Subaru 2001 Forester Owner's Manual page 101

Starting and operating
Release button
HS0137
To release the parking brake, pull the lever up slightly, press the release
button, then lower the lever while keeping the button pressed.
When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking
brake warning light comes on. After starting the vehicle, be sure that the
warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Refer to the
"Warning and indicator lights" section (Chapter 3).
When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put
the shift lever in the "1" (1st) for an upgrade or "R" (Reverse) for a down-
grade for manual transmission vehicles, or in the "P" (Park) position for
automatic transmission vehicles.
Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never
rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
For better parking brake power, depress the brake pedal firmly while set-
ting the parking brake (Drum brake only).
– CONTINUED –
7-27