Subaru Legacy 2023 Auto Start-Stop System Touring XT
The Auto Start-Stop System is a cutting-edge innovation included in the 2023 Subaru Legacy that is intended to improve fuel economy and lower pollutants. Under specific circumstances, like at traffic signals or in dense traffic, this technology automatically cuts the engine when the car is completely stopped. It then smoothly resumes the engine when the brake is released or the accelerator is hit. To maintain optimum performance and passenger comfort, it intelligently monitors a number of characteristics, including engine temperature, battery charge, and climate control needs. Although the driver has the option to manually disengage it, the Legacy’s incorporation of this feature is evidence of Subaru’s dedication to eco-friendly driving practices and economy. It is particularly helpful in urban and stop-and-go traffic situations.
2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
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
CAUTION
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, 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 warning 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.
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 is illuminating.
- When the malfunction indicator light (CHECK ENGINE warning 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 set 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.
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.
- 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 is 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 de-fogger.
Engine restart non-operational conditions
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 by normal operation. Also, when the Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light blinks, the engine will not restart.
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 the 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.
CAUTION
If the Auto Start Stop warning light does not turn off after the engine has started, the Auto Start Stop system may malfunction. We recommend that you contact your authorized SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
To turn on/off the Auto Start-Stop system
Auto Start-Stop OFF indicator light
To turn the Auto Start-Stop system on and off, operate the center information display. When the Auto Start-Stop system is turned OFF, the Auto Start Stop OFF indicator light on the combination meter display (color LCD) will illuminate. While the engine is temporarily stopped by the system, if the Auto Start-Stop system turns off, 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 and a buzzer sounding.
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. We recommend that you have your vehicle inspected at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
Front View Monitor (If Equipped)
The image from the camera mounted inside the front grille is displayed in the central information display.
WARNING
- Never rely on only the Front View Monitor when driving the vehicle. The image on the monitor screen may be different from the actual situation. If you drive the vehicle by viewing only the monitor image, a collision or an unexpected accident may occur. When driving the vehicle, always check the traffic around the vehicle directly with your eyes and the mirrors.
- Always operate the vehicle as you would without the Front View Monitor.
- Do not use the Front View Monitor in the following situations.
- You are driving on a dirt road or a road covered in snow.
- The camera malfunctions (e.g. the lens or bracket is broken).
- If the outside temperature is low, the monitor screen may become dark or the image may become dim. In particular, the image of a moving object may be distorted or disappear from the screen. You must always check the traffic around the vehicle directly with your eyes when driving it.
How to Access the Front View Monitor
Front view monitor switch
To change over to the camera screen, make sure the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, then press the front view monitor switch under the following conditions.
- The vehicle speed is below 12 mph (20 km/h).
- The select lever is in except “R”.
NOTE
The screen will change over to the rearview image when the select lever is moved to “R”.
How to Cancel the Front View Monitor
The Front View Monitor will be canceled by either of the following operations.
- Press the front view monitor switch again.
- Touch (car settings icon).
- Touch (HOME).
- Touch (driver profiles icon).
Automatic cancellation
If any of the following conditions are met, the Front View Monitor is canceled automatically.
After accessing the Front View Monitor by pressing the front view monitor switch:
- Approximately 3 minutes have passed since the last operation.
- The vehicle speed becomes 12.5 mph (20 km/h) or higher.
- The select lever is shifted to the “P” position.
- Pulling up the parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed to apply the parking brake.
Range of Image on Screen
- Traffic intersection with a poor visibility view
- Parking facing a wall
- Range of displayed image
- Obstacles (e.g., buildings, fences or other vehicles)
WARNING
Because the range of the image captured by the camera is limited, always check the traffic around the vehicle directly with your eyes when driving the vehicle.
NOTE
- The range of the displayed image may differ depending on the vehicle status or the road surface status.
- Because the Front View Monitor system uses a specially designed lens, the sense of distance in the displayed image is different from the actual distance.
- The camera image may be difficult to view in the following situations. This is not a malfunction.
- Dark place (at night)
- High or low temperature around the lens
- Water contacts lens or in high humidity (rainy weather)
- There are foreign materials (such as mud) around the camera
- Sunlight or headlight beam directly shines towards the camera lens
- Under an artificial light such as a fluorescent lamp, sodium-vapor lamp, or mercury lamp, the lighted portion may look like it is flickering (flicker phenomenon).
