2008 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 282

Starting and operating 7-41 Control system; if any should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of the system at the first available opportunity. . The warning light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. . The warning light turns on while the vehicle is being driven. . When a malfunction has occurred in the Vehicle Dynamics Control electrical system, only the warning light will turn on. In such an event, the ABS will still be operating normally. . The warning light will also turn on when a problem occurs with the ABS or Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic control systems. Because the Vehicle Dynamics Control system controls each brake through the ABS, whenever the ABS stops operating due to a malfunction in that electrical system, the Vehicle Dynamics Control will also become unable to control all four brakes. Thus Vehicle Dynamics Control system operation halts and the warning light turns on. Although both the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the ABS will be inoperable in this situation, it will still be possible to stop the vehicle using normal braking. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system and the ABS do not adversely affect operation of the vehicle in any way when they are inoperable; however should such a situation occur, drive with care and have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of those systems at the first available opportunity. NOTE When the warning light turns on and off in the following way, it indicates that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is operating normally. . Although turning on after the engine has been started, the warning light quickly turns off and stays off. . The warning light turns on when the vehicle is being driven; it then turns off and stays off. ! Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light This light comes on to indicate that the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is in non-operation mode. This does not constitute failure of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. especially in cold weather. This occurs because the engine has not yet warmed up and is completely normal. The light will turn off when the engine has reached a suitable operating temperature. . When an engine problem occurs and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/ malfunction indicator lamp turns on, the indicator light will also come on. The following two situations could indicate malfunction of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system; if either should occur, have an authorized SUBARU dealer carry out an inspection of that system at the first available opportunity. . The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. . The indicator light fails to turn off after the engine is started, even when several minutes have passed to allow the engine to heat up sufficiently. NOTE . The indicator light may stay on for a while after the engine has been started, - CONTINUED -