2006 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 261

7-22 Starting and operating transmission will automatically switch back from manual mode to normal mode. 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. If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond. You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating the selector lever or a steering-wheel switch twice in rapid succession. The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving. If the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid becomes too high, the "AT OIL TEMP" warning light will come on and upshifts to 5th gear will not be possible. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the warning light goes off. Maximum speeds NOTE Please read the following points carefully and bear them in mind when using the manual mode. When the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid is higher than normal, warning beeps are emitted and the shift position indicator shows "-". If these warnings are issued, deselect the manual mode to protect the automatic transmission from damage. When the temperature of the engine oil is higher than normal, warning beeps are emitted and the shift position indicator shows "-". If these warnings are issued, deselect the manual mode to protect the engine from damage. (3.0-liter models only) The transmission does not automatically shift up in the manual 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. (Also, in the case of a 3.0-liter model, the transmission may automatically shift up to protect the engine.) If you attempt to shift down when the When down shifting, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine overrevving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine braking caused by down shifting when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased. The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. When down shifting, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be selected.