2025 Subaru Forester Warning Lights and Indicators User Guide
This Guide covers the 2025 Subaru Forester’s warning lights and indicators. Maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance requires understanding these signals and staying informed while driving.
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Video: 2025 Subaru Forester Warning Lights
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Several of the warning and indicator lights illuminate 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. For the system check, the following lights illuminate and turn off after several seconds or after the engine has started:
Seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off only when the driver fastens the seatbelt.)/Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light (The seatbelt warning light turns off only when the front seat passenger fastens the seatbelt.)
SRS airbag system warning light
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator light
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator light
Charge warning light
ABS warning light
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
Brake system warning light
Electronic parking brake indicator light
Low tire pressure warning light (U.S.-
spec. models)
Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light
If any lights fail to illuminate, it indicates a burned-out bulb or a malfunction of the corresponding system.
Consult your authorized SUBARU dealer for repair.
If any lights fail to illuminate, 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
Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver’s and passenger’s seat, as required by current safety standards.
Driver’s and front passenger’s seats
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, this device reminds the driver and front passenger to fasten their seatbelts by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the following illustration and sounding a chime.
Driver’s warning light
Front passenger’s warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the driver’s and/or front passenger’s warning light will illuminate, then it will blink for several seconds. If the seatbelt of the driver’s seat is not fastened, the warning chime may make a beep sound.
NOTE
- If the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seatbelt(s) are/is not fastened while driving, the seatbelt warning system operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.
- The warning light will illuminate when the vehicle speed is approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or less.
- The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will make a beep sound when the vehicle speed is between approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h). The warning chime will stop when the vehicle stops.
- The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will sound loudly when 15 seconds have elapsed when the vehicle speed is between approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h).
- The warning light will blink, and the warning chime will sound loudly when the vehicle speed is approximately more than 13 mph (20 km/h).
- The warning light will turn off and the warning chime will stop when the seatbelt is fastened.
If there is no passenger on the front passenger’s seat, the seatbelt warning system for the front passenger’s seat will be deactivated. The front passenger’s seatbelt warning system monitors whether or not there is a passenger on the front passenger’s seat.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the device from functioning correctly or cause the device to fail.
- Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback.
Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket. - Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
- Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to “Front Seats”
If the seatbelt warning system for the front passenger’s seat does not function cor-rectly (e.g., it is activated even when the front passenger’s seat is empty or it is deactivated even when the front passen-ger has not fastened his/her seatbelt), take the following actions.
- Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than a child restraint system and its child occupant, although we strongly recommend that all children sit in the rear seat properly restrained.
- Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
- Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger’s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth.
If still the seatbelt warning system for front passenger’s seat does not function cor-rectly after taking relevant corrective actions described above, immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
Rear passenger’s seats
Rear seatbelt warning light
- Rear left seat
- Rear center seat
- Rear right seat
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning light and chime reminds the rear passenger to fasten their seatbelt by illuminating the warning lights in the locations indicated in the above illustration and sounding a chime.
WARNING
- The driver must check that all the passengers have fastened their seatbelts properly since the seat-belt warning system may not detect passengers under the following circumstances.
- When cushions or child restraint systems, etc., are used.
- When a child or small adult is sitting in the seat.
- Observe the following precautions
- Do not apply any strong impact to the rear seat.
- Do not fold the seatback forward when objects are on the seat.
- Do not spill liquid on the rear seat. If liquid is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
- Do not remove or disassemble the rear seat.
NOTE
- The seatbelt warning system of the rear seat detects if the seat is occupied by a passenger. Heavy cargo or large pets on the rear seat may result in the activation of the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime. Fastening the rear seatbelt prior to loading cargo or large pets will avoid activating the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime.
- When folding the rear seat, ensure that the seat is empty prior to folding. Items caught between the seat bottom and seatback, when folded, may damage the seat surface or activate the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime.
If passengers in the rear seats do not fasten their seatbelts when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning lights will illuminate or blink to indicate that their seatbelts are not fastened.
