Turning off hill assist in your 2020 WRX might seem like a small tweak, but for some drivers, it can make a world of difference. It’s all about having that direct control you crave, feeling every nuance of the clutch and the slope of the road. Maybe you're tired of the car feeling like it’s fighting you, or perhaps you're just eager to fine-tune your driving experience to match your preferences. Whatever the reason, if you're looking into "how to turn off hill assist 2020 WRX," this guide will tell you exactly what you need to know.
Understanding Hill Assist in Your 2020 WRX
Before we dive into turning the system off, it's helpful to grasp how it actually works. Imagine this: you're on a steep incline, foot on the brake, about to take off.
As you transition from brake to accelerator, there's that dreaded moment where the car might roll back slightly. This is where hill assist swoops in to save the day. It briefly maintains brake pressure, giving you those precious few seconds to smoothly engage the clutch and hit the gas without any rollback drama.
Why Some Drivers Choose to Disable Hill Assist
While intended as a helpful feature, some WRX owners find hill assist intrusive to their preferred driving style. The system’s intervention can disrupt the seamless flow between clutch, accelerator, and brake that defines the WRX driving experience for many.
Additionally, some argue that the brief hold on an incline might actually contribute to clutch wear in the long run. By understanding the pros and cons of hill assist, drivers can make an informed decision on whether to keep it enabled or to disable it for a more hands-on feel.
If you’re in the “give me full control” camp and have decided that turning off hill assist is the right move for you, let's get to it.
How To Turn Off Hill Assist 2020 WRX: A Step-by-Step Guide
Subaru designed this process to be straightforward yet deliberate. This helps prevent accidentally disabling the system. This is how to turn off hill assist in your 2020 WRX:
- Start with Your Car Off: Make sure the engine is completely off and your parking brake is engaged.
- Locate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) Button: This button typically features a car icon with skid marks and is located on the center console, near the gear shifter.
- Press and Hold: Turn the car to the ‘on’ position (don’t start the engine) and press and hold the VDC button. You’ll see a light turn on your dashboard indicating that traction control is off. Keep holding the button down – this is important.
- Wait for Confirmation: After roughly 10-15 seconds, the hill assist indicator on your dashboard should blink. This signifies that hill assist is now deactivated.
- Release and Test: Release the VDC button and cycle the car off and then back on. If the hill assist light stays on continuously, then congrats, you have successfully disabled hill assist.
This may take a few tries to get the timing right – don't get discouraged if it doesn’t work on the first attempt. Remember, if the system doesn’t turn off on the first attempt, you will need to repeat the steps again from the beginning.
Important Note for Manual WRX Owners
If you drive a manual WRX, pay close attention to your clutch control after disabling hill assist. Without the system’s help, mastering those uphill starts relies solely on your footwork.
This means becoming well-acquainted with the engagement point of your clutch. You’ll need a bit more finesse on the gas to prevent any rollback when taking off on a steep incline.
FAQs About How To Turn Off Hill Assist 2020 WRX
How Do I Turn On Hill Assist On WRX?
To turn hill assist back on, you can simply repeat the steps listed above for deactivating it. It’s the same process – pressing and holding the VDC button until the hill assist light blinks – for both enabling and disabling the feature. Easy as pie.
How to Turn Off Hill Assist WRX Reddit?
While Reddit can be a goldmine for information, it's always best to consult your owner’s manual or official Subaru resources for procedures like this. You can usually find dedicated forums for Subaru enthusiasts, where they may offer additional insights, experiences, or tips related to the hill assist function and other aspects of owning and modifying a WRX. For example, you can search "how to turn off hill assist WRX" in a Subaru forum listing to find more information from experienced WRX owners.
How to Disable Hill Start Assist?
In your WRX, "Hill Start Assist" and "Hill Holder" generally refer to the same system. This is also sometimes referred to as "hill assist". So, the instructions for turning off hill assist, hill holder, or hill start assist in a WRX should be identical. It is good to know though that many car manufacturers design the system with varying names for this functionality.
What Is the Hill Start Assist Light on a WRX?
The hill start assist light, typically depicted as a vehicle climbing a hill, will illuminate on your dashboard for a short duration when the system is actively preventing rollback on an incline. The light is typically green, but always consult your owner's manual to be sure.
If hill assist is turned off, the light on the dashboard might remain lit constantly or behave differently depending on the specific Subaru model and its settings. To be certain how your dashboard indicators behave, it's always a great idea to get familiar with the visuals presented in the owner’s manual.
Figuring out how to turn off hill assist 2020 WRX can give you, the driver, the direct and connected experience many WRX owners love. Always drive safely, whether the car’s technology lends a hand or you choose to rely solely on your skills. If you are ever in need of a tow, don't forget about your 2020 WRX tow hook.