2008 SUBARU TRIBECA alarm

The Vehicle Dynamics Control system
provides its ABS control through the
electrical circuit of the ABS system.
Accordingly, if the ABS is inoperative, the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system be-
comes unable to provide ABS control. As
a result, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system also becomes inoperative, caus-
ing the warning light to come on. Though
both the Vehicle Dynamics Control and
ABS systems are inoperative in this case,
the ordinary functions of the brake system
are still available. You will be safe while
driving with this condition, but have your
vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer as
soon as possible.NOTEIf the warning light behavior is as
shown in the following, the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system may be con-
sidered normal.
.The warning light comes on right
after the engine is started but goes out
immediately, remaining off.
. The warning light comes on after
engine startup and goes off while the
vehicle is subsequently being driven.
. The warning light comes on during
driving, but it goes out immediately and
remains off. !
Traction Control system OFF indi-
cator light
. It comes on when the Traction Control
system OFF switch is pressed.
. It also comes on when the Traction
Control system is deactivated.
NOTE. The light may stay on for a while
after the engine has been started,
especially in cold weather. This does
not indicate the existence of a problem.
The light should go out as soon as the
engine has warmed up.
. The indicator light comes on when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
Malfunction indicator lamp is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably faulty under the following condi-
tion. Have your vehicle checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
. The light does not go out even after the
lapse of several minutes (the engine has
warmed up) after the engine has started.
& Security indicator lightThe indicators are located in the center
portion of the dashboard.
This indicator light shows the status of the
alarm system. It also indicates operation
of the immobilizer system.
! Alarm system
It blinks to show the driver the operational
status of the alarm system. For detailed
information, refer to the “Alarm system”
section in chapter 2.
! Immobilizer system
This light blinks approximately 60 seconds
after the ignition switch is turned from
“ ON ”position to the “Acc ”or “LOCK ”
position or immediately after the key is
pulled out. (Refer to the “Door locks ”
Instruments and controls
3-19
–CONTINUED –
ProCarManuals.com

&Starting your vehicleThe remote control start system is acti-
vated by pressing the “
”button twice
within 3 seconds on your remote control
transmitter. The system will check certain
pre-conditions before starting, and if all
safety parameters are correct, the engine
will start within 5 seconds. While the
vehicle is operating via remote engine
start, the vehicle’ s power window features
will be disabled. Also, the system has a
timer and will shut down after 15 minutes if
you do not operate the vehicle. Press and
hold the “
”button for 2 seconds again to
turn the vehicle off. If the vehicle ’s starter
cranks but does not start or starts and
stalls, the remote engine start system will
power off then attempt to start the vehicle an additional four times. If the vehicle fails
to start after the additional attempts, the
remote engine start system will abort and
return to a non activated state.
&
Remote start safety featuresFor safety and security reasons, the
system will fail to start and beep the horn
twice or shut down the engine during
remote start operation if any of the
following occur:
. The brake pedal is pressed before the
vehicle ignition switch is turned “on ”
. The key was already in the ignition
switch
. The engine hood is opened
. The vehicle’ s engine idle speed has
reached a level over 3,000 RPM
. The alarm is triggered by opening a
door or the rear gate.NOTE. The security indicator light on the
dashboard will stop flashing while
under remote engine start operation,
but the vehicle is still protected.
. If the vehicle is entered during
remote engine start operation, the
system will not record entry in the
alarm history.
& Entering the vehicle while it
is running via remote start1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the
keyless entry system. If the vehicle ’s
doors are unlocked manually using the
key, the vehicle’ s alarm system will trigger
and the remote engine start system will
turn off. Inserting the key into the ignition
switch and turning it to the “ON”position or
pressing the unlock button “
”on the
remote keyless entry transmitter will dis-
arm the alarm system. Refer to the “Alarm
system ”section in chapter 2.
2. Enter the vehicle. Do not press the
brake pedal.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch
and turn to the “ON”position. If the ignition
switch is accidentally turned to the
“START ”position, the system ’s “starter
anti-grind ”feature will prevent the starter
from re-cranking.
4. Press the brake pedal. The remote
starter disengages, the vehicle ’s power
window features are re-enabled and the
vehicle will operate normally.
& Entering the vehicle follow-
ing remote engine start shut-
downAn alarm trigger may occur if the vehicle is
opened by the remote keyless entry
Starting and operating
7-9
–CONTINUED –
ProCarManuals.com

7-24
Starting and operating
cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
adjusts the engine’s output and the
wheels’ respective braking forces to help
maintain traction and directional control.
. Traction Control Function
The traction control function is designed to
prevent spinning of the driving wheels on
slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to
maintain traction and directional control.
Activation of this function is shown by
steady illumination of the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control operation indicator light.
. Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed
to help maintain directional stability by
suppressing the wheels ’tendency to slide
sideways during steering operations. Acti-
vation of this function is shown by flashing
of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light.NOTE. Slight twitching of the brake pedal
may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system operates; a small de-
gree of vehicle or steering wheel shak-
ing may also be noticed in this situa-
tion. These are normal characteristics
of Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
and are no cause for alarm.
. When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short operation
noise may be noticed coming from the
engine compartment. This noise is
generated as a result of a check being
performed on the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system and is normal.
.
Depending on the timing of activa-
tion of the brakes, the brake pedal may
seem to jolt when you drive off after
starting the engine. This is a conse-
quence of the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operational check and is normal.
. In the circumstances listed in the
following, the vehicle may be more
unstable than it feels to the driver.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control System
may therefore operate. Such operation
does not indicate a system fault.
.on gravel-covered or rutted roads
. on unfinished roads
. when the vehicle is towing a
trailer
. when the vehicle is fitted with
snow tires or winter tires
. Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will cause operation of
the steering wheel to feel slightly
different compared to that for normal
conditions.
. Even if the vehicle is equipped with
a Vehicle Dynamics Control system, it
is important that winter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or icy
roads. (All four wheels should be fitted
with tires of the same size and brand).
Furthermore, if snow chains are to be
used, they should be fitted on the front
wheels. When a vehicle is fitted with
snow chains, however, the effective-
ness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is reduced and this should be
taken into account when driving the
vehicle in such a condition.
.
It is always important to reduce
speed when approaching a corner,
even if the vehicle is equipped with
Vehicle Dynamics Control.
. All four wheels should be fitted with
tires of the same size, type, and brand;
furthermore, the amount of wear
should be the same for all four tires. If
these precautions are not observed
and non-matching tires are used, it is
quite possible that the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system will be unable
to operate correctly as intended.
. Always turn off the engine before
replacing a tire as failure to do so may
render the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system unable to operate correctly.
ProCarManuals.com

