2014 SUBARU TRIBECA ESP

7-24Starting and operating
that full vehicle control will bemaintained at all times and underall conditions, its activationshould be seen as a sign thatthe speed of the vehicle shouldbe reduced considerably.
.Whenever suspension compo-nents, steering components, oran axle are removed from avehicle equipped with VehicleDynamics Control system, havean inspection of that systemperformed by an authorizedSUBARU dealer.
.The following precautions shouldbe observed in order to ensurethat the Vehicle Dynamics Con-trol system is operating properly.
–All four wheels should befitted with tires of the samesize, type, and brand. Further-more, the amount of wearshould be the same for allfour tires.
–Keep the tire pressure at theproper level as shown on thevehicle placard attached tothe driver’s side door pillar.
In the event of wheelspin and/or skiddingon a slippery road surface and/or during
cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,the Vehicle Dynamics Control systemadjusts the engine’soutputandthewheels’respective braking forces to helpmaintain traction and directional control.
.Traction Control Function
The traction control function is designed toprevent spinning of the driving wheels onslippery road surfaces, thereby helping tomaintain traction and directional control.Activation of this function is shown bysteady illumination of the Vehicle Dy-namics Control operation indicator light.
.Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designedto help maintain directional stability bysuppressing the wheels’tendency to slidesideways during steering operations. Acti-vation of this function is shown by flashingof the Vehicle Dynamics Control operationindicator light.
NOTE
.Slight twitching of the brake pedalmay be felt when the Vehicle DynamicsControl system operates; a small de-gree of vehicle or steering wheel shak-ingmay also be noticed in this situa-tion. These are normal characteristicsof Vehicle Dynamics Control operationand are no cause for alarm..When driving off immediately after
starting the engine, a short operationnoise may be noticed coming from theengine compartment. This noise isgenerated as a result of a check beingperformed on the Vehicle DynamicsControl system and is normal..Depending on the timing of activa-tion of the brakes, the brake pedal mayseem to jolt when you drive off afterstarting the engine. This is a conse-quence of the Vehicle Dynamics Con-trol operational check and is normal..In the circumstances shown in thefollowing list, the vehicle may be lessstable than it feels to the driver. TheVehicle Dynamics Control System maytherefore operate. Such operation doesnot indicate a system malfunction.–on gravel-covered or ruttedroads–on unfinished roads–when the vehicle is towing atrailer–when the vehicle is fitted withsnow tires or winter tires.Activation of the Vehicle DynamicsControl system will cause operation ofthe steering wheel to feel slightlydifferent compared to that for normalconditions.
.Even if the vehicle is equipped witha Vehicle Dynamics Control system, it

is important that winter tires be usedwhen driving on snow-covered or icyroads. (All four wheels should be fittedwith tires of the same size and brand).
.It is always important to reducespeed when approaching a corner,even if the vehicle is equipped withVehicle Dynamics Control.
.All four wheels should be fitted withtires of the same size, type, and brand;furthermore, the amount of wearshouldbe the same for all four tires. Ifthese precautions are not observedand non-matching tires are used, it isquite possible that the Vehicle Dy-namics Control system will be unableto operate correctly as intended.
.Always turn off the engine beforereplacing a tire as failure to do so mayrender the Vehicle Dynamics Controlsystem unable to operate correctly.
&Vehicle Dynamics Control
system monitor
Refer to the following sections.
.“Ve h i c l e D y n a m i c s C o n t r o l w a r n i n glight (U.S.-spec models and Canada-spec. models)/Vehicle Dynamics Controloperation indicator light (all models)”F3-18
.“Traction Control system OFF indicatorlight (U.S.-spec models and Canada-spec. models)”F3-19
.“Ve h i c l e D y n a m i c s C o n t r o l w a r n i n glight (Latin America-spec. models)/Trac-tion Control OFF indicator light (LatinAmerica-spec. models)”F3-19
&Traction Control system OFF
switch
Tract io n Cont rol sy stem OFF indic atorlight (U.S.-spec. models and Canada-spec.models)
Starting and operating7-25
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Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)
The tire pressure monitoring system pro-vides the driver with a warning messageby sending a signal from a sensor that isinstalled in each wheel when tire pressureis severely low.
