Subaru Forester 2013 Owner's Manual page 366

7-44
Starting and operating/Auto Start Stop system
Auto Start Stop system (if
equipped)
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, etc.) after the
engine has warmed up, in order to reduce
fuel consumption and exhaust emissions,
as well as 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.
. If the Auto Start Stop system
operates when a trailer hitch
connector is connected, we re-
commend that you consult your
SUBARU dealer. Continuing to
drive the vehicle while using the
system in this condition could
result in lurching down downhill
slopes or rolling back on down-
hill slopes, or could cause da-
mage to the transmission.
So that it can be used safely and
comfortably, in addition to driver opera-
tions, 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. The engine can be automatically
stopped by the system when all of the
following conditions are met.
. when the vehicle has been driven once
after the engine was started (If the vehicle
is left continuously idling without being
driven, the engine will not be stopped
automatically. Also, the engine will not be
stopped and restarted repeatedly while
the vehicle is stationary.)
. the engine is sufficiently warmed up
. the vehicle battery is in good condition
. the engine hood is closed
. all doors are closed (including the rear
gate)
. the driver's seatbelt is fastened
. the rear window defogger is not in use
. the climate control function is not used
or used with a negligible temperature
difference between the setting tempera-
ture and the temperature inside the
vehicle
. the vehicle is at an altitude of less than
approximately 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
. the outside temperature is higher than
approximately −108C (148F)
. the Auto Start Stop warning light is not
illuminated
. the malfunction indicator light (Check
Engine light) is off
. the steering wheel is in the straight
ahead position
. the steering wheel is not being oper-
ated
. the vehicle is not be used for towing
. the vehicle is not stopped on a road
that has a steep slope
. the hazard warning flasher is not in use
. negative pressure in the brake booster
is sufficient
. the shift lever is in the "N" position (MT
models)
. the clutch pedal is not depressed (MT
models)
. the brake pedal is firmly depressed
fully after it has been depressed to stop
the vehicle (CVT models) (The system
may not operate in some cases if the
brake pedal is not fully depressed or if the
brake is applied suddenly.)
. the select lever is in the "D" position
(CVT models)
. the CVT fluid is sufficiently warmed up