2013 SUBARU BRZ Owners Manual

217
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Vehicle stability control (VSC) SPORT modeYour vehicle is equipped with two types of control modes to accom-
modate various driving preferences. The control modes can be
selected with the “VSC SPORT” switch. Normal mode allows secure
and smooth normal driving. When the switch is pressed, Vehicle sta-
bility control (VSC) SPORT mode is activated. Control characteristics
such as the Vehicle stability control (VSC) and TRAC are adjusted to
afford maneuverability closer to what a driver may have imagined,
while a sense of security is retained. Vehicle stability control (VSC)
SPORT mode/Normal modeThe “VSC SPORT” indicator and
Vehicle stability control (VSC) off
indicator come on when in Vehi-
cle stability control (VSC) SPORT
mode.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Turning off both TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems
To turn the TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems off, press and
hold for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The Traction Control System OFF indicator light and the Vehicle stability
control (VSC) off indicator light will come on.
In this case, the brake LSD function remains on.
Press the button again to turn the systems back on.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) sys- tems
After turning the TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems off, the
systems will be automatically reactivated in the following situations:
●Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system: When
the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position
●Vehicles with a keyless access with push button start system: When the
push-button ignition switch is turned off
●If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle
speed is more than approximately 31 mph (50 km/h).
If both the TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems are turned
off, automatic reactivation will not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■Automatic deactivation of Vehicle stability control (VSC) SPORT mode
Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system
When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position after driving in Vehicle
stability control (VSC) SPORT mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with a keyless access with push button start system
When the push-button ignition switch is turned off after driving in Vehicle sta-
bility control (VSC) SPORT mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC and
Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake
pedal is depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the
vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction
has occurred in any of these systems.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are
operating. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

220
2-4. Using other driving systems
WARNING
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the Vehicle stability control (VSC) and/or brake LSD function is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems off unless nec-
essary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems will not function
correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your SUBARU dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

221
2
When driving
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's
placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug- gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 × 150) =
650 lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage
evenly within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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2-5. Driving information
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will betransferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. (→ P. 410)
SUBARU does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 699 lb. (317
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
699 lb. - 366 lb. = 333 lb. (317 kg -166 kg = 151 kg) In this condition, if 2 more passengers with the combined weight of
258 lb. (117 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
333 lb. - 258 lb. = 75 lb. (151 kg - 117 kg = 34 kg)
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do
not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as possible.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seatbelts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident:

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2-5. Driving information
WARNING
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.