Subaru WRX STI (2019 year). Instruction

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being driven or fuel spillage
could occur in the event of an
accident, creating a fire hazard.

Do not let fuel spill on the exterior

surfaces of the vehicle. Because
fuel may damage the paint, be
sure to wipe off any spilled fuel
quickly. Paint damage caused by
spilled fuel is not covered under
the SUBARU Limited Warranty.

Always use a genuine SUBARU

fuel filler cap. If you use the
wrong cap, it may not fit or have
proper venting and your fuel tank
and emission control system
may be damaged. It could also
lead to fuel spillage and a fire.

Immediately put fuel in the tank

whenever the low fuel warning
light illuminates. Engine misfires
as a result of an empty tank could
cause damage to the engine.
Continuing to operate your vehi-
cle at an extremely low fuel level
may result in a reduction of
engine performance.

State emission testing
(U.S. only)

WARNING

Only use a four-wheel dynamometer
when testing an All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) model.

Testing of an AWD model must
NEVER be performed on a single
two-wheel dynamometer. Attempt-
ing to do so will result in uncon-
trolled vehicle movement and may
cause an accident or injuries to
persons nearby.

CAUTION

At state inspection time, remem-

ber to tell your inspection or
service station in advance not to
place your SUBARU AWD vehicle
on a two-wheel dynamometer.
Otherwise, serious transmission
damage will result.

Resultant vehicle damage due to

improper testing is not covered
under the SUBARU Limited War-
ranty and is the responsibility of
the state inspection program or

its contractors or licensees.

California and a number of federal states
have Inspection/Maintenance programs to
inspect your vehicle’s emission control
system. If your vehicle does not pass this
test, some states may deny renewal of
your vehicle’s registration.

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer
that monitors the performance of the
engine’s emission control system. Certi-
fied emission inspectors will inspect the
On-Board Diagnostic (OBDII) system as
part of the state emission inspection
process. The OBDII system is designed
to detect engine and transmission pro-
blems that might cause the vehicle emis-
sions to exceed allowable limits. OBDII
inspections apply to all 1996 model year
and newer passenger cars and trucks.
Over 30 states plus the District of Colum-
bia have 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/mal-
function indicator light (MIL) and an ex-
amination 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 ob-

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Starting and operating/State emission testing (U.S. only)

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served, 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 faulty LED [Light
Emitting Diode]) or there is one or more
diagnostic trouble codes stored in the
vehicle’s computer.
.

A state emission inspection 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 re-
placed 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 readiness monitors
and return for an emission re-inspection.
.

Owners of rejected or failing vehicles

should contact their SUBARU Dealer for
service.

Some states still use dynamometers in
their emission inspection program. A
dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like
testing device that allows your vehicle’s
wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in
one place. Prior to your vehicle being put

on a dynamometer, tell your emission
inspector not to place your SUBARU
AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynam-
ometer. Otherwise, serious transmis-
sion damage will result.

The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and states using two-wheel
dynamometers in their emission testing
program have EXEMPTED SUBARU
AWD vehicles from the portion of the
testing program that involves a two-wheel
dynamometer. There are some states that
use four-wheel dynamometers in their
testing program. When properly used, this
equipment should not damage a SUBARU
AWD vehicle.

Under no circumstances should the rear
wheels be jacked off the ground, nor
should the driveshaft be disconnected in
an attempt to bypass AWD for state
emission testing. An AWD vehicles must
be tested using an AWD dynamometer
with all 4 wheels driven and loaded.

Preparing to drive

You 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, and check that no small animal is
under the vehicle.
4. Check that no small animal enters the
engine compartment.
5. Check that the hood and trunk lid 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 warn-
ing lights after starting the engine.

Starting and operating/Preparing to drive

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CAUTION

Trapping small animals in the cool-
ing fan and belts of the engine may
result in a malfunction. Check that
no small animal enters the engine
compartment and under the vehicle
before starting the engine.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid and other fluid levels
should be checked daily, weekly or at
fuel stops.

Starting and stopping the en-
gine

General precautions when
starting/stopping engine

WARNING

Never start the engine from out-

side the vehicle. It may result in
an accident.

Do not start the engine near dry

foliage, paper, or other flammable
substances. The exhaust pipe
and exhaust emissions can cre-
ate a fire hazard at high tempera-
tures.

Do not leave the engine running

in locations with poor ventilation,
such as a garage and indoors.
The exhaust gas may enter the
vehicle or indoors, and it may
result in carbon monoxide poi-
soning.

CAUTION

Do not stop the engine while

driving. Otherwise, the catalyst
may overheat and burn.

