Subaru Outback Manuals 2012 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 138

3-18 Instruments and controls flash after the electronic parking brake is frequently applied and released. However, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunctioning if the light turns off for a short period of time. This light has the following functions: ! Parking brake warning The light illuminates with the parking brake applied while the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. It turns off when the parking brake is released. ! Brake fluid level warning This light illuminates when the brake fluid level has dropped to near the “MIN” level of the brake fluid reservoir with the ignition switch in the “ON” position and with the parking brake released. If the brake system warning light should illuminate while driving (with the parking brake released and with the ignition switch positioned in “ON”), it could be an indica- tion of leaking of brake fluid or worn brake pads. If this occurs, immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid level is below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. ! Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning The brake system warning light also illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the EBD system. In that event, it illuminates together with the ABS warning light. The EBD system may be malfunctioning if the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously during driving. Even if the EBD system fails, the conven- tional braking system will still function. However, the rear wheels will be more prone to locking when the brakes are applied harder than usual and the vehi- cle’s motion may therefore become some- what harder to control. If the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat place. 2. Shut down the engine, then restart it. 3. Release the parking brake. If both warning lights turn off, the EBD system may be malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected. 4. If both warning lights illuminate again and remain illuminated after the engine has been restarted, shut down the engine again, apply the parking brake, and check the brake fluid level. Refer to “Brake fluid” F11-25. 5. 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. 6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. Instead, have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair. ! Electronic parking brake system warning The brake system warning light flashes when the electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning. If the warning light flashes, promptly park in a safe location as soon as possible and contact your SUBARU dealer. The brake system warning light remains illuminated when the parking brake cannot be released even if the parking brake switch is pulled. For details, refer to “Electronic parking brake” F7-31. ! Parking brake apply inhibit warning The brake system warning light flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound will be heard if the parking brake switch is operated when the parking brake cannot