Subaru eyesight problems have been a major concern to many car users as well as car technicians and it has also caused a major legal trial in the automobile industry.
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Eyesight technology is a safety and confidence driving assistant developed to guarantee safe driving and more confidence for drivers on the road.
This serves as a safety support system that helps to monitor traffic, enhance control during movement, also gives warning signs when the car is driven out of the lane.
There is a set of dual color cameras that scan the road to detect an obstruction and the position of your car in the lane.
Besides, it can help in breaking the speed in an unexpected danger or keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
However, let us look into the possible problems of this eyesight, and how to rectify those problems to give you a more enjoyable drive.
Various Types of Subaru Eyesight Problems with Solutions
The Subaru eyesight technology is a development that has not been at its best yet, though it is improved upon every new release.
This is a common thing to every new technological invention, we will see lesser defects and problems the more the improvements are updated.
Users of Subaru cars with the eyesight enhancement have both enjoyed the advantages of the driver safety assistance and also the imperfections of the development.
Furthermore, we have seen bits of improvement here and there in new models that have changed the narrative and yet still some lingering defects.
The following are some of the problems:
1) Break light Defective Sign When Eyesight System is Off
The earliest models of Subaru cars with Eyesights functions had the defects of putting the break light on while driving when the eyesight system is turned off.
Some owners claimed that the driver assist system doesn’t even work as advertised when it is turned on.
2) The Dysfunction of the Eyesight Detection and Traffic Control
The pre-collision control of the drive assist system and the traffic slow and move function do not work since the eyesight could not detect a stopping vehicle.
This did not work to avert a possible crash but may contribute or cause a possible crash when there is an unanticipated intrusion and the driver has placed confidence in the technology.
Car users cannot depend on a technology that does not work or malfunction in traffic.
3) Disability by Weather Conditions
Visibility of the cameras is what this eyesight technology is dependent on.
The Same problem that a driver will face during unsuitable weather is what the eyesight system will face.
The camera’s visibility can likewise be disabled by rainy weather, dust, bright sun, or fog.
4) The Black and White signals
Earlier models of eyesight are made to receive only white and black pictures, and can only react to pre-collision braking and pre-collision brake assist under 20-31mph.
This probably does not give the extra eyes on the road like it was promised to car owners.
5) The Reverse Direction Movement
While the car is moving in the reverse direction the pre-collision does not work.
However, this does give any assistance to the driver while driving in reverse, which appears to be needed as it is more difficult to move through the reverse direction than the front direction.
6) Front View Obstruction with Bulky Dual Camera
The dual cameras are quite bulky and can obstruct the view of the driver at some points in the process of driving.
7) Unclear Lane and Warning Problems
The system monitoring the lane is very sensitive and can be problematic where the lane lines are not clear or well-drawn.
Therefore, this will give the problem of reoccurring warnings when the car still maintains the lane.
Also, the problem of infinite yellow warning light that appears when the lane assist is turned off. This warning sign can make car users uncomfortable and do not focus and enjoy driving.
8) Limited Camera Coverage
The camera range is limited, longer distances cannot be covered. The eyesight may not function to detect long-distant obstructions at a high speed.
There is a probability of gaining on possible obstruction at a longer distance in high speed unexpectedly.
9) Expensive Technology
Cars with this feature are still within the range of expensive costs.
Affordable to only the privileged and wealthy as a result of expensive technology of eyesight system that consequently added to the price substantially.
Subaru Eyesight Systems: What & Why
Subaru eyesight system is a driver assist technology that gives the driver safety support while driving.
This technology serves as an extra set of eyes on the road to help maintain safety and unobstructed traffic, and avoid crashes.
Furthermore, this helpful innovation is road security for Subaru users and improves their confidence on the road.
This system has its core component of dual cameras which are placed strategically at the sides of the rearview mirror.
Here the scanning of the front of the car is captured to detect both obstruction and distance.
From the camera, the captured information is sent to the central processing which uses a process called synopsis to do quick analysis within microseconds to evaluate the situation.
As well as, thereby react to safety measures that are programmed to set in at such conditions.
Solutions to Subaru Eyesight Problems
There are suggestive and possible solutions to your Subaru eyesight problem in the following.
- Turn On or Off The Eyesight System
Some Subaru car users do not know how to put on or off the eyesight system, some may not function as a result of not being able to control it.
You can put off a dysfunctional one to drive on your own and turn it on again later.
On the other hand, if it is off you can simply turn it on by holding on to the pre-collision button or lane monitoring button for two seconds. That simple step may be what you need.
- Newer Upgrades and Improvements
The components of the Subaru Eyesight driver assist systems are produced with new upgrades and improvements in newer versions and generations.
The dual cameras are made color-scanning capable, which enables them to capture clearer and detect better.
The new cameras can therefore detect brake lights from the vehicle ahead and the camera can function better in weather situations like bright sunlight.
Also, the camera range and degree of view are increased to 110 meters range and 35-degree field of view. This solves the problem of shorter range and less view.
- Rear Vehicle Detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert System is a new improvement for Subaru vehicles. This can detect vehicles behind the car up to the range of 23 feet.
This improves safety while driving in the reverse direction.
- Meet a Subaru Auto-Mechanic
Having a technical problem with your Subaru eyesight may require meeting an expert, especially when you had a crash or hit your windscreen.
Your eyesight system might have been affected.
