Subaru Outback Manuals 2014 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 652

7-28 Starting and operating/Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission traffic signals), the downshift indicator turns off. Gearshifts can be performed using the shift paddle behind the steering wheel. CAUTION Do not place or hang anything on the shift paddles. Doing so may result in accidental gear shifting. NOTE To upshift to the next higher gear position, pull the shift paddle that has “+” indicated on it. To downshift to the next lower gear position, pull the shift paddle that has “–” indicated on it. To deselect the manual mode, return the select lever to the “D” position from the “M” position. While driving with the select lever in the “D” position, if you change gears by operating the shift paddle, the gear position indicator light illuminates and shows the current gear condition. 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 shift paddle 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. & 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 3.6 L engine before the engine warms up.