Subaru VDC

[Howard Nelson]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't put
it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary for
optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to wrap the
controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the stability control
computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the leather seats?

I guess that there is a fix in the works since it appears that stability
control will be mandated on 2012 model year and after.

Howard

 

[nobody >]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't put
it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary for
optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to wrap the
controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the stability control
computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the leather seats?

I guess that there is a fix in the works since it appears that stability
control will be mandated on 2012 model year and after.

Howard

Evidently, sunroofs, H6 engines, heated mirrors and such only work with
leather seats also.

It's just the way Subaru stacks their option/trimline packages.

 

[DK]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't put
it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary for
optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to wrap the
controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the stability control
computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the leather seats?

No. You see, stability control system and leather are bonded through
a special type of material called "Big Bucks". Compromise just one
of the parts and the entire system stops working. There is really no
alternative that is as good as Big Bucks.

DK

 

[Nick Danger]

Simple demographics. Subaru has apparently determined that people who get
leather seats have a harder time keeping their cars under control.

I've noticed also that people who drive a stickshift have a better sense of
direction, and therefore don't need a navigation system.

 

[KLS]

Evidently, sunroofs, H6 engines, heated mirrors and such only work with
leather seats also.

It's just the way Subaru stacks their option/trimline packages.

Yeah, and that pissed off my mother, who wanted the leather seats, but
not the sunroof or H6 engine. She's happy with her Xi, though.

 

[Porgy Tirebiter]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't
put
it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary
for
optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to wrap
the
controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the stability control
computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the leather seats?

I guess that there is a fix in the works since it appears that stability
control will be mandated on 2012 model year and after.

Howard

The car incorporates a "Sniffer" and can smell the leather.
To get the system to work without leather you simply eat a lot
of BEEF jerky and simply fart. The Light on the dash will illuminate
and the control will become active until you turn the key off.

 

[Todd H.]

LMAO--great post Howard. Brilliant understated delivery.

Evidently, sunroofs, H6 engines, heated mirrors and such only work
with leather seats also.

Yeah, the H6 part is what frosts my ass. The incremental cost on a
better engine on teh base outback shouldn't be $5000 or whatever it
is, but alas it seems to be steep.

It's just the way Subaru stacks their option/trimline packages.

I suspect Howard was well aware of that and lampooning it--rather
keenly I might add.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

LMAO--great post Howard. Brilliant understated delivery.




Yeah, the H6 part is what frosts my ass. The incremental cost on a
better engine on teh base outback shouldn't be $5000 or whatever it
is, but alas it seems to be steep.




I suspect Howard was well aware of that and lampooning it--rather
keenly I might add.

Some folks in the south and west who may not want leather will arrange
to swap out seats with folks who want the leather. I've seen listings at
NASIOC for deals like that on 2-3 occasions.

Carl

 

[KLS]

Some folks in the south and west who may not want leather will arrange
to swap out seats with folks who want the leather. I've seen listings at
NASIOC for deals like that on 2-3 occasions.

I'm still waiting for such a deal to show up: anyone want cloth seats
from a 2005 OBW in exchange for leather seats?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I'm still waiting for such a deal to show up: anyone want cloth seats
from a 2005 OBW in exchange for leather seats?

In addition to www.nasioc.com and www.ultimatesubaru.org you could try
craigslist for you area too. Even let your dealership know - they may
have a customer that wants to swap. Also, there could be issues with
seat heaters/adjustments - dunno about that. It could be tricky to
arrange unless you live in an area with a lot of soobs.Many places have
as many in one block as we have in a zipcode around here!
Do be careful about trying to remove the seats yourself (airbags might
deploy) or using just ANY cloth covers however if your car is equipped
with side airbags - they probably exit from the seat back if they are
like my '06 WRX wagon.

good luck

Carl

 

[houndman]

Yeah, and that pissed off my mother, who wanted the leather seats, but
not the sunroof or H6 engine. She's happy with her Xi, though.

why not see if you can get leather or vinyl upholstery if that is good
enough, for the seats. Can always try a junk/salvage yard. A friend
got like new leather seats for an Accura, to replace his that were
ripped up, for 150$. What does the option with leather cost?

I'm going extreme, and gona try to install Recaro seats out of an 85'
Mustang SVO that I always wanted, In an 07' Impreza I hope to get
tomorrow. They have every adjustment possible to fit like a glove.
They have lumbar, adjustable thigh side, and front edge seat
extensions. I don't want the front airbags but the side ones may be
desirable, so will have to see if they can be swapped. Cost me 250$
with shipping. I got the cloth ones but there have been nice leather
ones. Similar aftermarket Recaro' start around 1K$ ea. Ones like mine
star at 1500ea.

VF

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't
put it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary
for optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to
wrap the controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the
stability control computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the
leather seats?

I guess that there is a fix in the works since it appears that stability
control will be mandated on 2012 model year and after.

Howard

They only implement this in cars that have seat materials that let your
@$$ slide all over the place.

They don't include this in cloth seated cars because they figure your
hemmariods are firmly rooted in the cloth!

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Simple demographics. Subaru has apparently determined that people who get
leather seats have a harder time keeping their cars under control.

I've noticed also that people who drive a stickshift have a better sense
of direction, and therefore don't need a navigation system.

Two most excellent observations!

But I add a third. It has to do woth the amount of money one spends on a
car. I mean, have you ever paid attention to the driving habits of BMW and
Mercedes owners? <SHUDDER!>

 

[al nakba]

I have noticed that Subaru and several other AWD manufactures offer
stability control that seems to work only with leather seats (they don't put
it in cars without leather seats).

I am not an engineer and don't understand the details of implementing
stability control but perhaps someone could explain the integration of
leather and certain types of stability control. If leather is necessary for
optimal operation of stability control would it be possible just to wrap the
controller unit in a leather case or perhaps "spoof" the stability control
computer with a signal that mimics that given out by the leather seats?

I guess that there is a fix in the works since it appears that stability
control will be mandated on 2012 model year and after.

Howard

the Forester XT 2.5 has VDC with the AT but does not require or offer
leather seats..