2009 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 272

7-26 Starting and operating transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral. During coasting, there is no engine braking effect. creased. ! D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 5th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. 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. ! While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th or 5th gear 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. accelerator pedal is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again. ! While going down a hill When you are descending a hill or any other slope while braking with the Sport Sharp (S#) mode selected, the transmission may downshift to 4th or 3rd gear depending on how hard you depress the brake pedal, causing engine braking to work. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift normally. NOTE (3.0 L models only) 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 pressed hard. NOTE . A 5th-to-4th automatic downshift will not occur at speeds above 78 mph (126 km/h) and a 4th-to-3rd automatic downshift will not occur at speeds above 53 mph (86 km/h). . 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. NOTE If the selector 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 selector lever to the "P" position. WARNING Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever in the "N" (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently in- & Selector lever reverse inhibiting function This function prevents accidental movement of the selector lever to the "R" position while the vehicle is moving. The function becomes operational when the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Once opera- NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the