When starting the engine, be sure

to sit in the driver’s seat (except
when using the remote engine
start system).

NOTE

Avoid rapid acceleration immedi-

ately after the engine has started. In
addition, always avoid rapid racing.
.

Until the engine is warmed up suffi-

ciently, the engine speed is maintained
high. The engine speed will gradually
drop as the engine warms up.
.

On rare occasions, it may be difficult

to start the engine depending on the
fuel used and the driving condition
(repeated short trips when the engine
is not warmed up sufficiently). In such
cases, it is recommended to switch to a
different brand of fuel.
.

On rare occasions, transient knock-

ing may be heard from the engine when
the accelerator is operated rapidly such
as a rapid start-up and a rapid accel-
eration. This is not a malfunction.
.

The engine starts more easily when

the headlights, air conditioner and rear
window defogger are turned off.
.

It may be difficult to start the engine

when the battery has been discon-
nected and reconnected (for mainte-
nance or other purposes). This diffi-
culty is caused by the electronically

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Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis
function. To overcome it, keep the
ignition switch in the “ON” position
for approximately 10 seconds before
starting the engine.

Models without push-button
start systems

Starting engine

CAUTION

Do not operate the starter motor
continuously for more than 10 sec-
onds. If the engine fails to start after
operating the starter for 5 to 10
seconds, wait for 10 seconds or
more before trying again.

NOTE

Do not shift the shift lever/select lever
while the starter is cranking.

MT models

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold
the clutch pedal to the floor while starting
the engine.

The starter motor will only operate when
the clutch pedal is depressed fully to the
floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position and check the operation of the
warning and indicator lights. Refer to
“Warning and indicator lights” F3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start, perform the
procedure described in “If the engine does
not start” F7-11.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started.

CVT models

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces-
sories.
3. Shift the select lever to the “P” or “N”
position (preferably the “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when
the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position and check the operation of the
warning and indicator lights. Refer to
“Warning and indicator lights” F3-13.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START”

position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. Release the key immediately
after the engine has started.

If the engine does not start, perform the
procedure described in “If the engine does
not start” F7-11.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator
lights have turned off after the engine has
started.

While the engine is warming up, make sure
that the select lever is at the “P” or “N”
position and that the parking brake is
applied.

CAUTION

If you restart the engine while the
vehicle is moving, shift the select
lever into the “N” position. Do not
attempt to place the select lever of a
moving vehicle into the “P” position.

Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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If the engine does not start

CAUTION

For safety, release the accelerator
pedal as soon as the engine starts.

Try the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and wait for at least 10 seconds.
2. After checking that the parking brake is
firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position while depressing the
accelerator pedal slightly (approximately
a quarter of the full stroke).
3. If this fails to start the engine, turn the
ignition switch back to the “LOCK” position
and wait for at least 10 seconds.
4. Fully depress the accelerator pedal
and turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position.

If this fails to start the engine, try the
following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch again to the
“LOCK” position.
2. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer,
turn the ignition switch to the “START”
position without depressing the accelera-
tor pedal.

If the engine still does not start, contact

your nearest SUBARU dealer for assis-
tance.

Stopping the engine

The ignition switch should be turned off
only when the vehicle is stopped and the
engine is idling.

WARNING

Do not stop the engine when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause
loss of power to the power steering
and the brake booster, making steer-
ing and braking more difficult. It
could also result in accidental acti-
vation of the “LOCK” position on the
ignition switch, causing the steering
wheel to lock.

Models with push-button
start systems

Safety precautions

Refer to “Safety precautions” F2-8.

Operating range for push-button
start system

Refer to “Operating range” F3-6.

Starting engine

WARNING

If the indicator on the push-button
ignition switch flashes in green after
the engine has started, never drive
the vehicle. The steering is still
locked, and it may result in an
accident. In this case, press the
push-button ignition switch with
the brake pedal depressed and with
the steering wheel turned from the
right to the left.

CAUTION

When the operation indicator on

the push-button ignition switch is
flashing in orange, there may be a
malfunction with the vehicle.
Contact a SUBARU dealer imme-
diately.

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 press-
ing the push-button ignition
switch. Instead, press the push-
button ignition switch without
depressing the brake pedal to

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Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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switch the power status to “OFF”.
Wait 10 seconds, and then push
the push-button ignition switch
to start the engine.

NOTE

When pressing the push-button igni-

tion switch with the clutch pedal (MT
models) or the brake pedal (CVT mod-
els) depressed:

– The engine starter operates for a
maximum of 10 seconds and after
starting the engine, the starter stops
automatically.
– You can start the engine regard-
less 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 mod-
els) or the brake pedal (CVT 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 (CVT
models) more forcefully.

