Subaru Forester AVH: What It Is & How to Use It
Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) in your Subaru Forester is a convenience feature that keeps your car stopped without you needing to hold the brake pedal down. It’s especially useful in traffic jams or at long red lights. To use AVH, ensure your seatbelt is fastened and the engine is running. After coming to a complete stop using the brake pedal, press the AVH button. A green indicator light on your dashboard confirms AVH is active and holding the vehicle.
Step-by-Step: Engaging Auto Vehicle Hold
To activate the AVH system in your Subaru Forester, follow these specific steps each time you want to use it:
1. Start the Engine: Your Subaru Forester’s engine must be running.
2. Fasten Your Seatbelt: The driver’s seatbelt needs to be securely buckled.
3. Come to a Complete Stop: Apply the brake pedal until your vehicle is fully stopped.
4. Press the AVH Button: Locate the AVH button, usually found on the center console. Press it once.
5. Confirm Activation: Look for a green “AVH” indicator light to illuminate on your instrument cluster. This confirms the system is active and holding your vehicle.
How to Check It Worked
After pressing the AVH button and seeing the green light, you can quickly verify that the system is actively holding your vehicle:
- Observe the Dashboard Light: The primary indicator is the illuminated green “AVH” symbol on your instrument panel.
- Release the Brake Pedal: With the green AVH light on, gently lift your foot completely off the brake pedal. Your Forester should remain stationary. You can then press the accelerator to resume driving. If the vehicle begins to roll, AVH is not engaged, and you should reapply the brake and repeat the activation steps.
When AVH Automatically Turns Off
The AVH system is designed to disengage automatically for safety and operational reasons. Knowing these scenarios will help you anticipate its behavior:
- Pressing the Accelerator: The moment you press the accelerator pedal, AVH will disengage to allow movement.
- Engine Shutdown: Turning off the engine will deactivate AVH.
- Vehicle Power Off: If you power down the vehicle completely, the system will also disengage.
- Driver’s Door Opening: For safety, opening the driver’s door while AVH is engaged will automatically disengage the system.
- Seatbelt Unbuckling: If the driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled while AVH is active, the system will disengage.
- Engaging the Parking Brake: Activating the electronic parking brake will also turn off the AVH system.
- System Fault: If the vehicle detects an issue with the AVH system or related braking components, the AVH indicator may turn off, or a general warning light might appear on the dashboard.
Understanding AVH vs. Hill Start Assist
A common point of confusion is the difference between Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) and Hill Start Assist. While both prevent unintended rolling, AVH is designed to hold the vehicle stationary on any surface (flat or inclined) after you’ve stopped, until you press the accelerator. Hill Start Assist typically activates only on inclines and for a brief period after you release the brake. Another misunderstanding is that AVH engages automatically. However, it requires a deliberate press of the AVH button each time you wish to use its holding function. If AVH fails to engage despite pressing the button and meeting the initial conditions, it could indicate a sensor issue or a problem with the electronic parking brake system.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
If the AVH system fails to activate, the green “AVH” indicator light does not illuminate when you press the button, or if any related warning lights (such as brake system or stability control warnings) appear on your dashboard, it’s best to stop relying on the system. Consult your Subaru Forester owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps relevant to your model year. If the problem persists or if you suspect a more significant issue with your vehicle’s braking or electronic systems, schedule an appointment with a qualified Subaru technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
Greedy Wheels is the founder and lead editor at Wheels Greed. With over 15 years of hands-on automotive experience — from rebuilding engines in a home garage to managing fleet maintenance for a regional logistics company — he brings real-world mechanical knowledge to every guide.
His work has been featured in automotive forums, owner communities, and dealership training materials. When he’s not researching the latest car owner questions, you’ll find him at a local track day, wrenching on his project car, or testing the newest OBD2 diagnostic tools.
At Wheels Greed, every article is reviewed against manufacturer service manuals, NHTSA bulletins, and verified owner reports. No AI-generated fluff. No guesswork. Just practical answers from someone who has turned the wrench.