NOTE
- If the rear passenger’s seatbelt(s) are/ is still not fastened while driving, the seatbelt warning system operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.
- The warning light will illuminate when the vehicle speed is approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or less.
- When the vehicle speed is approximately between 4 mph (6 that the seat is empty prior to folding. Items caught between the seat bottom and seatback, when folded, may damage the seat surface or activate the passenger seatbelt warning light and chime.
If passengers in the rear seats do not fasten their seatbelts when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the seatbelt warning lights will illuminate or blink to indicate that their seatbelts are not fastened.
NOTE
- If the rear passenger’s seatbelt(s) are/ is still not fastened while driving, the seatbelt warning system operates as follows according to the vehicle speed.
- The warning light will illuminate when the vehicle speed is approximately 4 mph (6 km/h) or less.
- When the vehicle speed is approximately between 4 mph (6 km/h) and 13 mph (20 km/h), the seatbelt warning lights will blink and a warning chime will sound. The chime will make a beep sound for 15 seconds, and it then will become louder and continue for 35 seconds. The warning light will blink for 50 seconds, then it will illuminate steadily and the chime will stop.
- The warning light will blink, and the beep will sound loudly for 35 seconds when the vehicle speed is approximately more than 13 mph (20 km/h). After 35 seconds, the blinking warning light will illuminate steadily and the chime will stop. The warning lights will continue to illuminate until their seatbelts are fastened.
- The warning light will turn off and the warning chime will stop when the seatbelt is fastened.
SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and consult a SUBARU dealer. Unless a technician checks and repairs the system as needed, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or the SRS airbag will not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may result in injury.
- Flashing or flickering of the warning light
- No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position
- Continuous illumination of the warning light Illumination of the warning light while driving.
For details about the components monitored by the warning light, refer to “SRS Airbag System Monitors”
FRONT PASSENGER’S FRONTAL AIRBAG ON AND OFF INDICATOR LIGHTS
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator light
Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator light
For details about the operating conditions of SRS seat cushion airbag
The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator lights show you the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag.
The indicator lights are located as shown in the illustration.
When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, both the ON and OFF indicator lights illuminate for 6 seconds during which time the system is checked. Following the system check, both indicator lights turn off for 2 seconds. After that, one of the indicator lights illuminates depending on the status of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag determined by the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system monitoring.
If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator light will illuminate while the OFF indicator light will remain off.
If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated, the passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator light will remain off while the OFF indicator light will illuminate.
With the ignition switch turned to the “ON” position, if both the ON and OFF indicator lights remain illuminated or off simultaneously even after the system check period, the system is malfunctioning. Contact your SUBARU dealer immedi-ately for an inspection.
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illuminates 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 illuminates steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is at least one problem or potential problem somewhere in the emission control system.
If the light illuminates constantly
If the light illuminates constantly while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, an emission control system malfunction has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU dealer immedi-ately.
NOTE
This light also illuminates 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 light 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/malfunction indicator light turn off immediately. It may take several driving trips. If the light does not turn off, take your vehicle to your authorized SUBARU dealer immediately.
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 conform to the following instructions.
- Reduce vehicle speed.
- Avoid hard acceleration.
- Avoid steep uphill grades.
- Reduce the amount of cargo, if possible.
- Stop towing a trailer as soon as possible.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light may stop blinking and illuminate steadily after several driv-ing trips. You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU dealer immediately.
CHARGE WARNING LIGHT
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the charging system is not working properly.
If the light illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and check the drive belt. If the drive belt is loose, broken or if the drive belt is in good condition but the light remains illuminated, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure warning light on. This may cause serious engine damage.
If this light illuminates 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 illuminates while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and contact your nearest SUBARU dealer immediately.
This light appears when the engine oil level decreases to the lower limit.
If the warning light appears, check the engine oil level on a level surface. When the engine oil level is not within the normal range, refill with engine oil.
