
3-20Instruments and controls
!Vehicle Dynamics Control warninglight
CAUTION
The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-tem provides its ABS controlthrough the electrical circuit of theABS system. Accordingly, if the ABSis inoperative, the Vehicle DynamicsControl system becomes unable toprovide ABS control. As a result, theVehicle Dynamics Control systemalso becomes inoperative, causingthe warning light to illuminate.Though both the Vehicle DynamicsControl and ABS systems are inop-erative in this case, the ordinaryfunctions of the brake system arestill available. You will be safe whiledriving with this condition, but drivecarefully and have your vehiclechecked at a SUBARU dealer assoon as possible.
NOTE
.If the electrical circuit of the VehicleDynamics Control system itself mal-functions, only the warning light illumi-nates. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lockBrake System) remains fully opera-tional.
.The warning light illuminates whenthe electronic control system of theABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control systemmalfunctions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system isprobably inoperative under any of thefollowing conditions. Have your vehiclechecked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-ately.
.The warninglight does not illuminatewhen the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”position.
.The warning light illuminates while thevehicle is running.
NOTE
If the warning light behavior is asdescribed in the following conditions,the Vehicle Dynamics Control systemmay be considered normal.
.The warning light illuminates rightafter the engine is started but turns offimmediately, remaining off..The warning light illuminates afterengine startup and turns off while thevehicle is subsequently being driven..The warning light illuminates duringdriving, but it turns off immediately andremains off.
!Traction Control OFF indicator light
.It illuminates when the Traction ControlOFF switch is pressed.
.It also illuminates when the TractionControl system is deactivated.
NOTE
.The light may remain illuminated forawhileaftertheenginehasbeenstarted,especially in cold weather. Thisdoes not indicate the existence of aproblem. The light should turn off assoon as the engine has warmed up..The indicator light illuminates whenthe engine has developed a problemand the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light illuminates.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system isprobably malfunctioning under the listedcondition. Have your vehicle checked at aSUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
.The light does not turn off even afterthe lapse of several minutes (the enginehas warmed up) after the engine hasstarted.

&Daytime running light system
WARNING
The brightness of the illumination ofthe high beam headlights is reducedby the daytime running light system.The light switch must always beturned to the“”position when itis dark outside.
The high beam headlights will automati-cally illuminate at reduced brightnesswhen the engine has started, under thefollowing conditions.
.The select lever is in a position otherthan the“P”position.
.The parkingbrake is fully released.
.The light switch is in the“OFF”or“”position.
NOTE
When the light switch is in the“”position,the front side marker lights,parking lights and license plate lightsare also illuminated.
Turn signal lever
To activate the right turn signal, push theturn signal lever up. To activate the leftturn signal, push the turn signal leverdown. When the turn is finished, the leverwill return automatically. If the lever doesnot return after cornering, return the leverto the neutral position by hand.
To signal a lane change, push the turnsignal lever up or down slightly and hold itduring the lane change. The turn signalindicator lights will flash in the direction ofthe turn or lane change. The lever willreturn automatically to the neutral positionwhen you release it.
Illumination brightness con-
trol
When the light switch is in the“OFF”position, you can adjust the brightness ofthe instrument panel illumination for bettervisibility.
The brightnessof audio, air conditioner,multi-function display (if equipped) andinstrument panel illumination automati-cally dims when the light switch is in the“”or“”position. You can adjustbrightness of the illumination for bettervisibility.
To brighten, turn the control dial upward.
To darken, turn the control dial downward.
