2002 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 237

Starting and operating J Selector lever With the brake pedal depressed, shift while pressing the button in Shift while pressing the button in Release button Shift without pressing the button HS0129 OM-H0149 The selector lever has seven positions. The release button must be pushed to select the "P", "R", or "2" positions. B 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. A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to ensure safe starting of the vehicle. To shift the selector lever from the "P" to the any other position, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then push the release button on the selector lever when the ignition switch is in the "ON" position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. If the shift lever does not move from the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed and the release button pushed in, refer to the "Shift lock release" section in chapter 3. - CONTINUED - 7-15