traction control SUBARU TRIBECA 2012 1.G Owners Manual

&Instrument panel1) Door locks (page 2-5)
2) Illumination brightness control
(page 3-29)
3) Remote control mirror switch (page 3-42)
Power folding mirror switch (if equipped)
(page 3-43)
4) Windshield wiper deicer (page 3-36)
5) Traction Control system OFF switch (page 7-25)
6) Headlight beam leveler (if equipped) (page 3-30)
7) Light control switch (page 3-27)
8) Combination meter (page 3-5)
9) Wiper control lever (page 3-33)
10) Cruise control (page 7-29)
11) Horn (page 3-44)
12) SRS airbag (page 1-45)
13) Tilt steering (page 3-44)
14) Hood lock release knob (page 11-4)
15) Fuse box (page 11-34)
16) Power windows (page 2-21) 17
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22
&Warning and indicator lights
Mark Name Page
Driver ’s seatbelt warning
light 3-10
Front passenger
’s seat-
belt warning light 3-10
SRS airbag system
warning light 3-11
CHECK ENGINE warn-
ing light/Malfunction indi-
cator light3-12
Charge warning light 3-13
Oil pressure warning light 3-13
AT OIL TEMP warning light
3-13
/ABS warning light 3-15
/Brake system warning light
3-16
Door open warning light
3-17Mark Name Page
Low fuel warning light 3-17
AWD warning light 3-18
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light (U.S.-
spec. models and
Canada-spec. models)/
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operation indicator
light (all models)
3-18
Traction Control system
OFF indicator light (U.S.-
spec. models and
Canada-spec. models)
3-19
Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol warning light (Latin
America-spec. models)/
Traction Control system
OFF indicator light (Latin
America-spec. models) 3-19
Security indicator light 3-21
Turn signal indicator lights
3-21
High beam indicator light 3-22
Front fog light indicator light3-22Mark Name Page
Headlight indicator light 3-22
Cruise control indicator light
3-22
Cruise control set indica-
tor light
3-22
Low tire pressure warn-
ing light3-14
Passenger airbag ON in-
dicator light
3-12
Passenger airbag OFF
indicator light3-12
SPORT mode indicator light3-21
Windshield washer fluid
warning light3-17
Rear differential oil tem-
perature warning light3-13

Ignition switch..................................................... 3-3
LOCK .................................................................. 3-3
Acc..................................................................... 3-4
ON...................................................................... 3-4
START ................................................................ 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................ 3-4
Ignition switch light ............................................. 3-4
Hazard warning flasher ....................................... 3-5
Meters and gauges. ............................................. 3-5
Combination meter illumination ........................... 3-5
Canceling the function for meter needle/gauge movement and combination meter sequential
illumination upon turning on the ignition switch ............................................................... 3-5
Speedometer ....................................................... 3-6
Odometer ............................................................ 3-6
Double trip meter ................................................ 3-7
Tachometer ......................................................... 3-7
Fuel gauge .......................................................... 3-8
Temperature gauge ............................................. 3-8
Warning and indicator lights .............................. 3-9
Seatbelt warning light and chime ........................ 3-10
SRS airbag system warning light ........................ 3-11
Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators ......................................................... 3-12
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light ................................................... 3-12
Charge warning light .......................................... 3-13
Oil pressure warning light .................................. 3-13
AT OIL TEMP warning light ................................. 3-13 Rear differential oil temperature warning
light ................................................................ 3-13
Low tire pressure warning light .......................... 3-14
ABS warning light .............................................. 3-15
Brake system warning light ................................ 3-16
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 3-17
Door open warning light .................................... 3-17
Windshield washer fluid warning light ................ 3-17
All-Wheel Drive warning light ... .......................... 3-18
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (U.S.- spec models and Canada-spec. models)/Vehicle
Dynamics Control operation indicator light (allmodels) ........................................................... 3-18
Traction Control system OFF indicator light (U.S.-spec models and Canada-spec.models) ........................................................... 3-19
Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light (Latin America-spec. models)/Traction Control OFF
indicator light (Latin America-spec. models) ..... 3-19
Security indicator light ....................................... 3-21
SPORT mode indicator light ............................... 3-21
Select lever/Gear position indicator .................... 3-21
Turn signal indicator lights ................................. 3-21
High beam indicator light ................................... 3-22
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 3-22
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 3-22
Headlight indicator light ..................................... 3-22
Front fog light indicator light .............................. 3-22
Clock .................................................................. 3-22
Outside temperature indicator .......................... 3-23
Low outside temperature warning ...................... 3-24
Instruments and controls
3