- New Generation Models
The new generation models and upgrades of Subaru vehicles can be a choice to make. You can enjoy the advantage of the latest and best technology available by going for the newest models.
These new generations are improved and have a better experience. Car owners with older models will surely find a better taste in the newer ones.
- File Complaint about Recall
In June 2015, Subaru issued a recall of 72000 vehicles for nonfunctional or dysfunctional reasons.
That you have a bad experience with your Subaru car can enable you to file a complaint and let the situation of your car performance have the right attention.
This can force a recall of your car or the model with a dysfunctional case. When many complaints of car owners and records of malfunctions, or legal cases reach a level, it can force a recall.
How to Turn Eyesight Back on Subaru: The Process
There are reasons your vehicle’s eyesight system may turn off; it can be as a result of an excessive speed difference between your vehicle and other vehicle or obstruction.
It can be low contrast objects, non-standard-shaped vehicles, small objects less than three feet tall, cracked or filmy windshields, bad weather conditions, and others.
However, you need to turn your eyesight back on in your Subaru car.
Apart from the fault that may come as a result of the impact and crack of the windscreen or cameras, other mechanical problems with your vehicle may require an expert to attend to the repair or replacement before resetting your eyesight.
You can put your eyesight back on by following the steps below.
- Put your car in park with your shifter.
- There is a multi-function control button on the left of your steering wheel. Use this button to access the LCD located between the Subaru gauge. You will toggle the LCD until you see the i/SET switch on the menu.
- Go to the setting menu, pull and hold i/SET from the multi-function control button.
- Use the up and down toggle until you read the Eyesight on the setting menu.
- Select volume warning by holding the i/SET switch.
- Use the Up/Down button to adjust the Eyesight warning setting to one of the three pre-set options, either min, mid, or max.
- Switch alert volume to the one you have chosen by pulling and holding the i/Set
The i/SET setting menu allows you to personalize your driving experience and enjoy the advantages of the Subaru like the Eyesight system.
Subaru Forester Eyesight Problems and Their Solutions
Subaru Forester is one of the longest-term makings of Subaru which has been in production for over two decades.
The eyesight system began in 2013 with many upgrades and improvements.
Therefore, Subaru Forester is one of the makings that begin with the upgrading of the eyesight system from the first or second generation.
However, some problems are peculiar with the eyesight system in Subaru Forester. Some of the problems are also available in other making and models or Subaru brands.
Some of the Subaru Forester eyesight problems are;
1. Camera distortion in sunlight
When driving in bright sunlight, and then the sunlight is beaming on the windscreen, the light may affect the camera scanning.
This can lead to the camera going off on its own or giving a warning when there is no existing obstruction before the vehicle.
2. Lane line detection malfunction
As a result of unclear lane lines or sunlight obstruction, the camera does not detect the lane line.
This may cause an alert to come up even when the car is in the right lane and at the right speed.
3. Non-functional pre-collision braking
The camera has failed to detect obstruction or vehicle ahead.
This causes the eyesight system not to automatically brake at an unexpected obstruction or apply to break at close range to the vehicle or obstruction.
4. Subaru Eyesight Buttons
Subaru eyesight has buttons for the control and setting of the functions of the eyesight system.
The Multi-function control button is the first button to use to access the Menu and then the i/SET switch the control options.
Eventually, the Up/Down buttons are used to scroll up and down through the options, and then you chose your preferred options by holding down the i/SET.
Crucial FAQ about Subaru Eyesight Problems
1) Why is eyesight not working in my Subaru Vehicle?
In the condition of sun glare and inclement weather like snow, fog, heavy rainfall, or an unclear windshield can cause the hindrance of eyesight operation.
Also, the eyesight can temporarily stop working as a result of an oily, filmy, or cracked windshield.
As a result of any hindrance that makes the cameras of the eyesight not scan, it may temporarily stop the eyesight from working.
2) How do I turn off eyesight on my Subaru Outback?
You will find the button on the left side of your wheel, under the heating vent. You will need to press and hold the button for two seconds to disable the eyesight feature in your Subaru Outback.
3) Can Subaru’s eyesight stop the car?
The feature is designed to help slow down the car when needed, and probably put the car to a stop where it detects an obstruction, vehicle, or pedestrian.
When the system detects the driver has failed to do the breaking of the speed when necessary, it can stop the car automatically.
4) What year did Subaru have eyesight?
The first generation of Subaru eyesight started in 2013 with Legacy and Outback making, and the second generation came out in 2015.
5) Does the Subaru eyesight work at night?
The eyesight feature works well both day and night as well as in heavy traffic. You can turn on the adaptive cruise control immediately after the vehicle moves.
6) How do I switch on the lane assist?
The lane assist can be turned on and off in your Subaru. You just need to push the button on your steering wheel.
7) Does Subaru has a blind spot alert?
For a safer road experience, Subaru has a blind spot detector to warn you of potential danger.
The blind spot detector will detect a vehicle coming or in the blind spot and alert you with a warning light on your side mirror.
Verdict
The Subaru eyesight system is designed and supposed to be a safety function for your Subaru vehicles.
This is one of the best-advanced driver-assist systems available when compared with other driver-assist systems like sonar and radar.
What’s more, the advantages of having an eyesight system in your vehicle can improve your driving experience.
Notwithstanding the Subaru eyesight problems, you can leverage the technology and its advantages to have more confidence on the road and boost your safety.