Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission is electronically controlled and provides 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Also, it has a manual mode and a SPORT mode.

Do not shift from the “P” or “N” position into the “D” or “R” position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or backward.

- Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is completely stopped. Shifting while the vehicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission.
- Do not race the engine for more than 5 seconds in any position except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is set or when chocks are used in the wheels.
This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat.
- Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.
- When parking the vehicle, first securely apply the parking brake and then place the select lever in the “P” position. Avoid parking for a long time with the select lever in any other position as doing so could result in a dead battery.
NOTE
- When the engine coolant temperature
is still low, the automatic transmission
will upshift to higher engine
speeds than when the coolant temperature
is sufficiently high in order to
shorten the warm-up time and improve
driveability. The gearshift timing will
automatically shift to the normal timing
after the engine has warmed up.
- Immediately after ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the automatic transmission operation is somewhat unusual.
This results from invalidation of data which the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmission to shift at the most appropriate times for the current condition of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while.
See also:
Vehicle finder function
Use this function to find your vehicle parked among many vehicles in a large
parking lot. Provided you are within 30 feet (10 meters) of the vehicle, pressing
the “” button three times in a 5-seco ...
Trailer hitch (Outback — if equipped)
WARNING
● Never exceed the maximum weight specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding
the maximum weight could cause an accident resulting in serious personal injuries.
Permissible trailer w ...
Shift lock release using the shift lock release button
Perform the following procedure to release the shift lock.
1. Apply the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Remove the shift lock cover using a flat-head screwdriver.
3. While depressing the ...
