Subaru Forester 2023 Parking your vehicle Base
Thanks to a number of innovations that improve safety and maneuverability, the base 2023 Subaru Forester provides a dependable and easy parking experience. When the Forester has a rearview camera installed, parking and reversing become easier since it gives you a clear view of the area behind the car and helps you avoid obstructions. Advanced safety technology, including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system, which incorporates functions like adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking to enhance the safety of parking and low-speed maneuvers, are frequently included in the base model of the Forester. When maneuvering through parking lots and confined urban areas, the 2023 Subaru Forester base model offers peace of mind and confidence thanks to its user-friendly design and safety features.
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Parking your vehicle
Electronic parking brake
- Parking brake switch
- Indicator light
- Release the electronic parking brake
- Apply the electronic parking brake
WARNING
- Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that you turn off the engine. Otherwise, the parking brake may be released and an accident may occur.
- If the brake system warning light turns on, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. 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. - If you operate the electronic parking brake when the brake is overheated or the vehicle is on a steep slope, the electronic parking brake indicator light may flash. In this case, the vehicle may start to move and it may lead to an accident. Always use the tire stops.
CAUTION
- When the electronic parking brake system has a malfunction and the parking brake cannot be applied, contact your SUBARU dealer immediately for an inspection. If you have to park your vehicle in such conditions, perform the following procedure.
- Stop your vehicle in a flat location.
- Shift the select lever in the “P” position. When the select lever cannot be shifted into the “P” position, you must release shift lock.
- Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.
- Never drive with the parking brake applied. Doing so will cause unnecessary brake pad wear. Before driving off, always make sure that the parking brake has been released and the brake system warning light has turned off.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic parking brake. You can apply/release the parking brake by operating the parking brake switch.
To apply: Depress the brake pedal and pull up the parking brake switch.
To release: Press the parking brake switch firmly while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position and the brake pedal is depressed. When the parking brake is applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the electronic parking brake indicator light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch illuminate.
NOTE
- If you press the parking brake switch under the following conditions, the parking brake will not be released.
- The ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
- You are not depressing the brake pedal.
- The electronic parking brake system uses motors to apply the parking brake. Therefore, operating sounds from the motors will be heard when applying or releasing the parking brake. Make sure that the motor sounds are heard when applying or releasing the parking brake.
- If you operate the parking brake switch under the following conditions, a chirp will sound and the electronic parking brake indicator light will flash.
- When the electronic parking brake system has a malfunction.
- When the electronic parking brake operation is prohibited temporarily.
- When you cannot release the parking brake due to, for example, a system malfunction, contact your SUBARU dealer and have your SUBARU dealer release the parking brake.
- If you stop operating the electronic parking brake switch midway or operate extremely slowly, the system may detect an error and turn on the brake system warning light. However, this does not indicate a malfunction if the brake system warning light turns off after operating the switch.
- When the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period of time, the electronic parking brake may operate automatically after the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position. This occurs due to checking the proper operation of the electronic parking brake and does not indicate a malfunction.
- After activating the electronic parking brake, you may hear a short sound several minutes after the electronic parking brake indicator light illuminates as the system confirms proper engagement. This sound is different from the apply and release sound.
This can occur:
- If the brakes are extremely hot.
- If the electronic parking brake is applied after the ignition switch is turned OFF.
This is a normal operating sound under any of these conditions. - The Auto Start-Stop system is deactivated while the electronic parking brake is applied.
- If you operate the electronic parking brake switch while the Auto Start-Stop system is activated, the Auto Start-Stop system will be deactivated. The electronic parking brake
will activate after the engine is restarted. After the electronic parking brake indicator light is illuminated, release your foot from the brake pedal. - When starting the engine or restarting the engine using the Auto Start-Stop system, if you operate the electronic parking brake switch, the electronic parking brake indicator light may flash temporarily.
- However, this is not a malfunction if the light turns off after the parking brake is deactivated.
Automatic release function by accelerator pedaelectronic
The parking brake will be automatically released by depressing the accelerator pedal. However, the automatic release function does not operate under the following conditions.
- Any door (other than the rear gate) is open.
