Subaru Impreza WRX (2014 year). Instruction

7-30

Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system

Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF switch (STI)

Indicator light

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch

When the switch is pressed briefly or for
more than approximately 3 seconds dur-

ing engine operation, the mode of the
Vehicle Dynamics Control System will be
changed.

Vehicle Dynamics Control mode

When the ignition switch is on, this mode
is selected.
This mode enables all controls for ABS,
the Traction Control System, and the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system. Select
this mode for most driving situations.
When this mode is selected, the indicator
light on the combination meter turns off.

Traction mode

This mode restricts the functions of the
Traction Control System and Vehicle
Dynamics Control system and thus delays
utilizing their functions as a reaction to
vehicle behavior in comparison with the
Vehicle Dynamics Control mode. This
mode should be used in driving situations
where the vehicle dynamic performance
will improve without decreasing engine
torque control.
When the switch is pressed briefly during
engine operation, the indicator light on the
combination meter illuminates in green.
When the switch is pressed again to
reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system, the indicator light turns off.

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
mode

This mode allows only the ABS control.
This mode should be used in an emer-
gency situation such as getting out of
snow or mud.
When the switch is pressed for more than
approximately 3 seconds during engine
operation, the indicator light on the com-
bination meter illuminates in yellow. When
the switch is pressed again to reactivate
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, the
indicator light turns off.

NOTE

. The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem will be activated automatically
when the engine is started.
. If the switch is held down for 10
seconds or longer, the indicator light
turns off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is activated, and the system
ignores any further pressing of the
switch. To make the switch usable
again, turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position and restart the en-
gine.
. When the Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF mode is selected, the vehicle’s
running performance is comparable
with that of a vehicle that does not
have a Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-

tem. Do not deactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system except when
absolutely necessary.
. Even when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF mode is selected, compo-
nents of the brake control system may
still activate. When the brake control
system is activated, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control operation indicator
light illuminates.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF switch (except STI)

Indicator light

Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch

Pressing the switch to deactivate the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system can
facilitate the following operations:
. 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 the switch is pressed during engine
operation, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light on the combination
meter illuminates. The Vehicle Dynamics
Control system will be deactivated and the
vehicle will behave like a model not
equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system. When the switch is pressed
again to reactivate the Vehicle Dynamics

Control system, the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF indicator light turns off.
With the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
deactivated, traction and stability en-
hancement offered by Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is unavailable. Therefore
you should not deactivate the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system except under
above-mentioned situations.

NOTE

. The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem will be activated automatically
when the engine is started.
. If the switch is held down for 10
seconds or longer, the indicator light
turns off, the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system is activated, and the system
ignores any further pressing of the
switch. To make the switch usable
again, turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK” position and restart the en-
gine.
. When the switch is pressed to
deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system, the vehicle’s running per-
formance is comparable with that of a
vehicle that does not have a Vehicle
Dynamics Control system. Do not de-
activate the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system except when absolutely neces-
sary.

Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system

7-31

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7-32

Starting and operating/Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (U.S.–spec. models)

. Even when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system is deactivated, compo-
nents of the brake control system may
still activate. When the brake control
system is activated, the Vehicle Dy-
namics Control operation indicator
light illuminates.

Tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) (U.S.-spec.
models)

The tire pressure monitoring system pro-
vides the driver with a warning message
by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel when tire pressure
is severely low.
The tire pressure monitoring system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h). Also,
this system may not react immediately to a
sudden drop in tire pressure (for example,
a blow-out caused by running over a
sharp object).

WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, never
brake suddenly and keep driving
straight ahead while gradually redu-
cing speed. Then slowly pull off the
road to a safe place. Otherwise an
accident involving serious vehicle
damage and serious personal injury
could occur.

Check the pressure for all four tires
and adjust the pressure to the COLD
tire pressure shown on the tire
placard on the door pillar on the
driver’s side.
Even when the vehicle is driven a
very short distance, the tires get
warm and their pressures increase
accordingly. Be sure to let the tires
cool thoroughly before adjusting
their pressures to the standard
values shown on the tire placard.
Refer to “Tires and wheels” F11-24.
The tire pressure monitoring system
does not function when the vehicle
is stationary. After adjusting the tire
pressures, increase the vehicle
speed to at least 20 mph (32 km/h)
to start the TPMS re-checking of the
tire inflation pressures. If the tire
pressures are now above the severe

low pressure threshold, the low tire
pressure warning light should turn
off a few minutes later.

If this light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pres-
sure, a tire may have significant
damage and a fast leak that causes
the tire to lose air rapidly. If you have
a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire
as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel rim is replaced without the
original pressure sensor/transmitter
being transferred, the low tire pres-
sure warning light will illuminate
steadily after blinking for approxi-
mately one minute. This indicates
the TPMS is unable to monitor all
four road wheels. Contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible
for tire and sensor replacement and/
or system resetting.

Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
as this may cause a malfunction of
the tire pressure sensors. If the light
illuminates steadily after blinking for
approximately one minute, promptly
contact a SUBARU dealer to have
the system inspected.

CAUTION

. Do not place metal film or any

metal parts in the cargo area/
trunk. This may cause poor re-
ception of the signals from the
tire pressure sensors, and the
tire pressure monitoring system
will not function properly.

. FCC WARNING

Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.

NOTE

This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules and RSS-Gen of IC
Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this de-
vice may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Parking your vehicle

Parking brake

To set the parking brake, depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold it down until
the parking brake lever is fully pulled up.

To release the parking brake, pull the lever
up slightly, press the release button, then
lower the lever while keeping the button
pressed.
When the parking brake is set while the
engine is running, the parking brake
warning light illuminates. After starting
the vehicle, be sure that the warning light
has turned off before the vehicle is driven.
Refer to “Parking brake warning” F3-19.

Starting and operating/Parking your vehicle

7-33

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7-34

Starting and operating/Parking your vehicle

CAUTION

Never drive while the parking brake
is set because this will cause un-
necessary wear on the brake lin-
ings. Before starting to drive, always
make sure that the parking brake
has been fully released.

Parking tips

When parking your vehicle, always per-
form the following items.
. Apply the parking brake firmly.
. Put the shift lever in “1” (1st) for an
upgrade or “R” (Reverse) for a down-
grade.

Never rely on the transmission alone to
hold the vehicle.

When parking on a hill, always turn the
steering wheel. When the vehicle is
headed up the hill, the front wheels should
be turned away from the curb.

When facing downhill, the front wheels
should be turned into the curb.

WARNING

. Never leave unattended children

or pets in the vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent op-
eration of the vehicle. Also, on
hot or sunny days, the tempera-
ture in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to
cause severe or possibly fatal
injuries to people.

. Do not park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as
they may burn easily if they come
near hot engine or exhaust sys-
tem parts.

. Be sure to stop the engine if you

take a nap in the vehicle. If
engine exhaust gas enters the
passenger compartment, occu-
pants in the vehicle could die
from carbon monoxide (CO) con-
tained in the exhaust gas.

CAUTION

If your vehicle has a front under-
spoiler and rear underspoiler (both
optional), pay attention to blocks

and other obstructions on the
ground when parking. The under-
spoilers could be damaged by con-
tact with them.

Hill start assist system

CAUTION

The Hill start assist system is a
device only for helping the driver
to START the vehicle on an uphill
grade. To prevent accidents when
the vehicle is parked on a slope, be
sure to firmly set the parking brake.
When setting the parking brake,
make sure that the vehicle remains
stationary when the clutch pedal is
released.

The Hill start assist system is a device to
make starting on an uphill grade easier.

On an uphill grade, when the clutch pedal

is depressed while the brake pedal is also
depressed, braking power is maintained
temporarily by the Hill start assist system
when the brake pedal is released. The
driver is therefore able to start the vehicle
the same way as on a level grade, just
using the clutch and accelerator pedal.

The Hill start assist system does not
operate when the vehicle is facing down-
hill. And the Hill start assist system may
not operate on slight grades.

When starting in reverse and using the Hill
start assist system, a braking effect may
be felt even after the brake pedal has
been released. However, this braking
effect should disappear once the clutch
pedal is released.

A slight jolt may be felt when the vehicle

Starting and operating/Hill start assist system

7-35

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7-36

Starting and operating/Hill start assist system

begins to move forward after being re-
versed.

If the braking power of the Hill start assist
system is insufficient after the brake pedal
is released, apply more braking power by
depressing the brake pedal again.

To activate/deactivate the Hill
start assist system (STI)

CAUTION

While the Hill start assist system is
deactivated, when starting on an
uphill grade, braking power is not
maintained if the brake pedal is
released. Start on an uphill grade
by using the parking brake.

You can activate/deactivate the Hill start
assist system according to the following
procedure.

To deactivate

1. Stop your vehicle in a flat and safe
place and apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Restart the engine.

4. Confirm the following items.

. The ABS warning light turns off.
. The Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
indicator light turns off.
. The Brake system warning light
illuminates.

5. Press the Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF switch and hold it until the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
turns off. The Vehicle Dynamics Control
OFF indicator light will illuminate in green,
change to yellow, remain illuminated in
yellow for several seconds and then turn
off.
6. Within 5 seconds after the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF indicator light
turns off, release the Vehicle Dynamics
Control OFF switch.

