2008 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 266

Starting and operating 7-25 which the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmission to shift at the most appropriate times for the current condition of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while. ! 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 with only the transmission. To shift the selector lever from the "P" to any other position, you should depress the brake pedal fully then move the selector lever. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. & Selector lever ! N (Neutral) This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission are not locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. NOTE (3.0-liter models only) To protect the engine while the "N" position is selected, the engine is controlled such that the engine speed does not become too high even if the accelerator pedal is pressed hard. NOTE (3.0-liter models only) To protect the engine while the "P" position is selected, the engine is controlled such that the engine speed does not become too high even if the accelerator pedal is pressed hard. ! R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the "N" to "R" position, stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to the "R" position. NOTE If the selector lever is in the "N" position when you stop the engine for parking, you may not subsequently be able to move it to the "R" and "P" positions. If this happens, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. You will then be able to move the selector lever to the "P" position. : Shift possible with brake pedal depressed : Shift possible with brake pedal not depressed The selector lever has four positions, "P", "R", "N, "D" and also has a manual gate for using the manual mode. - CONTINUED -