Subaru Forester: Starting and operating / X-MODE (if equipped)

WARNING

Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving a vehicle with X-MODE could easily lead to a serious accident.

Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving a vehicle with hill descent control function (if equipped) could easily lead to a serious accident. Be especially careful, and depress the brake pedal if necessary when driving on extremely steep downhill, frozen, muddy or sandy roads. Failure to control the vehicle’s speed may cause a loss of control and result in a serious accident.

CAUTION

• Even if your vehicle is equipped with X-MODE, winter tires should be used when driving on snowcovered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably. Simply having XMODE does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation.
• Activate the X-MODE when you encounter a very slippery surface at low speed. However, having XMODE is no guarantee that full vehicle control will be maintained at all times and under all conditions. When activating X-MODE, the speed of the vehicle should be reduced considerably.
• Whenever suspension components, steering components, or an axle are removed from a vehicle, have the system inspected by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
• Observe the following precautions in order to ensure that the X-MODE is operating properly:
  • 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.
  • Keep the tire pressure at the proper level as shown on the label attached to the vehicle’s door pillar.
  • Use only the special temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire. With a normal temporary spare tire, the effectiveness of the X-MODE is reduced and this should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition.
• Models with hill descent control: If the hill descent control function has operated continuously for a long time, the temperature of the brake disc may increase and the hill descent control function may be temporarily disabled. In this case, the hill descent control indicator will disappear. When the hill descent control indicator disappears, the hill descent control function is disabled.

X-MODE is the integrated control system of the engine, AWD and Vehicle Dynamics Control system, etc. for driving with bad road conditions. Using X-MODE, you can drive more comfortably even in slippery road conditions including uphill and downhill.

X-MODE has the following functions.

Hill descent control function (if equipped):

Using the hill descent control function, you can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is likely to increase, the brake control system will be activated to adjust the vehicle speed.

Driving ability control:

This mode increases the hill-climbing ability and driving ability as well as enabling smooth application of torque for easier control of the steering wheel.

• To activate/deactivate the X-MODE
• Hill descent control function
• Hill descent control indicator