2013 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 301

Starting and operating 7-19 & Select lever shift while pressing the select lever button in. : Shift while pressing the select lever button in. : Shift without pressing the select lever button. The select lever has four positions, "P", "R", "N", "D" and it also has an "L" or "M" gate. ! P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is mechanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely. When you park the vehicle, first apply the parking brake firmly, then shift into the "P" position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the mechanical friction of the transmission. To shift the select lever from the "P" to any other position, you should depress the brake pedal fully then move the select lever. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. ! R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the "N" to "R" position, stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to the "R" position while pressing the select lever button in. 1) Select lever button When the ignition switch has been turned to the "LOCK" position, movement of the select lever from the "N" to "R" position is possible for a limited time period by depressing the brake pedal, and then it becomes impossible. For details, refer to "Shift lock function" F7-22. ! N (Neutral) This position is for restarting a stalled engine. In this position, the transmission is neutral, meaning that the wheels and transmission are not locked. Therefore, the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is applied. Avoid coasting with the transmission in neutral. Engine braking has no effect in this condition. WARNING Do not drive the vehicle with the select lever in the "N" (neutral) position. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an accident is consequently increased. 1) 2) Models with "L" position Models with manual mode NOTE If the select lever is in the "N" position when you stop the engine for parking, - CONTINUED - : With the brake pedal depressed,