Subaru Forester: While going down a hill

Subaru Forester / Subaru Forester Owner's Manual / Starting and operating / Automatic transmission / Select lever / While going down a hill

When you are descending a hill or any other slope while braking with the “SPORT” mode selected, the transmission may downshift to 3rd or 2nd gear depending on how hard you depress the brake pedal, causing engine braking to work.

Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift normally.

NOTE
- A 4th-to-3rd automatic downshift will not occur at speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h) and a 3rd-to-2nd automatic downshift will not occur at speeds above 24 mph (38 km/h).

- Automatic downshifts to 3rd or 2nd may occur even when driving on a level road depending on conditions, such as how hard you depress the brake pedal.

While climbing a grade

When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator is released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent downshifting to a lower gear when ...

Shift lock function

The shift lock function helps prevent the improper operation of the select lever. - The select lever cannot be operated unless the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and the bra ...