Subaru 2004 Forester Owner's Manual page 259

Starting and operating
1 (First)
This position is for driving up or down very steep
grades, or driving through mud or sand, or on slippery
surfaces. In this position, the transmission holds in the
1st gear.
Maximum speeds
The following tables show the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear. The tachome-
ter's needle will enter the red area if these speeds are
exceeded.
When shifting down a gear, it is important to confirm
that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the
Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about
to be selected.
Exceeding the Maximum Allowable Speeds will result
in over-revving of the engine. In addition a powerful
engine brake will engage and control of the vehicle
may be lost.
1st
2nd
3rd
7-18
mph (km/h)
X and XS XT
34 (54) 39 (63)
62 (100) 73 (117)
101 (162) 118 (189)
NOTE
In order to prevent over-revving during decelera-
tion of the vehicle, the transmission will remain in
the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in ex-
cess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear
to which the selector lever has been moved.
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the ve-
hicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the
Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear which
is about to be selected. Failure to observe this
precaution can lead to engine 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 slip-
pery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a
consequence, control of the vehicle may be lost
and the risk of an accident increased.
Driving tips
Always apply the foot or parking brake when the ve-
hicle is stopped in the "D", "3", "2", "1" or "R" position.
Always set the parking brake when parking your ve-
hicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis-