Subaru Forester: Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system

The EBD system maximizes the effectiveness of the brakes by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking force. It functions by adjusting the distribution of braking force to the rear wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s loading condition and speed.

The EBD system is an integral part of the ABS system and uses some of the ABS system’s components to perform its function of optimizing the distribution of braking force. If any of the ABS components used by the EBD system malfunction, the EBD system also stops working.

When the EBD system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Steps to take if EBD system malfunctions

Type A

Type B

If a malfunction occurs in the EBD system, the system stops working and the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously.

The EBD system may be malfunctioning if the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously during driving.

Even if the EBD system malfunctions, the conventional braking system will still function.

However, the rear wheels will be more prone to locking when the brakes are applied harder than usual and the vehicle’s motion may therefore become somewhat harder to control.

If the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps.

1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat location.

2. Shut down the engine, apply the parking brake, and then restart it.

3. Release the parking brake. If both warning lights turn off, the EBD system may be malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected.

4. If both warning lights illuminate again and stay illuminated after the engine has been restarted, shut down the engine again, apply the parking brake, and check the brake fluid level. Refer to “Brake fluid”.

5. If the brake fluid level is not below the “MIN” mark, the EBD system may be malfunctioning. Drive carefully to the nearest SUBARU dealer and have the system inspected.

6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle.

Instead, have the vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.

- Driving with the brake system warning light illuminated is dangerous.

Have your vehicle towed to the nearest SUBARU dealer for repair.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Vehicle Dynamics Control system