2014 SUBARU BRZ Owners Manual

217
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
When the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRAC (brake LSD
function)/Vehicle stability control
(VSC) systems are operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and
should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
■Vehicle stability control (VSC)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
The TRAC system is also equipped with the brake LSD function.
■Electric power steering
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Disabling the TRAC systemIf the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
In this case, the brake LSD function remains on. To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.The Traction Control System OFF
indicator light will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.

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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
Selecting TRAC mode and Vehicle stability control (VSC) modeModes can be selected to suit your driving conditions as follows:
Driving
conditionsTRAC
modesVehicle stability control (VSC) modes
Indicator lights
Normal roadsOn Normal mode 
Rough roads Off Normal mode
Sport driving On
Vehicle stability
control (VSC)
SPORT mode
Off Vehicle stability
control (VSC)
SPORT mode
Off Off

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

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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 cont rol (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.

224
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.