7. Within 2 seconds after releasing the
Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch,
press the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF
switch once again. Then the Hill start
assist OFF indicator light illuminates.
8. Turn off the engine.
9. Restart the engine.

While the Hill start assist system is
deactivated, the Hill start assist OFF
indicator light illuminates continuously.

To activate

When the procedure to deactivate the Hill
start assist system is performed again, the
system is activated. When the Hill start
assist system is activated, the Hill start
assist OFF indicator light turns off.

Hill start assist warning light/
Hill start assist OFF indicator
light

Refer to “Hill start assist warning light/Hill
start assist OFF indicator light (STI)” F3-
20.

Cruise control

Cruise control enables you to maintain a
constant vehicle speed without holding
your foot on the accelerator pedal and it is
operative when the vehicle speed is 25
mph (40 km/h) or more.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under
any of the following conditions.
These may cause loss of vehicle
control.

. driving up or down a steep grade
. driving on slippery or winding

roads

. driving in heavy traffic

NOTE

. If you press the “CRUISE” main
switch button while turning the ignition
switch “ON”, the cruise control func-
tion is deactivated and the cruise
control indicator light flashes. To re-
activate the cruise control function,
turn the ignition switch back to the
“Acc” or “LOCK” position, and then
turn it again to the “ON” position.
. Make sure the “CRUISE” main
switch is turned off when the cruise

Starting and operating/Cruise control

7-37

– CONTINUED –

7-38

Starting and operating/Cruise control

control is not in use to avoid uninten-
tionally setting of the cruise control.

To set cruise control

1. Push the “CRUISE” main switch but-
ton.

The cruise control indicator light on the
combination meter will illuminate.
2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the
vehicle reaches the desired speed.

3. Push the “SET/COAST” button and
release it. Then release the accelerator
pedal.

At this time, the cruise control set indicator
light is illuminated on the combination
meter.
The vehicle will maintain the desired
speed.

Vehicle speed can be temporarily in-
creased while driving with the cruise
control activated. Simply depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehi-
cle. When the accelerator pedal is re-
leased, the vehicle will return to and
maintain the previous cruising speed.

To temporarily cancel the
cruise control

The cruise control can be temporarily
canceled in the following ways.

. Push the “CANCEL” button.
. Depress the brake pedal.
. Depress the clutch pedal.

The cruise control set indicator light on the
combination meter turns off when the
cruise control is canceled.

To resume the cruise control after it has
been temporarily canceled and with vehi-
cle speed of approximately 20 mph (32
km/h) or more, push the “RES/ACC”
button to return to the original cruising
speed automatically.
The cruise control set indicator light on the
combination meter will automatically illu-
minate at this time.

To turn off the cruise control

There are two ways to turn off the cruise
control:
. Push the “CRUISE” main switch button
again.
. Turn the ignition switch to the “Acc” or
“LOCK” position (but only when the
vehicle is completely stopped).

To change the cruising speed

To increase the speed (by button)

Push the “RES/ACC” button and hold it
until the vehicle reaches the desired
speed. Then, release the button. The
vehicle speed at that moment will be
memorized and treated as the new set
speed.

When the difference between the actual
vehicle speed and the set speed is less
than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can
be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time
by pressing the “RES/ACC” button quickly.

Starting and operating/Cruise control

7-39

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7-40

Starting and operating/Cruise control

To increase the speed (by accel-
erator pedal)

1. Depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle to the desired
speed.
2. Push the “SET/COAST” button once.
Now the desired speed is set and the
vehicle will keep running at that speed
without depressing the accelerator pedal.

NOTE

If the difference between the actual
vehicle speed when the button is
pushed and the speed last time you
set is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the
vehicle speed will be lowered by 1 mph
(1.6 km/h). This occurs because the
cruise control system unit regards this
operation as that intended to decrease
the vehicle speed.

To decrease the speed (by button)

Push the “SET/COAST” button and hold it
until the vehicle reaches the desired
speed. Then, release the button. The
vehicle speed at that moment will be
memorized and treated as the new set
speed.

When the difference between the actual
vehicle speed and the set speed is less
than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can
be lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by
pressing the “SET/COAST” button quickly.
!

To decrease the speed (by brake
pedal)

1. Depress the brake pedal to release
cruise control temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to the
desired speed, press the “SET/COAST”

button once. Now the desired speed is set
and the vehicle will keep running at that
speed without depressing the accelerator
pedal.

Cruise control indicator light

Refer to “Cruise control indicator light”
F3-24.

Cruise control set indicator
light

Refer to “Cruise control set indicator light”
F3-24.

New vehicle break-in driving – the first

1,000 miles (1,600 km) .....................................

8-2

Fuel economy hints ............................................

8-2

Engine exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)............

