Subaru Forester 2013 Owner's Manual page 340

7-18
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
Models with "L" position
1)
2) Models with manual mode
: With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the select lever button
in.
: Shift while pressing the select lever
button in.
: Shift without pressing the select lever
button.
The select lever has four positions, "P",
"R", "N", "D" and it also has an "L" or "M"
gate.
! P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine. In this position, the
transmission is mechanically locked to
prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first apply the
parking brake firmly, then shift into the "P"
position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the mechanical friction of the transmis-
sion.
To shift the select lever from the "P" to any
other position, you should depress the
brake pedal fully then move the select
lever. This prevents the vehicle from
lurching when it is started.
! R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle. To
shift from the "N" to "R" position, stop the
vehicle completely then move the lever to
the "R" position while pressing the select
lever button in.
When the ignition switch has been turned
to the "LOCK"/"OFF" position, movement
of the select lever from the "N" to "R"
position is possible for a limited time
period by depressing the brake pedal,
and then it becomes impossible. For
details, refer to "Shift lock function" F7-21.
! N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled
engine. In this position, the transmission is
neutral, meaning that the wheels and
transmission are not locked. Therefore,
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline unless the parking brake
or foot brake is applied.
Avoid coasting with the transmission in
neutral. Engine braking has no effect in
this condition.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the "N" (neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in-
creased.
NOTE
If the select lever is in the "N" position
when you stop the engine for parking,
you may not subsequently be able to
move it to the "R" and "P" positions. If
this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the "ON" position. You will then be able
to move the select lever to the "P"
position.
! D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically and con-
tinuously into a suitable gear according to
the vehicle speed and the acceleration
you require. Also, while driving up and
down a hill, the transmission assists and
controls the driving performance and
engine braking while corresponding to
the road grade.