- The driver’s seatbelt is not fastened.
If the parking brake is automatically released, the electronic parking brake indicator light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch turn off.! Auto Vehicle Hold function The Auto Vehicle Hold function will automatically keep the vehicle stopped even after releasing the brake pedal when the vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at traffic signals.
WARNING
- Do not use the Auto Vehicle Hold function on a steep hill or slippery road. The vehicle may move even when using the Auto Vehicle.
- Hold function, causing serious injury or accidents.
- Do not use the Auto Vehicle Hold function to park the vehicle. The vehicle may move unexpectedly, causing serious injury or accidents. Make sure to shift the select lever to the “P” position and apply the electronic parking brake in the following cases.
- When you are going to park your vehicle.
- When passengers are getting in or out of the vehicle.
- When you are loading or unloading.
- When using the Auto Vehicle Hold function, do not release the brake pedal before the Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator illuminates.
- The vehicle may move unexpectedly, causing serious injury or accidents.
- Deactivate the Auto Vehicle Hold function in the following cases. Otherwise, the vehicle may move unexpectedly, causing serious injury or accidents.
- When washing your vehicle in an automatic car wash.
- When being towed.
CAUTION
- When stopping on a steep slope with the Auto Vehicle Hold function turned on, the electronic parking brake may be automatically applied. Then the electronic parking brake indicator light will flash. In such a case, depress and hold the brake pedal while stopping. Otherwise, the vehicle may move.
- When being towed, turn off the Auto Vehicle Hold function.
NOTE
We recommend turning on the Auto Vehicle Hold function when stopping on an incline. If the Auto Vehicle Hold function is turned off, the vehicle may roll backward when driving off.
To turn on/off the Auto Vehicle Hold function
Auto Vehicle Hold switch
Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light
To turn on:
Press the Auto Vehicle Hold switch when the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light is OFF. Then the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will illuminate.
To turn off:
Press the Auto Vehicle Hold switch when the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light illuminates. Then the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will turn off.
NOTE
- When the electronic parking brake system has a malfunction while the Auto Vehicle Hold function is turned on, a chirp will sound, the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will turn off and the brake system warning light will turn on.
- Every time when starting the engine, the Auto Vehicle Hold function will be set to “OFF”.
- If the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed and held for more than 30 seconds, the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will turn off, and the system will ignore any further pressing of the switch. To activate the function again, restart the engine.
- When the Auto Vehicle Hold function is deactivated while the Auto Vehicle Hold function has a malfunction, if 344 Parking your vehicle the Auto Vehicle Hold function activated, the electronic parking brake may automatically applied after stopping, then the electronic parking brake indicator light may flash. In such a case, depress and hold the brake pedal while stopped. Otherwise, the vehicle may move. When getting out of the vehicle, stop the vehicle on a flat surface, then apply the electronic parking brake.
- If the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light does not illuminate even after pressing the Auto Vehicle Hold switch with the operating conditions met, the function may have malfunctioned. Contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
- You may hear a sound while the Auto Vehicle Hold function is keeping your vehicle stopped. This is normal and does not represent a malfunction.
- When you depress the brake pedal to release the Auto Vehicle Hold function, an operation sound or vibration may be generated, or the brake pedal may return slowly. This is not a malfunction.
- While the vehicle is kept stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function, the brake pedal may feel stiff. However, this is not a malfunction.
- When using the Auto Vehicle Hold function, depress the brake pedal firmly. Otherwise, the Auto Vehicle Hold may not operate.
- When the Auto Vehicle Hold switch is pressed and held for more than 30 seconds, the Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light will turn off and further operation of the switch will be ignored. To make the switch usable again, turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and then turn it to the “ON” position.
Emergency brake
Use the emergency brake only in case of an emergency. If the emergency brake is excessively used, the brake parts will wear down faster or the brake may not work sufficiently due to brake overheating.
NOTE
While using the emergency brake:
- The electronic parking brake indicator light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch illuminate and a chirp sound.
- A sound may be heard from the engine compartment. This is the operating sound of the brake that is activated by the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and does not indicate a malfunction.
