2011 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 277

7-20 Starting and operating 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 neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. ! D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, depress the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. To use the manual mode, move the lever from this position into the manual gate. NOTE The transmission may downshift, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is depressed to accelerate the vehicle again. & Shift lock function The shift lock function helps prevent the improper operation of the select lever. . The select lever cannot be operated unless the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position and the brake pedal is depressed. . The select lever cannot be moved from the "P" position to any other position before the brake pedal is depressed. Depress the brake pedal first, and then operate the select lever. . Only the "P" position allows you to turn the key from the "Acc" position to the "LOCK" position and remove the key from the ignition key cylinder. . If the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position while the select lever is in the "N" position, the select lever may not be moved to the "P" position after a period of time. Therefore, move the select lever to the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed soon after the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position. NOTE . To protect the engine while the "N" 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. . 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" and "P" positions. 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. NOTE (AT models only) Automatic downshifts to 4th or 3rd may occur even when driving on a level road depending on conditions, such as how hard you depress the brake pedal. ! While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift 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. 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.