Subaru BRZ (2019 year). Instruction

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2-4. Using other driving systems

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Electric power steering operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Reduced effectiveness of the electric power steering system

The effectiveness of the electric power steering system is reduced to pre-
vent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over
an extended period of time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle
and turn the engine off. The electric power steering system should return to
normal after a little while.

WARNING

■

The ABS does not operate effectively when

●

Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions

The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:

●

When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

●

When driving with tire chains

●

When driving over bumps in the road

●

When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

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WARNING

■

TRAC may not operate effectively when

Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

■

When the Vehicle stability control (VSC) and/or brake LSD function is
activated

The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■

When the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems are turned off

Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving
force, do not turn the TRAC/Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems off
unless necessary.

■

Replacing tires

Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and
total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the
recommended tire inflation pressure level.

The ABS, TRAC and Vehicle stability control (VSC) systems will not function
correctly if different tires are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your SUBARU dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.

■

Handling of tires and suspension

Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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Hill start assist

The hill start assist system helps to maintain braking force to assist
starting off forward while facing uphill or starting off backward while
facing downhill. As the hill start assist system is initially disabled,
enable the system to make it operable. The enabled/disabled setting
will be maintained the next time the engine is started.

When the system is enabled,
the hill start assist ON indica-
tor will be illuminated.

■

Enabling the hill start assist system

Park your vehicle in a flat, safe location.

Make sure that the parking brake is securely engaged.

Stop the engine by turning the engine switch to the “LOCK”
position (vehicles without a keyless access with push but-
ton start system) or turning the push-button ignition switch
off (vehicles with a keyless access with push button start
system).
Start the engine and check that the ABS warning light and
slip indicator are off.

Press and hold

for

approximately 30 seconds.

Check that both the Vehicle
stability control (VSC) off indi-
cator and Traction Control Sys-
tem OFF indicator illuminate
and then turn off.

STEP

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Within 5 seconds after the indicator lights turn off, release

. Then, press the switch again within 2 seconds of

releasing it.

The hill start assist ON indicator will illuminate and then turn off.

Turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position (vehicles
without a keyless access with push button start system) or
turn the push-button ignition switch off (vehicles with a key-
less access with push button start system). Then, restart
the engine and check that the hill start assist ON indicator
is illuminated.

The hill start assist system is enabled when the indicator is illumi-
nated.

To disable the hill start assist system, perform the above
through

again.

STEP

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When enabling the hill start assist system

●

If the hill start assist ON indicator does not illuminate or if an incorrect
operation is performed, turn the engine switch to the “LOCK” position
(vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system) or turn
the push-button ignition switch off (vehicles with a keyless access with
push button start system) and then restart the enabling procedure from

●

is pressed and held for approximately 30 seconds or more, the

Vehicle stability control (VSC) off indicator and Traction Control System
OFF indicator will turn off and subsequent operations of the switch will be
rejected. In this case, the Vehicle stability control (VSC) system will oper-

ate in normal mode. (

→P. 260) To enable

, turn the engine switch to

the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (vehicles without a keyless access with
push button start system) or turn the push-button ignition switch off (vehi-
cles with a keyless access with push button start system) and then
restart the engine.

■

Operating conditions of the hill start assist system

When the following conditions are met, the hill start assist system will oper-
ate:

●

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: The select lever is in D or M
(when starting off forward on while facing uphill) or in R (when starting off
backward while facing downhill).

●

Vehicles with a manual transmission: The shift lever is in a position other
than R (when starting off forward while facing uphill) or in R (when start-
ing off backward while facing downhill).

●

The vehicle is stopped.

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed.

●

The parking brake is not engaged.

STEP

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The hill start assist system will not operate when

The hill start assist system will not operate when any of the following condi-
tions are met:

●

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: The select lever is in a position
other than D or M (when facing uphill) or in a position other than R (when
facing downhill).

●

Vehicles with a manual transmission: The shift lever is in R (when facing
uphill) or in a position other than R (when facing downhill).

●

Vehicles with an automatic transmission: The accelerator pedal is
depressed.

●

The parking brake is applied.

●

Vehicles with a manual transmission: The clutch is engaged.

●

Approximately 2 seconds have elapsed since the brake pedal was
released.

●

The hill start assist ON indicator is not illuminated.

●

Vehicles without a keyless access with push button start system: The
engine switch is turned to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position.

●

Vehicles with a keyless access with push button start system: The push-
button ignition switch is turned to “ACC” mode or turned off.

