2011 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 276

Starting and operating 7-19 mal timing after the engine has warmed up. . Immediately after transmission fluid is replaced, you may feel that the transmission operation is somewhat unusual. This results from invalidation of data 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. . When driving a vehicle that is equipped with CVT under continuous heavy load conditions such as towing a camper or climbing a long, steep hill, the engine speed or the vehicle speed may automatically be reduced. This is not a malfunction. This phenomenon results from the engine control function maintaining the cooling performance of the vehicle. The engine and vehicle speed will return to a normal speed when the engine is able to maintain the optimum cooling performance after the heavy load decreases. Driving under a heavy load must be performed with extreme care. Do not try to pass a vehicle in front when driving on an uphill slope while towing. . The continuously variable transmission is a chain type system that provides superior transmission efficiency for maximum fuel economy. At times, depending on varying driving conditions, a chain operating sound may be heard that is characteristic of this type of system. In this position, the transmission is mechanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely. When you park the vehicle, first apply the parking brake, 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. & Select lever NOTE To protect the engine while the "P" position is selected, the engine is controlled such that the engine speed may not become too high even if the accelerator pedal is depressed hard. : With the brake pedal depressed, shift while pressing the button in : Shift while pressing the button in : Shift without pressing the button ! 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. ! N (Neutral) This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position the wheels and transmission are not locked. In this position, the - CONTINUED - The select lever has four positions, "P", "R", "N", "D" and also has a manual gate for using the manual mode. ! P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine.