Subaru 2001 Impreza Owner's Manual page 191

To shift the selector lever from the "P" to the 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 and the release button pushed in when the ignition
switch is in the "ON" position, refer to the "Shift lock release" section
in this chapter.
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.
This position is for restarting a stalled engine.
In this position the wheels and transmission are not locked. In this
position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on
the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on.
Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral. During coasting, the
engine braking does not act.
B D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to
4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require.
When more acceleration is required in this position, press the acceler-
ator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission
will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release
Starting and operating
– CONTINUED–
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