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wheel is not operated for a while and
the power steering control system has
an opportunity to cool down. However,
if the power steering is operated in a
non-standard way which causes power
assist limitation to occur too frequently,
this may result in a malfunction of the
power steering control system.
Braking&Braking tips
WARNING
Never rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This can cause
dangerous overheating of the
brakes and needless wear on the
brake pads and linings.
!When the brakes get wet
When driving in rain or after washing the
vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, brake stopping distance will be
longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle
at a safe speed while lightly depressing the
brake pedal to heat up the brakes.
!Use of engine braking
Remember to make use of engine braking
in addition to foot braking. When descend-
ing a grade, if only the foot brake is used,
the brakes may start working improperly
because of brake fluid overheating,
caused by overheated brake pads. To help
prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get
stronger engine braking.
!Braking when a tire is punctured
Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly
when a tire is punctured. This could causea loss of control of the vehicle. Keep
driving straight ahead while gradually
reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the
road to a safe location.
&Brake system!Two separate circuits
Your vehicle has two separate circuit brake
systems. Each circuit works diagonally
across the vehicle. If one circuit of the
brake system should fail, the other half of
the system still works. If one circuit fails,
the brake pedal will go down much closer
to the floor than usual and you will need to
press it down much harder. And a much
longer distance will be needed to stop the
vehicle.
!Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine manifold
vacuum to assist braking force. Do not turn
off the engine while driving because that
will turn off the brake booster, resulting in
poor braking power.
The brakes will continue to work even
when the brake booster completely stops
functioning. If this happens, you will have
to depress the pedal much harder than
during normal braking, and the braking
distance will increase.
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Starting and operating/Braking
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!Supplemental booster function
when vacuum pressure fails
While the ignition switch is turned“ON”
and the engine is running, the supple-
mental booster function operates when the
brake booster performance is decreased
due to insufficient vacuum boost.
When the brake pedal is depressed while
the supplemental booster function is oper-
ating, an operation sound and brake pedal
vibration may be generated. This is not a
malfunction.
!Brake assist system
WARNING
Do not be overconfident about the
brake assist. It is not a system that
brings more braking ability to the
vehicle beyond its braking capabil-
ity. Always use the utmost care
when driving regarding vehicle
speed and safe distance.
CAUTION
When you need to brake suddenly,
continue depressing the brake pedal
strongly to bring the effect of the
brake assist.Brake assist is a driver assistance system.
It assists the brake power when the driver
cannot depress the brake pedal strongly
and the brake power is insufficient.
Brake assist generates the brake power
according to the speed at which the driver
depresses the brake pedal.
NOTEWhen you depress the brake pedal
strongly or suddenly, the following
phenomena occur. However, even
though these occur, they do not indi-
cate any malfunctions, and the brake
assist system is operating properly.
.You might feel that the brake pedal is
applied by lighter force and generates a
greater braking force.
.You might hear an ABS operating
noise from the engine compartment.
&Disc brake pad wear warning
indicatorsThe disc brake pad wear warning indica-
tors on the disc brakes give a warning
noise when the brake pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard
from the disc brakes while braking, im-
mediately have your vehicle checked by
your SUBARU dealer.
Starting and operating/Braking
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ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem)The ABS prevents the lock-up of wheels
which may occur during sudden braking or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This
helps prevent the loss of steering control
and directional stability caused by wheel
lock-up.
When the ABS is operating, you may hear
a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal when the
ABS operates.
The ABS will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10
km/h).
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driv-
ing–overconfidence because you
are driving a vehicle with the ABS
could easily lead to a serious acci-
dent.
CAUTION
.The ABS does not always de-
crease stopping distance. You
should always maintain a safefollowing distance from other
vehicles.
.When driving on badly surfaced
roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or
over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be long-
er for a vehicle with the ABS than
one without. When driving under
these conditions, therefore, re-
duce your speed and leave ample
distance from other vehicles.
.When tire chains are installed,
stopping distances may be long-
er for a vehicle with the ABS than
one without. Be sure to reduce
your speed and maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
.When you feel the ABS operating,
you should maintain constant
brake pedal pressure. Do not
pump the brake pedal since
doing so may defeat the opera-
tion of the ABS.