- While the display has cooled down, the image may leave traces or become darker than usual, causing difficulty in viewing the screen. Always check the traffic around the vehicle directly with your eyes while driving the vehicle.
- The following incidents should not be deemed a malfunction.
- The camera lens may become foggy when the humidity is high on a rainy day.
- The light from a vehicle or building located ahead may be reflected toward the camera image while driving at night.
- In a dark place or while driving at night, the camera image may be adjusted to make noises less visible. Therefore, the image may look like a monochromatic image or the image colors may differ from the actual colors. The camera image may be deteriorated in regard to sharpness at the center and four corners of the screen. This is not a malfunction.
Guiding Line
- Guiding lines
- Warning message
The guiding lines that indicate the width and the front end of your vehicle are displayed on the display.
Handling of Camera
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, the system may malfunction.
- Do not apply any strong impact to the camera such as banging it or hitting it with an object. The mounting angle may change.
- The camera unit is a waterproof structure. Do not attempt to remove, disassemble, or modify the unit.
- Do not rub strongly or polish the camera lens with a hard brush or abrasive compounds. The lens may be scratched resulting in an adverse effect on the camera image.
- The camera lens is made of glass or plastic. Do not allow any organic solvent, body wax, oil film remover, or glass coating agent to become attached to the lens surface. If any becomes attached, remove it immediately.
- Do not expose the camera lens to any sudden temperature change, for example, spraying hot water on it in cold weather.
- Do not apply the water jet of a high-pressure washer to the camera or the surrounding area when cleaning the vehicle. The impact of the strong water pressure may cause the camera to come off. Also, water may enter inside the camera and cause a malfunction.
- If the camera is exposed to any impact, it may lead to malfunction of the camera. Have the camera inspected by your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
- Do not use a steam cleaner under any circumstances. Some types of steam cleaners inject hot steam.
- The camera surface may be damaged by a flying stone.
NOTE
If the camera lens is contaminated, no sharp image is available. When the camera is contaminated with water drops, snow or mud, wash it with water and wipe away any moisture with a soft cloth. If it heavily gets dirty, wash it with a neutral detergent.
FAQ
What is the Auto Start-Stop System in the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
It’s a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel and reduce emissions.
How is the system activated?
The system activates automatically when the vehicle comes to a complete stop under certain conditions, like at traffic lights.
Does the system turn the engine off every time the vehicle stops?
No, it operates based on certain parameters like engine temperature, battery charge, and climate control settings.
How does the driver know when the system is active?
An indicator light on the dashboard illuminates when the system is engaged.
Can the driver manually deactivate the Auto Start-Stop System?
Yes, there is an option to manually turn off the system, usually via a button on the dashboard.
Does the system restart the engine automatically?
Yes, the engine automatically restarts when the brake is released or when the accelerator is pressed.
Is the Auto Start-Stop System linked to the vehicle’s battery health?
Yes, the system monitors the battery’s state to ensure sufficient charge for restarting the engine.
How does the system impact overall fuel efficiency?
It improves fuel efficiency, especially in city driving where frequent stops are common.
Does the Auto Start-Stop System function in all driving modes?
Its functionality may vary across different driving modes.
How does the system affect the vehicle’s climate control?
The system is designed to maintain climate control settings during its operation, though there may be some slight variations.
Is the Auto Start-Stop System beneficial in heavy traffic?
Yes, it can be particularly beneficial in reducing fuel consumption and emissions in stop-and-go traffic.
Does the system restart the engine if the interior temperature changes?
If the interior climate changes significantly, the system may restart the engine to maintain the set temperature.
What maintenance does the Auto Start-Stop System require?
Regular vehicle maintenance is adequate, though ensuring battery health is important for the system’s efficiency.
How does the system interact with other vehicle safety features?
It operates independently but is designed to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s overall safety and operational systems.
Can the system’s sensitivity be adjusted?
Typically, the system’s sensitivity is not adjustable, as it is calibrated for optimal efficiency and safety.
Useful Link
View Full User Guide: Subaru Legacy 2023 Touring XT User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
2024 Subaru Legacy Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)