If the foot brake has a malfunction, you can stop the vehicle by pulling the parking brake switch continuously. While applying the emergency brake, the electronic parking brake indicator light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch illuminate and a chirp sound.
Electronic parking brake system warning
CAUTION
If the brake system warning light turns on, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning. Immediately stop your vehicle in the nearest safe location and contact your SUBARU dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the electronic parking brake system, the brake system warning light turns on.
Parking tips
When parking your vehicle, always perform the following items.
- Apply the parking brake firmly.
- Put the select lever in the “P” position. Never rely on the mechanical friction of the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is headed up the hill, the front wheels should be turned away from the curb
When facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned into the curb.
WARNING
- Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe or possibly fatal injuries to people.
- Do not park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot engine or exhaust system parts.
- Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occupants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
- If your vehicle has a bumper under guard (optional), pay attention to blocks and other obstructions on the ground when parking. The under spoiler could be damaged by contact with them.
- The braking power of the parking brake may not be sufficient when stronger braking power is needed (e.g., when parking on a steep slope while towing a trailer).
Auto Start-Stop system
The Auto Start-Stop system is designed to automatically stop and restart the engine when the vehicle is stationary for a short period of time (while waiting for a traffic light or in a traffic jam) after the engine has warmed up. The system operates in order to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and undesired idling noise.
System operation
The Auto Start-Stop system is designed to automatically stop and restart the engine for a short period of time during idling. Do not use the system when parking the vehicle normally. So that it can be used safely and comfortably, in addition to driver operations, the Auto Start Stop system is designed to constantly monitor the vehicle conditions as well as the environment inside and outside the vehicle, in order to control stopping and restarting of the engine. After the vehicle has been completely stopped by depressing the brake pedal with the select lever in the “D” position, the engine will be automatically stopped. If you release the brake pedal with the select lever kept in the “D” position, the engine will be automatically restarted. However, when the Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light illuminates, the engine will not restart.
Auto Start Stop indicator light (green)
If the engine is temporarily stopped by the system, the Auto Start Stop indicator light on the combination meter will illuminate in green. This indicator light will turn off when the system restarts the engine.
NOTE
- After starting the engine, if the vehicle is left idling without being driven, the Auto Start-Stop system will not operate.
- Your vehicle is equipped with a special high-performance battery. When replacing the vehicle battery, be sure to replace it with a genuine SUBARU battery (or equivalent) designed specifically for use in a vehicle equipped with the Auto Start-Stop system. For details, we recommend that you consult your SUBARU dealer.
Operational conditions
- The engine can be automatically stopped by the Auto Start Stop system when all of the following conditions are met.
- The engine is sufficiently warmed up.
- The engine hood is closed.
- The driver’s door is closed.
- The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
- The malfunction indicator light (Check Engine light) is off.*1
- The airflow mode selection is set to a mode other than “ ” mode.
- The rear window defogger is not in use. X-MODE has been turned off (if equipped).
- After the vehicle is stopped, the engine will be automatically stopped when the following conditions are met.
- The steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position.
- The steering wheel is not being operated.
Even if the malfunction indicator light (CHECK ENGINE warning light) is illuminated, the Auto Start Stop system may operate when the system recovers from the malfunction (Subaru Forester Wilderness models only).
NOTE
- After the vehicle is stopped, the engine may not automatically stop under the following conditions.
- The vehicle is stopped on a road with a steep slope.
- The vehicle is stopped by hard braking.
- After the vehicle is stopped, the engine may not automatically stop if the brake pedal is not fully depressed.
Make sure to depress the brake pedal firmly when stopping the vehicle. - In the following cases, it may take some time for the Auto Start Stop system to operate.
- When the battery is discharged because the vehicle has not been used for a long period of time, etc.
- The coolant temperature is low.
- When the battery terminals have been reconnected after replacing the battery, etc.
Non-operational conditions
In any of the following cases, the Auto Start-Stop system will not operate.
- When the Auto Start Stop warning light/ Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow) is illuminating or flashing.
- When the malfunction indicator light (Check Engine light) is illuminating.*1
- The electronic parking brake is applied.
- When the engine hood is opened.
