluid tank decreases to the lower limit (approximately 0.6 US qt (0.6 liters, 0.5 Imp qt)).

AT OIL TEMP warning light
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the transmission fluid temperature is too hot. If the light illuminates while driving, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off.

Transmission control system warning
If the “AT OIL TEMP” warning light flashes after the engine has started, it may indicate that the transmission control system is not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for service immediately.

Rear differential oil temperature warning light (if equipped)
If the R.DIFF TEMP warning light illuminates, reduce vehicle speed and stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with this light illuminated may damage the rear differential and other parts of the powertrain. If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the rear differential oil temperature is too hot. If the light illuminates while driving, reduce vehicle speed and stop the vehicle in the nearest safe location. Park the vehicle for several minutes. After the light turns off, you can start driving. If the light does not turn off, contact the nearest SUBARU dealer for service.

NOTE

• If the tire pressures are not correct and/or the tires are not all the same size and brand, the rear differential will be heavily loaded when the vehicle is driven, resulting in an abnormally high oil temperature.
• The rear differential oil will deteriorate if its temperature increases enough for the rear differential oil temperature warning light to illuminate. It is advisable to have the rear differential oil replaced as soon as possible.

Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-spec. models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate for approximately 2 seconds to check that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning properly. If there is no problem and all tires are properly inflated, the light will turn off. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates 174
a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale. Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevents the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly. Should the warning light illuminate steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, have the system inspected by your nearest SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING
If this light does not illuminate briefly after the ignition switch is turned on or the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, you should have your Tire Pressure Monitoring System checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. If this light illuminates while driving, never brake suddenly and keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place. Otherwise, an accident involving serious vehicle damage and serious personal injury could occur. If this light still illuminates while driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may have significant damage and a fast leak that causes the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter being transferred, the Low tire pressure warning light will illuminate steadily after blinking for approximately one minute. This indicates the TPMS is unable to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/or system resetting. If the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, promptly contact a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected.

CAUTION
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be checked peri-odically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge. After any change to tire pressure(s), the tire pressure monitoring system will not re-check tire inflation pressures until the vehicle is first driven more than 20 mph (32 km/h). After adjusting the tire pressures, increase the vehicle speed to at least 20 mph (32 km/h) to start the TPMS re-checking of the tire inflation pressures. If the tire pressures are now above the severe low-pressure threshold, the low tire pressure warning light should turn off a few minutes later. Therefore, be sure to install the specified size for the front and rear tires.

ABS warning light

• If any of the following conditions occur, we recommend that you have the ABS repaired at the first available opportunity by your SUBARU dealer.
  • The warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
  • The warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not turn off even after the vehicle is started.
  • The warning light illuminates during driving.
• When the warning light is on (and the brake system warning light is off), the ABS function shuts down. However, the conventional brake system continues to operate normally.

The ABS warning light, Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light, and brake system warning light illuminate simultaneously if the EBD system malfunctions. 

NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as described in the following conditions, the ABS may be considered normal. . The warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and turns off approximately 2 seconds after the engine has started.

• The warning light illuminates right after the engine is started but turns off immediately, remaining off.
• The warning light remains illuminated after the engine has been started, but it turns off while driving. . The warning light illuminates during driving, but it turns off immediately and remains off.

Brake system warning light (red)

• Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains illuminated, have the brakes inspected by a SUBARU dealer immediately.
• If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.

The brake system warning light has the following functions.

Brake fluid level warning
The light illuminates when the brake fluid level has dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position and with the parking brake fully released. If the light should illuminate while driving (with the parking brake fully released and with the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it could be an indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn brake pads. If this occurs, immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest safe location and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid level is below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. We recommend that you have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. 

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning
The EBD system may be malfunction if the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously during driving. Even if the EBD system fails, the conventional braking system will still function. However, the rear wheels will be more prone to locking when the brakes are applied harder than usual and the vehicle’s motion may therefore become somewhat harder to control. If the brake system warning light, Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps.

1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat location.
2. Shut down the engine, apply the parking brake, and then restart it.
3. Fully release the parking brake.
4. Even if all the warning lights do not come back on, the EBD system may have a possible malfunction. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected.
5. If all the warning lights stay illuminated or come back on after approximately 2 seconds, shut down the engine, apply the parking brake and check the brake fluid level. 

• If the brake fluid level is not below the “MIN” mark, the EBD system may malfunction. We recommend that you drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected.
• If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. Instead, we recommend that you have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. 

Parking brake indicator
The light illuminates with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.

Electronic parking brake system warning

WARNING

• When you release the electronic parking brake while the engine is running, the electronic parking brake indicator light will turn off. However, if the light still illuminates, stop the vehicle in a safe place immediately and have the system inspected by a SUBARU dealer.
• If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Has your vehicle been towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair?
• If the electronic parking brake indicator light flashes, the electronic parking brake system may malfunction. Immediately stop your vehicle in a safe location, use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving, and contact your SUBARU dealer. 

NOTE

• When the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position with the electronic parking brake applied, the electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated for approximately 30 seconds and then turns off.
• When the electronic parking brake switch is pulled to apply the electronic parking brake while the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” position, the electronic parking brake indicator light illuminates, remains illuminated for approximately 30 seconds and then turns off.
• Even if the electronic parking brake indicator light flashes, if the warning light behavior is as described in the following examples, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning.
  • The indicator light turns off when the electronic parking brake is released.
• The electronic parking brake indicator light may flash immediately after the engine is started. However, it does not malfunction if the indicator light turns off after the electronic parking brake is released.
• The electronic parking brake indicator light may flash after the electronic parking brake is frequently applied and released. However, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunction if the light turns off for a short period of time

The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes when the electronic parking brake. the system is malfunctioning. If the indicator light flashes, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer. The electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the parking brake switch is pushed. 

• Parking brake application inhibits the warning

The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes for 10 seconds and a chirping sound will be heard if the parking brake switch is operated when the parking brake cannot be applied.

Frequent operation warning
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes for 10 seconds and a chirping sound will be heard if the parking brake switch is operated too frequently. In this case, the operation of the parking brake switch is restricted to protect the electronic parking brake system.

NOTE
Wait until the indicator light turns off.

Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light

CAUTION
If the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light does not illuminate even when the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed to activate the Auto Vehicle Hold function, the electronic parking brake system may malfunction. This indicator light illuminates when the Auto Vehicle Hold is activated.

Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light
This indicator light illuminates while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function. 

Depress brake indicator light (if equipped)
This light illuminates if the brake pedal is not depressed in the following conditions.

• The Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed to deactivate the Auto Vehicle Hold function while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
• The electronic parking brake is released.

Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light illuminates when the tank is nearly empty, at approximately 2.5 US gal (9.5 liters, 2.1 Imp gal). It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.

CAUTION
Promptly put fuel in the tank whenever the low fuel warning light illuminates. Engine misfires as a result of an empty tank could cause damage to the engine.

FAQ

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide

Subaru Forester 2023 New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles User Guide

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