2007 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 254

Starting and operating 7-25 may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system operates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel shaking may also be noticed in this situation. These are normal characteristics of Vehicle Dynamics Control operation and are no cause for alarm. When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short-lived operation noise may be noticed coming from the engine compartment. This noise is generated as a result of a check being performed on the Vehicle Dynamics Control system and is normal. 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 Vehicle Dynamics Control operational check and is normal. In the circumstances listed in the following, the vehicle may be more unstable than it feels to the driver. The Vehicle Dynamics Control System may therefore operate. Such operation does not indicate a system fault. on gravel-covered or rutted roads on unfinished roads when the vehicle is towing a trailer 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. Even if the vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Control 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 Vehicle Dynamics Control system is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition. It is always important to reduce speed when approaching a corner, even if the vehicle is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control. 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 Vehicle Dynamics Control system will be unable to op- erate correctly as intended. Always turn off the engine before replacing a tire as failure to do so may render the Vehicle Dynamics Control system unable to operate correctly. Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light 700316 The indicator light turns on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position; it turns off approximately two seconds later. This indicator light flashes during activation of the skid suppression function and is illuminated steadily during activation of the traction control function. - CONTINUED -