2002 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 249

Starting and operating Release button HS0137 To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the "Warning and indicator lights" section (Chapter 3). When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the "1" (1st) for an upgrade or "R" (Reverse) for a downgrade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the "P" (Park) position for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle. For better parking brake power, depress the brake pedal firmly while setting the parking brake (Drum brake only). - CONTINUED - 7-27