2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 352

7-18 Starting and operating . When the select lever cannot be shifted from "P" to "N": Refer to "Shift lock release using the shift lock release button" F7-18. . When the select lever cannot be shifted from "N" to "R" or "P": Within 60 seconds after placing the ignition switch in the "Acc" position, move the select lever to the "R" or "P" position with the brake pedal depressed. If you must perform the above procedure, the shift lock system (or the vehicle control system) may be malfunctioning. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible. If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, refer to "Shift lock release using the shift lock release button" F7-18. ! Shift lock release using the shift lock release button Perform the following procedure to release the shift lock. 1. Apply the parking brake and stop the engine. 2. Remove the shift lock cover using a flat-head screwdriver. The shift lock release button is located under the shift lock cover. NOTE To prevent damage to the shift lock cover, wrap the tip of the flat-head screwdriver with vinyl tape or a cloth before removing the cover. 3. While depressing the brake pedal, insert the screwdriver into the hole, press the shift lock release button using the screwdriver, and then move the select lever. If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, the shift lock system may be malfunctioning. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.