2004 Subaru Baja Owner's Manual - Page 253

Starting and operating 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 with only the transmission. A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to ensure safe starting of the vehicle. To shift the selector lever from the "P" to 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 when it is started. If the shift lever does not move from the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed, the release button pushed in, and the ignition switch in the ON position, refer to the "Shift lock release" section in this chapter. ! R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the "N" to "R" position, first stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to the "R" position while pushing the release button. UB7025BA : When the brake pedal depressed, shift while pressing the button in. : Shift while pressing the button in. : Shift without pressing the button. The selector lever has seven positions, "P", "R", "N", "D", "3", "2" and "1", and also has a manual gate for using "SPORTSHIFT" mode. The release button must be pushed to select the "P", "R", or "2" positions. ! P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is mechanically 7-22