Subaru Outback Manuals 2018 Outback Owner's Manual | Page 304

7-24 Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission ! P (Park) S07BG0101 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, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the mechanical friction of the transmission. : With the brake pedal depressed, 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 also has a manual gate for using the manual mode. NOTE For some models, to protect the engine while the select lever is in the “P” or “N” position, the engine is controlled so that the engine speed may not become too high even if the accelerator pedal is depressed hard. 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) S07BG0102 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. When the ignition switch has been turned to the “LOCK”/“OFF” 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” F7-25. ! N (Neutral) S07BG0103 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. 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 in- creased. NOTE If the select lever is in the “N” position when you stop the engine for parking, you may not subsequently be able to move it to the “R” and “P” positions. If this happens, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. You will then be able to move the select lever to the “P” position.