SUBARU WRX 2016 Owners Manual

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
If the brake system warning light should
illuminate while driving (with the parking
brake fully released and with the ignition
switch positioned in “ ON ” ), it could be an
indication of leaking of brake fluid or worn
brake pads. If this occurs, immediately
stop the vehicle at the nearest safe place
and check the brake fluid level. If the fluid
level is below the “ MIN ” mark in the
reservoir, do not drive the vehicle. Have
the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU
dealer for repair.
! Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) system warning
The brake system warning light also
illuminates if a malfunction occurs in the
EBD system. In that event, it illuminates
together with the ABS warning light.
The EBD system may be malfunctioning if
the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously
during driving.
Even if the EBD system fails, the conven-
tional braking system will still function.
However, the rear wheels will be more
prone to locking when the brakes are
applied harder than usual and the vehi-
cle ’ s motion may therefore become some-
what harder to control.
If the brake system warning light and ABS
warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps.
1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe,
flat place.
2. Shut down the engine, apply the
parking brake and then restart it.
3. Release the parking brake. If both
warning lights turn off, the EBD system
may be malfunctioning. Drive carefully to
the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
4. If both warning lights illuminate again
and remain illuminated after the engine
has been restarted, shut down the engine
again, apply the parking brake, and check
the brake fluid level.
5. If the brake fluid level is not below the
“ MIN ” mark, the EBD system may be
malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the
nearest SUBARU dealer and have the
system inspected.
6. If the brake fluid level is below the
“ MIN ” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.
Instead, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.
! Electronic parking brake system
warning (models with electronic
parking brake system)
The brake system warning light illumi-
nates when the electronic parking brake
system is malfunctioning. If the warning light illuminates, promptly park in a safe
location as soon as possible and contact
your SUBARU dealer.
The brake system warning light remains
illuminated when the parking brake cannot
be released even if the parking brake
switch is pushed. For details, refer to
“ Electronic parking brake (models with
electronic parking brake system) ” F 7-44.
! Frequent operation warning
The brake system warning light illumi-
nates and a chirp sound will be heard if
the parking brake switch is operated too
frequently. In this case, the operation of
the parking brake switch is restricted to
protect the electronic parking brake sys-
tem.
! Vacuum pump system warning (ex-
cept STI)
This light illuminates when a malfunction
is detected in the vacuum pump system.
NOTE The vacuum pump system assists the
boost pressure when driving at high
altitudes while the engine is cold.3-22

& Electronic parking
brake indicator light
(models with electronic
parking brake system)! Parking brake indicator
The light illuminates with the parking
brake applied while the ignition switch is
in the “ ON ” position. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.
! Electronic parking brake system
warning
WARNING. When you release the electronic
parking brake while the engine is
running, the electronic parking
brake indicator light will turn off.
However, if the light still illumi-
nates, stop the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and have the
system inspected by a SUBARU
dealer.
. If at all in doubt about whether
the brakes are operating prop-
erly, do not drive the vehicle.
Have your vehicle towed to the
nearest SUBARU dealer for re-
pair. . If the electronic parking brake
indicator light flashes, the elec-
tronic parking brake system may
be malfunctioning. Immediately
stop your vehicle in a safe loca-
tion, use tire stops under the
tires to prevent the vehicle from
moving and contact your
SUBARU dealer. For details, refer
to “ Electronic parking brake
(models with electronic parking
brake system) ” F 7-44.
NOTE . When the ignition switch is turned to
the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” position with the
electronic parking brake applied, the
electronic parking brake indicator light
remains illuminated for approximately
30 seconds and then turns off.
. When the electronic parking brake
switch is pressed to apply the electro-
nic parking brake while the ignition
switch is in the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” posi-
tion, the electronic parking brake in-
dicator light illuminates, remains illu-
minated for approximately 30 seconds
and then turns off.
. Even if the electronic parking brake
indicator light flashes, if the warning
light behavior is as described in the
following examples, the electronic parking brake system is not malfunc-
tioning.
– The indicator light turns off when
the electronic parking brake is re-
leased.
. The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light may flash immediately after the
engine is started. However, it is not
malfunctioning if the indicator light
turns off after the electronic parking
brake is released.
. The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light may flash after the electronic
parking brake is frequently applied and
released. However, the electronic park-
ing brake system is not malfunctioning
if the light turns off for a short period of
time.
The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes when the electronic parking brake
system is malfunctioning. If the indicator
light flashes, promptly park in a safe
location as soon as possible and contact
your SUBARU dealer.
The electronic parking brake indicator light
remains illuminated when the parking
brake cannot be released even if the
parking brake switch is pulled. For details,
refer to “ Electronic parking brake (models
with electronic parking brake system) ”
F 7-44.Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-23

