Subaru 2003 Impreza - Manual (Page 238)

IMPREZA(NA) A1850BE-A (ENGLISH)
7
Starting and operating
7-17
– CONTINUED –
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever
in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking
has no effect in this condition and the risk of
an accident is consequently increased.
B D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.
When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and
hold that position. The transmission will automatical-
ly downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you re-
lease the pedal, the transmission will return to the
original gear position.
n While climbing a grade
When driving up hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is
prevented from taking place when the accelerator
pedal is released. This minimizes the chances of
subsequent downshifting to a lower gear when ac-
celerating again. This prevents repeated upshifting
and downshifting resulting in a smoother operation
of the vehicle.
NOTE
The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st
gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal
is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again.
n While going down a hill
When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake
pedal will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd
gear, thus applying engine braking. Reacceleration
for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift
normally.
NOTE
In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a
downhill grade does not result in an automatic
downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the
automatic transmission fluid temperature is very
low, for example, during driving shortly after the
vehicle has been parked for an extended period
of time. When the ATF temperature has risen to a
certain level, automatic downshift normally takes
place. In the meantime, downshift manually for
engine braking as required.
Also, downshifting when braking downhill will
not occur at speeds above approximately 48 mph
(78 km/h).