- When the CVT fluid is not sufficiently warmed up.
- When the temperature of the CVT fluid is abnormally high.
- When the vehicle battery is not in good condition.
- When using the climate control system, the temperature difference between the setting temperature and the temperature inside the vehicle is significant.
- When using the climate control system, the amount of airflow is significant.
- Even if the malfunction indicator light (CHECK ENGINE warning light) is illuminated, the Auto Start Stop system may operate when the system recovers from the malfunction (Subaru Forester Wilderness models only).
NOTE
The Auto Start-Stop system may not operate in the following cases:
- The malfunction indicator light (CHECK ENGINE warning light) or other warning lights on the combination meter are illuminated or flashing.
- You are driving the vehicle in a high-elevation area. Engine restart operational conditions
- In any one of the following cases, the engine will be automatically restarted even if the brake pedal is kept depressed.
- When slightly releasing the brake pedal on a road with a steep slope the vehicle begins rolling
- When further depressing the brake pedal
- When depressing the accelerator pedal
- When you move the select lever to the “R” position.
- When turning the steering wheel
- When operating the electronic parking brake switch
- When activating X-MODE (if equipped)
- When the airflow mode selection set to “ ” mode.
- When the climate control system can no longer maintain the set temperature.
- When unbuckling the driver’s seatbelt
- When opening the driver’s door
- When activating the rear window defogger
Engine restart non-operational conditions
WARNING
Do not open the engine hood when the Auto Start Stop system is in operation. It may cause the vehicle to move while on a slope, the steering wheel operation may become heavy, or the brakes may not work well, which can create dangerous conditions. To ensure safety, the engine will not be automatically restarted if the engine hood is opened when the Auto Start Stop system is in operation, even if the brake pedal is released. In this case, check the surrounding area and restart the engine Also, when the Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light is illuminated, the engine will not restart normal operation.
NOTE
- When the Auto Start-Stop system is in operation, the brake pedal may feel stiff. However, this is not a malfunction.
- When the battery is discharged, the engine will be automatically restarted even if you keep the brake pedal depressed.
- In the following cases, the length of time that the engine is temporarily stopped by the Auto Start Stop system may be shorter.
- When the climate control system is in operation.
- When the outside temperature is high, or when it is low (because the climate control system can no longer maintain the set temperature).
- When consumption of electricity by electrical components is high.
- When the engine is automatically restarted by the Auto Start-Stop system, the power provided via the accessory power outlet will be reduced. Depending on the connected appliance, the power of the appliance may temporarily turn off. Auto Start Stop warning light.
Auto Start Stop warning light (yellow)
The Auto Start Stop warning light will illuminate in yellow when initially turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position. The light will turn off after the engine has started. The Auto Start Stop warning light will flash when the Auto Start Stop system is malfunctioning. We recommend that you contact your authorized SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
CAUTION
If the Auto Start Stop warning light does not turn off after the engine has started, the Auto Start Stop system may be malfunctioning. We recommend that you contact your authorized SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
Auto Start-Stop OFF switch
Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)
Auto Start-Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)
If the Auto Start Stop OFF switch is pressed, the operation of the Auto Start-Stop system will be disabled. The Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light on the combination meter will then illuminate in yellow. If the switch is pressed once more, the Auto Start Stop system will turn on again. The Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light will then turn off. While the engine is temporarily stopped by the system, if the Auto Start Stop OFF switch is pressed, the engine will be restarted even if you do not release the brake pedal.
NOTE
- If the engine is restarted when the Auto Start Stop system is not operational and the ignition switch has been turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position, the Auto Start-Stop system will turn on again.
- Be sure to turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position when leaving the vehicle. Failure to do so could result in the battery discharging. Auto Start-Stop No Activity Detected indicator light
Auto Start-Stop No Activity Detected indicator light
If the operational conditions are not met when the vehicle is stopped, the engine will not stop and the Auto Start Stop No Activity Detected indicator light will illuminate. It will turn off when the vehicle begins to drive.
Displaying the Auto Start Stop system status.
Approximate indications of the time that the engine has been stopped by the Auto Start Stop system and/or the amount of fuel saved can be displayed on the combination meter display (color LCD).
