Shifting Speeds - Subaru Legacy Outback 2006 Owner's Manual

Do not drive the vehicle with the
clutch disengaged (i.e., when the
clutch pedal is depressed) or with
the shift lever in the neutral posi-
tion. Engine braking has no effect in
either of these conditions and the
risk of an accident is consequently
increased.
Shift into reverse ONLY when the
vehicle has completely stopped. It
may cause damage to the transmis-
sion to try shifting into reverse
when the vehicle is moving.
NOTE
To protect the engine while the vehicle
is not in motion (e.g. when you apply
the parking brake with the shift lever in
the neutral position), the engine is con-
trolled such that the engine speed
does not become too high even if the
accelerator pedal is pressed hard.

Shifting speeds

Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-
omy and vehicle performance during nor-
mal driving is ensured by shifting up at the
speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up km/h (mph)
1st to 2nd 24 (15)
2nd to 3rd 40 (25)
3rd to 4th 64 (40)
4th to 5th 72 (45)
5th to 6th 80 (50)
Maximum allowable speeds
The following tables show the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear. The tachometer's needle will en-
ter the red area if these speeds are ex-
ceeded.
With the exception of cases where sudden
acceleration is required, the vehicle
should not be driven with the tachometer's
needle inside the red area. Failure to ob-
serve this precaution can lead to exces-
sive engine wear and poor fuel economy.
Starting and operating
Gear km/h (mph)
1st 54 (33)
2nd 83 (51)
3rd 112 (69)
4th 147 (90)
5th 204 (125)
6th Top speed
Never exceed posted speed limits.
When shifting down a gear, ensure
that the vehicle is not travelling at a
speed exceeding the Maximum Al-
lowable Speed for the gear which is
about to be selected. Failure to ob-
serve this precaution can lead to en-
gine over-revving and this in turn
can result in engine damage.
In addition, sudden application of
engine brakes when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can
lead to wheel locking; as a conse-
quence, control of the vehicle may
be lost and the risk of an accident in-
creased.
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