After adding or changing the engine oil, warm up the engine and stop it on a level surface, then start the engine after a lapse of 1 minute or more. Confirm that the warning light has turned off after the engine has started. If the warning light does not turn off after refilling the engine oil, or the light appears even though the engine oil level is within the normal range, have the vehicle checked by a SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
- The oil level will be detected by the system just after turning the ignition switch to the “OFF” position. If the oil level is below the lower limit when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the engine low oil level warning light will turn on.
- When the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, the engine low oil level warning light may not illuminate even if the oil level is below the lower limit to avoid erroneous lighting.
AT OIL TEMP WARNING LIGHT
If this light illuminates when the engine is running, it may indicate that the transmission fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off.
Transmission control system warning
If the AT OIL TEMP warning light flashes after the engine has started, it may indicate that the transmission control system is not working properly. Contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for service immediately.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT (U.S.-Spec. Models)When the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate for approxi-mately 2 seconds to check that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is functioning properly. If there is no problem and all tires are properly inflated, the light will go out.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure tell-tale. When the system detects a mal-function, the telltale will flash for approxi-mately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Should the warning light illuminate steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, have the system inspected by your nearest SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
If this light does not illuminate briefly after the ignition switch is turned on or the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, you should have your Tire Pressure Monitoring System checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
If this light illuminates while driving, never brake suddenly. Instead, perform the following procedure. Otherwise an accident involving serious vehicle damage and serious personal injury could occur.
- Keep driving straight ahead while gradually reducing speed.
- Slowly pull off the road to a safe place.
- Check the pressure for all four tires and adjust the pressure to the COLD tire pressure shown on the tire inflation pressure label on the door pillar on the driver’s side.
If this light still illuminates while driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may have significant damage and a fast leak that causes the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have a flat tire.
When a replacement tire is mounted or a wheel rim is replaced without the original pressure sensor/transmitter being transferred, the Low tire pres-sure warning light will illuminate stea-dily after blinking for approximately one minute. This indicates the TPMS is unable to monitor all four road wheels. Contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible for tire and sensor replacement and/or system resetting. If the light illuminates steadily after blinking for approximately one minute, promptly contact a SUBARU dealer to have the system inspected.
CAUTION
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for manually check-ing tire pressure. The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge. After any change to tire pressure(s), the tire pressure monitoring system will not re-check tire inflation pressures until the vehicle is first driven more than 25 mph (40 km/h). After adjusting the tire pressures, increase the vehicle speed to at least 25 mph (40 km/h) to start the TPMS re-checking of the tire inflation pressures. If the tire pressures are now above the severe low pressure threshold, the low tire pressure warn-ing light should turn off a few minutes later. Therefore, be sure to install the specified size for the front and rear tires.
CAUTION
- If any of the following conditions occur, we recommend that you have the ABS repaired at the first available opportunity by your SUBARU dealer.
- The warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
- The warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not turn off even after starting the vehicle.
The warning light illuminates during driving. - When the warning light is on (and brake system warning light is off), the ABS function shuts down; however, the conventional brake system continues to operate normally.
The ABS warning light illuminates together with the brake system warning light if the EBD system malfunctions. For further details of the EBD system malfunction warning
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as described in the following conditions, the ABS may be considered normal.
- The warning light illuminates right after the engine is started but turns off immediately, remaining off.
- The warning light remains illuminated after the engine has been started, but it turns off while driving.
- The warning light illuminates during driving, but it turns off immediately and remains off.
When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may illuminate. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will turn off.
BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT
WARNING
- Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains illuminated, have the brakes inspected by a SUBARU dealer immediately.
- 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.
- If the brake system warning light illuminates, 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. For details, refer to “Electronic Parking Brake”.
NOTE
- Even if the brake system warning light illuminates, if the warning light behavior is as described in the following examples, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning.
- The warning light turns off when the electronic parking brake is applied or released.
- The warning light turns off when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position again.
- The brake system warning light may illuminate immediately after the engine is started. However, it is not malfunctioning if the warning light turns off after the electronic parking brake is released.
The brake system warning light may illuminate after the electronic parking brake is frequently applied and released. However, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning if the light turns off after a short period of time.
