2011 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 273

7-14

Starting and operating

WARNING

.

Do not drive the vehicle with the

clutch disengaged (i.e., when the

clutch

pedal

is

depressed)

or

with the shift lever in the neutral

position. Engine braking has no

effect in either of these condi-

tions and the risk of an accident

is consequently increased.

.

Do not engage the clutch (i.e.,

release

the

clutch

pedal)

sud-

denly when starting the vehicle.

By doing so the vehicle might

unexpectedly

accelerate

or

the

transmission could malfunction.

CAUTION

Shift into reverse ONLY when the

vehicle has completely stopped. It

may cause damage to the transmis-

sion to try shifting into reverse when

the vehicle is moving.

&

Shifting speeds

!

Recommended shifting speeds

The best compromise between fuel econ-

omy

and

vehicle

performance

during

normal driving is ensured by shifting up

at the speeds listed in the following table.

Shift up

mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (64)

4th to 5th

45 (72)

!

Maximum allowable speeds

The following tables show the maximum

speeds that are possible with each differ-

ent gear.

Never exceed the speed limit listed in the

following

table

for

each

gear

position

except for brief acceleration in an emer-

gency. The tachometer

’

s needle will enter

the

red

area

if

these

speeds

are

ex-

ceeded. Failure to observe this precaution

can lead to excessive engine wear and

poor fuel economy.

mph (km/h)

1st

34 (55)

2nd

58 (93)

3rd

82 (132)

Never exceed the posted speed limit.

WARNING

When shifting down a gear, ensure

that the vehicle is not travelling at a

speed exceeding the Maximum Al-

lowable Speed for the gear which is

about

to

be

selected.

Failure

to

observe this precaution can lead to

engine over-revving and this in turn

can result in engine damage.

In addition, sudden application of

engine brakes when the vehicle is

travelling on a slippery surface can

lead to wheel locking; as a conse-

quence, control of the vehicle may

be lost and the risk of an accident

increased.

&

Driving tips

Do not drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to

hold your vehicle at a standstill on an

upgrade.

Either

of

those

actions

may

cause clutch damage.

Do not drive with your hand resting on the

shift lever. This may cause wear on the

transmission components.

When it is necessary to reduce vehicle

Section	Page
Foreword	1
Warranties	4
How to use this Owner’s Manual	4
Vehicle symbols	6
Safety precautions when driving	8
General information	12
Table of contents	14
Illustrated index	15
Function settings	25
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags	26
Keys and doors	86
Instruments and controls	112
Climate control	160
Audio	180
Interior equipment	238
Starting and operating	260
Driving tips	296
In case of emergency	322
Appearance care	342
Maintenance and service	348
Specifications	400
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects	418
Index	434

2011 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 273

2011 Subaru Forester Manual

Page 273 highlights