1999 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 201

Starting and operating The automatic transmission is an electronically controlled with 4-forward speeds and 1-reverse speed. J Selector lever With the brake pedal depressed, shift while pressing the button in Shift while pressing the button in Release button Shift without pressing the button HS0129 OM-H0149 The selector lever has seven positions. The release button must be pushed to select the "P", "R", or "2" positions. B P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is mechanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely. When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake fully, then shift into the "P" position. Do not hold the vehicle only with the transmission. The shift interlock function is employed in this automatic transmission system to ensure safety of starting the vehicle. To shift the selector lever from the "P" to the any other position, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then push the release button on the selector lever when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching off when starting. If the shift lever should not move from the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed and the release button pushed in when the ignition - CONTINUED- 7-19