2012 Subaru Legacy Owner's Manual - Page 396

7-20 NOTE Starting and operating 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" F7-20. . 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" F7-20. ! Shift lock release using the shift lock release button Perform the following procedure to release the shift lock. 1. Apply the parking brake and stop the engine. 2. Remove the shift lock cover using a flat-head screwdriver.