Instruments and controls3-29
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Fuel...................................................................... 7-2Fuel requirements............................................... 7-2Fuel filler lid and cap........................................... 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only)...................... 7-5
Preparing to drive............................................... 7-7
Starting the engine.............................................. 7-7
Stopping the engine............................................ 7-8
Remote engine start system (dealer option)..... 7-8Starting your vehicle........................................... 7-9Remote start safety features................................ 7-9Entering the vehicle while it is running via remotestart.................................................................. 7-9Entering the vehicle following remote engine startshutdown.......................................................... 7-9Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of thevehicle............................................................. 7-10Service mode..................................................... 7-10Remote engine start transmitter programmingand programmable feature option..................... 7-10System maintenance.......................................... 7-11
Automatic transmission..................................... 7-12Select lever........................................................ 7-13Shift lock function.............................................. 7-14Selectionof manual mode.................................. 7-16Driving tips........................................................ 7-17SPORT mode..................................................... 7-18
Power steering................................................... 7-18
Braking............................................................... 7-19Braking tips....................................................... 7-19Brake system.................................................... 7-19Disc brake pad wear warning indicators............. 7-20
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).......................... 7-20ABS system self-check...................................... 7-21ABS warning light.............................................. 7-21
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)system............................................................. 7-22Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions.......... 7-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control system.................... 7-23Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor.......... 7-25Traction Control system OFF switch................... 7-25
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)........ 7-27
Parking your vehicle......................................... 7-28Parking brake.................................................... 7-28Parking tips....................................................... 7-29
Cruise control.................................................... 7-29To set cruise control.......................................... 7-30To temporarily cancel the cruise control............. 7-31To turn off the cruise control.............................. 7-31To change the cruising speed ............................ 7-31Cruise control indicator light.............................. 7-32Cruise control set indicator light........................ 7-32
Starting and operating
7

Preparing to drive
You should perform the following checksand adjustments every day before youstart driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, andlights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and conditionof the tires. Also check tires for properinflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign ofleaks.
4. Check that the hood and rear gate arefully closed.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat.
6. Check the adjustment of the insideand outside mirrors.
7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that yourpassengers have fastened their seatbelts.
8. Check the operation of the warningand indicator lights when the ignitionswitch is turned to the“ON”position.
9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn-ing lights after starting the engine.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,washer fluid and other fluid levelsshould be checked daily, weekly or atfuel stops.
Starting the engine
CAUTION
.Do not operate the starter motorcontinuously for more than 10seconds. If the engine fails tostart after operating the starterfor 5 to 10 seconds, wait for 10seconds or more before tryingagain.
.If you restart the engine while thevehicle is moving, shift the selectlever into the“N”position. Donot attempt to place the selectlever of a moving vehicle into the“P”position.
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and ac-cessories.
3. Shift the select lever to the“P”or“N”position (preferably“P”position). Thestarter will only operate when the selectlever is at the“P”or“N”position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position and check the operation of thewarning and indicator lights. Refer to“Warning and indicator lights”F3-9.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the“START”positionwithoutdepressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediatelyafter the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, try thefollowing.(1) Turn the ignition switch to the“LOCK”position and wait for at least10 seconds. After checking that theparking brake is firmly set, turn theignition switch to the“START”positionwhile depressing the accelerator pedalslightly (approximately a quarter of thefull stroke).Release the acceleratorpedal as soon as the engine starts.(2) If this fails to start the engine, turnthe ignition switch back to the“LOCK”position and wait for at least 10seconds.Then fully depress the accel-erator pedal and turn the ignitionswitch to the“START”position. If theengine starts, quickly release theaccelerator pedal.(3) If this fails to start the engine, turnthe ignition switch again to the“LOCK”position.After waiting for 10 secondsor longer, turn the ignition switch to the“START”position without depressingthe accelerator pedal.(4) If the engine still refuses to start,contact your nearest SUBARU dealerfor assistance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicatorlights have turned off after the engine has
Starting and operating7-7
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&Starting your vehicle
The remote engine start system is acti-vated by pressing the“”button twicewithin 3 seconds on your remote enginestart transmitter. The system will checkcertain pre-conditions before starting, andif all safety parameters are correct, theengine will start within 5 seconds. Whilethe vehicle is operating via remote enginestart, the vehicle’s power window featureswill be disabled. Also, the system has atimer and will shut down after 15 minutes ifyou do not operate the vehicle. Press andhold the“”button for 2 seconds again toturn the vehicle off. If the vehicle’s startercranks but does not start or starts andstalls, the remote engine start system willpower off then attempt to start the vehicle
an additional four times. If the vehicle failsto start after the additional attempts, theremote engine start system will abort andreturn to a non activated state.
&Remote start safety features
For safety and security reasons, thesystem will fail to start and beep the horntwice or shut down the engine duringremote start operation if any of thefollowing occur:
.The brake pedal is depressed beforethe vehicle ignition switch is turned“on”
.The key was already in the ignitionswitch
.The engine hood is opened
.The vehicle’s engine idle speed hasreached a level over 3,000 RPM
.The alarm is triggered by opening anyof the doors or the rear gate.
