2011 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 277

Starting and operating 7-35 without depressing the brake pedal or the clutch pedal, the parking brake is not released. . When the parking brake is being applied or released, noise may be noticed. However, this is not a malfunction. . When the electronic parking brake system has a malfunction or the electronic parking brake operation is prohibited temporarily, if the parking brake switch is operated, a chirp sound is heard and the brake system warning light flashes. . When you cannot release the parking brake due to, for example, a system malfunction, you can release it by using the parking brake release tool. Refer to "Electronic parking brake - if the electronic parking brake cannot be released" F9-16. ! Automatic release function by gas pedal The electronic parking brake system has an automatic release function. The parking brake will be automatically released by depressing the accelerator pedal. However, the automatic release function does not operate under the following conditions. . Any door (other than the trunk lid or rear gate) is open. . The driver's seatbelt is not fastened. If the parking brake is automatically released, the brake system warning light and the indicator on the parking brake switch turn off. NOTE Even if you have applied the parking brake by pressing the parking brake switch, the parking brake will be automatically released when the accelerator pedal is depressed. ! Hill Holder function The electronic parking brake system has a Hill Holder function. If the Hill Holder function is activated, the parking brake will be automatically applied when stopping on an uphill slope with the brake pedal depressed. In this case, the brake system warning light and the indicator light on the parking brake switch illuminate. NOTE . The Hill Holder function may not activate on a gentle uphill slope. In this case, manually apply the electronic parking brake. . If you do not depress the brake pedal sufficiently, the Hill Holder function may not operate properly. However, this is not a malfunction. When stopping on an uphill slope, depress the brake pedal firmly and release it after the brake system warning light illuminates. . Depending on the condition of the road surface and braking force, the brakes operate temporarily and feel different than usual. . When the electronic parking brake system has a malfunction while the Hill Holder function is activated, a chirp sound is heard, the Hill Holder indicator light turns off and the brake system warning light flashes. . The Hill Holder function does not reactivate when parking with the electronic parking brake released after the Hill Holder function is activated. If necessary, manually apply the electronic parking brake. . If the seatbelt is not fastened when the Hill Holder function is activated, the vehicle may not start moving smoothly from a stop, or a noise may be heard from the brake components. ! Hill Holder switch WARNING When stopping on an uphill slope with the Hill Holder function activated, release the brake pedal after - CONTINUED -