2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 203

7-8 Starting and operating 1) Turn the ignition switch to the "OFF" position and wait for at least 10 seconds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the "START" position while depressing the accelerator pedal slightly (about a quarter of the full stroke). Release the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts. 2) If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the "OFF" position and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accelerator pedal and turn the ignition switch to the "START" position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal. 3) If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the "OFF" position. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the "START" position without depressing the accelerator pedal. 4) If the engine still refuses to start, contact your nearest SUBARU dealer for assistance. 6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injection system automatically lowers the idle speed as the engine warms up. While the engine is warming up, make sure that the selector lever is at the "P" or "N" position and that the parking brake is applied. Stopping the engine The ignition switch should be turned off only when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling. NOTE The engine may be difficult to start when the battery has been disconnected and reconnected (for maintenance or other purposes). This difficulty is caused by the electronically controlled throttle's self-diagnosis function. To overcome it, keep the ignition switch in the "ON" position for approximately 10 seconds before starting the engine. If you restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift the selector lever into the "N" position. Do not attempt to place the selector lever of a moving vehicle into the "P" position. Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster, making steering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the "LOCK" position on the ignition switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.