NOTE
.The security indicator light on thedashboard will stop flashing whileunder remote engine start operation,but the vehicle is still protected..If the vehicle is entered duringremote engine start operation, thesystem will not record entry in thealarm history.
&Entering the vehicle while it
is running via remote start
1. Unlock the vehicle doors using theremote keyless entry system. If the vehi-cle’s doors are unlocked manually usingthe key, the vehicle’s alarm system willtrigger and the remote engine start systemwill turn off. Inserting the key into theignition switch and turning it to the“ON”position or pressing the unlock button“”on the remote keyless entry transmitterwill disarm the alarm system. Refer to“Alarmsystem”F2-16.
2. Enter the vehicle. Do not depress thebrake pedal.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switchand turn to the“ON”position. If the ignitionswitch is accidentally turned to the“START”position, the system’s“starteranti-grind”feature will prevent the starterfrom re-cranking.
4. Depress the brake pedal. The remotestarter disengages, the vehicle’s powerwindow features are re-enabled and thevehicle will operate normally.
&Entering the vehicle follow-
ing remote engine start shut-
down
An alarm trigger may occur if the vehicle isopened by the remote keyless entry
Starting and operating7-9
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7-10Starting and operating
transmitter within a few seconds immedi-ately following remote engine start shut-down.
&Pre-heating or pre-cooling
the interior of the vehicle
Before exiting the vehicle, set the tem-perature controls to the desired settingand operation. After the system starts thevehicle, the heater or air-conditioning willactivate and heat or cool the interior toyour setting.
&Service mode
In service mode, the remote start functionis temporarily disabled to prevent thesystem from unexpectedly starting theengine while being serviced.
!To engage the service mode
Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position, depress and hold the brake pedalthen, press and release the“”button onthe remote engine start transmitter threetimes. The system will pause for 1 secondand then flash the parking lights and honkthe hornthree times indicating that thesystem is in service mode. When attempt-ing to activate the remote start systemwhile in service mode, the parking lightswill flash and the horn will honk two timesand will not start.
!To disengage the service mode
Turn the ignition switch to the“ON”position, depress and hold the brakepedal, then press and release the“”button on the remote engine start trans-mitter three times. The system will pausefor 1 second and flash the parking lightsone time indicating that the system hasexited service mode.
NOTE
When taking your vehicle in for service,it is recommended that you inform theservice personnel that your vehicle isequippedwith a remote engine startsystem.
&Remote engine start trans-
mitter programming and pro-
grammable feature option
New transmitters can be programmed tothe remote engine start system in theevent that remote engine start transmittersare lost, stolen or damaged. The remoteengine start system also has one pro-grammable feature that can be adjustedfor user preference.
The remote engine start system can beprogrammed to either make an audiblehorn chirp upon remote start activation ornot. Remote engine start transmitter pro-gramming and feature programming can
be adjusted using the following procedure.
1. Open the driver’s door (the driver’sdoor must remain opened throughout theentire process).
2. Insert the key into the vehicle’s ignitionswitch and turn to the“ON”position.
3. Locate the small black programmingbutton behind the fuse box cover, on thedriver’s side left under the dashboardpanel.
4. Press and hold the black programmingbutton for 10 to 15 seconds. The horn willhonk and the parking lights will flash threetimes to indicate that the system hasentered programming mode. At this pointyou can perform either action (step 5 orstep 6).
5. To program a remote transmitter:press and release the“”button on eachtransmitter. The horn will honk and theparking lights will flash one time to indicatea successful transmitter learn each timethe“”button is pressed. You canprogram up to eight transmitters.
6. To toggle the Horn Confirmation chirpsON/OFF: press and release the brake totoggle the feature. The horn will chirp andthe parking lights will flash one time toindicate Confirmation Horn Chirps are“OFF”. The horn will honk and the parkinglights will flash 2 times to indicate Con-firmation Horn Chirps are“ON”. Depres-

7-14Starting and operating
is started.
If the select lever does not move from the“P”position with the brake pedal de-pressed, the select lever button pushedin, and the ignition switch in the ONposition, refer to“Shift lock function”F7-14.
