Subaru Outback Manuals 2015 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 400

Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system flat tire. With a temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the Vehicle Dynamics Con- trol system is reduced and this should be taken into ac- count when driving the vehi- cle in such a condition. . If non-matching tires are used, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may not operate cor- rectly. 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 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. Acti- vation of this function is indicated by flashing of 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 noise from the en- gine 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 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 7-35 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. & Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor Refer to “Vehicle Dynamics Control warn- ing light/Vehicle Dynamics Control opera- tion indicator light” F3-22 and “Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light” F3- 23. CONTINUED