Vehicle Dynamic Control OFF Switch

[Ticagrumpy]

2007 legacy Outback LLBean: the 2 indicator lights for VDC Control Warning (vehicle with slippery skid lines & vehicle with slippery skid lines with a diagonal line through it) come on when engine starts and shut off immediately. I understand this as normal.

*But, the 'VDC OFF switch light' stays on all the time. If someone accidentally or curiously pushed that button to turn OFF the VDC, I believe it is supposed to return to normal at the next ignition start.

 

Is it normal for the 'VDC OFF switch light' to remain lit up up when the VDC is actually NOT turned off? And for it to be on when VDC is in a normal 'on' state? Or do I have a big expensive issue?

 

I realize this is basic knowledge for everyone on this site, but, I'm confused and need your advice. Thank you!

[Numbchux]

I have a fairly limited experience with this system, primarily just on our '04 Outback VDC, which is a bit of a unique animal. But should be somewhat similar.

 

Is it normal for the 'VDC OFF switch light' to remain lit up up when the VDC is actually NOT turned off? And for it to be on when VDC is in a normal 'on' state? Or do I have a big expensive issue?

 

It is certainly not normal. And if the light is on, you likely have no VDC assistance. Do you think you'd recognize it's behavior with or without? When driving in snow, with my ice racing experience, spinning the tires and getting the car to slide is normal driving technique for me, so if the VDC is on, I instantly notice it (and am annoyed that it turns itself back on at 38 mph).

 

How long have you had the car? How long has it been doing this?

 

 

Occasionally our "VDC Off" light will come on, without the button being pushed. I have not been able to find any sort of pattern. But the one thing I'm clear on, is the ABS does still work then, which is interesting because they share a lot of components.

[wtdash]

Hi,

Welcome to the USMB.

 

I'd suggest seeing what the Owner's Manual states. You can download it from Subaru's site (@ least in sections) or from HERE.

 

I am confused about your comment about the 'switch'. Is it an ON/OFF that stays "depressed" or is it like Subaru's old Cruise buttons which you pushed to turn it ON but the switch didn't actually stay depressed and the cruise would reset when car was turned off ( or the button was pushed again).

 

GL,

Td

[Fairtax4me]

There should be a backlight in the switch that illuminates it so you can see the switch.

If you push it, do any of the VDC lights on the cluster turn on to indicate that the system is off?

[idosubaru]

It's certainly nothing ominous at all. Relax.

 

The car will run indefinitely, without any issues, regardless of the VDC system.

 

If you want the VDC functional then, no, the VDC OFF light should not be on. But it's not likely to be a big deal or expensive.

 

Is the ABS light on?

Any check engine light?

Have the OBDII codes read for free at an advance auto parts or other national chain that does it for free and let us know what it gives.

 

The VDC light can be checked for a code as well. Ground the appropriate pin and it flashes the code for you, takes 15 minutes. Dealer would charge $100 roughly to diagnose, find a mechanic , preferably Subaru famiiiar and they can pull it in no time.

 

Or google it and you can simply do it yourself if you can stick a pin in a hole and count flashing lights. No tools required.