
Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
NOTE . After replacing or adding the engine
oil, if the engine oil level is within the
normal range when restarting the en-
gine on a level surface, the warning
indicator will be off.
. The warning indicator may appear
temporarily in the following conditions
because a low oil level may be detected
as a result of significant oil movement
in the engine.
– when the vehicle is considerably
inclined on an uphill or steep slope
– when the vehicle has continu-
ously accelerated and decelerated
– when the vehicle is continuously
turned
– when the vehicle is driven on a
road that alternates continuously
between uphill and downhill
& Windshield washer
fluid warning indicatorThis indicator appears when the fluid level
in the windshield washer fluid tank de-
creases to the lower limit (approximately
1.1 US qt, 1.0 liter, 0.9 Imp qt). & AT OIL TEMP warning
light (CVT models) If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the transmis-
sion fluid temperature is too hot.
If the light illuminates while driving, im-
mediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and let the engine idle until the warning
light turns off.
! Transmission control system warn-
ing
If the “ AT OIL TEMP ” warning light flashes
after the engine has started, it may
indicate that the transmission control
system is not working properly. Contact
your nearest SUBARU dealer for service
immediately.
& Rear differential oil
temperature warning
light (STI)
CAUTION
If the R.DIFF TEMP warning light
illuminates, reduce vehicle speed
and stop the vehicle in a safe
location as soon as possible. Con-
tinuing to drive with this light illumi-
nated may damage the rear differ- ential and other parts of the power-
train.
If this light illuminates when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the rear
differential oil temperature is too hot.
At this time, the driver ’ s control center
differential will automatically cancel the
current torque-distribution ratio setting and
adopt its minimum ratio.
If the light illuminates while driving, reduce
vehicle speed and stop the vehicle in the
nearest safe location. Park the vehicle for
several minutes. After the light turns off,
you can start driving.
If the light does not turn off, contact the
nearest SUBARU dealer for service.
NOTE . If the tire pressures are not correct
and/or the tires are not all the same
size and brand, the rear differential will
be heavily loaded when the vehicle is
driven, resulting in an abnormally high
oil temperature.
. The rear differential oil will deterio-
rate if its temperature increases en-
ough for the rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light to illuminate. It is
advisable to have the rear differential
oil replaced as soon as possible.3-18

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
mode. For details, refer to “ Driver ’ s Con-
trol Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD)
(STI) ” F 7-19.
! Driver ’ s control center dif-
ferential auto [+] indicator
(STI)
When the AUTO [+] mode is set, the
AUTO [+] indicator appears.
For details, refer to “ Driver ’ sControl
Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI) ”
F 7-19.
! Driver ’ s control center dif-
ferential auto [ − ] indicator
(STI)
When the AUTO [ − ] mode is set, the
AUTO [ − ] indicator appears.
For details, refer to “ Driver ’ sControl
Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI) ”
F 7-19. & Driver ’ s control center differ-
ential indicator and warning
(STI) ! Indicator
When you select the manual mode of the
driver ’ s control center differential, the
initial limited slip differential (LSD) torque
that is currently selected for the center
differential is indicated by the illumination
of these indicator. ! Warning indicator
All the indicators will flash in the event that
the driver ’ s control center differential has a
malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected
by your SUBARU dealer. For details, refer
to “ Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.
DIFF/DCCD) (STI) ” F 7-19.
If a malfunction occurs in the vehicle (for
example, when the rear differential oil
temperature warning light illuminates), all
of the indicators may disappear and the
setting value for the initial limited slip
differential (LSD) torque of the driver ’ s
control center differential (C.DIFF/DCCD)
may be cancelled. However, it does not
indicate a malfunction of the C.DIFF/
DCCD itself.3-36

as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe
speed and to extend brake pad life.
In this way, the engine provides a braking
effect. Remember, if you “ ride ” (over use)
the brakes while descending a hill, they
may overheat and not work properly.
The engine may, on rare occasions, knock
when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or
rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This
phenomenon is not an indication of a
problem in your vehicle. Driver ’ s Control Center Dif-
ferential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI) WARNINGAlways use the utmost care when
driving. Being overconfident be-
cause you are driving a vehicle with
a driver ’ s control center differential
could easily lead to a serious acci-
dent.
CAUTION
. All the indicators will flash in the
event that the driver ’ s control
center differential has a malfunc- tion. Have the vehicle inspected
by your SUBARU dealer.
. If a malfunction occurs in the
vehicle (for example, when the
rear differential oil temperature
warning light illuminates), all of
the indicators may disappear and
the setting value for the initial
limited slip differential (LSD) tor-
que of the driver ’ s control center
differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) may
be cancelled. However, it does
not indicate a malfunction of the
C.DIFF/DCCD itself.
The driver ’ s control center differential
allows you to freely change the degree
of limitation of the differential action
(limited slip differential (LSD) torque) of
your vehicle ’ s center differential.
By using the center differential control
switch, you can set an initial LSD torque to
match the road surface conditions, driving
conditions and your driving style.Starting and operating/Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)
– CONTINUED –7-19

