2004 Subaru Legacy Owner's Manual - Page 300

Starting and operating matic transmission from damage. Automatic gearshifts do not take place in the SPORTSHIFT mode. Perform gearshifts in accordance with road conditions so that the tachometer needle does not enter the red zone. If the engine speed reaches a predetermined level, a fuel-cut function will operate. Shift up if this happens. If you attempt to shift down when the engine speed is too high, i.e., when a downshift would push the tachometer needle beyond the red zone, beeps will be emitted to warn you that the downshift is not possible. If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond. You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd or from 2nd to 4th) by operating the selector lever twice in rapid succession. The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving. It will not permit a standing start in 2nd gear. Maximum speeds is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine braking caused by downshifting when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased. The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. When down shifting, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be selected. NOTE In order to prevent over-revving during deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved. When down shifting a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which - CONTINUED - 7-27