Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSUBARU2002LEGACY L SEDAN AWD F4-2.5L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTARTING AND CHARGINGSTARTING SYSTEMIGNITION SWITCHDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
2002 Subaru Legacy L Sedan AWD F4-2.5L SOHC
Ignition Switch: Description and Operation
2002 Subaru Legacy L Sedan AWD F4-2.5L SOHCSECTION Description and Operation
Ignition Switch
DESCRIPTION
- The ignition switch has a function of giving the driver warning by sound if he or she opens the door with the key still in the "LOCK" or "ACC" position.

- The ignition switches on the MT models have a safety mechanism that prevents inadvertent locking of the steering wheel during driving. The driver cannot turn the ignition key from "ACC" to "LOCK" unless the key is pushed inward at the "1" position (arrow 1 in the drawing).

- The ignition switches on the AT models have a key interlock mechanism to avoid locking of the steering wheel during driving. The ignition key can be turned to the "LOCK" position only when the select lever is in the P position.
NOTE: Should the key be impossible to turn to "LOCK" when the select lever is in the P position due to failure of the key interlock mechanism, the interlocking can be cancelled by operating the release lever located on the underside of the steering column.
DESCRIPTION
- The ignition switch has a function of giving the driver warning by sound if he or she opens the door with the key still in the "LOCK" or "ACC" position.
- The ignition switches on the MT models have a safety mechanism that prevents inadvertent locking of the steering wheel during driving. The driver cannot turn the ignition key from "ACC" to "LOCK" unless the key is pushed inward at the "1" position (arrow 1 in the drawing).
- The ignition switches on the AT models have a key interlock mechanism to avoid locking of the steering wheel during driving. The ignition key can be turned to the "LOCK" position only when the select lever is in the P position.
NOTE: Should the key be impossible to turn to "LOCK" when the select lever is in the P position due to failure of the key interlock mechanism, the interlocking can be cancelled by operating the release lever located on the underside of the steering column.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.