2009 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 225

7-16 Starting and operating The selector lever has four positions, "P", "R", "N", "D" and also has manual gate for using "SPORT" mode or manual mode. ! 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. ! 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. When the ignition switch has been turned to the "LOCK" position, movement of the selector lever from the "N" position to the "R" position is possible for a limited time period by depressing the brake pedal, and then it becomes impossible. For details, refer to "Selector lever reverse inhibiting function" in this section. ! 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 in neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. creased. ! D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. To use the "SPORT" mode, move the lever from this position into the manual gate. To use the manual mode, move the lever from this position into the manual gate then move it toward the "+" and "−" ends. ! While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator is released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent downshifting to a lower gear when accelerating again. This prevents repeated upshifting and downshifting resulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle. 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. WARNING Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever in the "N" (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently in-