Subaru 2000 Forester Owner's Manual page 304

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 indicator lamp coming on 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 go out, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer
immediately.
B 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:
D Reduce vehicle speed.
D Avoid hard acceleration.
D Avoid steep uphill grades.
D Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
D 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.
J ABS warning light
(for vehicles with ABS)
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
"ON" position and goes out after about 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.
D The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the "ON" position.
3-8
(U.S.)
(Canada)
ABS