Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction

& Entering the vehicle while it

is running via remote start

1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the
keyless access function (if equipped) or
remote keyless entry system. If the vehi-
cle

’s doors are unlocked instructionly using

the key, the vehicle

’s alarm system will

trigger (if the alarm system is armed prior
to activating the remote engine start
system) and the engine will turn off.
Perform either of the following procedures
to disarm the alarm system. Refer to

“Alarm system” F2-27.

. Insert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the

“ON” position (models

without

“keyless access with push-

button start system

”)

. Turn the push-button ignition switch
to the

“ACC” or “ON” position (models

with

“keyless access with push-button

start system

”)

. Press any button on the access key/
remote keyless entry transmitter.

2. Enter the vehicle.
3. The engine will shut down when any
door or trunk/rear gate is opened.
4. Insert the key into the ignition switch
and turn to the

“START” position to restart

the engine.

& Entering the vehicle follow-

ing remote engine start shut-
down

An alarm trigger may occur if the vehicle is
opened by the remote keyless entry
transmitter within a few seconds immedi-
ately following remote engine start shut-
down.

& Pre-heating or pre-cooling

the interior of the vehicle

Before exiting the vehicle, set the tem-
perature controls to the desired setting
and operation. After the system starts the
engine, the heater or air conditioning will
activate and heat or cool the interior to
your setting.

& Service mode (models with-

out

“keyless access with

push-button start system

”)

In service mode, the remote engine start
function is temporarily disabled to prevent
the system from unexpectedly starting the
engine while being serviced.

To engage or disengage service mode:
1. Enter the vehicle and close all vehicle
doors and the trunk/rear gate.
2. Verify that the select lever is in the

“P”

position (CVT models)

3. Depress and hold the brake pedal
4. Turn the ignition switch to the

“ON”

position
5. Press and release the remote engine
start transmitter

“ ” button three times.

The system will honk the vehicle

’s horn

each time the button is pressed.
6. The system will pause for 1 second
then honk the vehicle

’s horn three times to

indicate that the service mode has been
engaged or honk one time to indicate that
the service mode has been disengaged.

NOTE

When taking your vehicle in for service,
it is recommended that you inform the
service personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with a remote engine start
system.

& Remote transmitter program

(models without

“keyless ac-

cess with push-button start
system

”)

New transmitters can be programmed to
the remote engine start system in the
event that a transmitter is lost, stolen,
damaged or additional transmitters are
desired (the system will accept up to eight
transmitters). New remote engine start
transmitters can be programmed accord-

Starting and operating/Remote engine start system (dealer option)

– CONTINUED –

7-19

Starting and operating/Remote engine start system (dealer option)

ing to the following procedure.
1. Open the driver

’s door (the driver’s

door must remain opened throughout the
entire process).
2. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
3. Turn the ignition switch to

“ON” then

“LOCK”/“OFF”, back to “ON” then “LOCK”/

“OFF”, back to “ON” then “LOCK”/“OFF”,
then back to

“ON” again and leave the

ignition

“ON” throughout the programming

process.
4. The system will flash the side marker
lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn three times, indicating that
the system has entered the transmitter
learn mode.
5. Press and release the

“ ” button on

the transmitter that you want to program.
6. The system will flash the side marker
lights, tail lights and parking lights and
honk the horn one time, indicating that the
system has learned the transmitter. Upon
successful programming, the remote start
confirmation transmitter button will flash
one time.
7. Repeat step 5 for any additional
transmitters (the system will accept up to
eight transmitters).
8. The system will exit the transmitter
learn mode if the key is turned to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position, the door is closed

or after 2 minutes.

& System maintenance
NOTE

For models without

“keyless access

with push-button start system

”:

In the event that the vehicle

’s battery is

replaced, discharged or disconnected,
it will be necessary to start the vehicle
a minimum of one time using the key
prior to activating the remote engine
start system. This is required to allow
the vehicle electronic systems to re-
synchronize.

! Changing the batteries

CAUTION

. Do not let dust, oil or water get on

or in the remote engine start
transmitter when replacing the
battery.

. Be careful not to damage the

printed circuit board in the re-
mote engine start transmitter
when replacing the battery.

. Be careful not to allow children to

touch the battery and any re-
moved parts; children could
swallow them.

. There is a danger of explosion if

an incorrect replacement battery
is used. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type of bat-
tery.

