2003 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 277

Starting and operating Upshifting Shift to the next-higher gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear range) by pushing the selector lever toward the "+" end of the manual gate. Downshifting Shift to the next-lower gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear range) by pushing the selector lever toward the "-" end of the manual gate. 4. To deselect the SPORTSHIFT mode, return the selector lever to the "D" position from the manual gate. NOTE Please read the following points carefully and bear them in mind when using the SPORTSHIFT mode. D When the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is lower or higher than normal, warning beeps are emitted and the shift position indicator shows "-". If these warnings are issued, deselect the SPORTSHIFT mode to protect the automatic transmission from damage. D Automatic gearshifts do not take place in the Sports Shift mode. Perform gearshifts in accordance with road conditions so that the tachometer needle does not enter the red zone. If the engine speed reaches a predetermined level, a fuel-cut function will operate. Shift up if this happens. D If you attempt to shift down when the engine speed is too high, i.e., when a downshift would push the tachometer needle beyond the red zone, beeps will be emitted to warn you that the downshift is not possible. D If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond. D You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd or from 2nd to 4th) by operating the selector lever twice in rapid succession. D The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving. It will not permit a standing start in 2nd gear. 7 - CONTINUED - 7-27