Subaru 2002 Legacy Owner's Manual page 296

In the event of wheelspin and/or skidding on a slippery road surface
and/or during cornering and/or an evasive maneuver, the VDC system
adjusts the engine's output and the wheels' respective braking forces to
help maintain traction and directional control.
D Traction Control Function
The traction control function is designed to prevent spinning of the
driving wheels on slippery road surfaces, thereby helping to maintain
traction and directional control. Activation of this function is shown by
steady illumination of the VDC operation indicator light.
D Skid Suppression Function
The skid suppression function is designed to help maintain directional
stability by suppressing the wheels' tendency to slide sideways dur-
ing steering operations. Activation of this function is shown by flash-
ing of the VDC operation indicator light.
NOTE
D Slight twitching of the brake pedal may be felt when the VDC-sys-
tem operates; a small degree of vehicle or steering wheel shaking
may also be noticed in this situation. These are normal characteris-
tics of VDC operation and are no cause for alarm.
D When driving off immediately after starting the engine, a short-
lived operation noise may be noticed coming from the engine
compartment. This noise is generated as a result of a check being
performed on the VDC system and is normal.
D Depending on the timing of activation of the brakes, certain situa-
tions may occur just after driving off where the brake pedal seems
to exhibit a jolting motion. This too is a consequence of the VDC
operational check and is normal.
D Activation of the VDC system will cause operation of the steering
wheel to feel slightly different compared to that for normal condi-
tions.
D Even if the vehicle is equipped with a VDC system, it is important
that winter tires be used when driving on snow-covered or icy
roads. (All four wheels should be fitted with tires of the same size
and brand).
Starting and operating
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