Vehicle Dynamics Control system
Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving with a Vehicle Dynamics Control system equipped vehicle could easily lead to a serious accident.
• Even if your vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control system, winter tires should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having a Vehicle Dynamics Control system does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation.
• Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is an indication that the road being travelled on has a slippery surface; since having Vehicle Dynamics 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 components, 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 Control system is operating properly:
– All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size, type, and brand. Furthermore, 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 temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the 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 correctly.
• 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 system unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you must turn off the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, drive very carefully based on the road surface condition.
In 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 indicated by steady illumination of 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. Activation of this function is indicated by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light.
NOTE
• The Vehicle Dynamics Control system 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 the engine.
• In the circumstances listed in the following, the vehicle may be more unstable 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 fitted with snow tires or winter tires
• Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will cause operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly different compared to that for normal conditions.
• It is always important to reduce speed when approaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control.
• Always turn off the engine before replacing a tire as failure to do so may render the Vehicle Dynamics Control system unable to operate correctly.
See also:
Example of accident in which the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS
frontal airbag(s) will most likely deploy.
A head-on collision against a thick concrete
wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19
mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates
only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver’s and front passe ...
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1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level monthly.
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Safety
As mentioned, the Outback boasts excellent crash-test ratings and a better
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