warning light SUBARU BRZ 2023 Manual PDF

Preparing to Drive
228have implemented emission inspection of
the OBDII system.
 The inspection of the OBDII system
consists of a visual operational check of
the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light/
malfunction indicator light (MIL) and an
examination of the OBDII system with an
electronic scan tool.
 A vehicle passes
the OBDII system
inspection if proper operation of the
“ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light is
observed, there are no stored diagnostic
trouble codes, and the OBDII readiness
monitors are all complete.
 A vehicle fails
the OBDII inspection if
the “ CHECK ENGINE ” warning light is not
properly operating (light is illuminated or is
not working due to a burned out bulb) or
there is one or more diagnostic trouble
codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.
 A state emission in spection may reject
(not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of
OBDII system readiness monitors “ NOT
READY ” is greater than one. If the
vehicle’s battery has been recently
replaced or disconnected, the OBDII
system inspection may indicate that the
vehicle is not ready for the emission test.
Under this condition, the vehicle driver
should be instructed to drive his/her
vehicle for a few days to reset the readi-
ness monitors and return for an emission
re-inspection. 
Owners of rejected or failing vehicles
should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.
7-3. Preparing to DriveYou should perform the following checks
and adjustments every day before you
start driving.
1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and
lights are clean and unobstructed.
2. Check the appearance and condition
of the tires. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
4. Check that no small animals enter the
engine compartment.
5. Check that the hood and trunk are fully
closed.
6. Check the adjustment of the seat.
7. Check the adjustment of the inside
and outside mirrors.
8. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your
passengers have fastened their seatbelts.
9. Check the operation of the warning
and indicator lights when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position.
10. Check the gauges, indicator and
warning lights after starting the engine.
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Starting and Stopping Engine
230On rare occasions, it may be difficult
to start the engine depending on the
fuel and the usage condition (repeated
driving of a distance in which the
engine has not warmed up suffi-
ciently). In such a case, it is recom-
mended that you change to a different
brand of fuel.
 On rare occasions, transient
knocking may be heard from the
engine when the accelerator is oper-
ated rapidly such as a rapid start-up
and a rapid acceleration. This is not a
malfunction.
 The engine starts more easily when
the headlights, air conditioner and rear
window defogger are turned off.■ Starting Engine
NOTEWhen pressing the push-button
ignition switch while depressing the
clutch pedal (MT models) or the brake
pedal (AT models): - The engine starter operates for a
maximum of 10 seconds and after
starting the engine, the starter stops
automatically.
- The engine can be started
regardless of the power status.
 If the engine does not start, check
the security indicator light. Then press
the push-button ignition switch
without depressing the clutch pedal
(MT models) or the brake pedal (AT
models) to switch the power to “OFF”. - If the light had illuminated, try to
start the engine again.
- If the light had been off, press the
push-button ignition switch while
depressing the clutch pedal (MT
models) or the brake pedal (AT
models) more forcefully.
 The engine start procedures may
not function depending on the radio
wave conditions around the vehicle. In
such a case, refer to "Starting Engine"
 P326.
 If the vehicle battery is discharged,
the steering cannot be unlocked.
Charge the battery.
WARNING
 There are some general precau-
tions when starting the engine.
Carefully read the precautions
described in "General Precau-
tions When Starting Engine"
 P229. If the steering lock cannot be
released after the engine has
started, never drive the vehicle.
The steering is still locked, and it
may result in an accident.
CAUTION
 If a system malfunction warning
message is displayed on the
combination meter, there may be
a malfunction with the vehicle.
Contact a SUBARU dealer imme-
diately. If a steering lock warning
message is displayed on the
combination me ter after the
engine has started, it means that
the steering is still locked. While
moving the steering wheel right
and left, depress the brake pedal,
and press the push-button igni-
tion switch. Do not continue pressing the
push-button ignition switch for
more than 10 seconds. Doing so
could cause a malfunction. If the
engine does not start, stop
pressing the push -button ignition
switch. Instead, press the push-
button ignition switch without
depressing the clutch pedal (MT
models) or the brake pedal (AT
models) to switch the power
status to “OFF”. Wait 10 seconds,
and then press the push-button
ignition switch to start the
engine.
