Subaru Forester: X-MODE (if equipped) / To activate/deactivate the X-MODE

X-MODE switch (models with 2 modes)

Type A

Type B

X-MODE switch (models with 1 mode)

Type A combination meter

X-MODE indicator

Type B combination meter

X-MODE indicator (models with 2 modes)

1. D.SNOW/MUD mode indicator

2. SNOW/DIRT mode indicator

X-MODE indicator (models with 1 mode)

To activate

Models with 2 modes

Turn the X-MODE switch to the right or left and select SNOW/DIRTor D.SNOW/MUD. While the X-MODE is activated, the XMODE indicator appears.

Models with 1 mode

Press the X-MODE switch. While the XMODE is activated, the X-MODE indicator appears.

To deactivate

Press the X-MODE switch. The X-MODE indicator will disappear when the X-MODE is deactivated.

NOTE

• SNOW/DIRT is suitable for driving on a snow-covered road where the points of contact between the tires and road surface are visible, or for driving on an unpaved road.
• D.SNOW/MUD is suitable for driving on a road covered with deep snow where the points of contact between the tires and road surface are not visible, or for driving on a muddy road.
• Even if you try to activate the XMODE by turning (models with 2 modes) or pressing (models with 1 mode) the X-MODE switch when the vehicle speed is 12 mph (20 km/h) or more, the X-MODE will not be activated. At this time, a buzzer will sound twice.
• If the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph (40 km/h) or more while the X-MODE is activated, a buzzer will sound once and the X-MODE will be deactivated.
• While the engine is running, if any of the following conditions is met, the XMODE will be deactivated. In this case, it is not possible to activate the XMODE.
  • The CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illuminates.
  • The AT OIL TEMP warning light flashes.
  • The ABS warning light illuminates.
  • The Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light illuminates.
• If the engine could overheat because of a temperature increase of the engine coolant, it may not be possible to activate the X-MODE. Even while the X-MODE is activated, the X-MODE will be deactivated when the engine coolant temperature increases.
• For models with Auto Start Stop system, the system will be stopped while the X-MODE is activated.

NOTE

For models with SI-DRIVE:

• The SI-DRIVE mode will change to the Intelligent (I) mode when the XMODE is deactivated.
• The SI-DRIVE mode cannot be changed while the X-MODE is activated. At this time, a buzzer will sound twice.
• While the engine is running, if any of the following conditions is met, the XMODE will be deactivated. In this case, it is not possible to activate the XMODE. Also, for models with SI-DRIVE, the mode will change to the Sport (S) mode or Sport Sharp (S#) mode and it will not be possible to change to the other modes.
  • The CHECK ENGINE warning light/malfunction indicator light illuminates.
  • The AT OIL TEMP warning light flashes.
  • The ABS warning light illuminates.
  • The Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light illuminates.
• If there is a possibility that the engine could overheat because of a temperature increase of the engine coolant, it is not possible to change to the X-MODE. While the vehicle is in the X-MODE, it changes to the Sport (S) mode or Sport Sharp (S#) mode when the engine coolant temperature increases.
• It is not possible to activate the XMODE when the engine is not running, because the hill descent control function is not activated.