Subaru Forester: Continuously variable transmission / Selection of manual mode (if equipped)

Type A

Type B

With the vehicle either moving or stationary, move the select lever from the “D” position to the “M” position to select the manual mode.

Select lever/gear position indicator (type A)

1. Upshift indicator
2. Downshift indicator
3. Gear position indicator

Select lever/gear position indicator (type B)

1. Upshift indicator
2. Downshift indicator
3. Gear position indicator

When the manual mode is selected, the gear position indicator and upshift indicator and/or downshift indicator on the combination meter illuminate.

The gear position indicator shows the currently selected gear in the following range.

• 1st-to-7th-gear range

The upshift and downshift indicators show when a gear shift is possible. When the upshift indicator illuminates, upshifting is possible. When the downshift indicator illuminates, downshifting is possible. When both indicators illuminate, upshifting and downshifting are both possible. When the vehicle stops (for example, at traffic signals), the downshift indicator turns off.

Gearshifts can be performed using the shift paddle behind the steering wheel.

To upshift to the next higher gear position, pull the shift paddle that has “+” indicated on it. To downshift to the next lower gear position, pull the shift paddle that has “–” indicated on it.

To deselect the manual mode, return the select lever to the “D” position from the “M” position.

CAUTION

Do not place or hang anything on the shift paddles. Doing so may result in accidental gear shifting.

NOTE

Please read the following points carefully and bear them in mind when using the manual mode.

• If you attempt to shift down when the engine speed is too high, i.e., when a downshift would push the tachometer needle beyond the red zone, beeps will be emitted to warn you that the downshift is not possible.
• If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed is too low, the transmission will not respond.
• You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating the shift paddle twice in rapid succession.
• The transmission automatically selects 1st gear when the vehicle stops moving.
• If the temperature of the transmission fluid becomes too high, the “AT OIL TEMP” warning light on the combination meter will illuminate. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe location and let the engine idle until the warning light turns off.
• For models with SI-DRIVE, by selecting Sport Sharp (S#) mode, upshifting will not occur automatically. According to the road conditions, shift change manually so that the tachometer needle does not enter the red zone. Also, if the engine revolutions reach the specified number, the fuel supply will be cut. In this case, perform shift up operation.