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223 2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
Settings display ( )
Use the meter control switches on the steering wheel to change set-
tings.
Press or to select .
Operate the switches to select a desired item.
Press / or / to change the setting and then
press to confirm the change.
ItemSettingsDetails
Welcome screenOn Select to enable/disable the welcome
screen and tachometer indicator nee-
dle movement function when the push-
button ignition switch is turned to “ON”
mode. Off
REV.RPM--00 rpm
(OFF) ~
7400 rpmSelect to enable/disable the REV indi-
cator and set the engine speed at
which the REV indicator will be illumi-
nated.
To disable, select “--” for the engine
speed (--00 rpm)
Selectable engine speed range: 2000
to 7400 rpm
BuzzerOn Select to enable/disable the sounding
of a buzzer when the REV indicator is
illuminated. This setting can be
changed only when the REV indicator
is enabled. Off
GSI (vehicles with a
manual transmis-
sion)On
Select to enable/disable the shift posi-
tion indicator and shift-up indicator.
Off
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
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251
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
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 prevent 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.
■Hill start assist
oP. 258
■Electric power steering
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
Page 254 of 540
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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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.
Page 271 of 540

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
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270 2-5. Driving information
Tire chains
Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of
clearance between the tires and vehicle body.
When tire chains cannot be used, use of another type of traction
device (such as spring chains) may be acceptable if use on your vehi-
cle is recommended by the device manufacturer, taking into account
tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding
maximum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or
remove the device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
wheels. Damage caused to your vehicle by use of a traction device is
not covered under warranty.
Make certain that any traction device you use is an SAE class “S”
device, and use it on the rear wheels only.
Always use the utmost care when driving with a traction device. Over-
confidence because you are using a traction device could easily lead
to a serious accident.
Selecting tire chains
We recommend that you consult your SUBARU dealer for information
about the chains that you can use.
Page 273 of 540
271 2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Refueling in cold weather
To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its
freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended dur-
ing cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an
antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled when-
ever the fuel level reaches half empty.
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size, and that are the same for the following
items:
•Size
• Circumference
• Speed symbol
• Load index
• Construction
• Manufacturer
• Brand (tread pattern)
• Degrees of wear
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.