!R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the“N”to“R”position, stopthe vehicle completely then move thelever to the“R”position while pushingthe select leverbutton.
!N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalledengine.
In this position the wheels and transmis-sion are not locked. In this position, thetransmission is neutral; the vehicle will rollfreely, even on the slightest incline unlessthe parking brake or foot brake is applied.
Avoid coasting with the transmissionneutral.
During coasting, there is no engine brak-ing effect.
NOTE
When the ignition switch has beenturned to the“LOCK”position, move-ment of the select lever from the“N”
position to the“R”position is possiblefor a limited time period by depressingthe brake pedal and then becomesimpossible. If the select lever becomesimpossible to be moved after a limitedtime period, turn the ignition switch tothe“ON”position. You will then be ableto move the select lever to the“P”position.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with theselect lever in the“N”(Neutral)position. Engine braking has noeffect in this condition and the riskof an accident is consequently in-creased.
!D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts intoa suitable gear from 1st to 5th according tothe vehicle speed and the accelerationyou require.
When more acceleration is required in thisposition, depress the accelerator pedalfully to the floor and hold that position. Thetransmission will automatically downshiftto 4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When yourelease the pedal, the transmission will
return to the original gear position.
To use the SPORT mode, move the leverfrom this position into the manual gate.
To use the manual mode, move the leverfrom this position into the manual gatethen move it toward the“+”end or“!”end.
!While climbing a grade
When drivingup a hill, undesired upshift to4th or 5th gear is prevented from takingplace when the accelerator is released.This minimizes the chance of subsequentdownshifting to a lower gear when accel-erating again. This prevents repeatedupshifting and downshifting resulting in asmoother operation of the vehicle.
NOTE
The transmission may downshift to 2ndor 1st gear, depending on the way theaccelerator pedal is depressed to ac-celerate the vehicle again.
&Shift lock function
The shift lock function helps prevent theimproper operationof the select lever.
.The select lever cannot be operatedunless the ignition switch is turned to the“ON”position and the brake pedal isdepressed.
.The select lever cannot be moved from

Gearshifts can be performed using theselect lever.
Shift to the next-higher gear by brieflypushing the select lever toward the“+”end of the manual gate.
Shift to the next-lower gear by brieflypulling the select lever toward the“!”end of the manual gate.
NOTE
Pleaseread the following points care-fully and bear them in mind when usingthe manual mode.
.When the temperature of the engineoil is higher than normal, warningbeeps are emitted and the shift positionindicator shows“!”. If these warningsare issued, deselect the manual modeto protect the engine from damage.
.The transmission does not automa-tically shift up in the manual mode.Perform gearshifts in accordance withroad conditions so that the tachometerneedle does not enter the red zone. Ifthe engine speed reaches a predeter-mined level, a fuel-cut function willoperate. Shift up if this happens. Also,the transmission may automaticallyshift up to protect the engine..If you attempt to shift down whenthe engine speed is too high, i.e., whena downshift would push the tachometerneedle beyond the red zone, beeps willbe emitted to warn you that the down-shift is not possible..If you attempt to shift up when thevehicle speed is too low, the transmis-sion will not respond..You can perform a skip-shift (forexample, from 4th to 2nd) by operatingthe select lever twice in rapid succes-sion..The transmission automatically se-lects 1st gear when the vehicle stopsmoving..If the temperature of the automatictransmission fluid becomes too high,the“AT OIL TEMP”warning light willilluminate and upshifts to 5th gear willnot be possible. Immediately stop thevehicle in a safe place and let theengineidle until the warning light turns
off.
&Driving tips
.On a road surface where there is a riskof wheelspin (for example, a snow- orgravel-covered road), you can pull awayfrom a standstill safely and easily by firstselecting the 2nd gear of the manualmode.
.Always apply the foot or parking brakewhen thevehicle is stopped in the“D”or“R”position.
.Always set the parking brake whenparking your vehicle. Do not hold thevehicle withonly the transmission.
.Do not keep the vehicle in a stationaryposition on an uphill grade by using the“D”position. Usethe brake instead.
.The engine may, on rare occasions,knock when the vehicle rapidly acceler-ates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill.This phenomenon does not indicate aproblem.
.A slight reduction in output torque mayoccur before the engine warms up.
Starting and operating7-17
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