The tire pressure monitoring system willactivate only when the vehicle is driven atspeeds above 20 mph (32 km/h). Also,this system may not react immediately to asudden drop in tire pressure (for example,a blow-out caused by running over asharp object).
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning lightilluminates while driving, neverbrake suddenly and keep drivingstraight ahead while gradually redu-cing speed. Then slowly pull off theroad to a safe place. Otherwise anaccident involving serious vehicledamage and serious personal injurycould occur.
Check the pressure for all four tiresand adjust the pressure to the COLDtire pressure shown on the tireplacard on the door pillar on thedriver’s side.
Even when the vehicle is driven avery short distance, the tires getwarm and their pressures increaseaccordingly. Be sure to let the tirescool thoroughly before adjustingtheir pressures to the standardvalues shown on the tire placard.Refer to“Tires and wheels”F11-21.The tire pressure monitoring systemdoes not function when the vehicleis stationary. After adjusting the tirepressures, increase the vehiclespeed to at least 20 mph (32 km/h)to start the TPMS re-checking of thetire inflation pressures. If the tirepressures are now above the severe
low pressure threshold, the low tirepressure warning light should turnoff a few minutes later.
If this light still illuminates whiledriving after adjusting the tire pres-sure, a tire may have significantdamage and a fast leak that causesthe tire to lose air rapidly. If you havea flat tire, replace it with a spare tireas soon as possible.
When a spare tire is mounted or awheel rim is replaced without theoriginal pressure sensor/transmitterbeing transferred, the low tire pres-sure warning light will illuminatesteadily after blinking for approxi-mately one minute. This indicatesthe TPMS is unable to monitor allfour road wheels. Contact yourSUBARU dealeras soon as possiblefor tire and sensor replacement and/or system resetting.
Do not inject any tire liquid oraerosol tire sealant into the tires,as this may cause a malfunction ofthe tire pressure sensors. If the lightilluminates steadily after blinking forapproximately one minute, promptlycontact a SUBARU dealer to havethe system inspected.
Starting and operating7-27
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7-28Starting and operating
CAUTION
Do not place metal film or any metalparts under the driver’s seat. Thismay cause poor reception of thesignals from the tire pressure sen-sors, and the tire pressure monitor-ing system will not function prop-erly.
NOTE
This device complies with Part 15 ofthe FCC Rules and with RSS-210 ofIndustry Canada. Operation is subjectto the following two conditions: (1) Thisdevice may not cause harmful inter-ference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference received, in-cluding interference that may causeundesired operation.
Changes or modifications not ex-pressly approved by the party respon-sible for compliance could void theuser’s authority to operate the equip-ment.
Parking your vehicle
WARNING
.Never leave unattended childrenor pets in the vehicle. They couldaccidentally injure themselves orothersthrough inadvertent op-eration of the vehicle. Also, onhot or sunny days, the tempera-ture in a closed vehicle couldquickly become high enough tocausesevere or possibly fatalinjuries to them.
.Do not park the vehicle overflammable materials such as drygrass, waste paper or rags, asthey mayburn easily if they comenear hot engine or exhaust sys-tem parts.
.Be sure to stop the engine if youtake a nap in the vehicle. Ifengine exhaust gas enters thepassenger compartment, occu-pants in the vehicle could diefromcarbon monoxide (CO) con-tained in the exhaust gas.
&Parking brake
CAUTION
.Never drive while the parkingbrake is set because this willcause unnecessary wear on thebrake linings. Before starting todrive, always make sure that theparking brake has been fullyreleased.
.Never drive with your foot on theparking brake pedal.
To set the parking brake, hold down thebrake pedal while depressing the parkingbrake pedal as far as it will go.

7-32Starting and operating
!To increase the speed (by accel-erator pedal)
1. Depress the accelerator pedal toaccelerate the vehicle to the desiredspeed.
2. Push the control lever downward in the“SET/COAST”direction once. Now thedesired speed is set and the vehicle willkeep running at that speed without de-pressing the accelerator pedal.