. Batteries should not be exposed

to excessive heat such as sun-
shine, fire or the like.

For models with

“keyless access with

push-button start system

”:

Perform the procedure described in

“Re-

placing battery of access key

” F11-44.

For models without

“keyless access

with push-button start system

”:

The two 3-volt lithium batteries (model
CR-2032) supplied in your remote engine
start transmitter should last approximately
one year, depending on usage. When the
batteries begin to weaken, you will notice
a decrease in range (distance from the
vehicle that your remote control operates).
Follow the instructions below to change
the remote engine start transmitter bat-
teries.

7-20

1. Remove the small phillips screw lo-
cated on the back side lower left corner of
the transmitter.
2. Carefully pry the remote engine start
transmitter halves apart using a small flat-
head screwdriver.

3. Remove the circuit board from the
bottom half of the case and remove the
batteries and replace with new ones. Be
sure to observe the (+) sign on the old
batteries before removing them to ensure
that the new batteries are inserted prop-
erly (battery

“+” should be pointed away

from the transmitter circuit board on both
batteries).
4. Carefully snap the case halves back
together, reinstall the phillips screw and
test the remote engine start system.

NOTE

. This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful inter-

ference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party respon-
sible for compliance could void the
user

’s authority to operate the equip-

ment and void warranty.

. To comply with the FCC RF expo-
sure compliance requirements, no
change to the antenna or the device is
permitted. Any change to the antenna
or the device could result in the device
exceeding the RF exposure require-
ments and void user

’s authority to

operate the device.

Starting and operating/Remote engine start system (dealer option)

7-21

Starting and operating/Instruction transmission

Instruction transmission

The instruction transmission is a fully syn-
chromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-re-
verse-speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift
lever knob. When shifting from 5th gear to
reverse gear, first return the shift lever to
the neutral position then shift into reverse
gear.

To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually
let up on the clutch pedal.

If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the
transmission in neutral, release the clutch
pedal momentarily, and then try again.

WARNING

. Do not drive the vehicle with the

clutch disengaged (i.e., when the
clutch pedal is depressed) or
with the shift lever in the neutral
position. Engine braking has no
effect in either of these condi-
tions and the risk of an accident
is consequently increased.

. Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,

release the clutch pedal) sud-
denly when starting the vehicle.
By doing so the vehicle might
unexpectedly accelerate or the
transmission could malfunction.

CAUTION

Shift into reverse ONLY when the
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmis-
sion to try shifting into reverse when
the vehicle is moving.

& Shifting speeds

! Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-
omy and vehicle performance during
normal driving is ensured by shifting up
at the speeds listed in the following table.

Shift up

mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (64)

4th to 5th

45 (72)

! Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear. The tachometer

’s needle will

enter the red area if these speeds are
exceeded.
With the exception of cases where sudden
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer

’s

needle inside the red area. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
excessive engine wear and poor fuel
economy.

7-22

mph (km/h)

Gear

Except

Crosstrek models

1st

30 (48)

28 (46)

2nd

55 (89)

53 (86)

3rd

80 (130)

78 (126)

4th

Legal speed limit

(Posted limit speed)

5th

WARNING

When shifting down a gear, ensure
that the vehicle is not travelling at a
speed exceeding the Maximum Al-
lowable Speed for the gear which is
about to be selected. Failure to
observe this precaution can lead to
engine over-revving and this in turn
can result in engine damage.

In addition, sudden application of
engine brakes when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can
lead to wheel locking; as a conse-
quence, control of the vehicle may
be lost and the risk of an accident
increased.

NOTE

Never exceed the posted speed limit.

& Driving tips

Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to
hold your vehicle at a standstill on an
upgrade. Either of those actions may
cause clutch damage.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the
shift lever. This may cause wear on the
transmission components.

When it is necessary to reduce vehicle
speed due to slow traffic, turning corners,
or driving up steep hills, downshift to a
lower gear before the engine starts to
labor.

On steep downgrades, downshift the
transmission to 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear as
necessary; this helps to maintain a safe
speed and to extend brake pad life.
In this way, the engine provides a braking
effect. Remember, if you

“ride” (over use)

the brakes while descending a hill, they
may overheat and not work properly.

The engine may, on rare occasions, knock
when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or
rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This
phenomenon is not an indication of a
problem in your vehicle.

