2022 Subaru Outback Vehicle Dynamics Control System
Vehicle Dynamics Control System
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
- Even if your vehicle is equipped with a 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 equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, 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.
- When replacing a flat tire, use only the specified temporary spare tire. However, even with the specified temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be reduced.
- If non-matching tires are used, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may not operate correctly
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 the spinning of the driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain traction and directional control. Activation of this function is indicated by flashing 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 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 noise 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 following circumstances, the vehicle may be less stable than it feels to the driver. The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may therefore operate. Such an operation does not indicate a system malfunction.
- On gravel-covered or rutted roads
- On unfinished roads
- When the vehicle is towing a trailer (Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness)
- When the vehicle is fitted with snow tires or winter tires
- Activation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system will cause the operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly different compared to that of 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
Vehicle Dynamics Control System Monitor
Refer to “Vehicle Dynamics Control Warning Light/Vehicle Dynamics Control Operation Indicator Light” P192 and “Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Indicator Light” P193.
To Turn On/Off the Vehicle Dynamics Control System
To turn the Vehicle Dynamics Control on and off, operate the center information display. Refer to “Car settings” P223 (11.6-inch display models) or “Vehicle setting icons” P242 (dual 7.0-inch display models). Creating an adequate driving wheel slip by deactivating the Vehicle Dynamics Control system temporarily may help to escape from the following situations. Turn the Vehicle Dynamics Control system off when necessary.
- A standing start on a steeply sloping road with a snowy, gravel-covered, or otherwise slippery surface
- Extrication of the vehicle when its wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow
When turning off the Vehicle Dynamics Control system during engine operation, the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light on the combination meter illuminates. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be deactivated. When “Vehicle Dynamics Control” has been touched again to reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light turns off. You should not deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system except under the above-mentioned situations.
CAUTION
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.
NOTE
- When “Vehicle Dynamics Control” has been touched to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system automatically reactivates itself the next time the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position and the engine is restarted.
- When “Vehicle Dynamics Control” has been touched to deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the vehicle’s running performance is comparable with that of a vehicle that does not have a Vehicle Dynamics Control system. Do not deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control system except when absolutely necessary.
- Even when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is deactivated, components of the brake control system may still activate. When the brake control system is activated, the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light flashes.