Available on 2015 Forester and Outback, X-Mode gives you another layer of confidence when traveling on less-than-perfect road conditions.
Experience the sure-footed confidence of X-Mode in the 2015 Forester. All 2015 Forester and Outback models equipped with the Lineartronic® CVT (automatic) feature Enhanced Active All-Wheel Drive. Select models feature X-MODE with Hill Descent Control (HDC). Both of these new safety and performance features help improve vehicle control on low-friction surfaces.
Here are some facts about each feature and how each benefits the driver:
1. X-MODE with Hill Descent Control (HDC)
X-MODE is a standard feature on 2.5i Limited, 2.0XT Premium and all Touring models. When X-MODE is activated, electronic control of the engine, transmission, AWD system, brakes, VDC and other critical components is optimized. X-MODE helps reduce potential wheel slip on slippery surfaces, climbing steep inclines and navigating rough roads. X-MODE helps increase driving performance, confidence and control.
How it works:
X-MODE is turned on by pushing the X-MODE switch on the center console. An indicator light on the instrument panel illuminates to indicate X-MODE activation.
When X-MODE is operational, the Multifunction Display provides the status of steering angle, driving wheel status, activation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if necessary and the operation of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system.
While X-MODE can be activated at speeds below 25 mph, it becomes operational at 18 mph and below.
When vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph X-MODE stops functioning.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) is operational up to 12 mph. Hill Descent Control helps maintain vehicle starting speed for safer maneuvering when traveling down a steep incline.
X-MODE reduces accelerator input for increased control of engine output, helping control wheelspin for better traction when you are driving on slippery surfaces and rough roads.
When you activate X-MODE, wheelspin is reduced and grip is enhanced by controlling the engine, transmission, AWD system, brakes, VDC and other critical components.
By keeping the Forester from increasing speed when heading downhill, Hill Descent Control helps maintain better control.
2. Enhanced Active All-Wheel Drive
The Active All-Wheel Drive system in all 2014 Forester models equipped with Lineartronic CVT, regardless of engine type, has been enhanced for better vehicle traction and control.
How it works:
Previous-generation Active AWD responded primarily to input from wheel speed sensors. The Enhanced Active AWD adds inputs from the VDC system including:
steering wheel angle
yaw rate
throttle application
Based on that data, the Active AWD system can respond more quickly to slippery conditions, such as driving on snow-covered roads, allowing the driver to operate the Forester with more confidence.
Enhanced Active AWD provides the Forester with improved traction and handling especially when driving on low-friction surfaces such as wet or snow-covered roads.
Enhanced Active AWD helps make Forester respond more quickly to changes in road conditions. This helps you keep the vehicle under control in challenging driving conditions.
Warnings and Cautions While Operating X-Mode:
Warning:
Always use the utmost care in driving--overconfidence because you are driving a vehicle with X-mode and the hill descent control function could easily lead to a serious accident. Be especially careful, and depress the brake pedal if necessary when driving on extremely 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 or snow chains should be used when driving on snow-covered or icy roads; in addition, vehicle speed should be reduced considerably.
Simply having X-mode does not guarantee that the vehicle will be able to avoid accidents in any situation.
Activating the X-mode should be done when you encounter a very slippery surface at low speed. However, having X-mode is no guarantee that full vehicle con- trol 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 Stanley Subaru's Service Center, or if you are out of town, at an authorized SUBARU dealer.
The following precautions should be observed 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. Further- more, 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 X-Mode is reduced and should be taken into account when driving the vehicle in such a condition.
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 light will turn off. When the hill descent control indicator light turns off, the hill descent control function is disabled.