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
! Parking brake apply inhibit warn-
ing
The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound
will be heard if the parking brake switch is
operated when the parking brake cannot
be applied.
! Frequent operation warning
The electronic parking brake indicator light
flashes for 10 seconds and a chirp sound
will be heard if the parking brake switch is
operated too frequently. In this case, the
operation of the parking brake switch is
restricted to protect the electronic parking
brake system.
NOTE Wait until the indicator light turns off.
& Low fuel warning lightThe low fuel warning light illuminates
when the tank is nearly empty, at approxi-
mately 2.6 US gal (10.0 liters, 2.2 Imp gal).
It only operates when the ignition switch is
in the “ ON ” position.
CAUTION
Promptly put fuel in the tank when-
ever the low fuel warning light
illuminates. Engine misfires as a result of an empty tank could cause
damage to the engine.
NOTE This light does not turn off unless the
tank is replenished up to an internal
fuel quantity of approximately 4.5 US
gal (17 liters, 3.7 Imp gal).
& Hill start assist warning
light/Hill start assist
OFF indicator light
(models without electro-
nic parking brake sys-
tem) ! Hill start assist warning light
While the engine is running, if there are
any malfunctions in the Hill start assist
system, the warning light will illuminate.
WARNING
When the Hill start assist warning
light illuminates, have the vehicle
inspected at an authorized SUBARU
dealer. ! Hill start assist OFF indicator light
While the Hill start assist system is
deactivated, the Hill start assist OFF
indicator light illuminates continuously to
inform the driver that the Hill start assist
system is not operational.
& Hill Holder indicator
light (models with elec-
tronic parking brake
system) WARNINGIf the Hill Holder indicator light does
not illuminate even when the Hill
Holder switch is pressed to activate
the Hill Holder function, the electro-
nic parking brake system may be
malfunctioning. Immediately stop
the vehicle in a safe location and
contact your SUBARU dealer.
The light illuminates when the Hill Holder
switch is pressed to activate the Hill
Holder function. For details about the Hill
Holder function, “ Hill Holder function ” F 7-
46.3-24

& Door open warning
lightThe warning light illuminates if any door or
the trunk lid is not fully closed. This
function is effective even if the ignition
switch is in the “ LOCK ” / “ OFF ” or “ ACC ”
position, or the key is removed from the
ignition switch.
Always make sure this light is not illumi-
nated before you start to drive.
& All-Wheel Drive warn-
ing light (if equipped)This light flashes if the vehicle is driven
with tires of differing diameters fitted on
the wheels or with an excessively low air
pressure in any of the tires.
WARNING
Continued driving with the AWD
warning light flashing can lead to
powertrain damage. If the AWD
warning light flashes, promptly park
in a safe place then check whether
all four tires are the same diameter
and whether any of the tires has a
puncture or has lost air pressure for
some other reason. & Power steering warn-
ing light (except STI) This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ ON ”
position and turns off after the engine
has started. This indicates that the warn-
ing system is working properly.
While the engine is running, this warning
light illuminates when a malfunction has
been detected in the electric power steer-
ing system.
CAUTIONWhen the power steering warning
light is illuminated, there may be
more resistance when the steering
wheel is operated. Drive carefully to
the nearest SUBARU dealer and
have the vehicle inspected immedi-
ately.
NOTE If the steering wheel is operated in the
following ways, the power steering
control system may temporarily limit
the power assist in order to prevent the
system components, such as the con-
trol computer and drive motor, from
overheating. . The steering wheel is operated fre-
quently and turned sharply while the
vehicle is maneuvered at extremely low
speeds, such as while frequently turn-
ing the steering wheel during parallel
parking.
. The steering wheel remains in the
fully turned position for a long period
of time.
At this time, there will be more resis-
tance when steering. However this is
not a malfunction. Normal steering
force will be restored after the steering
wheel is not operated for a while and
the power steering control system has
an opportunity to cool down. However,
if the power steering is operated in a
non-standard way which causes power
assist limitation to occur too fre-
quently, that may result in a malfunc-
tion of the power steering control
system.
& LED headlight warning
light (if equipped) This light illuminates if the LED headlights
malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-25

