2011 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 262

7-20 Starting and operating ! D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, depress the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift. 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. NOTE The transmission may downshift, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is depressed to accelerate the vehicle again. & Shift lock function The shift lock function helps prevent the improper operation of the select lever. . The select lever cannot be operated unless the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position and the brake pedal is depressed. . The select lever cannot be moved from the "P" position to any other position before the brake pedal is depressed. Depress the brake pedal first, and then operate the select lever. . Only the "P" position allows you to turn the key from the "Acc" position to the "LOCK" position and remove the key from the ignition key cylinder. . If the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position while the select lever is in the "N" position, the select lever may not be moved to the "P" position after a period of time. Therefore, move the select lever to the "P" position with the brake pedal depressed soon after the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position. ! Shift lock release If the select lever cannot be operated, turn the ignition switch back to the "ON" position then move the select lever to the "P" position with the select lever button pressed and brake pedal depressed. If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, perform the following steps. . When the select lever cannot be shifted from "P" to "N": Refer to "Shift lock release using the shift lock release button" F7-21. . When the select lever cannot be shifted from "N" to "R", "P": Within 60 seconds after placing the ignition switch in the "Acc" position, move the select lever to the "P" position with the select lever button pressed and brake pedal depressed. If you must perform the above procedure, the shift lock system (or the vehicle control system) may be malfunctioning. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible. If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, refer to "Shift lock release using the shift lock release button" F7-21. NOTE (AT models only) 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. ! While climbing a grade When driving up a hill, undesired upshift 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.