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Automatic Transmission
237
Starting and Operating7
– CONTINUED –
▼P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine. In this position, the
transmission is mechanically locked to
prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first apply the
parking brake, then shift into the “P” posi-
tion. Do not hold the vehicle with only the
mechanical friction of the transmission.
To shift the select lever from the “P” to any
other position, you should depress the
brake pedal fully then move the select
lever. This prevents the vehicle from
lurching when it is started.
▼ R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle. To
shift from the “N” to “R” position, stop the
vehicle completely th en move the lever to
the “R” position.
▼ N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled
engine. In this position, the transmission is
neutral, meaning that the wheels and
transmission are not locked. Therefore,
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline unless the parking brake
or foot brake is applied. ▼
D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically into a
suitable gear according to the vehicle
speed and the acceleration you require.
Also, while driving up and down a hill, the
transmission assists and controls the
driving performance and engine braking
while corresponding to the road grade.
When more acceleration is required in “D”
position, depress the accelerator pedal
fully to the floor and hold that position. The
transmission will auto matically downshift.
When you release the pedal, the transmis-
sion will return to the original gear posi-
tion.
To use the manual mode, move the lever
from this position into the manual gate.
If one of the shift paddles behind the
steering wheel is operated while driving in
the “D” position, the transmission will
temporarily switch to the manual mode. In
this mode, you can shift into any gear position using the shift paddles. For

details about the manual mode, refer to
"Selection of Manual Mode" P239.
Once the vehicle speed stabilizes, the
transmission will switch from the manual
mode back to the “D” position for normal
driving.
▽ While climbing a grade
When driving up a hill, undesired upshift is
prevented from taking place when the
accelerator is releas ed. This minimizes
the chance of subsequent downshifting to
a lower gear when accelerating again.
This prevents repeated upshifting and
downshifting resulting in a smoother oper-
ation of the vehicle.
NOTEThe transmission may downshift,
depending on the way the accelerator
pedal is depressed to accelerate the
vehicle again.■ Adaptive ControlIn order to realize smoother driving while
driving in “D” position, an appropriate gear
is automatically selected by limiting
upshifting and performing downshifting
operations according to driver operations
and driving conditions.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the “N” (neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this co ndition and the risk
of an accident is consequently
increased.
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Automatic Transmission
240the shift paddle twice in rapid succes-
sion.
If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the “AT
OIL TEMP” warning light will illumi-
nate. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and let the engine idle until
the warning light turns off.▼ Temporary manual mode driving
While driving with the select lever in “D”, if
a shift paddle is operated, the gear can
temporarily be selected. In this case, “M”
and the selected gear number will be
displayed on the combination meter. (If
the engine speed approaches close to the
red zone, an upshift will automatically be
performed.)1) Upshift
2) Downshift
The selected gear, from “M1” to “M6”, will
be displayed on the combination meter.NOTE In the following situations, tempo-
rary manual mode will be cancelled. - When the vehicle speed is low
- When the accelerator pedal is
depressed continuously for a
certain amount of time or more
- When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily
- When the select lever is shifted
to a position other than “D”
- When the “+” shift paddle switch
is held down for a period of time
When a downshift is attempted at a
vehicle speed where a downshift is not
possible (when the engine speed
would enter the red zone if a downshift
is performed), the downshift warning
buzzer will sound to inform the driver
that a downshift cannot be performed.■ Driving TipsNOTEIf the accelerator and brake pedals are
depressed at the same time, driving
torque may be restrained. This is not a
malfunction.
 On a road surface where there is a risk
of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or gravel covered road), you can start off

from a standstill safely and easily by first
selecting Snow mode.
 Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the “D” or
“R” position.
 Make sure to apply the parking brake
when parking your vehicle. Do not hold
the vehicle with only the transmission.
 Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary
position on an uphill grade by using the
“D” position. Use the brake instead.
 The engine may, on rare occasions,
knock when the vehicle rapidly acceler-
ates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill.
This phenomenon does not indicate a
malfunction.
1
2702766
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Active Sound Control
242NOTEIn the following situations, the driving
mode will automatically change to nor-
mal mode:
 When the engine is turned off after
driving in Sport mode or Snow mode.
 When adaptive cruise control/cruise
control is activated while driving in
Sport mode.
 If a malfunction occurs in the engine
or automatic transmission electrical
control system while Sport mode or
Snow mode is selected.