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
& Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light/
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operation indicator
light! Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light
CAUTIONThe Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem provides its ABS control
through the electrical circuit of the
ABS. 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 illuminate.
Though both the Vehicle Dynamics
Control and ABS 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 drive carefully
and have your vehicle checked at a
SUBARU dealer as soon as possi-
ble. NOTE . If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system itself mal-
functions, the warning light only illumi-
nates. At this time, the ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System) remains fully opera-
tional.
. The warning light illuminates when
the electronic control system of the
ABS/Vehicle Dynamics Control system
malfunctions.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably inoperative under any of the
following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately.
. The warning light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ ON ” position.
. The warning light illuminates while the
vehicle is running.
NOTE If the warning light behavior is as
described in the following examples,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
may be considered normal.
. The warning light illuminates when
the ignition switch is turned to the
“ ON ” position and turns off approxi-
mately 2 seconds after the engine has
started. . The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns off
immediately, remaining off.
. The warning light illuminates after
the engine has started and turns off
while the vehicle is subsequently being
driven.
. The warning light illuminates during
driving, but it turns off immediately and
remains off.
. The warning light illuminates when
the engine has stalled and continues to
illuminate after the engine has been
restarted. However, it will turn off once
the vehicle starts moving.
! Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
The indicator light flashes during activa-
tion of the skid suppression function and
during activation of the traction control
function.
NOTE . The light may remain illuminated for
a short period of time after the engine
has been started, especially in cold
weather. This does not indicate the
existence of a problem. The light
should turn off as soon as the engine
has warmed up.
. The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem3-26

and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the follow-
ing condition. Have your vehicle checked
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
. The light does not turn off even after
the lapse of several minutes (the engine
has warmed up) after the engine has
started. & Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light/Traction mode
indicator light
/The indicator light shows the activated/deactivated conditions as follows. Activated/deactivated status for each function
Traction Control Vehicle
Dynamics
Control system ABS
Indicator light Turn off Activated Activated Activated
Deactivated Activated Activated
Deactivated Deactivated Activated
For details about the Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, refer to
“ Vehicle Dynamics Control system ” F 7-38.Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-27

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
! Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF in-
dicator light
This light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF switch is operated
to select the traction mode or the Vehicle
Dynamic Control OFF mode. For details,
refer to “ Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem ” F 7-38.
NOTE . The light may remain illuminated 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 turn off as
soon as the engine has warmed up.
. The indicator light illuminates when
the engine has developed a problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the follow-
ing conditions. Have your vehicle checked
at a SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
. The light does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ ON ”
position.
. The light does not turn off even after
the lapse of several minutes (the engine
has warmed up) after the engine has
started. ! Traction mode indicator light
The light illuminates when the Vehicle
Dynamics Control OFF switch is pressed
briefly to select the traction mode. For
details, refer to “ Traction mode ” F 7-41.
& Warning chimes and warning
indicator of the keyless ac-
cess with push-button start
system (if equipped)
Access key warning light
The keyless access with push-button start
system sounds a warning chime and the
access key warning indicator appears on
the combination meter in order to minimize
improper operations and help protect your
vehicle from theft.
When the warning chime sounds and/or
the warning indicator appears, take the appropriate action.
WARNINGNever drive the vehicle if the indi-
cator on the push-button ignition
switch is flashing in green when
starting the engine. This indicates
the status that the steering wheel is
not released and could result in an
accident involving serious injury or
death.
CAUTION. When starting the engine again
after the operation indicator on
the push-button ignition switch
flashes in green, if the operation
indicator is still flashing in green,
there could be a steering lock
malfunction. Contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
. When the operation indicator on
the push-button ignition switch
flashes in orange, contact a
SUBARU dealer immediately.3-28

