2011 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 275

7-16 Starting and operating 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. 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 select lever from the "P" to any other position, you should depress the brake pedal fully then move the select lever. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. ! R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. & Select 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 applied. Avoid coasting with the transmission in neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. WARNING Do not drive the vehicle with the select lever in the "N" (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently increased. : Shifting is possible with the brake pedal depressed. : Shifting is possible whether the brake pedal is depressed or not. However, while the ignition switch is in the "LOCK" or "Acc" position, shifting is not possible if the brake pedal is not depressed. Depress the brake pedal and move the select lever. : Shifting is possible whether the brake pedal is depressed or not. The select lever has four positions, "P", "R", "N", "D" and also has manual gate for 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 select 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 "Shift lock function" F7-17. NOTE If the select 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" or "P" position. If this happens, turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position. You will then be able to move the select lever to the "P" position. For details, refer to "Shift lock function" F7-17.