How To Turn Off Rab On Subaru Outback

The Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) system is a safety feature available on many Subaru Outback models. It is designed to mitigate or prevent collisions while reversing. While generally beneficial, there may be situations where you prefer to temporarily disable RAB. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to do so.

Understanding Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)

Before proceeding, it's essential to understand what RAB does. RAB utilizes sensors in the rear bumper to detect obstacles behind the vehicle while in reverse. If the system detects an imminent collision, it will alert the driver and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to prevent or lessen the impact. The system is most effective at low speeds and is designed to assist, not replace, driver awareness.

Situations Where You Might Want to Disable RAB

While RAB is a valuable safety feature, certain circumstances may warrant its temporary deactivation:

Towing: When towing a trailer, the RAB sensors might misinterpret the trailer as an obstacle, causing unintended braking.

Off-Roading: In certain off-road situations, especially those involving uneven terrain or water, the sensors might be triggered unnecessarily.

Car Washes: Some automatic car washes can trigger the RAB system. Disabling RAB beforehand can prevent unexpected braking within the car wash tunnel.

Tight Maneuvering: In very tight spaces, such as parallel parking with limited clearance, the system might activate prematurely.

Important Note: Disabling RAB should only be done temporarily and when absolutely necessary. Always prioritize safety and driver awareness.

Methods for Disabling Rear Automatic Braking

There are primarily two methods for disabling RAB on a Subaru Outback, depending on the model year and trim level. The first method involves using the infotainment system, and the second involves a button typically located near the shifter.

Method 1: Disabling RAB via the Infotainment System

This method is commonly found on newer Subaru Outback models. The steps may vary slightly depending on the specific infotainment system version, but the general process is as follows:

1. Start the Vehicle: Ensure the engine is running, and the infotainment system is fully booted.

   

2. Access the Settings Menu: Look for a "Settings" icon on the main screen. This is often represented by a gear symbol. Tap on the "Settings" icon.

3. Navigate to Vehicle Settings: Within the settings menu, you'll need to find the vehicle settings. This may be labeled as "Vehicle," "Car," or a similar term. Select the appropriate option.

4. Find Driver Assistance or Safety Features: Within the vehicle settings, look for a section related to driver assistance systems or safety features. This might be called "Driver Assist," "EyeSight," or "Safety." Select this option.

5. Locate the RAB Setting: Scroll through the list of driver assistance features until you find the "Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)" option. It might be displayed with a checkbox or a toggle switch.

6. Disable RAB: If there's a checkbox, uncheck it. If there's a toggle switch, switch it to the "Off" position. A confirmation message might appear on the screen.

7. Confirm Deactivation: Verify that the RAB indicator light on the instrument panel illuminates. This light usually shows a car with an exclamation point inside, surrounded by a curved arrow pointing toward the rear.

8. Exit the Menu: Once you've disabled RAB, you can exit the settings menu.

Important Considerations for Infotainment System Method:

• Some systems require you to be in "Park" (P) to access certain settings.

  

• The exact terminology used in the menus may vary based on the model year and software version.

• Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle's infotainment system.

Method 2: Disabling RAB via a Physical Button

Some older or specific trim levels of the Subaru Outback may feature a physical button to disable RAB. This button is typically located on the center console, near the gear shifter.

1. Locate the RAB Button: Look for a button with a symbol that represents RAB. This symbol usually shows a car with an exclamation point inside, surrounded by a curved arrow pointing toward the rear. The button may be labeled "RAB OFF" or something similar.

2. Press and Hold the Button: With the engine running, press and hold the RAB button for a few seconds (typically 3-5 seconds). A confirmation message might appear on the instrument panel, and the RAB indicator light will illuminate.

3. Confirm Deactivation: Verify that the RAB indicator light on the instrument panel illuminates. This light usually shows a car with an exclamation point inside, surrounded by a curved arrow pointing toward the rear.

Important Considerations for Physical Button Method:

• The location of the button may vary slightly depending on the model year and trim level.

• Some systems require the vehicle to be stationary or in "Park" (P) to disable RAB using the button.

  

• If the button is pressed momentarily instead of held, it might not disable the system. Ensure you press and hold the button for the required duration.

Re-Enabling Rear Automatic Braking

Once you've completed the task that required disabling RAB, it's crucial to re-enable the system to ensure optimal safety. The process for re-enabling RAB is essentially the reverse of the disabling process.

Re-Enabling RAB via the Infotainment System

1. Access the Settings Menu: Follow the same steps as described earlier to access the vehicle settings menu within the infotainment system.

2. Navigate to Vehicle Settings: Navigate to the vehicle settings, driver assistance, or safety features section.

3. Locate the RAB Setting: Find the "Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)" option.

4. Enable RAB: If there's a checkbox, check it. If there's a toggle switch, switch it to the "On" position. A confirmation message might appear on the screen.

5. Confirm Activation: Verify that the RAB indicator light on the instrument panel turns off.

6. Exit the Menu: Exit the settings menu.

Re-Enabling RAB via a Physical Button

1. Locate the RAB Button: Find the RAB button on the center console.

   

2. Press and Hold the Button: Press and hold the RAB button for a few seconds (typically 3-5 seconds). A confirmation message might appear on the instrument panel, and the RAB indicator light will turn off.

3. Confirm Activation: Verify that the RAB indicator light on the instrument panel turns off.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter difficulties disabling or re-enabling RAB, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Owner's Manual: The owner's manual provides detailed instructions specific to your vehicle's model year and trim level.

• Ensure the Vehicle is in the Correct Mode: Some systems require the vehicle to be in "Park" (P) to access or modify RAB settings.

• Check for Obstructions: Ensure that the rear bumper sensors are clean and free from obstructions such as mud, snow, or ice.

• Restart the Vehicle: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches.

• Consult a Subaru Technician: If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, consult a qualified Subaru technician for further assistance.

Why This Matters

Understanding how to temporarily disable RAB on your Subaru Outback is important for specific situations like towing, off-roading, or using certain car washes. Being able to control this feature ensures that the system assists you when needed, while avoiding unnecessary or disruptive interventions. However, it's crucial to remember that RAB is a valuable safety feature, and it should only be disabled temporarily and re-enabled as soon as the situation allows. Prioritizing safety and driver awareness should always be the primary concern.