Subaru Solterra 2023-2026 Owner's Manual: Parking brake

The parking brake system in the Subaru Solterra can be engaged or released either automatically or manually, providing flexibility and enhanced convenience depending on driving conditions.

Even when automatic mode is enabled, the driver of the Subaru Solterra retains full control and can manually operate the parking brake whenever necessary.

Operating instructions

■ Using the manual mode

In manual mode, the parking brake of the Subaru Solterra can be applied or released directly by the driver using the dedicated switch.

1. Parking brake indicator light (U.S.A.)
2. Parking brake indicator light (Canada)

1. Pull the switch to set the parking brake

When the parking brake is activated in the Subaru Solterra, the corresponding indicator light will illuminate, confirming that the system is engaged.

In emergency situations while driving, the parking brake can be applied by pulling and holding the switch. However, this should only be used when absolutely necessary due to the strong braking effect.

2. Push the switch to release the parking brake
   • Operate the parking brake switch while firmly depressing the brake pedal to ensure a smooth release.
   • With the automatic release function in the Subaru Solterra, the parking brake can also disengage when the accelerator pedal is pressed under the appropriate conditions.

After releasing, always confirm that the parking brake indicator light has turned off in the Subaru Solterra.

If the parking brake indicator light flashes, operate the switch again to ensure proper engagement or release.

■ Turning the automatic mode on

While the Subaru Solterra is stationary, pull and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a confirmation message appears on the multi-information display.

Once automatic mode is activated, the parking brake in the Subaru Solterra will operate according to the vehicle’s shift position.

• When shifting out of P, the parking brake will automatically release, and the indicator light will turn off.
• When shifting into P, the parking brake will automatically engage, and the indicator light will illuminate.

Always change the shift position while the Subaru Solterra is fully stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

If the shift position is changed too quickly, the automatic parking brake function may not respond as expected. In such cases, apply or release the parking brake manually.

■ Turning the automatic mode off

With the Subaru Solterra stopped and the brake pedal pressed, press and hold the parking brake switch until a buzzer sounds and a message appears on the display, confirming that automatic mode has been disabled.

■ Parking brake operation

• If the power switch of the Subaru Solterra is not set to ON, the parking brake cannot be released using the switch.
• Automatic parking brake functions are also unavailable when the Subaru Solterra is not in the ON power state.

■ Parking brake automatic release function

In manual mode, the Subaru Solterra allows the parking brake to be released automatically when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

• The driver's door is securely closed
• The driver is wearing a seat belt
• The shift position is set to a forward or reverse driving mode
• No brake system warning lights are illuminated

When pressing the accelerator pedal to release the parking brake, do so gradually to ensure smooth disengagement in the Subaru Solterra.

If the parking brake does not release automatically, use the manual switch to release it.

■ Parking brake automatic lock function

The Subaru Solterra will automatically engage the parking brake under certain safety-related conditions to prevent unintended movement.

• The brake pedal is not being pressed
• The driver's door is open
• The driver's seat belt is not fastened
• The shift position is not in P or N
  (The shift position may be set to P during advanced park operation if equipped)
• No brake system warning lights are active

This intelligent parking brake system in the Subaru Solterra enhances both safety and convenience, ensuring the vehicle remains securely stationary whenever required while simplifying daily driving operations.

■ If "Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display

In the Subaru Solterra, if the parking brake is activated repeatedly within a short time frame, the system may temporarily limit its operation to protect internal components from overheating. This is a built-in safety feature of the Subaru Solterra electronic braking system. If this message appears, avoid further use of the parking brake for a brief period. Normal functionality will typically be restored automatically after approximately one minute.

■ If "Parking Brake Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display

If this message appears in your Subaru Solterra, attempt to operate the parking brake switch again. If the warning remains even after several attempts, it may indicate a system malfunction.

In such cases, it is essential to have your Subaru Solterra inspected by an authorized SUBARU dealer as soon as possible to ensure continued safe operation.

■ Parking brake operation sound

During operation of the parking brake in the Subaru Solterra, you may hear a motorized sound (a light whirring noise). This is a normal characteristic of the electronic parking brake system and does not indicate any malfunction.

■ Parking brake indicator light

• Depending on the power switch status in the Subaru Solterra, the parking brake indicator light behaves as follows: when the power switch is in ON mode, the indicator remains illuminated until the parking brake is released.

  When the power switch is not in ON mode, the indicator will remain on for approximately 15 seconds before turning off.

• If the power switch is turned off while the parking brake is engaged in the Subaru Solterra, the indicator light will stay illuminated for about 15 seconds.

  This is normal system behavior and does not indicate a fault.

■ When the parking brake switch malfunctions

If a malfunction occurs with the parking brake switch in the Subaru Solterra, the system will automatically switch to automatic mode (automatic engagement and release) to maintain operational safety.

■ Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

If the Subaru Solterra is driven while the parking brake remains engaged, a warning buzzer will sound and a message such as "Parking Brake ON" will appear on the multi-information display.

(This alert is triggered when the vehicle reaches approximately 3 mph [5 km/h].)

WARNING

■ When parking the vehicle

Never leave a child unattended inside the Subaru Solterra. The parking brake could be unintentionally released, creating a risk of vehicle movement that may lead to serious injury or even fatal accidents.

■ Parking brake switch

Do not place objects near or around the parking brake switch in the Subaru Solterra.

Foreign objects may interfere with the switch operation and could cause the parking brake to activate or release unexpectedly.

■ Parking brake automatic lock function

The automatic parking brake engagement feature in the Subaru Solterra is designed as a backup safety function and should not replace normal parking procedures.

Relying solely on this function without manually confirming that the vehicle is securely parked may result in unintended vehicle movement and increase the risk of accidents.

NOTICE

■ When parking the vehicle

Before exiting the Subaru Solterra, always shift to P, apply the parking brake, and verify that the vehicle remains stationary to ensure maximum safety.

■ When the system malfunctions

If any warning messages appear in the Subaru Solterra, stop the vehicle in a safe location and carefully review the information displayed before proceeding.

■ When the vehicle 12-volt battery is discharged

If the 12-volt battery in the Subaru Solterra is depleted, the parking brake system may not function properly or may be completely inoperative.

■ When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction

Driving the Subaru Solterra with the parking brake engaged can cause excessive heat buildup in the braking system, potentially reducing braking effectiveness and accelerating wear of brake components.

If this condition occurs, arrange for immediate inspection of your Subaru Solterra by a qualified SUBARU dealer.

Proper understanding and handling of the Subaru Solterra parking brake system ensures long-term reliability, improved safety, and optimal driving performance.