Continuously variable trans-
mission

WARNING

Do not shift from the

“P” or “N”

position into the

“D” or “R” position

while depressing the accelerator
pedal. This may cause the vehicle
to jump forward or backward.

CAUTION

. Shift into the “P” or “R” position

only after the vehicle is comple-
tely stopped. Shifting while the
vehicle is moving may cause
damage to the transmission.

. Do not race the engine for more

than 5 seconds in any position
except the

“N” or “P” position

when the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.

. Do not shift from the “D” position

into the

“R” position or vice

versa until the vehicle has com-
pletely stopped. Such shifting
may cause damage to the trans-

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

– CONTINUED –

7-23

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

mission.

. When parking the vehicle, first

securely apply the parking brake
and then place the select lever in
the

“P” position. Do not park for

a long time with the select lever
in any other position as doing so
could result in a dead battery.

& Continuously variable trans-

mission features

The continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. For some models, it also
has a instruction mode or an

“L” position.

NOTE

. When the engine coolant tempera-
ture is still low, the transmission will
upshift or downshift at higher engine
speeds than when the coolant tempera-
ture is sufficiently high in order to
shorten the warm-up time and improve
driveability. The gearshift timing will
automatically shift to the normal timing
after the engine has warmed up.

. Immediately after transmission fluid
is replaced, you may feel that the
transmission operation is somewhat
unusual. This results from invalidation

of data which the on-board computer
has collected and stored in memory to
allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the current
condition of your vehicle. Optimized
shifting will be restored as the vehicle
continues to be driven for a while.

. When driving a CVT model under
continuous heavy load conditions such
as when towing a camper or climbing a
long, steep hill, the engine speed or the
vehicle speed may automatically be
reduced. This is not a malfunction. This
phenomenon results from the engine
control function maintaining the cool-
ing performance of the vehicle. The
engine and vehicle speed will return to
a normal speed when the engine is able
to maintain the optimum cooling per-
formance after the heavy load de-
creases. Driving under a heavy load
must be performed with extreme care.
Do not try to pass a vehicle in front
when driving on an uphill slope while
towing.

. The continuously variable transmis-
sion is a chain type system that
provides superior transmission effi-
ciency for maximum fuel economy. At
times, depending on varying driving
conditions, a chain operating sound
may be heard that is characteristic of
this type of system.

& Select lever

! Select lever positions

Select lever button

7-24

Models with

“L” position

Models with instruction mode

: With the brake pedal depressed, shift

while pressing the select lever button
in.

: Shift while pressing the select lever

button in.

: Shift without pressing the select lever

button.

The select lever has four positions,

“P”,

“R”, “N”, “D” and it also has an “L” or “M”
gate.

NOTE

For some models, to protect the engine
while the select lever is in the

“P” or

“N” position, the engine is controlled
so that the engine speed may not
become too high even if the accelerator

pedal is depressed hard.

! 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 firmly, then shift into the

“P”

position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the mechanical friction of the transmis-
sion.

To shift the select lever from the

“P”

position 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 then move the lever to
the

“R” position while pressing the select

lever button in.

When the ignition switch has been turned
to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position, movement

of the select lever from the

“N” to “R”

position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal,
and then it becomes impossible. For
details, refer to

“Shift lock function” F7-28.

! 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.

Avoid coasting with the transmission in
neutral. Engine braking has no effect in
this condition.

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the

“N” (neutral)

position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in-
creased.

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

– CONTINUED –

7-25

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

NOTE

If the select lever is in the

“N” position

when you stop the engine for parking,
you may not subsequently be able to
move it to the

“R” and “P” positions. If

this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the

“ON” position. You will then be able

to move the select lever to the

“P”

position.

! D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically and con-
tinuously 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 automatically downshift.
In this case, the transmission will operate
like a conventional automatic transmis-
sion. When you release the pedal, the
transmission will return to the original gear
position.

For models with instruction mode, 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 instruction mode. In this mode,
you can shift into any gear position using
the shift paddles. For details about the
instruction mode, refer to

“Selection of

instruction mode

” F7-26. Once the vehicle

speed stabilizes, the transmission will
switch from the instruction mode back to
the

“D” position for normal driving.

& Selection of instruction mode (if

equipped)

With the vehicle either moving or station-
ary, move the select lever from the

“D”

position to the

“M” position to select the

instruction mode.

