2012 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 354

7-20 Starting and operating gear position indicator and upshift indicator and/or downshift indicator on the combination meter illuminate. The gear position indicator shows the currently selected gear. The upshift and downshift indicators show when a gear shift is possible. When the upshift indicator " " is illuminated, upshifting is possible. When the downshift indicator " " is illuminated, downshifting is possible. When both indicators are illuminated, upshifting and downshifting are both possible. When the vehicle stops (for example, at traffic signals), the downshift indicator turns off. Gear shifts can be performed using the select lever. Shift to the next-lower gear by briefly pulling the select lever toward the "−" end of the manual gate. & SPORT mode & Driving tips . On a road surface where there is a risk of wheelspin (for example, a snow- or gravel-covered road), you can pull away from a standstill (safely and easily) by first selecting the 2nd gear of the manual mode. . Always apply the foot or parking brake when the vehicle is stopped in the "D" or "R" position. . Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmission. . Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on an uphill grade using the "D" position. Use the brake instead. . The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a problem. SPORT mode is used when power is needed for rapid acceleration or for uphill driving. To select this mode, move the select lever from the "D" position to the manual gate. Shift to the next-higher gear by briefly pushing the select lever toward the "+" end of the manual gate.