Subaru Outback Manuals 2011 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 275

Starting and operating Shift up mph (km/h) 1st to 2nd 15 (24) 2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 3rd to 4th 40 (64) 4th to 5th 45 (72) 5th to 6th 50 (80) enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. With the exception of cases where sudden acceleration is required, the vehicle should not be driven with the tachometer’s needle inside the red area. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy. mph (km/h) ! Maximum allowable speeds WARNING 1) Slider You must raise the slider and hold it in that position before you can move the shift lever to the “R” position. To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the clutch pedal. If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again. & Shifting speeds ! Recommended shifting speeds The best compromise between fuel economy and vehicle performance during normal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table. When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident increased. The following table shows the maximum speeds that are possible with each different gear. The tachometer’s needle will 7-17 Legacy Gear Non-turbo models Turbo models Outback 32 (52) 1st 32 (52) 35 (56) 2nd 57 (92) 62 (100) 57 (92) 3rd 86 (138) 94 (151) 86 (139) 4th 114 (184) 125 (201) 115 (185) NOTE Never exceed posted speed limits. & Driving tips Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade. Either of those actions may caus