y Never turn the ignition switch to “LOCK”
while the vehicle is being driven or towed be-
cause that will lock the steering wheel, prevent-
ing steering control. And when the engine is
turned off, it takes a much greater effort than
usual to steer.
y 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. Chil-
dren could operate the power windows, the
sunroof or other controls or even make the ve-
hicle move.

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

NOTE

y Keep the ignition switch in the “LOCK” position
when the engine is not running.
y 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.
y If the key is attached to a keyholder 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. Also, if a large key-

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holder is attached to the key, your knees or hands
may accidentally touch it in a way that turns the ig-
nition switch.

LOCK

The key can only be inserted or removed in this posi-
tion. The ignition switch will lock the steering wheel
when you remove the key.
If turning the key is difficult, turn the steering wheel
slightly to the right and left as you turn the key.

T Automatic transmission vehicles

The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the selector lever is in the “P” position.

HS3015BA

HS2020CA

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Instruments and controls

T Instruction transmission vehicles

The key can be turned from “ACC” to “LOCK” only
when the key is pushed in while turning it.

ACC

In this position the electrical accessories (radio, ciga-
rette lighter socket, etc.) can be used.

This is the normal operating position after the engine
is started.

START

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

The engine is started in this position. The starter
cranks the engine to start it. When the key is released
(after the engine has started), the key automatically
returns to the “ON” position.

Key reminder chime

Chime

Key

Reminder chime

The reminder chime sounds when the driver’s door
opens and the key is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” positions.
The chime stops when the key is removed from the ig-
nition switch.

Ignition switch light (if equipped)

For easy access to the ignition switch in the dark, the
ignition switch light comes on when driver’s door is
opened. The light remains on for 10 seconds and goes
out after driver’s door is closed or if the key is turned
to the “ON” position.

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Key interlock release (AT vehicles)

Key

Interlock release

If the key can not be turned to the “LOCK” position
even when the selector lever is in the “P” position:
1. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.

2. Remove the cover under the steering column using
a Phillips screwdriver.

3. Turn the ignition key while pressing the key inter-
lock release lever.

Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the key interlock system repaired.

HS3016BA

UG3025BA

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Instruments and controls

Hazard warning flasher

The hazard warning flasher is used to warn other driv-
ers when you have to park your vehicle under emer-
gency conditions. The hazard warning flasher works
with the ignition switch in any position.

To turn on the hazard warning flasher, push the haz-
ard warning button on the instrument panel. To turn off
the flasher, push the button again.

NOTE

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

Meters and gauges

NOTE

Liquid-crystal displays are used in some of the
meters and gauges in the combination meter. You
will find their indications hard to see if you wear
polarized glasses.

Speedometer

The speedometer shows the vehicle speed.

Odometer/Trip meter

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

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Instruments and controls

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1) Trip meter
2) Odometer

T Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance that the vehicle
has been driven.

T Double trip meter

1) A trip meter
2) B trip meter

The trip meter shows the distance that the vehicle has
been driven since you last set it to zero.
To change the mode indication, briefly push the knob.
Each press of the knob changes the function alter-
nately.

To set the trip meter to zero, select either the A trip or
B trip meter and push the knob and keep it pushed for

UB3026BB

UB3027BB

A trip meter

B trip meter

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Instruments and controls

more than 1 second.

NOTE

If the connection between the combination meter
and battery is broken for any reason such as vehi-
cle maintenance or fuse replacement, the data re-
corded on the trip meter will be lost.

Tachometer

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.

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

Outside temperature indicator (if

equipped)

The outside temperature indicator shows the outside

temperature in a range from –22 to 122°F (–30 to
50°C).

The indicator can give a false reading under any of the
following conditions:
y When there is too much sun.
y During idling; while running at low speeds in a traffic
jam; when the engine is restarted immediately follow-
ing a shutdown.
y When the actual outside temperature falls outside
the specified indicator range.

Fuel gauge

Fuel

Gauge

1) Low fuel warning light

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The fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel
remaining in the tank.
The gauge does not return to “E” even though the ig-
nition switch is in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.

The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning
or acceleration due to fuel level movement in the tank.

NOTE

You will see the “FUEL DOOR ” sign in the ta-
chometer.
This indicates that the fuel filler door (lid) is locat-
ed on the right side of the vehicle.

T Low fuel warning light
The low fuel warning light comes on when the tank is
nearly empty [approximately 2.6 US gal (10.0 liters,
2.2 Imp gal)]. It only operates when the ignition switch
is in the “ON” position.

NOTE

This light does not go out unless the tank is re-
plenished up to an internal fuel quantity of approx-
imately 3.7 US gal (14 liters, 3.1 Imp gal).

(Turbo models only)
Promptly put fuel in the tank whenever the low
fuel warning light comes on. Engine misfires as
a result of an empty tank could cause damage
to the engine.

Temperature gauge

If the pointer exceeds the normal operating
range, safely stop the vehicle as soon as possi-
ble.

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Instruments and controls

See “In case of emergency” in chapter 9.

1) Normal operating range

The temperature gauge shows engine coolant temper-
ature when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.

The coolant temperature will vary in accordance with
the outside temperature and driving conditions.

We recommend that you drive moderately until the
pointer of the temperature gauge reaches near the
middle of the range. Engine operation is optimum with
the engine coolant at this temperature range and high

revving operation when the engine is not warmed up
enough should be avoided.