 When in Sport mode and the idling
speed is high during warm-up or when
the road surface is slippery and stop-
ping/starting off is automatically
performed in second gear.
7-8. Active Sound ControlThe active sound control provides
dynamic engine sounds. When driving
with Sport mode selected, the engine
sounds will be particularly loud.NOTEThe operational/non-operational set-
ting of the Active Sound Control can
be changed by a SUBARU dealer. Con-
tact your SUBARU dealer for details.
When the driving mode is changed,
the sound of the active sound control
will be stopped for approximately 1
second, this is not a malfunction.
7-9. Power SteeringPower steering warning lightThe vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering system. When the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, the
power steering warning light on the combi-
nation meter illuminates to inform the
driver that the warn ing system is func-
tioning properly. Then, if the engine
started, the warni ng light turns off to
inform the driver that the steering power
assist is operational.
702778
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Braking
243
Starting and Operating7
– CONTINUED –
NOTEIf 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
control computer and drive motor,
from overheating.
 The steering wheel is operated
frequently and turned sharply while the
vehicle is maneuvered at extremely low
speeds, such as while frequently
turning 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
frequently, this may result in a mal-
function of the power steering control
system.
7-10. Braking■ Braking Tips▼ When the brakes get wet
When driving in rain or after washing the
vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, brake stopping distance will be
longer. To dry the brakes, drive the
vehicle at a safe speed while lightly
depressing the brake pedal to heat up the
brakes.
▼ Use of engine brakingRemember to make use of engine braking
in addition to foot braking. When
descending a grade, if only the foot brake
is used, the brakes may start working
improperly because of brake fluid over-
heating, caused by overheated brake
pads. To help prevent this, shift into a
lower gear to get stronger engine braking.
CAUTION
While 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.
WARNING
Never rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This can cause
dangerous overheating of the
brakes and needless wear on the
brake pads.
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Braking
244▼Braking when a tire is punctured
Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly
when a tire is punctured. This could cause
a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep
driving straight ahead while gradually
reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the
road to a safe place.■ Brake System▼ Two separate circuits
Your vehicle has a dual circuit brake
system. Each circuit works diagonally
across the vehicle. If one circuit of the
brake system should fail, the other half of
the system still works. If one circuit fails,
the brake pedal will go down much closer
to the floor than usual and you will need to
press it down much harder. And a much
longer distance will be needed to stop the
vehicle.
▼ Brake booster
The brake booster uses vacuum pump
system to assist brakin g force. Do not turn
off the engine while driving because that
will turn off the brake booster, resulting in
poor braking power.
The brakes will continue to work even
when the brake booster completely stops
functioning. If this happens, however, you
will have to depress the pedal much harder than normal and the braking

distance will increase.
▼ Supplemental booster function
when vacuum pressure fails
While the ignition switch is turned “ON”
and the engine is running, the supple-
mental booster function operates when
the brake booster performance is
decreased due to insufficient vacuum
boost.
When the brake pedal is depressed while
the supplemental booster function is oper-
ating, an operation sound and brake pedal
vibration may be generated. This is not a
malfunction.
▼ Brake assist system
Brake assist is a driver assistance system.
It assists the brake power when the driver
cannot depress the brake pedal strongly
and the brake power is insufficient.
Brake assist generates the brake power
according to the speed at which the driver
depresses the brake pedal.NOTEWhen you depress the brake pedal
strongly or suddenly, the following
phenomena occur. However, even
though these occur, they do not indi-
cate any malfunctions, and the brake
assist system is operating properly.
 You might feel that the brake pedal
is applied by lighter force and gener-
ates a greater braking force.
 You might hear the sound of ABS
operating from the engine compart-
ment.
WARNING
Do not be overconfident about the
brake assist. It is not a system that
brings more braking ability to the
vehicle beyond its braking capabil-
ity. Always use the utmost care
when driving regarding vehicle
speed and safe distance.
CAUTION
When you need to brake suddenly,
continue depressing the brake
pedal strongly to bring the effect of
the brake assist.
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
245
Starting and Operating7
■Disc Brake Pad Wear
Wa rning IndicatorsThe disc brake pad wear warning indica-
tors on the disc brakes give a warning
noise when the brake pads are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard
from the disc brakes while braking, imme-
diately have your vehicle inspected by the
nearest SUBARU dealer.