The engine may not start depending

on the radio wave conditions around

the vehicle. In such a case, refer to
“Starting engine” F9-18.
.

If the vehicle battery is discharged,

the steering cannot be unlocked.
Charge the battery.
.

Do not shift the shift lever/select

lever while the starter is cranking.

Operation indicator

Push-button ignition switch

The design of the push-button ignition
switch may be slightly different depending
on the models.
When you press the push-button ignition
switch with the clutch pedal (MT models)/
brake pedal (CVT models) depressed, the
engine will start. The start procedure of the
engine is as follows.

MT models

1. Carry the access key fob, and sit in the
driver’s seat.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the shift lever in neutral.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Depress the clutch pedal until the
indicator on the push-button ignition switch
turns green.
6. While depressing the clutch pedal,
press the push-button ignition switch.

CVT models

1. Carry the access key fob, and sit in the
driver’s seat.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the select lever in the “P” position.
The engine can also start when the select
lever is in the “N” position, however, for
safety reasons, start in the “P” position.
4. Depress the brake pedal until the
operation indicator on the push-button
ignition switch turns green. When starting
with the select lever in the “N” position, the
indicator does not turn green.
5. While depressing the brake pedal,
press the push-button ignition switch.

Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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NOTE

While pressing the select lever but-

ton in, the indicator on the push-button
ignition switch will not turn green even
when the select lever is in the “P”
position.
.

When the engine is not started, the

brake pedal may feel stiff. In such a
case, depress the brake pedal more
forcefully than usual. Check that the
operation indicator on the push-button
ignition switch turns green, and press
the push-button ignition switch to start
the engine.

In case of the engine does not
start by the normal engine start
procedure

1. Move the shift lever to the neutral
position (MT models), or move the select
lever to the “P” position (CVT models).
2. Switch the power status to “ACC”.
3. Press and hold the push-button ignition
switch for at least 15 seconds with the
clutch pedal (MT models)/brake pedal
(CVT models) depressed.

Although the engine may start, only use
this procedure in the case of an emer-
gency. If the engine still does not start,
refer to “Starting engine” F9-18.

Stopping engine

1. Stop the vehicle completely.
2. Move the select lever to the “P”
position (CVT models).
3. Press the push-button ignition switch.
The engine will stop, and the power will be
switched to “OFF”.

WARNING

Do not touch the push-button

ignition switch while driving.

When you operate the push-but-
ton ignition switch as follows, the
engine will stop.

– Pressing and holding the

switch for 3 seconds or longer.

– Pressing the switch briefly 3

times or more in succession.

When the engine stops, the brake
booster will not function. A great-
er foot pressure will be required
on the brake pedal.

The power steering system will
not operate either. A greater force
will be required to steer, and it
may result in an accident.

If the engine stops while driving,

do not operate the push-button
ignition switch or open any of the

doors until the vehicle is stopped
in a safe location. It is dangerous
because the steering may be
locked. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location, and contact a SUBARU
dealer immediately.

CAUTION

For CVT models:

Do not stop the engine while the

select lever is in a position other
than the “P” position.

If the engine is stopped while the

select lever is in a position other
than the “P” position, the power
will be in “ACC”. If the vehicle is
left in this condition, the battery
may be discharged.

NOTE

Although you can stop the engine by
operating the push-button ignition
switch, do not stop the engine while
driving except in an emergency.

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When access key fob does not
operate properly

Refer to “Access key fob – if access key
fob does not operate properly” F9-17.

Remote engine start system
(dealer option)

WARNING

Do not remote start a vehicle in an

enclosed environment (e.g.
closed garage). Prolonged opera-
tion of a motor vehicle in an
enclosed environment can cause
a harmful build-up of Carbon
Monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is
harmful to your health. Exposure
to high levels of Carbon Monox-
ide can cause headaches, dizzi-
ness or in extreme cases uncon-
sciousness and/or death.

Before performing any servicing

of the vehicle, temporarily place
the remote engine start system in
service mode to prevent the sys-
tem from unexpectedly starting
the engine.

The remote engine start system allows you
to start the engine from outside the vehicle.
In addition, the remote engine start system

can activate the heater or air conditioner,
providing you with a comfortable cabin
upon entry.

NOTE

The length of time for which it is
acceptable to allow the engine to
remain idling may be governed by local
laws and regulations. Check the local
rules when using the remote engine
start system.

Models with “keyless access with
push-button start system”

NOTE

For more details, refer to the Owner’s
Manual supplement for the remote
engine start system.

