2005 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 158
2005 Subaru Forester Manual
Page 158 highlights
Instruments and controls operative under any of the following conditions. Have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer immediately. The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position. The warning light comes on while the vehicle is running. If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system itself becomes faulty, the warning light only comes on. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) remains fully operational. The warning light comes on when the electronic control system of the ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system becomes faulty. The Vehicle Dynamics Control system provides its ABS control through the electrical circuit of the ABS system. Accordingly, if the ABS is inoperative, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system becomes unable to provide ABS control. As a result, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system also becomes inoperative, causing the warning light to come on. Though both the Vehicle Dynamics Control and ABS systems are inoperative in this case, the ordinary functions of the brake system are still available. You will be safe while driving with this condition, but have your vehicle checked at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible. NOTE If the warning light behavior is as shown below, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system may be considered normal. The warning light comes on right after the engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. The warning light comes on after engine startup and goes off while the vehicle is subsequently being driven. The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off. Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light It comes on when the Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch is pressed. It also comes on when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system is deactivated. NOTE The light may stay on for a while after the engine has been started, especially in cold weather. This does not indicate the existence of a problem. The light should go out as soon as the engine has warmed up. The indicator light comes on when the engine has developed a problem and the Malfunction indicator light is on. - CONTINUED - 3-17