- When the engine is started while the electronic parking brake is applied/released, the system may judge an abnormal situation and the warning light may illuminate. If the warning light illuminates, turn the ignition switch once to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and then restart the engine. Then, apply/release the electronic parking brake. If the warning light turns off, the system will be restored.
This light has the following functions.
Brake fluid level warning
This light illuminates when the brake fluid level has dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position and with the parking brake fully released.
If the brake system warning light should illuminate 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 nearest safe place and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid level is below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning
If the warning light remains on even though the parking brake is released, the brake fluid level may be low or there could be a problem with the EBD system. Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact a SUBARU dealer.
Electronic brake booster warning
The brake system warning light illuminates when the electronic brake booster is malfunctioning. In addition, the warning messages “Brake System” and “Check Owner’s Manual” are displayed alternately on the combination meter display (color LCD). If the warning light illuminates, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer.
Electronic parking brake system warning
The brake system warning light illuminates when the electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning. If the warning light illuminates, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer.
The brake system warning light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the electronic parking brake switch is pushed. For details, refer to “Electronic Parking Brake”
Frequent operation warning:
The brake system warning light illuminates and a chirp sound will be heard if the electronic parking brake switch is operated too frequently. In this case, the operation of the electronic parking brake switch is restricted to protect the electronic parking brake system.
ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE INDICA-TOR LIGHT
Parking brake indicator
The light illuminates with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.
Electronic parking brake system warning
WARNING
- When you release the electronic parking brake while the engine is running, the electronic parking brake indicator light will turn off. However, if the light still illuminates, stop the vehicle in a safe location immediately and have the system inspected by a SUBARU dealer.
- 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.
- If the electronic parking brake indicator light flashes, 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.
NOTE
- When the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position with the electronic parking brake applied, the electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated for approximately 30 seconds and then turns off.
- When the electronic parking brake switch is pulled to apply the electronic parking brake while the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/“OFF” position, the electronic parking brake indicator light illuminates, remains illuminated for approximately 30 seconds and then turns off.
- Even if the electronic parking brake indicator light flashes, if the warning light behavior is as described in the following examples, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning.
- The indicator light turns off when the electronic parking brake is released.
- The electronic parking brake indicator light may flash immediately after the engine is started. However, it is not malfunctioning if the indicator light turns off after the electronic parking brake is released.
- The electronic parking brake indicator light may flash after the electronic parking brake is frequently applied and released. However, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning if the light turns off after a short period of time.
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes when the electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning. If the indicator light flashes, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer.
The electronic parking brake indicator light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the electronic parking brake switch is pushed. For details.
Parking brake apply inhibit warning:
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound will be heard if the electronic parking brake switch is operated when the parking brake cannot be applied.
Frequent operation warning:
The electronic parking brake indicator light flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound will be heard if the electronic parking brake switch is operated too frequently. In this case, the operation of the electronic parking brake switch is restricted to protect the electronic parking brake system.
NOTE
Wait until the indicator light turns off.
CAUTION
If the Auto Vehicle Hold indicator light does not illuminate even when “Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH)” is touched to activate the Auto Vehicle Hold function, the electronic parking brake system may be malfunctioning.
This indicator illuminates when the Auto Vehicle Hold is activated. This indicator blinks while the vehicle is stopped by the Auto Vehicle Hold function. For details, refer to “Auto Vehicle Hold Function
LOW FUEL WARNING LIGHT
The low fuel warning light illuminates when the tank is nearly empty approxi-mately 2.5 US gal (9.5 liters, 2.1 Imp gal). It only operates when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
CAUTION
Promptly put fuel in the tank whenever the low fuel warning light illuminates. Engine misfires as a result of an empty tank could cause damage to the engine.
DOOR OPEN INDICATOR LIGHT
When any of the doors or the rear gate is not fully closed, the door open indicator light appears. This function is effective even if the ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/ “OFF” or “ACC” position or the key is removed from the ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”).
The open door is indicated by the corresponding part of the door open indicator light.