NOTE . Even when the access key is within
the operating ranges inside the vehicle,
the access key warning for engine start
may be provided depending on the
status of the access key and the
environmental conditions.
. When the access key is taken out of
the vehicle through an open window,
the access key takeout warning or
passenger access key takeout warning
will not be provided.
! List of warnings
CAUTIONWhen any of the following warnings
occurs even if the access key warn-
ing indicator does not appear, take
the appropriate action. Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-29

Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
Inside warning
chime Outside warning
chime Operation indicator
on push-button igni-
tion switch Status Action
Ding,
ding ...
(intermittent) —— The driver ’ s door was opened while the
push-button ignition switch is “ ACC ” (in
CVT models, when the select lever is in
the “ P ” position.) Switch the push-button ignition switch to
“ OFF ” , or close the driver ’ s door.
*When exiting the vehicle, be sure to
switch the push-button ignition switch to
“ OFF ” .
The push-button ignition switch was
switched to “ OFF ” while the driver ’ s door
is open. Close the driver ’ s door.
Ding Short beep
(2 seconds) — Lockout warning:
All doors were closed after the locking of
all doors was set by using the door lock
lever or power door locking switch while
the access key is inside the vehicle. Take out the access key from the
vehicle, and lock the doors.
*The doors cannot be locked while the
access key is inside the vehicle.
*A chirp sound will be heard, and all
doors will be unlocked.
— Short beep
(2 seconds) — Trunk lockout warning:
The trunk was closed with the access
key in it while all doors are locked (or
during the automatic lock time period). Take out the access key from the trunk,
and close the trunk.
*By pressing the trunk lid opener button
after this warning chime sounds, the
trunk can be unlocked.
Access key lock-in warning:
The door lock sensor was touched while
the push-button ignition switch is “ OFF ”
and the access key is inside the vehicle. Take out the access key from the
vehicle, and lock the doors.
*If the access key is inside the vehicle,
the doors cannot be locked.
— Beep, beep ...
(5 beeps) — Door ajar warning:
The door lock sensor is touched while
the push-button ignition switch is in the
“ OFF ” position and another door or the
trunk is opened. Close
the doors securely and lock them.
*If one of the doors is opened, the doors
cannot be locked.3-30

Inside warning
chime Outside warning
chime Operation indicator
on push-button igni-
tion switch Status Action
Ding Long beep (60
seconds max.) — Power warning:
The door lock sensor was touched while
carrying the access key and the push-
button ignition switch is in a position
other than “ OFF ” and the select lever is
in the “ P ” position. Open the door and return the access key
inside the vehicle, or switch the push-
button ignition switch to “ OFF ” .
*If the push-button ignition switch is not
switched to “ OFF ” , the doors cannot be
locked.
Ding, ding ...
(7 seconds) —— Access key warning:
The vehicle was driven while the access
key is not inside the vehicle. Carry the access key, and drive the
vehicle.
Ding —— Access key warning for engine start:
The push-button ignition switch was
pressed while the access key is not
inside the vehicle. Carry the access key, and press the
push-button ignition switch.
Ding Beep, beep, beep
(3 beeps) — Access key takeout warning:
The driver exited the vehicle with the
access key and closed the driver ’ s door
while the push-button ignition switch is in
a position other than “ OFF ” and the
select lever is in the “ P ” position. Switch the push-button ignition switch to
“ OFF ” , and get out of the vehicle.
Ding Beep, beep, beep
(3 beeps) — Passenger access key takeout warn-
ing:
A fellow passenger exited the vehicle
with the access key and closed a door
other than the driver ’ s door while the
push-button ignition switch is in a posi-
tion other than “ OFF ” . Return the access key to inside the
vehicle, or switch the push-button igni-
tion switch to “ OFF ” .
Long
beep
(continuous) Long beep
(continuous) — The driver exited the vehicle with the
access key and closed the driver ’ s door
while the push-button ignition switch is in
a position other than “ OFF ” and the
select lever is in a position other than the
“ P ” position. Shift the select lever to the “ P ” position,
switch the push-button ignition switch to
“ OFF ” and exit the vehicle.Instruments and controls/Warning and indicator lights
– CONTINUED –3-31