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Warning and indicator lights

Several of the warning and indicator lights come on
momentarily and then go out 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. The following lights come on:

Seatbelt warning light
SRS airbag system warning light
CHECK ENGINE warning light / Malfunction indica-
tor lamp
Charge warning light
Oil pressure warning light
AT OIL temperature warning light (AT vehicles)
ABS warning light
Brake system warning light
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AT vehicles)

If any lights fail to come on, 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

Chime

Seatbelt

Warning lights

Seatbelt

When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the seatbelt warning light will come on and the remind-

er chime will sound for approximately six seconds to
remind the driver to fasten the seatbelt.
The seatbelt warning light remains on for approxmi-
ately six seconds and turns off automatically after six
seconds.
The seatbelt reminder chime will turn off when the
driver’s side seatbelt is buckled or it will turn off auto-
matically after six seconds.

SRS airbag system warning

light

SRS airbag system warning light

Warning lights

SRS airbag system

If the warning light exhibits any of the following
conditions, there may be a malfunction in the
seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag sys-
tem. Immediately take your vehicle to your
nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system
checked. Unless checked and properly re-
paired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS
airbag will not operate properly in the event of
a collision, which may increase the risk of inju-
ry.
y Flashing or flickering of the warning light.
y No illumination of the warning light when the
ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” posi-

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Instruments and controls

tion.
y Continuous illumination of the warning light.
y Illumination of the warning light while driv-
ing.

When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position,
the SRS airbag system warning light will come on for
approximately six seconds and go out. This shows the
SRS frontal airbag and seatbelt pretensioners are in
normal operation.

CHECK ENGINE warning light/

Malfunction indicator lamp

CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator lamp

Malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine light)

Warning lights

CHECK ENGINE

If the CHECK ENGINE light comes on 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 comes on steadily or blinks while the engine
is running, it may indicate that there is a problem or po-
tential problem somewhere in the emission control
system.

T If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving or does not
go out after the engine starts, an emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an autho-
rized SUBARU dealer immediately.

NOTE

This light also comes on 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 indica-
tor lamp coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill-
er 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 EN-
GINE warning light turn off immediately. It may take
several driving trips. If the light does not go out, take
your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer im-
mediately.

T If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an engine misfire

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

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

Charge warning light

Warning lights

Charge

If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the charging system is not working
properly.

If the light comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good condition but the
light remains on, contact your nearest SUBARU deal-
er immediately.

Oil pressure warning light

Warning lights

Oil pressure

Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on. This may cause serious en-
gine damage.

If this light comes on 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 comes on while driving or does not go out
after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe
opportunity and check the engine oil level. If the oil lev-
el is low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil is at the
proper level but the light remains on, contact your
nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.

AT OIL TEMPerature warning

light (AT vehicles)

AT OIL TEMPerature warning light

Automatic transmission

Temperature warning light

warning light s

AT OIL TEMPerature

The AT oil temperature warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and
goes out after approximately two seconds.
If this light comes on when the engine is running, it
may indicate that the automatic transmission fluid tem-
perature is too hot.

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Instruments and controls

If the light comes on while driving, it is unnecessary to
stop the vehicle, but avoid driving up steep grades or
in stop and go traffic.

T Automatic transmission control system warn-

ing

If the light flashes after the engine starts, it may indi-
cate that the automatic transmission control system is
not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU
dealer for service immediately.

ABS warning light

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Warning light

Warning lights

ABS

Warning lights

Anti-lock Brake System

The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes out after
approximatley two seconds.
This is an indication that the ABS system is working
properly.

If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS
system may not work properly.
When the warning light is on, the ABS function
shuts down; however, the conventional brake
system continues to operate normally.
y The warning light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.

y The warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it
does not go out even when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 8 mph (12 km/h).
y The warning light comes on during driving.

If any of these conditions occur, have the ABS
system repaired at the first available opportuni-
ty by your SUBARU dealer.

NOTE

If the warning light behavior is as described in the
following, the ABS system may be considered nor-
mal.
y The warning light comes on right after the en-
gine is started but goes out immediately, remain-
ing off.
y The warning light remains on after the engine
has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle
speed reaches approximately 8 mph (12 km/h).
y The warning light comes on during driving, but
it goes out immediately and remains off.

When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such
as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning
light may come on. This is due to the low battery volt-
age and does not indicate a malfunction. When the

(U.S.)
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battery becomes fully charged, the light will go out.

Brake system warning light

Brake system

Warning light

Warning lights

Brake system

y Driving with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. This indicates your brake sys-
tem may not be working properly. If the light re-
mains on, have the brakes inspected by a
SUBARU dealer immediately.
y 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.

This light has the following two functions:

T Parking brake warning
The light comes on with the parking brake applied
while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It goes
out when the parking brake is fully released.

T Brake fluid level warning
This light comes on when the brake fluid level has
dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid res-
ervoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position and

with the parking brake fully released.

If the brake system warning light should come on 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 near-
est safe place and check the brake fluid level. If the flu-
id level is below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir, do not
drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed to the near-
est SUBARU dealer for repair.

Door ajar warning lights

Warning lights

Door ajar

The specific door ajar warning light comes on if any
door is not fully closed.

Always make sure this light is out before you start to
drive.

Switchback door indicator light

While the ignition switch is in the “ON” position, the
switchback door indicator light comes on when the
switchback door is open.
While the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” or “ACC” po-
sition, the switchback door indicator light flashes for
approximately 20 seconds and goes off when the
switchback door is open.

(U.S.)
(Canada)

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