NOTE
If the difference between the actualvehicle speed when the control leveris pushed downward and the speed lasttime you set is less than 4 mph (6.8km/h), the vehicle speed will be low-ered by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). This occursbecause the cruise control system unitregards this lever operation as thatintended to decrease the vehiclespeed.
!To decrease the speed (by controllever)
Push the control lever downward in the“SET/COAST”direction and hold it untilthe vehicle reaches the desired speed.Then, release the control lever. Thevehicle speed at that moment will bememorized and treated as the new setspeed.
When the difference between the actualvehicle speed and the set speed is lessthan 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed canbe lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time bypressing the control lever downward in the“SET/COAST”direction quickly.
!To decrease the speed (by brakepedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to releasecruise control temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to thedesired speed, press the control leverdownward in the“SET/COAST”directiononce. Now the desired speed is set andthe vehicle will keep running at that speedwithout depressing the accelerator pedal.
&Cruise control indicator light
Refer to“Cruise control indicator light”F3-22.
&Cruise control set indicator
light
Refer to“Cruise control set indicator light”F3-22.

8-2Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving
–the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km)
The performance and long life of yourvehicle are dependent on how you handleand care for your vehicle while it is new.Follow these instructions during the first1,000 miles (1,600 km):
.Do not race the engine. And do notallow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpmexcept in an emergency.
.Do not drive at one constant engine orvehicle speed for a long time, either fast orslow.
.Avoid starting suddenly and rapidacceleration, except in an emergency.
.Avoid hard braking, except in anemergency.
The same break-in procedures should beapplied to a newly installed or overhauledengine or when brake pads or brakelinings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints
The following suggestions will help to saveyour fuel.
.Select the proper gear position for thespeed and road conditions.
.Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-tion. Always accelerate gently until youreach the desired speed. Then try tomaintain that speed for as long aspossible.
.Do not pump the accelerator and avoidracing the engine.
.Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
.Keep the engine properly tuned.
.Keep the tires inflated to the correctpressureshown on the tire placard, whichis located under the door latch on thedriver’s side. Low pressure will increasetire wear and fuel consumption.
.Use the air conditioner only whennecessary.
.Keep the front and rear wheels inproper alignment.
.Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage orcargo.
Engine exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)
WARNING
.Never inhale engine exhaust gas.Engine exhaust gas containscarbon monoxide, a colorlessand odorless gas which is dan-gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
.Always properly maintain the en-gine exhaust system to preventengine exhaust gas from enter-ing the vehicle.
.Never run theengine in a closedspace, such as a garage, exceptfor the brief time needed to drivethe vehicle in or out of it.
.Avoid remaining in a parkedvehicle for a lengthy time whilethe engine is running. If that isunavoidable, then use the venti-lation fan to force fresh air intothe vehicle.
.Always keep the front ventilatorinlet grille free from snow, leavesor other obstructions to ensurethat the ventilation system al-ways works properly.
.If at any time you suspect that

8-6Driving tips
On-road and off-road driving
WARNING
.In a rollover crash, an unbeltedperson is significantly morelikely to die than a person wear-ing a seatbelt. You the driver andall your passengers should fas-ten the seatbelts before startingto drive in order to minimize thechance of serious injury or death.
.Do not make sharp turns andquick maneuvers unless abso-lutely unavoidable. Such actionsare dangerous as you may losecontrol, possibly resulting in arolloverwhich could cause deathor serious injury.
.Always maintain a safe drivingspeed according to the road andweather conditions in order toavoid havingan accident on asharp turn, during sudden brak-ing or under other similar condi-tions.
.Whenever strong crosswinds arepresent, slow down sufficientlyto maintain control of your vehi-cle. Remember that your vehicle,with its higher profile and center
of gravity, is more likely to beaffected by crosswinds than or-dinary passenger cars.
.Always use the utmost care indriving–overconfidence be-cause you are driving an All-Wheel Drive model could easilylead to a serious accident.
