2001 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 290

Starting and operating indicator light will flash on and off when this system activates. NOTE D Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt when the VDC-system operates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel shaking may also be noticed in this situation. These are normal effects of VDC operation and are no cause for alarm. D When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a shortlived operation noise may be noticed coming from the engine compartment. This noise is generated as a result of a check being performed on the VDC system and is normal. D Depending on the timing of activation of the brakes, certain situations may occur just after driving off where the brake pedal seems to exhibit a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the VDC operational check and is normal. D Activation of the VDC system will cause operation of the steering wheel to feel slightly different compared to that for normal conditions. D Even if the vehicle is equipped with a VDC system, it is important that winter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size and brand). Furthermore, if snow chains are to be used, they should be fitted on the front wheels. When a vehicle is fitted with snow chains, however, the effectiveness of the VDC system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition. D It is always important to reduce speed when approaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped with VDC. D 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. If these precautions are not observed and non-matching tires are used, it is quite possible that the VDC system will be unable to operate correctly as intended. D Always turn off the engine before replacing a tire as failure to do so may render the VDC system unable to operate correctly. - CONTINUED - 7-27