&ABS self-checkJust after the vehicle is started, you may
feel on the brake pedal a vibration similar
to when the ABS operates, and you may
also hear the sound of the ABS working
from the engine compartment. This is
caused by an automatic functional test of
the ABS being carried out and does not
indicate a malfunction.&ABS warning lightRefer to“ABS warning light”F3-20.
Starting and operating/ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
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Electronic Brake Force Dis-
tribution (EBD) systemThe EBD system maximizes the effective-
ness of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of the
braking force. It functions by adjusting the
distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s
loading condition and speed.
The EBD system is an integral part of the
ABS and uses some of the ABS compo-
nents to perform its function of optimizing
the distribution of braking force. If any of
the ABS components used by the EBD
system malfunction, the EBD system also
stops working.
When the EBD system is operating, you
may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction.
&Steps to take if EBD system
malfunctionsIf a malfunction occurs in the EBD system,
the system stops working and the following
warning lights illuminate simultaneously.
.Brake system warning light
.ABS warning light
.Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
The EBD system may be malfunctioning if
all the warning lights illuminate simulta-
neously during driving.
Even if the EBD system malfunctions, the
conventional braking system will still func-
tion. However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are
applied harder than usual and the vehicle’s
motion may therefore become somewhat
harder to control.If all the warning lights illuminate simulta-
neously, take the following steps.
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat
location.
2. Apply the parking brake and turn off the
engine.
3. Restart the engine.
4. Release the parking brake.
If all the warning lights do not come
back on:
The EBD system have a possible malfunc-
tion. Drive carefully to the nearest
SUBARU dealer and have the system
inspected.
If all the warning lights stay illuminated
or come back on after approximately 2
seconds:
1. Turn off the engine again.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Check the brake fluid level. For details
about checking the brake fluid level, refer
to“Checking the fluid level”F11-15.
.If the brake fluid level is not below the
“MIN”mark, the EBD system may be
malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
.If the brake fluid level is below the“MIN”
mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. Instead,
Starting and operating/Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system
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北米Model "A1320BE-C" EDITED: 2017/ 10/ 10
have the vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
WARNING
.Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is dan-
gerous. This indicates your brake
system may not be working prop-
erly. If the light remains illumi-
nated, have the brakes inspected
by a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
.If at all in doubt about whether the
brakes are operating properly, do
not drive the vehicle. Have your
vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
Vehicle Dynamics Control
system&Safety precautions
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driv-
ing–overconfidence because you
are driving a vehicle with the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system could ea-
sily lead to a serious accident.
CAUTION
.Even if your vehicle is equipped
with Vehicle Dynamics Control
system, winter tires should be
used when driving on snow-cov-
ered or icy roads; in addition,
vehicle speed should be reduced
considerably. Simply having a
Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem does not guarantee that the
vehicle will be able to avoid
accidents in any situation.
.Activation of the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control system is an
indication that the road being
travelled on has a slippery sur-
face; since having Vehicle Dy-namics Control is no guarantee
that full vehicle control will be
maintained at all times and under
all conditions, its activation
should be seen as a sign that
the speed of the vehicle should
be reduced considerably.
.Whenever suspension compo-
nents, steering components, or
an axle are removed from a
vehicle, have an inspection of
that system performed by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
.The following precautions should
be observed in order to ensure
that the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system is operating properly:
–All four wheels should be
fitted with tires of the same
size, type, and brand. Further-
more, the amount of wear
should be the same for all four
tires.
–Keep the tire pressure at the
proper level as shown on the
vehicle placard attached to
the driver’s side door pillar.
–Use only the specified tempor-
ary spare tire to replace a flat
tire. With a temporary spare
tire, the effectiveness of the
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
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Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is reduced and this
should be taken into account
when driving the vehicle in
such a condition.
.If non-matching tires are used,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system may not operate cor-
rectly.
.The Vehicle Dynamics Control
system helps prevent unstable
vehicle motion such as skidding
using control of the brakes and
engine power. Do not turn off the
Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem unless it is absolutely neces-
sary. If you must turn off the
Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem, drive very carefully accord-
ing to the road surface condi-
tions.
&System featuresIn the event of wheelspin and/or skidding
on a slippery road surface and/or during
cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
adjusts the engine’s output and the
wheels’respective braking forces to help
maintain traction and directional control..Traction Control Function
The traction control function is designed to
prevent spinning of the driving wheels on
slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to
maintain traction and directional control.
