Subaru Outback Manuals 2011 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 281

Starting and operating CAUTION Do not place or hang anything on the paddle shift levers. Doing so may result in accidental gear shifting. NOTE Please read the following points carefully and bear them in mind when using the manual mode. . If you attempt to shift down when the engine speed is too high, i.e., when a downshift would push the tachometer needle beyond the red zone, beeps will be emitted to warn you that the downshift is not possible. . If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond. . You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating the paddle switch twice in rapid succession. . The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving. . If the temperature of the transmission fluid becomes too high, the “AT OIL TEMP” warning light will illuminate. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off. Power steering CAUTION & 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 by 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 malfunction. . A slight reduction in output torque may occur in the models with a 2.5 L turbo or 3.6 L engine before the engine warms up. 7-23 Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than 5 seconds. This may damage the power steering pump. The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adjacent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is normal. It does not indicate power steering system trouble.