14-2
Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................................... 7-20
Warning light ................................................. 3-15, 7-21
Accessories ....................................................... 5-4, 11-40
Accessory power outlet ................................................ 6-9
Active head restraint .................................................... 1-5
Air cleaner element .................................................. 11-14
Air filtration system ..................................................... 4-11
Air flow ...................................................................... 4-2
Air flow mode selection ................................................ 4-3
Alarm system ............................................................ 2-15
All-Wheel Drive warning light ....................................... 3-18
Aluminum wheel cleaning ............................................ 10-3
Aluminum wheels ..................................................... 11-30
Antenna system .......................................................... 5-2
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................... 7-20
Arming the system ..................................................... 2-15
Armrest ..................................................................... 1-12
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light ............................... 3-13
Audio control button ................................................... 5-27
Audio input terminal ................................................... 5-29
Audio set ................................................................... 5-4
Auto-dimming mirror/compass ...................................... 3-38
Automatic climate control system .................................. 4-5
Automatic transmission ............................................... 7-12
Capacities ............................................................. 12-3
Fluid ................................................................... 11-15
MANUAL mode ..................................................... 7-15
Selector lever ........................................................ 7-13
Shift lock release ................................................... 7-17
Temperature warning light (AT OIL TEMP) ................. 3-13Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (A/ELR)
.......... 1-17
B
Battery .................................................................... 11-37
Jump starting ........................................................ 9-11
Replacement (Remote keyless entry system) .............. 2-7
Booster seat ............................................................. 1-36
Brake Assist ................................................................... 7-19
Booster ....................................................... 7-19, 11-21
Fluid ................................................................... 11-20
Pad and lining ...................................................... 11-22
Parking ....................................................... 7-29, 11-23
Pedal .................................................................. 11-21
System ................................................................. 7-19
Brake pedal Free play ............................................................. 11-21
Reserve distance .................................................. 11-22
Brake system ............................................................ 7-19
Warning light ......................................................... 3-16
Braking .................................................................... 7-18
Tips ..................................................................... 7-18
Breaking-in of new brake pads and linings ................... 11-22
Bulb
Chart ...................................................................

12-8
Replacing ............................................................ 11-41
C
Capacities ................................................................ 12-3
Cargo area Cover ................................................................... 6-13
ProCarManuals.com

Wiper blades....................................................... 11-35
Recommended Automatic transmission fluid .................................. 11-16
Brake fluid. .......................................................... 11-21
OIL grade and viscosity ............. 11-9, 11-10, 11-17, 11-18
Power steering fluid .............................................. 11-20
Spark plugs ......................................................... 11-15
Remote engine start system ......................................... 7-8
Remote keyless entry system ....................................... 2-7
Replacement Brake pad and lining ............................................ 11-22
Wiper blades ....................................................... 11-33
Replacing Air cleaner element .............................................. 11-14
Battery (remote keyless entry system) ....................... 2-7
Lost transmitters (keyless entry system) .................... 2-11
Replacing bulbs ....................................................... 11-41
Backup light/Tail light ............................................ 11-47
Cargo area light ................................................... 11-50
Clearance light .................................................... 11-44
Dome light .......................................................... 11-48
Door step light ..................................................... 11-50
Front fog light ...................................................... 11-45
Front turn signal light ............................................ 11-45
Headlight ............................................................ 11-42
License plate light ................................................ 11-47
Map light ............................................................. 11-49
Rear combination light .......................................... 11-46
Rear gate light ..................................................... 11-47
Vanity mirror light ................................................. 11-49
Rocking the vehicle .................................................... 8-11 Roof rail and crossbar
................................................ 8-13
S
Safety Precautions when driving ............................................. 4
Symbol ...................................................................... 2
Warnings ................................................................... 2
Seat Fabric .................................................................. 10-5
Heater .................................................................... 1-6
Memory function ...................................................... 1-4
Seatbelt. ........................................................................\
4
Maintenance ......................................................... 1-27
Pretensioners ........................................................ 1-27
Safety tips ............................................................ 1-15
Warning light and chime ................................. 1-17, 3-10
Seatbelts .................................................................. 1-15
Security ID plate .......................................................... 2-3
Selector lever ............................................................ 7-13
Position indicator ................................................... 3-20
Shift lock release ....................................................... 7-17
Shock sensors .......................................................... 2-18
Shopping bag hook .................................................... 6-12
Snow tires ................................................................ 8-10
Snowy

and icy roads ................................................... 8-9
Sounding a panic alarm ............................................. 2-10
Spare tire ................................................................... 9-2
Spark plugs ............................................................. 11-15
Specifications ............................................................ 12-2
Speedometer .............................................................. 3-6
SPORT mode indicator light ........................................ 3-20
Index
14-7
ProCarManuals.com