8-2

Catalytic converter ..............................................

8-3

Periodic inspections ...........................................

8-4

Driving in foreign countries ...............................

8-4

Driving tips for AWD models..............................

8-4

Winter driving ......................................................

8-6

Operation during cold weather.............................

8-6

Driving on snowy and icy roads ..........................

8-7

Corrosion protection............................................

8-8

Snow tires ...........................................................

8-8

Tire chains ..........................................................

8-9

Rocking the vehicle .............................................

8-9

Loading your vehicle.........................................

8-10

Vehicle capacity weight......................................

8-10

GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................

8-11

Roof molding and crossbar (if equipped) ............

8-12

Trailer towing .....................................................

8-13

Driving tips

8-2

Driving tips/New vehicle break–in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

New vehicle break-in driving
– the first 1,000 miles (1,600

km)

The performance and long life of your
vehicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
. Do not race the engine. And do not
allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.
. Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.
. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid
acceleration, except in an emergency.
. Avoid hard braking, except in an
emergency.

The same break-in procedures should be
applied to an overhauled engine, newly
mounted engine or when brake pads or
brake linings are replaced with new ones.

Fuel economy hints

The following suggestions will help to save
fuel.
. Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
. Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-
tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to
maintain that speed for as long as
possible.
. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
. Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
. Keep the engine properly tuned.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire placard, which
is located under the door latch on the
driver’s side. Low pressure will increase
tire wear and fuel consumption.
. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
. Keep the front and rear wheels in
proper alignment.
. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.

Engine exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)

WARNING

. Never inhale engine exhaust gas.

Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless
and odorless gas which is dan-
gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

. Always properly maintain the en-

gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from enter-
ing the vehicle.

. Never run the engine in a closed

space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.

. Avoid remaining in a parked

vehicle for a lengthy time while
the engine is running. If that is
unavoidable, then use the venti-
lation fan to force fresh air into
the vehicle.

. Always keep the front ventilator

inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.

. If at any time you suspect that

exhaust fumes are entering the
v e h i c l e , h a v e t h e p r o b l e m
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.

. Keep the trunk lid (4-door) or rear

gate (5-door) closed while driving
to prevent exhaust gas from
entering the vehicle.

NOTE

Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as a catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust
gases, thus providing cleaner exhaust.

To avoid damage to the catalytic conver-
ter:
. Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small
amount of leaded fuel will damage the
catalytic converter.
. Never start the engine by pushing or
pulling the vehicle.
. Avoid racing the engine.
. Never turn off the ignition switch while
the vehicle is moving.
. Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel
the engine running rough (misfiring, back-

firing or incomplete combustion), have
your vehicle checked and repaired by an
authorized SUBARU dealer.
. Do not apply undercoating or rust
prevention treatment to the heat shield of
catalytic converter and the exhaust sys-
tem.
. Do not drive with an extremely low fuel
level.

WARNING

. Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive

or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.,
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-
tures.

. Keep everyone and flammable

materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.

Driving tips/Catalytic converter

8-3

8-4

Driving tips/Periodic inspections

Periodic inspections

To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet” per-
formed at the specified time or mileage
intervals.

Driving in foreign countries

When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:
. Confirm the availability of the correct
fuel. Refer to “Fuel requirements” F7-3.
. Comply with all regulations and re-
quirements of each country.

Driving tips for AWD models

WARNING

. Always maintain a safe driving

speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

. Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.

. When you replacing or installing

tire(s), all four tires must be the
same for following items.

(a) Size

(b) Circumference

(d) Load index

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For the items (a) to (d), you must
obey the specification that is

printed on the tire placard. The
tire placard is located on the
bottom of driver’s door pillar.
If all of four tires are not the same
for items (a) to (h), there is a
possibility that serious mechan-
ical damage could occur to the
drive train of your car, and affect
the following.

— Ride
— Handling
— Braking
— Speedometer/Odometer
calibration

— Clearance between the body
and tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

CAUTION

If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.

All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD models
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand.
By shifting power between the front and
rear wheels, SUBARU AWD can also
provide added traction during acceleration
and added engine braking force during
deceleration.

Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging
the AWD system, you should keep the
following tips in mind.
. An AWD model is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slippery

conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling,
however, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an
ample distance from other vehicles.
. Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recom-
mended tire pressure is provided on the
tire placard, which is located under the
door latch on the driver’s side.
. Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of the follow-
ing items than that specified in “Mainte-
nance schedule” F11-3.

– Engine oil
– Brake fluid
– Rear differential gear oil
– Manual transmission oil

. There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to “Towing”
F9-12.

Driving tips/Driving tips for AWD models

8-5

Subaru Impreza WRX (2014 year). Instruction - part 18