System warning
So that it can be used safely and comfortably, the Auto Start Stop system is designed to constantly monitor the vehicle conditions as well as the environment inside and outside the vehicle in addition to driver operations and to provide various warnings to the driver via the warning light and/or indicator light illuminating or flashing and a buzzer sounds. For details about the warning light and indicator light, refer to “Auto Start Stop warning light/Auto Start-Stop OFF indicator light (yellow)”
Warning buzzer
The buzzer will sound when the engine hood is opened while the engine is stopped by the Auto Start-Stop system. When this occurs, the buzzer will stop sounding when the following operations are performed.
- The engine is restarted by normal operation.
- The ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
Display of warning messages
If a warning message is displayed on the combination meter display (color LCD) while driving, a malfunction may have occurred in the Auto Start-Stop system. In this case, the Auto Start Stop warning light will illuminate or flash in yellow. We recommend that you have your vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Hill start assist system
- The Hill Start assist system is a device only for helping the driver to START the vehicle on an uphill grade. To prevent accidents when the vehicle is parked on a slope, be sure to firmly set the parking brake. When setting the parking brake, make sure that the vehicle remains stationary when the brake pedal is released.
- Do not turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position while the Hill start assist system is operating. The Hill Start Assist system will be deactivated and may lead to an accident. The Hill Start Assist system is a device to make the following vehicle operations easier.
- Starting forward facing uphill
- Starting backward facing downhill
A Brake Pedal When the vehicle has stopped with the brake pedal depressed, the Hill start assist system operates. 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.
- While the Auto Start Stop warning light is illuminated. When using the Hill start assist system, a braking effect may be felt even after the brake pedal has been released.
CAUTION
The braking power of the Hill start assist system may not be sufficient when strong braking power is needed (e.g., when towing a trailer).
NOTE
A slight jolt may be felt when the vehicle begins to move forward after being reversed.
FAQ
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester base model come with a rearview camera?
Yes, the base Forester is typically equipped with a rearview camera to assist with parking and reversing.
What is the purpose of the rearview camera in the Forester?
The rearview camera provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, helping the driver avoid obstacles and park more safely.
Does the rearview camera have dynamic guidelines for parking?
Some Forester models may include dynamic guidelines that move with the steering wheel to assist with parking.
Are parking sensors available in the base model of the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Parking sensors may be available as an option or on higher trim levels, but they are not always standard in the base model.
Does the base Forester have a parking assist system?
Some Forester models may offer parking assist systems that help with parallel parking and other parking maneuvers, but they may not be standard in the base trim.
Is there a self-parking feature available in the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Subaru may offer a self-parking feature as part of advanced driver assistance packages, but it may not be included in the base model.
Does the base Forester come with automatic emergency braking?
The base Forester often includes automatic emergency braking as part of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system, which can help prevent collisions while parking.
Are there parking assist cameras that provide a 360-degree view around the Forester?
Some Forester models may offer a 360-degree camera system as an option, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings while parking.
Can the base Forester be equipped with additional parking-related features?
Yes, Subaru often offers various packages and options that allow you to add parking-related features to the base model, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Does the Forester base model have a park assist button for automated parking maneuvers?
Automated parking features, if available, would typically be activated through the vehicle’s infotainment system or controls, rather than a dedicated button.
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester base model offer good visibility for parking?
Yes, the Forester is known for its good visibility from the driver’s seat, which aids in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Can you customize the settings of the parking assist features in the Forester?
Some parking assist features may allow customization of settings, such as sensitivity or alert volume, through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Is there a parking brake in the Forester?
The Forester typically has an electronic parking brake, which can be engaged and disengaged at the push of a button.
Are there parking-related driver assistance displays on the Forester’s infotainment screen?
The infotainment screen in the Forester may display parking-related information, such as the rearview camera feed and proximity alerts.
Does the Forester have parking guidelines that help with parallel parking?
Some Forester models may have parking guidelines that assist with parallel parking maneuvers, making it easier for the driver to position the vehicle accurately.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Forester 2023 Base User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.htm
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)