CAUTION
If the pointer exceeds the normal
operating range, safely stop the
vehicle as soon as possible.
Refer to “Engine overheating ”F9-
14. Warning and indicator lights
Several of the warning and indicator lights
illuminate momentarily and then turn off
when the ignition switch is initially turned
to the
“ON ”position. This permits check-
ing the operation of the bulbs.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the “ON ”position. For
the system check, the following lights
illuminate and turn off after several sec-
onds or after the engine has started:
: Driver ’s seatbelt warning light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the driver fastens the seatbelt.)
: Front passenger ’s seatbelt warning
light
(The seatbelt warning light turns off
only when the front seat passenger
fastens the seatbelt.)
: SRS airbag system warning light
: CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal- function indicator light
: Charge warning light
: Oil pressure warning light
: AT OIL TEMP warning light
/: ABS warning light
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light(U.S.-spec. models and Canada-spec.
models)/Vehicle Dynamics Control op-
eration indicator light (all models)
: Traction Control system OFF indicator light (U.S.-spec. models and Canada-
spec. models)
: Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
(Latin America-spec. models)/Traction
Control system OFF indicator light
(Latin America-spec. models)
/: Brake system warning light
: AWD warning light
: Low tire pressure warning light
: SPORT mode indicator light
: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag ON
indicator light
: Front passenger ’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator light
: Low fuel warning light
: Cruise control indicator light
: Cruise control set indicator light
: Rear differential oil temperature warn-
ing light
: Windshield washer fluid warning light Instruments and controls
3-9
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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 beingdriven.. The warning light illuminates during
driving, but it turns off immediately and
remains off. ! Vehicle Dynamics Control opera-
tion indicator light
U.S.-spec. models and Canada-spec.models:
The indicator light flashes during activa-
tion of the skid suppression function and
during activation of the traction controlfunction. 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 problem
and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light is on. Latin America-spec. models:
The indicator light flashes when the skid
suppression function is activated. It illumi-
nates when only the traction control
function is operating.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under any of the
following 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 (U.S.-spec. models and Canada-
spec. models)/even after a period of
approximately 2 seconds after the ignition
switch has been turned to the “ON ”
position (Latin America-spec. models).
& Traction Control sys-
tem OFF indicator light
(U.S.-spec models and
Canada-spec. models)
This light illuminates when the Traction
Control system OFF switch is pressed to
deactivate the Traction Control system.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is probably malfunctioning under any of the
following conditions. Have your vehicle
checked at a SUBARU dealer immedi-
ately. .
The light does not illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON ”
position.. The light does not turn off even after a
period of approximately 2 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned to the“ ON ”position.
& Vehicle Dynamics
Control warning light
(Latin America-spec.
models)/Traction Con-
trol OFF indicator light
(Latin America-spec.models)
This warning light functions to indicate
malfunctions in the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system as well as to indicate that
the Traction Control system has beendeactivated.
It illuminates in the event of a malfunction
in the system and is on when the system
is not operating. Instruments and controls
3-19
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3-20Instruments and controls
!Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light
CAUTION
The Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem 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 illuminate.
Though both the Vehicle Dynamics
Control and ABS systems are inop-
erative 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 possible.
NOTE . If the electrical circuit of the Vehicle
Dynamics Control system itself mal-
functions, only the warning light 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 systemmalfunctions.
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 conditions,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
may be considered normal. . The warning light illuminates right
after the engine is started but turns off
immediately, remaining off.. The warning light illuminates after
engine startup and turns off while the
vehicle is subsequently being driven.. The warning light illuminates during
driving, but it turns off immediately and
remains off. !
Traction Control OFF indicator light
. It illuminates when the Traction Control
OFF switch is pressed. . It also illuminates when the Traction
Control system is deactivated. 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 illuminates.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control system is
probably malfunctioning under the listed
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 hasstarted.

Fuel...................................................................... 7-2
Fuel requirements ............................................... 7-2
Fuel filler lid and cap ........................................... 7-3
State emission testing (U.S. only) ...................... 7-5
Preparing to drive ............................................... 7-7
Starting the engine .............................................. 7-7
Stopping the engine ............................................ 7-8
Remote engine start system (dealer option) ..... 7-8
Starting your vehicle ........................................... 7-9
Remote start safety features ................................ 7-9
Entering the vehicle while it is running via remote start .................................................................. 7-9
Entering the vehicle following remote engine start shutdown .......................................................... 7-9
Pre-heating or pre-cooling the interior of the vehicle ............................................................. 7-10
Service mode ..................................................... 7-10
Remote engine start transmitter programming and programmable feature option ..................... 7-10
System maintenance .......................................... 7-11
Automatic transmission ..................................... 7-12
Select lever ........................................................ 7-13
Shift lock function .............................................. 7-14
Selection of manual mode .................................. 7-16
Driving tips ........................................................ 7-17
SPORT mode ..................................................... 7-18 Power steering
................................................... 7-18
Braking ............................................................... 7-19
Braking tips ....................................................... 7-19
Brake system .................................................... 7-19
Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ............. 7-20
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-20
ABS system self-check ...................................... 7-21
ABS warning light .............................................. 7-21
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system ............................................................. 7-22
Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions ..... ..... 7-22
Vehicle Dynamics Control system .................... 7-23
Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitor..... ..... 7-25
Traction Control system OFF switch ................... 7-25
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ........ 7-27
Parking your vehicle ......................................... 7-28
Parking brake .................................................... 7-28
Parking tips ....................................................... 7-29
Cruise control .................................................... 7-29
To set cruise control .......................................... 7-30
To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. 7-30
To turn off the cruise control .............................. 7-31
To change the cruising speed .. .......................... 7-31
Cruise control indicator light .............................. 7-32
Cruise control set indicator light ........................ 7-32
Starting and operating
7

