Manual Transmission; Shifting Speeds - Subaru 2006 Forester Owner's Manual

Manual transmission

The manual transmission is a fully syn-
chromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-re-
verse-speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift le-
ver knob. When shifting from 5th gear to
reverse gear, first return the shift lever to
the neutral position then shift into reverse
gear.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually
let up on the clutch pedal.
If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the
transmission in neutral, release the clutch
pedal momentarily, and then try again.
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
700032
when the vehicle is moving.

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
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
Shift up
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum
speeds that are possible with each differ-
ent gear.
Never exceed the speed limit below for
each gear position except for brief accel-
eration in an emergency. The tachome-
ter's needle will enter the red area if these
speeds are exceeded. Failure to observe
this precaution can lead to excessive en-
gine wear and poor fuel economy.
mph (km/h)
15 (24)
25 (40)
7-9
Starting and operating
mph (km/h)
40 (65)
45 (73)
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