7-11. ABS (Anti-Lock BrakeSystem)
The ABS prevents the lock-up of wheels
which may occur during sudden braking or
braking on slippery road surfaces. This
helps prevent the loss of steering control
and directional stability caused by wheel
lock-up.
When the ABS is operating, you may hear
a chattering noise or f eel a slight vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal when
the ABS operates.■ ABS Self-CheckYou may feel a slight shock in the brake
pedal and hear the operating noise of the
ABS from the engine compartment just
after the vehicle is started. This is caused
by an automatic functional test of the ABS
being carried out and does not indicate
any abnormal condition.■ ABS Warning LightRefer to "ABS Warning Light" P140.
700040
WARNING
Always use the utmost care in driv-
ing – overconfidence because you
are driving with an ABS equipped
vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.
CAUTION
 The ABS does not always
decrease stopping distance. You
should always maintain a safe
following distance from other
vehicles. When driving on badly surfaced
roads, gravel roads, icy road, or
over newly fallen snow, stopping
distances may be longer for a
vehicle with the ABS than one
without. When driving under
these conditions, therefore,
reduce your speed and leave
ample distance from other vehi-
cles.
 When you feel the ABS operating,
you should maintain constant
brake pedal pressure. Do not
pump the brake pedal since doing
so may defeat the operation of the
ABS.
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Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) System
2467-12. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) SystemThe EBD system maximizes the effective-
ness of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of
the braking force. It functions by adjusting
the distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s
loading condition and speed.
The EBD system is an in tegral part of the
ABS and uses some of the ABS compo-
nents to perform its function of optimizing
the distribution of braking force. If any of
the ABS components used by the EBD
function fails, the EBD system also stops
working.
When the EBD system is operating, you
may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal
and does not indicate a malfunction.
■ EBD System MalfunctionsIf a malfunction occurs in the EBD system,
the system stops working and the
following warning lights illuminate simulta-
neously.
 Brake system warning light
 ABS warning light
 Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
warning light
If all the warning lights remain on even
though the parking brake is released, the
brake fluid level may be low or there could
be a problem with the EBD system. Park
the vehicle in a safe place immediately
and contact an SUBARU dealer.
702779
WARNING
 Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous.
This indicates your brake system
may not be working properly. If
the light remains on, have the
brakes inspected by a SUBARU
dealer immediately. If at all in doubt about whether the
brakes are operating properly, do
not drive the vehicle. Have your
vehicle towed to the nearest
SUBARU dealer for repair.
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Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)/TRAC System
247
Starting and Operating7
– CONTINUED –
7-13. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)/TRAC System■Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC) SystemIn the event of wheelspin and/or skidding
on a slippery road surface and/or during
cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,
the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system
adjusts the engine’s output and the
wheels’ respective braking forces to help
maintain traction and directional control.
The skid suppression function is designed
to help maintain directional stability by
suppressing the wheels’ tendency to slide
sideways during steering operations. Acti-
vation of this function is indicated by
flashing of the Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC) operation indicator light.NOTE In the following circumstances, the
vehicle may be less stable than it feels
to the driver. The Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) system may therefore
operate. Such operation does not indi-
cate a system malfunction. - On gravel-covered or rutted
roads
- On unfinished roads
- When the vehicle is fitted with
snow tires or winter tires 
Activation of the Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) system will cause opera-
tion 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 Stability Control (VSC) system.
 Always turn off the engine before
replacing a tire as failure to do so may
render the Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC) system unable to operate
correctly.
■ TRAC SystemThe TRAC system 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 indicated by flashing of
the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) opera-
tion indicator light. The TRAC system is
also equipped with the brake LSD func-
tion.
WARNING
 Directional control and power
may not be achievable while
driving on slippery road surfaces,
even if the TRAC system is oper-
ating. Do not drive the vehicle in
conditions where stability and
power may be lost. Always use the utmost care in
driving – overconfidence
because you are driving with a
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
system and TRAC system
equipped vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.
CAUTION
 Even if your vehicle is equipped
with Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC) system and TRAC system,
winter tires should be used when
driving on snow-covered or icy
roads; in addition, vehicle speed
should be reduced considerably.
Simply having a Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC) system and TRAC
system does not guarantee that
the vehicle will be able to avoid
accidents in any situation.
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