I have a 2002 Outback H6 with VDC (not sure what that is). I keep getting a light on the dash intermittently that says VDC Off. There is a button on the console to turn it off and on but I don't think it works. Any ideas on what is causing the light to come on and go off?

VDC is Subarus answer to ESP only with VDC power can be distributed along the symmetric drivetrain. Normally it is always on and will help the driver to stay on the road in bizarre moves to reduce skidding. The button on the console is there to switch it off in case you want to skid or not have the traction control kicking in all the time.

Now, in your case it is failing, the question is where.

The first check is to see if the brake pads are not worn (there is a ground pin on the pad which will set the VDC light on when the pin touches the brake disc).

If the pads and ground pin on the side of the pads are fine then check if there are any codes stored in the ECU.

The VDC system consists of wheel speed sensors in each braking disc or hub, and a computer that measures yaw, pitch and g. 

It could be that one of the wheel sensors is out, but a ECU error code should appear indicating which one is out.

Okay. Could be brakes because I'm having steering wheel shimmy intermittently when I put the brakes on at just a certain pressure. So because I have VDC do I have to buy Subaru brakes?

VDC Vehcile Dynamic Control.

Basically Subarus fancy brand name for Traction Control.

 

Are there any other lights on? Typically if you have a brake problem the ABS light and/or (Brake) light on the instrument cluster will be on as well.

 

OE Subaru brakes aren't necessary. Though if the car does have brake wear indicators, you may have to purchase those separately from Subaru.

check the CEL trouble codes.

lots of thing will turn off VDC.

i don't remember exactly what though.

do you have an owners manual?

i think it will talk about VDC off .

Edited August 26, 201411 yr by johnceggleston

John, how do you check the CEL trouble codes? I will check my manual for reasons for light. Fairtax4me, No other lights. I do have steering wheel shimmy when applying brakes at a certain pressure though. That's why I thought brakes. Somebody said possibly front end alignment for that issue. Do not feel anything in the brake pedal.

The shimmy when applying the brakes is due to warped rotors. There is no sensor to detect warpage of the rotor so that will not cause any lights to come on.

 

Auto parts stores can scan for any CEL codes, but they will not be able to check VDC codes.

 

The newer cars have all of the control modules linked in a network, and P0xxx style codes which can be shared between modules, so even if the CEL is not on there still may be a code related to a different module stored in the ECU.

On the subject of vdc i have my00 h6 outback the vdc is to intrusive even on tar roads youll be exiting a hairpin on to a strait put you boot in to it nothing happens the motor boggs down and misfires starts to slow pick up speed i think it vdc cutting back the power at the engine. My car doesnt have botton to turn the vdc off and if i pull the fuse the check engine comes on putting car into safe mode has anyone got any ideas on what i can do