how to turn off eyesight on subaru

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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26-01-2025

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How to Turn Off EyeSight on Your Subaru

Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system is a fantastic safety feature, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. However, there are times when you might want to disable it. This guide will walk you through turning off EyeSight in your Subaru, covering various model years and situations. Understanding how to temporarily deactivate EyeSight can be crucial for specific driving conditions or personal preferences.

Understanding Your Subaru's EyeSight System

Before we dive into deactivating EyeSight, it's important to understand what it does. EyeSight uses cameras located behind your rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead. Based on this information, it can automatically:

• Maintain a set following distance: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Help keep you in your lane: Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Warn you of potential collisions: Pre-Collision Braking (PCB)
• Automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations: Pre-Collision Throttle Management (PCTM)

Knowing these functions helps you understand why you might need to temporarily disable EyeSight in specific circumstances.

How to Turn Off EyeSight: A Step-by-Step Guide

The method for turning off EyeSight varies slightly depending on your Subaru model year and infotainment system. However, the general principle remains consistent. Look for a button or menu option related to EyeSight or driver-assist systems.

Method 1: Using the Steering Wheel Controls (Most Models)

Many Subaru models allow you to turn off EyeSight features using buttons on the steering wheel. Look for a button with an EyeSight logo (often a stylized pair of eyes) or an icon representing the function you wish to disable (e.g., ACC, LKA). Pressing this button usually cycles through different settings, allowing you to completely turn off the system or disable individual features.

Method 2: Through the Infotainment System Menu (Newer Models)

Newer Subaru models often integrate EyeSight controls within the infotainment system's settings menu. This usually involves:

1. Accessing the Settings Menu: Navigate to the settings menu on your touchscreen.
2. Finding Driver Assistance Settings: Look for a section related to driver assistance, safety, or EyeSight.
3. Disabling EyeSight: You should find options to turn off Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and other EyeSight features individually or as a group.

Method 3: Addressing Specific Issues

Sometimes, EyeSight might temporarily deactivate itself due to adverse weather conditions (heavy snow, rain, or fog) or if the cameras are obstructed (e.g., by dirt or snow). In these cases, cleaning the cameras or waiting for improved weather conditions might be necessary. A warning message will usually appear on your dashboard if EyeSight is temporarily disabled due to environmental factors.

When You Might Want to Turn Off EyeSight

While EyeSight is generally a beneficial safety feature, there are specific situations where turning it off might be preferable:

• Driving in heavy snow or fog: Reduced visibility can cause EyeSight to malfunction or provide inaccurate readings.
• Driving on winding mountain roads: EyeSight's lane keep assist might interfere with navigating sharp curves.
• Towing a trailer: The system might not correctly account for the additional length and weight.
• Driving in very slow traffic (stop-and-go): Constant braking and acceleration can be irritating.
• Personal Preference: Some drivers simply prefer to have full control over their vehicle's braking and steering.

Important Note: Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on disabling EyeSight in your particular Subaru model. The exact location of buttons and menu options may differ.

Conclusion

Knowing how to turn off EyeSight in your Subaru empowers you to manage the system effectively based on driving conditions and personal preference. While EyeSight is a valuable safety asset, understanding when and how to temporarily disable it ensures a smoother and more comfortable driving experience. Remember to always prioritize safe driving practices, regardless of whether EyeSight is enabled or disabled.