Subaru 2003 Legacy - Manual (Page 273)

7
Starting and operating
7-23
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The selector lever has seven positions, “P”, “R”, “N”, “D”, “3”, “2” and
“1”, and also has a manual gate for using “SPORTSHIFT” mode.
The release button must be pushed to select the “P”, “R”, or “2” posi-
tions.
B
P (Park)
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 set the parking brake fully, then shift
into the “P” position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis-
sion.
A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission
system to ensure safe starting of the vehicle.
To shift the selector lever from the “P” to any other position, you have
to depress the brake pedal fully then push the release button on the
selector lever when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This
prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started.
If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake
pedal depressed, the release button pushed in, and the ignition
switch in the ON position, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in
chapter 3.
B
R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.
To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehicle completely
then move the lever to the “R” position while pushing the release but-
ton.
B
N (Neutral)
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.