Always make sure this indicator does not appear before you start to drive.
The warning light illuminates if the engine hood is not fully closed. This function is effective even if the ignition switch is in the “OFF” or “ACC” position.
Always make sure this light is not illuminated before you start to drive.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WARNING LIGHT
AWD
This light appears when the fluid level in the windshield washer fluid tank decreases to the lower limit (approximately 0.6 US qt (0.6 liters, 0.5 Imp qt)).
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT
WARNING
Continued driving with the AWD warning light flashing can lead to powertrain damage. If the AWD warning light flashes, promptly park in a safe location and then check whether all four tires are the same diameter and whether any of the tires has a puncture or has lost air pressure for some other reason.
NOTE
If the temporary spare tire is used, the AWD warning light may flash. Use of the temporary spare tire should therefore be restricted to the minimum time necessary. Replace the temporary spare tire with a conventional tire as soon as possible.
This light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of different diameters fitted on its wheels or with the air pressure excessively low in any of its tires.
While the engine is running, this warning light illuminates when a malfunction has been detected in the electric power steering system.
CAUTION
When the power steering warning light is illuminated, there may be more resistance when the steering wheel is operated. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the vehicle inspected immediately.
NOTE
If the steering wheel is operated in the following ways, the power steering control system may temporarily limit the power assist in order to prevent the system components, such as the control computer and drive motor, from overheating.
- The steering wheel is operated frequently and turned sharply while the vehicle is maneuvered at extremely low speeds, such as while frequently turning the steering wheel during parallel parking.
- The steering wheel remains in the fully turned position for a long period of time.
At this time, there will be more resistance when steering. However, this is not a malfunction. Normal steering force will be restored after the steering wheel is not operated for a while and the power steering control system has an opportunity to cool down. However, if the power steering is operated in a non-standard way which causes power assist limitation to occur too frequently, that may result in a malfunction of the power steering control system.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL WARNING LIGHT/VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL OPERATION INDICATOR LIGHT
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
CAUTION
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system provides its ABS control through the electrical circuit of the ABS. Accordingly, if the ABS is inoperative, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system becomes unable to provide ABS control. As a result, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system becomes inoperative, causing the warning light to illuminate. Although both the Vehicle Dynamics Control and ABS are inoperative in this case, the ordinary functions of the brake system are still available. You will be safe while driving in this condition, but drive carefully and have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
- If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system itself malfunctions, the warning light only illuminates. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) remains fully operational..
- The warning light illuminates when the electronic control system of the ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system malfunctions.
- The Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light, ABS warning light, and brake system warning light illuminate simultaneously if the EBD system malfunctions. For further details of the EBD system malfunction warning.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably inoperative under any of the following conditions. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately.
- The warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
- The warning light illuminates while the vehicle is running.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is as de-scribed in the following examples, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may be considered normal.
- The warning light illuminates right after the engine is started but turns off immediately and remains off.
- The warning light illuminates after the engine has started and turns off while the vehicle is subsequently being driven.
- The warning light illuminates during driving, but turns off immediately and remains off.
Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light
The indicator light flashes during activation of the skid suppression function and during activation of the traction control function.
NOTE
- The light may remain illuminated for a short period of time after the engine has been started, especially in cold weather. This does not indicate the existence of a problem. The light should turn off as soon as the engine has warmed up.
- . The indicator light illuminates when the engine has developed a problem and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably malfunctioning under the fol-lowing condition. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
- The light does not turn off even after the lapse of several minutes (the engine has warmed up) after the engine has started.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL OFF INDICA-TOR LIGHT
The light illuminates when “Vehicle Dynamics Control” is selected to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. Refer to “To Turn On/Off the Vehicle Dynamics Control System”.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably malfunctioning under any of the following conditions. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately.
- The light does not illuminate while the system check.
- The light does not turn off even after a period of approximately 2 seconds after the ignition switch has been turned to the “ON” position.
Useful Links:
2023 Subaru Forester Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
2025 Subaru Forester Display User Guide