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s c l a s s i f i e d a s a u t i l i t yvehicle. Utilityvehicles feature a higherground clearance which enables them tobe used for wide applications including off-road driving. But please keep in mind thatyour vehicle is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle. Ahighercenter of gravity in relation to thetread width as compared with ordinarypassenger cars makes vehicles of thistype more likely to roll over. In reality, utilityvehicles have a significantly higher roll-over rate thanother types of vehicles. Thehigh ground clearance of this vehicle is areal advantage, giving you a better view ofthe road and allowing you to anticipateproblems earlier. However, remember thatyour utility vehicleis not designed for high-speed cornering comparable to ordinarypassenger cars and that your vehiclecould roll over if you make a sharp turnat high speed. If you do take yourSUBARU off-road, certain common sense
precautions such as those in the followinglist should be taken.
.Make certain that you and all of yourpassengers are wearing seatbelts.
.Carry some emergency equipment,such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel,wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone orcitizens band radio.
.Drive carefully. Do not take unneces-sary risks by driving in dangerous areas orover rough terrain.
.Slow down and employ extra caution atall times. When driving off-road, you willnot have the benefit of marked trafficlanes, banked curves, traffic signs andthe like.
.Do not drive across steep slopes.Instead, drive either straight up or straightdown the slopes. A vehicle can muchmore easily tip over sideways than it canend over end. Avoid driving straight up ordown slopes that are too steep.
.Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-cially at higher speeds.
.Do not grip the inside or spokes of thesteering wheel. A bad bump could jerk thewheel andinjure your hands. Instead drivewith your fingers and thumbs on theoutside of the rim.
.If driving through water, such as whencrossing shallow streams, first check the

depth of the water and the bottom of thestream bed for firmness and ensure thatthe bed of the stream is flat. Drive slowlyand completely through the stream. Thewater should be shallow enough that itdoes not reach the vehicle’s undercar-riage. Water entering the engine air intakeor the exhaust pipe or water splashingonto electrical parts may damage yourvehicle and may cause it to stall. Neverattempt to drive through rushing water;regardless of its depth, it can wash awaythe ground from under your tires, resultingin possible loss of traction and evenvehicle rollover.
.Always check your brakes for effec-tiveness immediately after driving in sand,mud or water. Do this by driving slowlyand stepping on the brake pedal. Repeatthat process several times to dry out thebrake discsand brake pads.
.Do not drive or park over or nearflammable materials such as dry grass orfallen leaves,as they may burn easily. Theexhaust system is very hot while theengine is running and right after enginestops. This could create a fire hazard.
.After driving through tall grass, mud,rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that thereis no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones,sand, etc. adhering to or trapped on theunderbody. Clear off any such matter from
the underbody. If the vehicle is used withthese materials trapped or adhering to theunderbody, a mechanical breakdown orfire could occur.
.Secure all cargo carried inside thevehicle and make certain that it is notpiled higher than the seatbacks. Duringsudden stops or jolts, unsecured cargocould be thrown around in the vehicle andcause injury. Do not pile heavy loads onthe roof. Those loads raise the vehicle’scenter of gravity and make it more proneto tip over.
.If you must rock the vehicle to free itfrom sand or mud, depress the acceleratorpedal slightly andmove the select leverback and forth between“D”and“R”repeatedly. Do not race the engine. Forthe best possible traction, avoid spinningthe wheels when trying to free the vehicle.
.When the road surface is extremelyslippery, you can obtain better traction bystarting the vehicle with the transmissionin 2nd than 1st.
.Never equip your vehicle with tireslarger than thosespecified in this manual.
.Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-road driving. Suspension components areparticularly prone to dirt buildup, so theyneed to be washed thoroughly.
.Frequent driving of an AWD modelunder hard-driving conditions such as
rough roads or off roads will necessitatemore frequent replacement of engine oil,brake fluid and transmission oil than thatspecified in the maintenance scheduledescribed in the“Warranty and Mainte-nance Booklet”.
Remember that damage done to yourSUBARU while operating it off-road andnot using common sense precautionssuch as those listed above is not eligiblefor warranty coverage.
Driving tips8-7