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252 2-4. Using other driving 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.
Disabling the TRAC system
If 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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254 2-4. Using other driving systems
Selecting TRAC mode and Vehicle stability control (VSC) mode
Modes can be selected to suit your driving conditions as follows:
*1:Vehicles with an automatic transmission
*2:Vehicles with a manual transmission
Driving
conditionsTRAC
modesVehicle sta-
bility control
(VSC) modesBrake LSD
functionIndicator lights
Normal
roadsNormal
modeNormal
modeNormal
mode
Rough
roadsOffNormal
modeNormal
mode
Sport
driving“TRACK”
mode“TRACK”
mode“TRACK”
mode
Off Off“TRACK”
mode
*1
Off*2
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255 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.
However, on vehicles with an automatic transmission, the brake LSD func-
tion will remain 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 “TRACK” mode
Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system
When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position after driving in
“TRACK” 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 “TRACK”
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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256 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.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Electric power steering operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the electric power steering system
The effectiveness of the electric power steering system is reduced to pre-
vent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over
an extended period of time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle
and turn the engine off. The electric power steering system should return to
normal after a little while.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
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257 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 help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems off
unless necessary.
■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.
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258
2-4. Using other driving systems
Hill star t assist
The hill start assist system helps to maintain braking force to assist
starting off forward while facing uphill or starting off backward while
facing downhill. As the hill start assist system is initially disabled,
enable the system to make it operable. The enabled/disabled setting
will be maintained the next time the engine is started.
When the system is enabled,
the hill start assist ON indica-
tor will be illuminated.
■Enabling the hill start assist system
Park your vehicle in a flat, safe location.
Make sure that the parking brake is securely engaged.
Stop the engine by turning the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position (vehicles without a keyless access with push but-
ton start system) or turning the push-button ignition switch
off (vehicles with a keyless access with push button start
system).
Start the engine and check that the ABS warning light and
slip indicator are off.
Press and hold for
approximately 30 seconds.
Check that both the Vehicle
stability control (VSC) off indi-
cator and Traction Control Sys-
tem OFF indicator illuminate
and then turn off.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
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261 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■The hill start assist system will not operate when
The hill start assist system will not operate when any of the following condi-
tions are met:
●Vehicles with an automatic transmission: The select lever is in a position
other than D or M (when facing uphill) or in a position other than R (when
facing downhill).
●Vehicles with a manual transmission: The shift lever is in R (when facing
uphill) or in a position other than R (when facing downhill).
●Vehicles with an automatic transmission: The accelerator pedal is
depressed.
●The parking brake is applied.
●Vehicles with a manual transmission: The clutch is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds have elapsed since the brake pedal was
released.
●The hill start assist ON indicator is not illuminated.
●Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system: The
engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
●Vehicles with a keyless access with push button start system: The push-
button ignition switch is turned to “ACC” mode or turned off.
■Notes for the hill start assist system
●A slight jolt may be felt when starting off backward with the select lever in
R (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or the shift lever in R (vehi-
cles with a manual transmission) and then moving forward.
●If the braking power of the hill start assist system is insufficient, depress
the brake pedal.
●While the vehicle is stopped, make sure to depress the brake pedal.
■The system may be malfunctioning when
In the following situations, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your SUBARU dealer.
●The slip indicator is illuminated.
●The hill start assist ON indicator turns off and a buzzer sounds.
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269 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.
●If a door is opened and closed when its side window is frozen,
the window safety device will operate and the side window
open/close function linked to door operation may not operate
correctly. If this occurs, perform the following after the ice has
melted.
Open the side window until it is approximately halfway open
with the door closed.
Fully close the window by pulling the switch up to the one-
touch closing position and continue holding the switch for 1
second or more after the window fully closes.
The window position is reset and the safety device operations will
be released.
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)
Park the vehicle and move the select lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or shift lever to 1 or R (manual transmission) without
setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
STEP 1
STEP 2