Activation of this function is shown by
flashing the Vehicle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light.
.Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed
to help maintain directional stability by
suppressing the wheels’tendency to slide
sideways during steering operations. Acti-
vation of this function is shown by flashing
the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light.
NOTE.The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem may be considered normal when
the following conditions occur.
–Slight twitching of the brake
pedal is felt.
–The vehicle or steering wheel
shakes to a small degree.
–An operating sound from the
engine compartment is heard briefly
when starting the engine and when
driving off after starting the engine.
–The brake pedal seems to jolt
when driving off after starting theengine.
.In the circumstances shown in the
following list, the vehicle may be less
stable than it feels to the driver. The
Vehicle Dynamics Control System may
therefore operate. Such operation does
not indicate a system malfunction.
–on gravel-covered or rutted roads
–on unfinished roads
–when the vehicle is towing a
trailer
–when the vehicle is fitted with
snow tires or winter tires
.Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will cause operation of
the steering wheelto feel slightly
different compared to that for normal
conditions.
.It is always important to reduce
speed when approaching a corner,
even if your vehicle is equipped with
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system.
.Always turn off the engine before
replacing a tire. Failure to do so may
render the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system unable to operate correctly.
Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
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Control system is deactivated, compo-
nents of the brake control system may
still activate. When the brake control
system is activated, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control operation indicator
light flashes.
X-mode (if equipped)
WARNING
.Always use the utmost care in
driving–overconfidence be-
cause you are driving a vehicle
with X-mode could easily lead to
a serious accident.
.Always use the utmost care in
driving–overconfidence be-
cause you are driving a vehicle
with hill descent control function
could easily lead to a serious
accident. Be especially careful,
and depress the brake pedal if
necessary when driving on ex-
tremely steep downhill, frozen,
muddy or sandy roads. Failure
to control the vehicle’sspeed
may cause a loss of control and
result in a serious accident.
CAUTION
.Even if your vehicle is equipped
with X-mode, winter tires should
be used when driving on snow-
covered or icy roads; in addition,
vehicle speed should be reduced
considerably. Simply having X-mode does not guarantee that the
vehicle will be able to avoid
accidents in any situation.
.Activate the X-mode when you
encounter a very slippery surface
at low speed. However, having X-
mode is no guarantee that full
vehicle control will be maintained
at all times and under all condi-
tions. When activating X-mode,
the speed of the vehicle should
be reduced considerably.
.Whenever suspension compo-
nents, steering components, or
an axle are removed from a
vehicle, have the system in-
spected by an authorized
SUBARU dealer.
.Observe the following precau-
tions in order to ensure that the
X-mode is operating properly:
–All four wheels should be
fitted with tires of the same
size, type, and brand. Further-
more, the amount of wear
should be the same for all four
tires.
–Keep the tire pressure at the
proper level as shown on the
label attached to the vehicle’s
door pillar.
Starting and operating/X-mode
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–Use only the special tempor-
ary spare tire to replace a flat
tire. With a normal temporary
spare tire, the effectiveness of
the X-mode is reduced and
this should be taken into ac-
count when driving the vehi-
cle in such a condition.
.If the hill descent control function
has operated continuously for a
long time, the temperature of the
brake disc may increase and the
hill descent control function may
be temporarily disabled. In this
case, the hill descent control
indicator will disappear. When
the hill descent control indicator
disappears, the hill descent con-
trol function is disabled.
X-mode is the integrated control system of
the engine, AWD and Vehicle Dynamics
Control system, etc. for driving with bad
road conditions. Using X-mode, you can
drive more comfortably even in slippery
road conditions including uphill and down-
hill.X-mode has the following functions.
.Hill descent control function:
Using the hill descent control function, you
can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed
driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is
likely to increase, the brake control system
will be activated to adjust the vehicle
speed.
.Driving ability control:
This mode increases the hill-climbing
ability and driving ability as well as
enabling smooth application of torque for
easier control of the steering wheel.
&To activate/deactivate the X-
modeX-mode switch
X-mode indicator (type A)X-mode indicator (type B)To activate:
Press the X-mode switch. While the X-
mode is activated, the X-mode indicator
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Starting and operating/X-mode
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7