Subaru Forester: 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.
Driving tips
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to
hold your vehicle at a standstill on an
upgrade. Either of those actions may
cause clutch damage.
Do not d ...
Select lever
: Shifting is possible with the
brake pedal
depressed.
: Shifting is possible whether the
brake
pedal is depressed or not. However,
while the ignition switch is in the “LOCK” ...
See also:
Air Vents
Use the air outlets, located in the center and on the side of the instrument
panel, to direct the airflow. Use the thumbwheels located near the center air outlets,
to open or close off the airflow ...
Elapsed Time
Shows the total elapsed time of travel since the last reset.
Elapsed time will increment when the ignition switch is
in the RUN or START position.
Elapsed time is displayed as follows:
hours:min ...
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position.
The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on the overhead console when
the vehicle is started.
Uni ...