Access key fob
1)

Lock button

An access key fob serves as the remote
engine start transmitter. Operate the lock
button to start or stop the engine as
follows.

Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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Before starting the engine

Before using the remote engine start
system to start the engine, confirm the
following conditions.
.

The select lever is in the “P” position.

All doors are closed.

The engine hood is closed.

The push-button ignition switch is in the

“OFF” position.

Starting the engine

1. Press the lock button briefly. The
hazard warning flashers then flash once.
2. Within 2 seconds, press the lock button
briefly again. The hazard warning flashers
then flash once again.
3. After step 2, immediately press and
hold the lock button. The hazard warning
flashers then flash once.
4. Approximately 3 seconds after step 3,
release the lock button. The engine will
then start successfully.

Stopping the engine

Press and hold the lock button to stop the
engine with remote engine start system.

Automatic engine shutdown

The remote engine start system will auto-
matically shut down or will not start the

engine under the following conditions.
.

The total run-time has exceeded 20

minutes.
.

Any door is opened.

The select lever is moved to any

position other than “P”.
.

The engine hood is opened.

The push-button ignition switch is

pressed.
.

The brake pedal is depressed.

The engine speed is 3,000 rpm or more.

The time setting until the engine automa-
tically stops can be changed. To change it,
please contact your SUBARU dealer. Note
that some settings may violate state,
provincial, or local laws and regulations.
Check the laws in your area to determine
which setting is permitted.

Entering the vehicle while it is run-
ning via remote start

1. Unlock the vehicle doors using the
keyless access function. If you unlock the
vehicle’s doors manually 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” F2-24.

Switch the ignition to the “ACC” or

“ON” state by pressing the push-button
ignition switch once or twice, respec-
tively.
.

Press any button on the access key

fob/transmitter.

2. Enter the vehicle.
3. The engine will shut down when any
door is opened.
4. Press the push-button ignition switch
while depressing the brake pedal to restart
the engine.

Entering the vehicle following re-
mote engine start shutdown

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 in-
terior 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.

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Starting and operating/Starting and stopping the engine

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System maintenance

Perform the procedure described in “Re-
placing battery of access key fob” F11-52.

Manual transmission

This manual transmission is a completely
synchromesh, 6-forward-speed and 1-re-
verse-speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever
knob.

To change the shift lever position:
1. Depress the clutch pedal.
2. To shift into all positions other than “R”,
move the shift lever accordingly.

Slider

3. To shift into the “R” position, hold up the
slider, move the lever to the “R” position,
then release the slider.
4. Gradually release 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.

Starting and operating/Manual transmission

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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)

5th to 6th

50 (80)

Shift-up indicator (STI)

The shift-up indicator appears to inform

the driver about the upshift timing.

The shift-up indicator can be activated or
deactivated. For details, refer to “Gear
position indicator (MT models)/Shift-up
indicator (STI)” F3-34.

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, do not drive the
vehicle with the tachometer’s needle in-
side the red area. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to excessive engine
wear and poor fuel economy.

Gear

STI

mph (km/h)

Except STI

mph (km/h)

1st

31 (50)

30 (49)

2nd

51 (82)

55 (88)

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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

NOTE

If the accelerator and brake pedals are
depressed at the same time, driving
torque may be restrained. This is not a
malfunction.

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 5th, 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.

Driver’s Control Center Dif-
ferential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)

WARNING

Always use the utmost care when
driving. Being overconfident be-
cause you are driving a vehicle with
a driver’s control center differential
could easily lead to a serious acci-
dent.

Starting and operating/Driver’s Control Center Differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) (STI)

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CAUTION

All the indicators will flash in the

event that the driver’s control
center differential has a malfunc-
tion. Have the vehicle inspected
by your SUBARU dealer.

If a malfunction occurs in the

vehicle (for example, when the
rear differential oil temperature
warning light illuminates), all of
the indicators may disappear and
the setting value for the initial
limited slip differential (LSD) tor-
que of the driver’s control center
differential (C.DIFF/DCCD) may
be cancelled. However, it does
not indicate a malfunction of the
C.DIFF/DCCD itself.

The driver’s control center differential
allows you to freely change the degree of
limitation of the differential action (limited
slip differential (LSD) torque) of your
vehicle’s center differential.
By using the center differential control
switch, you can set an initial LSD torque
to match the road surface conditions,
driving conditions and your driving style.

The driver’s control center differential has
the following modes.
.

Auto mode: the system automatically

adjusts the initial LSD torque.
.

Manual mode: you can change to the

desired mode manually by using the
center differential control switch.