7-24Starting and operating
that full vehicle control will be
maintained at all times and under
all conditions, its activation
should be seen as a sign that
the speed of the vehicle should
be reduced considerably.
. Whenever suspension compo-
nents, steering components, or
an axle are removed from a
vehicle equipped with Vehicle
Dynamics Control system, have
an inspection of that system
performedbyanauthorized
SUBARU dealer.
. The following precautions should
be observed in order to ensure
that the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol system is operating properly. – All four wheels should be
fitted with tires of the same
size, type, and brand. Further-
more, the amount of wear
should be the same for all
four tires.
– Keep the tire pressure at the
proper level as shown on the
vehicle placard attached to
the driver ’s side door pillar.
In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding
on a slippery road surface and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver,
the Vehicle Dynamics Control system
adjusts the engine
’s output and the
wheels ’respective braking forces to help
maintain traction and directional control. . Traction Control Function
The traction control function 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 shown by
flashing the Vehicle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light. . Skid Suppression Function
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 shown by flashing
the Vehicle Dynamics Control operation
indicator light.
NOTE . Slight twitching of the brake pedal
may be felt when the Vehicle Dynamics
Control system operates; a small de-
gree of vehicle or steering wheel shak-
ing may also be noticed in this situa-
tion. 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 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 activa-
tion of the brakes, the brake pedal may
seem to jolt when you drive off after
starting the engine. This is a conse-
quence of the Vehicle Dynamics Con-
trol operational check and is normal.. In the circumstances shown in the
following list, 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 malfunction.
–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 normalconditions. . 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). .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 Dy-
namics Control system will be unable
to operate 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
Refer to the following sections. . “Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light (U.S.-spec models and Canada-
spec. models)/Vehicle Dynamics Control
operation indicator light (all models) ”F 3-
18 . “Traction Control system OFF indicator
light (U.S.-spec models and Canada-
spec. models) ”F 3-19
. “Vehicle Dynamics Control warning
light (Latin America-spec. models)/Trac-
tion Control OFF indicator light (Latin
America-spec. models) ”F 3-19 &
Traction Control system OFF switch
Traction Control system OFF indicator
light (U.S.-spec. models and Canada-spec. models) Starting and operating
7-25
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7-26Starting and operating
Traction Control system OFF indicator
light (Latin America-spec. models)
Traction Control system OFF switch
Pressingtheswitchtodeactivatethe
Traction Control system can facilitate the
following operations. .
a standing start on a steeply sloping
road with a snowy, gravel-covered, or
otherwise slippery surface . extrication of the vehicle when its
wheels are stuck in mud or deep snow
When the switch is pressed during engine
operation, the Traction Control system
OFF indicator light on the combination
meter illuminates. The Traction Control
system will be deactivated and the vehicle
will behave like a model not equipped with
the Traction Control system. When the
switch is pressed again to reactivate the
Traction Control system OFF indicator
light turns off.
With the Traction Control system deacti-
vated, traction enhancement offered by
Traction Control system is unavailable.
Therefore you should not deactivate the
Traction Control system except under
above-mentioned situations.
NOTE . When the switch has been pressed
to deactivate the Traction Control sys-
tem, the Traction Control system auto-
matically reactivates itself the next time
the ignition key is turned to the “LOCK ”
position and the engine is restarted.. If the switch is held down for 10
seconds or longer, the indicator light
turns off, the Traction Control system is activated, and the system ignores
any further pressing of the switch. To
make the switch usable again, turn the
ignition key to the
“LOCK ”position and
restart the engine.. Whentheswitchispressedto
deactivate the Traction Control system,
the vehicle ’s running performance is
comparable with that of a vehicle that
does not have a Traction Control
system. Do not deactivate the Traction
Control system except when absolutely
necessary.