2009 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 274

7-28 Starting and operating selector lever or the paddle shift switch behind the steering wheel (if equipped). ! Using the paddle shift (if equipped) 1) 2) 3) Upshift indicator Downshift indicator Gear position indicator When the manual mode is selected, the gear position indicator and upshift indicator and/or downshift indicator in the tachometer illuminate. The gear position indicator shows the currently selected gear in the 1st-to-5th-gear range. The upshift and downshift indicators show when a gearshift is possible. When the upshift indicator " " is on, upshifting is possible. When the downshift indicator " " is on, downshifting is possible. When both indicators are on, upshifting and downshifting are both possible. When the vehicle stops (for example, at traffic signals), the downshift indicator goes off. Gearshifts can be performed using the ! Using the selector lever Shift to the next-higher gear by briefly pushing the selector lever toward the "+" end of the manual gate. Shift to the next-lower gear by briefly pulling the selector lever toward the "−" end of the manual gate. Pull the "+" of the paddle shift to upshift one level. Also pull the "−" of the paddle shift to downshift one level. To deselect the manual mode, return the selector lever to the "D" position from the manual gate. While driving, if you change gears by paddle shifting, the gear position indicator light illuminates and shows the current gear condition. At this time, the normal mode temporarily changes to the manual mode, and after driving for a short period of time, the transmission mode returns to the normal mode. (The timing of the gear change and return is different, depending on driving conditions existing when paddle shifting.)