NOTE

If you rapidly depress and release the
accelerator pedal while driving at low
speed, you may hear a knocking sound
from the vicinity of the center differen-
tial and rear differential. This sound
occurs because of the structure of the
center differential. It does not indicate a
problem.

To change mode of driver’s
control center differential

Press the “AUTO-MANU” switch on the
center console to switch from auto mode to
manual mode or vice versa. When you
select the auto mode, the “AUTO” indicator
appears. When you select the manual
mode, the “AUTO” indicator disappears.

– CONTINUED –

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Auto mode

In the auto mode, the system estimates the
driving and road conditions using signals
from the wheel speed sensor, throttle
position sensor, steering angle sensor
and brake switch, etc. According to the
result, it electronically and automatically
controls the degree of limitation of the
differential action (LSD torque) to optimize
the differential action of the center differ-
ential. When you turn the ignition switch
ON, the “AUTO” indicator on the combina-
tion meter appears.

The auto mode has 3 modes as follows.

Mode

Operation

AUTO [+]

This mode emphasizes traction
control and strengthens the lim-
itation of differential action that
is suitable for driving on slippery
roads for vehicle stability.

AUTO

This mode is suitable for most
driving situations.

AUTO [−]

This mode is suitable when you
seek quick response from the
steering wheel and smooth
driving.

Mode setting method

In most situations, it is recommended that
the “AUTO” mode is selected.

Push the control switch forward to select
the “AUTO [+]” mode. After setting the

mode, “AUTO [+]” appears.

Pull the control switch rearward to select
the “AUTO [−]” mode. After setting the
mode, “AUTO [−]” appears.

When the “AUTO [+]” mode is selected,
pull the control switch rearward to change
to the “AUTO” mode. When the “AUTO [−]”
mode is set, push the control switch
forward to change to the “AUTO” mode.

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Manual mode

In the manual mode, you can use the
center differential control switch to adjust
the initial LSD torque as desired. When
this mode is selected, the “AUTO” indica-
tor disappears.

Center differential control switch
and indicator

The control switch is located beside the
parking brake lever. Push the control
switch forward or pull it rearward to change
the initial LSD torque.
The center differential indicator on the
combination meter gives six levels of
indication. The indicator and control switch
are linked; when operating the switch to
change the initial LSD torque, the indicator
changes accordingly.

Push the switch forward to increase the
initial LSD torque; when the “LOCK”
indicator appears, the initial LSD torque
setting is maximum. The center differential
will then be almost completely locked.

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Pull the switch rearward to reduce the
initial LSD torque. When the lowest posi-
tion of the driver’s control center differen-
tial indicator is displayed, the initial LSD
torque will be minimum.

CAUTION

Do not operate the control switch

when a wheel slippage occurs.
Wait until the wheelspin has been
brought under control.

Under any of the following condi-

tions after setting to the manual
mode, pull the center differential
control switch to minimize the
initial LSD torque:

– When a temporary spare tire is

installed

– When your vehicle is towed

– When the vehicle is stopped

with the manual mode se-
lected

NOTE

A higher initial LSD torque setting

gives the vehicle greater traction when
driving straight ahead but makes cor-
nering more difficult. Remember this
when adjusting the initial LSD torque.
In general, higher initial LSD torque
settings assist driving on slippery
roads and lower settings for non-slip-
pery roads. When the vehicle is stuck in
snow or mud, setting the initial LSD
torque to the maximum will help to free
the vehicle.
.

The setting of the initial LSD torque

will remain even when the auto mode is
selected or the ignition switch is turned
to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position. How-
ever, the initial LSD torque will be
minimized when the battery is discon-
nected and reconnected.
.

During cornering or when making

turns (especially when going into the
garage), the rotational difference be-
tween the front and rear wheels may
cause a braking effect accompanied by
vibration and noise. This does not

indicate a problem. The phenomenon
will disappear when setting the initial
LSD torque to the minimum.
In the auto mode, it controls the initial
LSD torque automatically. While in the
auto mode, this phenomenon some-
times occurs depending on the driving
condition, however, it does not indicate
a problem.
.

Use the center differential indicator

only as a rough indication of the initial
LSD torque.
.

If you operate the center differential

control switch while quickly accelerat-
ing or turning a tight corner, you may
feel slight shocks. This is due to
differential action by the center differ-
ential and does not indicate a problem.

Temporary release

When the driver stops the vehicle and pulls
the parking brake lever after manually
setting the initial LSD torque, the LSD
torque is temporarily minimized. However
the indicator on the combination meter
continues to show the driver’s selected
initial LSD torque. When the driver re-
leases the parking brake lever, the initial
LSD torque set by the driver is restored.

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Subaru WRX STI (2019 year). Instruction - part 17