Type A
1)

Upshift indicator

Downshift indicator

Gear position indicator

7-26

Type B
1)

Upshift indicator

Downshift indicator

Gear position indicator

When the instruction mode is selected, the
gear position indicator and upshift indica-
tor and/or downshift indicator on the
combination meter illuminate.

The gear position indicator shows the
currently selected gear in the 1st-to-6th-
gear range. The upshift and downshift
indicators show when a gear shift is
possible. When the upshift indicator

“ ”

illuminates, upshifting is possible. When
the downshift indicator

“ ” illuminates,

downshifting is possible. When both in-
dicators illuminate, upshifting and down-
shifting are both possible. When the
vehicle stops (for example, at traffic

signals), the downshift indicator turns off.

Gearshifts can be performed using the
shift paddle behind the steering wheel.

Except Crosstrek models

Crosstrek models

To upshift to the next higher gear position,
pull the shift paddle that has

“+” indicated

on it. To downshift to the next lower gear
position, pull the shift paddle that has

“–”

indicated on it.

To deselect the instruction mode, return the
select lever to the

“D” position from the “M”

position.

CAUTION

Do not place or hang anything on
the shift paddles. Doing so may
result in accidental gear shifting.

NOTE

Please read the following points care-
fully and bear them in mind when using
the instruction mode.
. If you attempt to shift down when
the engine speed is too high, i.e., when
a downshift would push the tachometer
needle beyond the red zone, beeps will
be emitted to warn you that the down-
shift is not possible.

. If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.

. You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the shift paddle twice in rapid succes-

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

– CONTINUED –

7-27

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

sion.

. The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stops
moving.

. If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the

“AT

OIL TEMP

” warning light on the combi-

nation meter will illuminate. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a safe location
and let the engine idle until the warning
light turns off.

& Selection of “L” (if equipped)

“L” is for using engine braking when going
down a hill, etc. To select this mode, move
the select lever from the

“D” position to the

“L” position.

When selected, the indicator

“L” will

illuminate on the combination meter.

To deselect

“L”, move the select lever to

the

“D” position.

& Shift lock function

The shift lock function helps prevent the
improper operation of the select lever.
. The select lever cannot be operated
unless the ignition switch is turned to the

“ON” position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
. The select lever cannot be moved from
the

“P” position to any other position

before the brake pedal is depressed.
Depress the brake pedal first, and then
operate the select lever.
. Only the “P” position allows you to turn

the ignition switch from the

“ACC” position

to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position and remove

the key from the ignition switch.
. If the ignition switch is turned to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” position while the select
lever is in the

“N” position, the select lever

may not be moved to the

“P” position after

a period of time. Therefore, move the
select lever to the

“P” position with the

brake pedal depressed soon after the
ignition switch is turned to the

“LOCK”/

“OFF” position.

! Shift lock release
If the select lever cannot be operated, turn
the ignition switch back to the

“ON”

position then move the select lever to the

“P” position with the select lever button
pressed and brake pedal depressed.

If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, perform
the following steps.
. When the select lever cannot be
shifted from

“P” to “N”:

Refer to

“Shift lock release using the shift

lock release button

” F7-29.

. When the select lever cannot be
shifted from

“N” to “R”, “P”:

Within 60 seconds after placing the igni-
tion switch in the

“ACC” position, move the

select lever to the

“P” position with the

7-28

select lever button pressed and brake
pedal depressed.

If you must perform the above procedure,
the shift lock system (or the vehicle control
system) may be malfunctioning. Contact a
SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon
as possible.

If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, refer to

“Shift lock release using the shift lock
release button

” F7-29.

! Shift lock release using the shift

lock release button

Perform the following procedure to release
the shift lock.
1. Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition switch to the

“LOCK”/“OFF” posi-

tion.

2. Wrap the tip of a flat-head screwdriver
with vinyl tape or a cloth and use it to
remove the shift lock cover. The shift lock
release button is located under the shift
lock cover.

3. While depressing the brake pedal,

insert a screwdriver into the hole, press
the shift lock release button using a
screwdriver, and then move the select
lever.

If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, the shift
lock system may be malfunctioning. Con-
tact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection
as soon as possible.

& Driving tips

. Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the

“D” or

“R” position.

. Always apply the parking brake when
parking your vehicle. Do not hold the
vehicle with only the mechanical friction
of 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.

Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission

7-29

Starting and operating/Power steering

Power steering

& Power steering warning light

Type A

Type B

& Power steering system fea-

tures

The 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
combination meter illuminates to inform
the driver that the warning system is
functioning properly. Then, if the engine
started, the warning light turns off to inform
the driver that the steering power assist is
operational.

