2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 360

7-26 Starting and operating trol system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition. . If non-matching tires are used, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may not operate correctly. . The Vehicle Dynamics Control system helps prevent unstable vehicle motion such as skidding using control of the brakes and engine power. Do not turn off the Vehicle Dynamics Control system unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must turn off the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, drive very carefully according to the road surface condition. 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 shown by steady illumination 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. Activation of this function is shown by flashing of the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light. NOTE . The following conditions occur when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system operates. However, this is normal. - Slight twitching of the brake pedal is felt. - The vehicle or steering wheel shakes to a small degree. - An operating sound from the engine 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 more unstable than it feels to the driver. The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may therefore operate earlier than that expected. - On gravel-covered or rutted roads - On unfinished roads - When the vehicle is fitted with 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. 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 warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light" F3-22 and "Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light" F323.