■

Notes for the hill start assist system

●

A slight jolt may be felt when starting off backward with the select lever in
R (vehicles with an automatic transmission) or the shift lever in R (vehi-
cles with a manual transmission) and then moving forward.

●

If the braking power of the hill start assist system is insufficient, depress
the brake pedal.

●

While the vehicle is stopped, make sure to depress the brake pedal.

■

The system may be malfunctioning when

In the following situations, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your SUBARU dealer.

●

The slip indicator is illuminated.

●

The hill start assist ON indicator turns off and a buzzer sounds.

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WARNING

■

Hill start assist system precautions

●

Do not overly rely on the hill start assist system. The hill start assist system
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

●

Unlike the parking brake, the hill start assist system is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
the hill start assist system to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so
may lead to an accident.

●

Do not stop the engine while the hill start assist system is operating, as the
hill start assist system will stop operating, possibly leading to an accident.

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2-5. Driving information

Cargo and luggage

Capacity and distribution

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) - (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit



(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and

cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's
placard.

(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that

will be riding in your vehicle.

(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from

XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-

gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5

× 150) =

650 lbs.)

(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:

● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage

evenly within the luggage compartment.

● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
(

→P. 486)

SUBARU does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Example on your vehicle

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity

When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 699 lb. (317
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:

699 lb. - 366 lb. = 333 lb. (317 kg -166 kg = 151 kg)

In this condition, if 2 more passengers with the combined weight of
258 lb. (117 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:

333 lb. - 258 lb. = 75 lb. (151 kg - 117 kg = 34 kg)

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount
that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In
other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an
excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus
cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

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WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.

●

To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do
not stack anything in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low,
as close to the floor as possible.

●

When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seatbelts prop-
erly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or
serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the
item may get under the clutch, brake or accelerator pedal and prevent
the pedals from being depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or
hit the driver or passengers, causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the rear shelf
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and
injure someone during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an acci-
dent.

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WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less
than the total load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

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Vehicle load limits

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are described on the tire and loading information label.
(

→P. 377)

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.

■

Total load capacity

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.

■

Seating capacity

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

■

Towing capacity

SUBARU does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

■

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

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Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropri-
ate to the prevailing weather conditions.

■

Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tem-

peratures.

• Engine oil
• Washer fluid

● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.

Make sure to install 4 tires that are of the specified size, and that
all 4 tires are the same for the following items:

• Size
• Circumference
• Speed symbol
• Load index
• Construction
• Manufacturer
• Brand (tread pattern)
• Degrees of wear
Also, make sure to use tire chains that match the size of the tires.

■

Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.

● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is

frozen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice.
Wipe away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.

● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,

remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents
in front of the windshield.

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● Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have

accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis,
around the tires or on the brakes.

● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes

before getting in the vehicle.

● If a door is opened and closed when its side window is frozen,

the window safety device will operate and the side window
open/close function linked to door operation may not operate
correctly. If this occurs, perform the following after the ice has
melted.

Open the side window until it is approximately halfway open
with the door closed.
Fully close the window by pulling the switch up to the one-
touch closing position and continue holding the switch for 1
second or more after the window fully closes.

The window position is reset and the safety device operations will
be released.

■

When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.

■

When parking the vehicle (in the winter time or in the cold
latitudes)
Park the vehicle and move the select lever to P (automatic trans-
mission) or shift lever to 1 or R (manual transmission) without
setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, pre-
venting it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to
prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.

STEP

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Tire chains

Tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of
clearance between the tires and vehicle body.

When tire chains cannot be used, use of another type of traction
device (such as spring chains) may be acceptable if use on your vehi-
cle is recommended by the device manufacturer, taking into account
tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer's instructions, especially regarding
maximum vehicle speed.

To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or
remove the device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
wheels. Damage caused to your vehicle by use of a traction device is
not covered under warranty.

Make certain that any traction device you use is an SAE class “S”
device, and use it on the rear wheels only.
Always use the utmost care when driving with a traction device. Over-
confidence because you are using a traction device could easily lead
to a serious accident.

Selecting tire chains

We recommend that you consult your SUBARU dealer for information
about the chains that you can use.

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Refueling in cold weather

To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its
freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended dur-
ing cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically designed for this purpose. When an
antifreeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled when-
ever the fuel level reaches half empty.

WARNING

■

Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.

●

Use tires of the specified size, and that are the same for the following
items:
• Size
• Circumference
• Speed symbol
• Load index
• Construction
• Manufacturer
• Brand (tread pattern)
• Degrees of wear

●

Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

●

Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

Subaru BRZ (2019 year). Instruction - part 17