CAUTION

When 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, this may result in a malfunc-
tion of the power steering control
system.

7-30

Braking

& Braking tips

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 and linings.

! 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 braking
Remember to make use of engine braking
in addition to foot braking. When descend-
ing a grade, if only the foot brake is used,
the brakes may start working improperly
because of brake fluid overheating,
caused by overheated brake pads. To
help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to
get stronger engine braking.
! 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 location.

& Brake system

! Two separate circuits
Your vehicle has two separate circuit
brake systems. Each circuit works diag-
onally 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 engine manifold
vacuum to assist braking force. Do not
turn the ignition switch to the

“LOCK”/

“OFF” position 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 dis-
tance will increase.

! Brake assist system

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.

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.

NOTE

When you depress the brake pedal
strongly or suddenly, the following
phenomena occur. However, even
though these occur, they do not indi-

Starting and operating/Braking

– CONTINUED –

7-31

Starting and operating/ABS (Anti

–lock Brake System)

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 an ABS operating
noise from the engine compartment.

& Disc brake pad wear warning

indicators

The 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, im-
mediately have your vehicle checked by
your SUBARU dealer.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys-
tem)

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 feel a slight vibration
in the brake pedal. This is normal when
the ABS operates.

The ABS will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10
km/h).

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in
driving

– overconfidence because

you are driving a vehicle with the
ABS could easily lead to a serious
accident.

CAUTION

. The ABS does not always de-

crease stopping distance. You
should always maintain a safe

following distance from other
vehicles.

. When driving on badly surfaced

roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or
over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be long-
er for a vehicle with the ABS than
one without. When driving under
these conditions, therefore, re-
duce your speed and leave ample
distance from other vehicles.

. When tire chains are installed,

stopping distances may be long-
er for a vehicle with the ABS than
one without. Be sure to reduce
your speed and maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.

. 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 opera-
tion of the ABS.

& ABS self-check

Just after the vehicle is started, you may
feel on the brake pedal a vibration similar
to when the ABS operates, and you may
also hear the sound of the ABS working
from the engine compartment. This is

7-32

caused by an automatic functional test of
the ABS being carried out and does not
indicate a malfunction.

& ABS warning light

Refer to

“ABS warning light” F3-21.

Electronic Brake Force Dis-
tribution (EBD) system

The 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 integral 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
system malfunction, 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.

& Steps to take if EBD system

malfunctions

Type A

Type B

If a malfunction occurs in the EBD system,
the system stops working and the brake

Starting and operating/Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system

– CONTINUED –

7-33

Starting and operating/Vehicle Dynamics Control system

system warning light and ABS warning
light illuminate simultaneously.

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 malfunctions, the
conventional braking system will still func-
tion. However, the rear wheels will be
more prone to locking when the brakes
are applied harder than usual and the
vehicle

’s motion may therefore become

somewhat 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 location.
2. Apply the parking brake and turn off
the engine.
3. Restart the engine.
4. Release the parking brake.

Even if both warning lights turn off:
The EBD system may be malfunctioning.
Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU
dealer and have the system inspected.

If both warning lights illuminate again
and remain illuminated after restarting
the engine:
1. Turn off the engine again.

2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Check the brake fluid level. For details
about checking the brake fluid level, refer
to

“Checking the fluid level” F11-16.

. 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.
. 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.

WARNING

. Driving with the brake system

warning light illuminated is dan-
gerous. This indicates your brake
system may not be working
properly. If the light remains
illuminated, have the brakes in-
spected by a SUBARU dealer
immediately.

. 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.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
system

& Safety precautions

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in
driving

– overconfidence because

you are driving a vehicle with the
Vehicle Dynamics Control system
could easily lead to a serious acci-
dent.

CAUTION

. Even if your vehicle is equipped

with Vehicle Dynamics Control
system, winter tires should be
used when driving on snow-cov-
ered or icy roads; in addition,
vehicle speed should be reduced
considerably. Simply having a
Vehicle Dynamics Control sys-
tem does not guarantee that the
vehicle will be able to avoid
accidents in any situation.

. Activation of the Vehicle Dy-

namics Control system is an
indication that the road being
travelled on has a slippery sur-

7-34

Subaru XV Crosstrek (2016 year). Instruction - part 26