2003 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 265

Starting and operating When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to slow traffic, turning corners, or driving up steep hills, downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor. On steep downgrades, downshift the transmission to 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe speed and to extend brake pad life. In this way, the engine provides a braking effect. Remember, if you "ride" (over use) the brakes while descending a hill, they may overheat and not work properly. The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a fault. Automatic transmission (Brighton, L, Outback) WARNING Do not shift from the "P" or "N" position into the "D", "3", "2", "1" or "R" position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or backward. 7 D Shift into the "P" or "R" position only after the vehicle is completely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission. D Do not race the engine for more than five seconds in any position except the "N" or "P" position when the brake is set or the tires are on blocks. This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat. D Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the "R" position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission. The automatic transmission is electronically controlled with 4-forward - CONTINUED - CAUTION 7-15