Starting and operating/Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)
1) LSD torque
2) Traction torque
3) Initial LSD torque (maximum)
4) Initial LSD torque (minimum)
A) Initial LSD torque (adjustable)
B) Mechanical LSD torque
The driver ’ s control center differential has
an auto mode and a manual mode. In the
auto mode, the system automatically
adjusts the initial LSD torque. In the
manual mode, you can change to the
desired mode manually by using the
center differential control switch.
NOTE If you rapidly depress and release the
accelerator pedal while driving at low
speed, you may hear a knocking sound
from the vicinity of the center differen- tial and rear differential. This sound
occurs because of the structure of the
center differential. It does not indicate a
problem.
& To change mode of driver ’ s
control center differential
Press the “ AUTO-MANU ” switch on the
center console to switch from auto mode
to manual mode or vice versa. When you
select the auto mode, the “ AUTO ” indica-
tor appears. When you select the manual
mode, the “ AUTO ” indicator disappears. & Auto mode
In the auto mode, the system estimates
the driving and road conditions using
signals from the wheel speed sensor,
throttle position sensor, steering angle
sensor and brake switch, etc. According
to the result, it electronically and auto-
matically controls the degree of limitation
of the differential action (LSD torque) to
optimize the differential action of the
center differential. When the ignition
switch is turned ON, the “ AUTO ” indicator
on the combination meter appears.7-20
![SUBARU WRX 2016 Owners Manual The auto mode has 3 modes as follows. Mode Operation
AUTO [+] This mode emphasizes traction
control and strengthens the
limitation of differential action
that is suitable for driving on
slippery roads SUBARU WRX 2016 Owners Manual The auto mode has 3 modes as follows. Mode Operation
AUTO [+] This mode emphasizes traction
control and strengthens the
limitation of differential action
that is suitable for driving on
slippery roads](/manual-img/17/59229/w960_59229-409.png)
The auto mode has 3 modes as follows. Mode Operation
AUTO [+] This mode emphasizes traction
control and strengthens the
limitation of differential action
that is suitable for driving on
slippery roads for vehicle stabi-
lity.
AUTO This mode is suitable for most
driving situations.
AUTO [ − ] This mode is suitable when you
seek quick response from the
steering wheel and smooth
driving.
! Mode setting method
In most situations, it is recommended that
the “ AUTO ” mode is selected.
Push the control switch forward to select the “ AUTO [+] ” mode. After setting the
mode, “ AUTO [+] ” appears.
Pull the control switch rearward to select
the “ AUTO [ − ] ” mode. After setting the
mode, “ AUTO [ − ] ” appears.
When the “ AUTO [+] ” mode is selected,
pull the control switch rearward to change
to the “ AUTO ” mode. When the “ AUTO
[ − ] ” mode is set, push the control switch
forward to change to the “ AUTO ” mode.& Manual mode
In the manual mode, you can use the
center differential control switch to adjust
the initial LSD torque as desired. When
this mode is selected, the “ AUTO ” indica-
tor disappears.Starting and operating/Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)
– CONTINUED –7-21

Starting and operating/Driver ’ s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)
! Center differential control switch
and indicator
The control switch is located beside the
parking brake lever. By pushing the
control switch forward or pulling it rear-
ward, it is possible to change the initial
LSD torque.
The center differential indicator on the
combination meter gives six levels of
indication. The indicator and control
switch are linked; when the switch is
pushed or pulled to change the initial
LSD torque, the indicator changes accord-
ingly. Push the switch forward to increase the
initial LSD torque; when the “ LOCK ”
indicator appears, the initial LSD torque
setting is maximum. The center differential
will then be almost completely locked. Pull the switch rearward to reduce the
initial LSD torque. When the lowest posi-
tion of the driver ’ s control center differen-
tial indicator is displayed, the initial LSD
torque will be minimum. Under this condi-
tion, only the Mechanical LSD torque will
limit the differential action.
CAUTION
. Do not operate the control switch
when a wheel slippage occurs.
Wait until the wheelspin has been
brought under control.
. Under any of the following con-
ditions after setting to the man-
ual mode, pull the center differ-
ential control switch to minimize
the initial LSD torque:7-22

– When a temporary spare tire
is installed
– When your vehicle is towed
– When the vehicle is stopped
with the manual mode se-
lected
NOTE . A higher initial LSD torque setting
gives the vehicle greater traction when
driving straight ahead but makes cor-
nering more difficult. Remember this
when adjusting the initial LSD torque.
In general, higher initial LSD torque
settings assist driving on slippery
roads and lower settings for non-slip-
pery roads. When the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud, setting the initial LSD
torque to the maximum will help to free
the vehicle.
. The setting of the initial LSD torque
will remain even when the auto mode is
selected or the ignition switch is turned
to the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position. How-
ever, the initial LSD torque will be
minimized when the battery is discon-
nected and reconnected.
. During cornering or when making
turns (especially when going into the
garage), the rotational difference be-
tween the front and rear wheels may cause a braking effect accompanied by
vibration and noise. This does not
indicate a problem. The phenomenon
will disappear when setting the initial
LSD torque to the minimum.
In the auto mode, it controls the initial
LSD torque automatically. While in the
auto mode, this phenomenon some-
times occurs depending on the driving
condition, however, it does not indicate
a problem.
. Use the center differential indicator
only as a rough indication of the initial
LSD torque.
. If you operate the center differential
control switch while quickly accelerat-
ing or turning a tight corner, you may
feel slight shocks. This is due to
differential action by the center differ-
ential and does not indicate a problem.
& Temporary release When the driver stops the vehicle and
pulls the parking brake lever after manu-
ally setting the initial LSD torque, the LSD
torque is temporarily minimized. However
the indicator on the combination meter
continues to show the driver ’ s selected
initial LSD torque. When the driver re-
leases the parking brake lever, the initial
LSD torque set by the driver is restored. Continuously variable trans-
mission The continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. It also has a manual mode.
WARNINGDo not shift from the “ P ” or “ N ”
position into the “ D ” or “ R ” position
while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to jump forward or backward.
CAUTION. Shift into the “ P ” or “ R ” position
only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.
. Do not race the engine for more
than 5 seconds in any position
except the “ N ” or “ P ” position
when the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.
. Never move the vehicle rearwardStarting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
– CONTINUED –7-23

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch
When the switch is pressed briefly or for
more than approximately 2 seconds dur-
ing engine operation, the mode of the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be
changed.
! Vehicle Dynamics Control mode
When the ignition switch is on, this mode
is selected.
This mode enables all controls for ABS,
the Traction Control System, and the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system. Select
this mode for most driving situations.
When this mode is selected, both indicator
lights on the combination meter turn off. ! Traction mode
This mode restricts the functions of the
Traction Control System and Vehicle
Dynamics Control system and thus delays
utilizing their functions as a reaction to
vehicle behavior in comparison with the
Vehicle Dynamics Control mode. This
mode should be used in driving situations
where the vehicle dynamic performance
will improve without decreasing engine
torque control.
When the switch is pressed briefly during
engine operation, the traction mode in-
dicator light and the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF indicator light on the combi-
nation meter illuminate. When the switch
is pressed again to reactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system, the traction
mode indicator light and the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF indicator light turn
off.
! Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
mode
This mode allows only the ABS control.
This mode should be used in an emer-
gency situation such as getting out of
snow or mud.
When the switch is pressed for more than
approximately 2 seconds during engine
operation, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light on the combination meter illuminates. When the switch is
pressed again to reactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
turns off.
NOTE . If the ignition switch is turned to the
“ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position with the Vehi-
cle Dynamics Control system deacti-
vated, the system will be automatically
reactivated the next time the engine is
started.
. If the switch is held down for 30
seconds or longer, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control OFF indicator light
turns off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is activated, and the system
ignores any further pressing of the
switch. To make the switch usable
again, turn the ignition switch to the
“ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position and restart the
engine.
. When the Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF mode is selected, the vehicle ’ s
running performance is comparable
with that of a vehicle that does not
have a Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem. Do not deactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system except when
absolutely necessary.
. Even when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF mode is selected, compo-Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
– CONTINUED –7-41