Subaru Baja (2006 year). Instruction — part 17

7-18

Starting and operating

T 3 (Third)
This position is for using engine braking when going
down a hill or for climbing a grade.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.

When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold
that position. The transmission will automatically
downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the
pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear
position.

T 2 (Second)
This position is for using engine braking when going
down a hill or for climbing a steep grade.
In this position, the transmission holds in the 2nd gear.
Use this position when starting off from a standstill on
slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will en-
sure greater traction.

T 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.

T Maximum speeds

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.

The following tables show the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear.

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.

7-19

Starting and operating

– CONTINUED –

mph (km/h)

Never exceed posted speed limits.

NOTE

y In order to prevent over-revving during acceler-
ation of the vehicle, the transmission will automat-
ically shift to the next highest gear if the Maximum
Allowable Speed for the current gear is exceeded.
y Similarly, in order to prevent over-revving dur-
ing deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission
will remain in the current gear if the speed of the
vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable
Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has
been moved.

„ Driving tips

y Always apply the foot or parking brake when the ve-
hicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position.
y Always set the parking brake when parking your ve-

hicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis-
sion.
y Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on
an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1” position.
Use the brake instead.

The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the
vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from
a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a
fault.

„ Shift lock release

If the selector lever does not move from the “P” posi-
tion with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition
switch in the “ON” position, perform the following
steps:
To override the shift lock:
1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the
flat-head screwdriver.

Position

Non-turbo models

1

23 (38)

2

55 (89)

3

91 (147)

7-20

Starting and operating

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.

5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selec-
tor lever from the “P” to the “N” position.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress
the brake pedal and start the engine.

Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the system repaired.

P

R

N

D

3

2

1

HS7009BA

HS7011BA

7-21

Starting and operating

– CONTINUED –

Automatic transmission (Turbo mod-
els)

Do not shift from the “P” or “N” position into
the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position while de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
the vehicle to jump forward or backward.

y Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after
the vehicle is completely stopped. Shifting
while the vehicle is moving may cause damage
to the transmission.
y Do not race the engine for more than five sec-
onds in any position except the “N” or “P” po-
sition when the brake is set or when chocks are
used in the wheels. This may cause the auto-
matic transmission fluid to overheat.
y Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving
positions into the “R” position or vice versa un-
til the vehicle has completely stopped. Such
shifting may cause damage to the transmis-
sion.

y When parking the vehicle, first securely apply
the parking brake and then place the selector
lever in the “P” position. Avoid parking for a
long time with the selector lever in any other
position as doing so could result in a dead bat-
tery.

The automatic transmission is electronically controlled
and provides 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed.
Also, it has a manual mode.

NOTE

y When the engine coolant temperature is still
low, your vehicle’s automatic transmission will
up-shift at higher engine speeds than when the
coolant temperature is sufficiently high in order to
shorten the warm-up time and improve driveabili-
ty. The gearshift timing will automatically shift to
the normal timing after the engine has warmed up.
y Immediately after ATF (automatic transmission
fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the automatic
transmission operation is somewhat unusual.
This results from invalidation of data which the
on-board computer has collected and stored in
memory to allow the transmission to shift at the
most appropriate times for the current condition
of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored

7-22

Starting and operating

as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while.

„ Selector lever

1) Release button

: With the brake pedal depressed, shift while

pressing the button in.

: Shift while pressing the button in.
: Shift without pressing the button.

The selector lever has seven positions, “P”, “R”, “N”,
“D”, “3”, “2” and “1”, and also has a manual gate for us-
ing SPORTSHIFT mode.
The release button must be pushed to select the “P”,
“R”, or “2” positions.

T P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the
engine.
In this position, the transmission is mechanically

1

UB7026BB

UB7025BA

7-23

Starting and operating

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locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.

When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake
fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the ve-
hicle with only the transmission.

A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic
transmission system to ensure safe starting of the ve-
hicle.

To shift the selector lever from the “P” to any other po-
sition, you have to depress the brake pedal fully then
push the release button on the selector lever when the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents
the vehicle from lurching when it is started.

If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position
with the brake pedal depressed, the release button
pushed in, and the ignition switch in the ON position,
refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter.

T R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle.

To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehi-
cle completely then move the lever to the “R” position
while pressing the release button.

T N (Neutral)

Do not drive the vehicle with the selector lever
in the “N” (neutral) position. Engine braking
has no effect in this condition and the risk of an
accident is consequently increased.

This position is for restarting a stalled engine.
In this position the wheels and transmission are not
locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the
vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline un-
less the parking brake or foot brake is on.
Avoid coasting with the transmission neutral.
During coasting, there is no engine braking effect.

NOTE

If the selector lever is in the “N” position when you
stop the engine for parking, you may not subse-
quently be able to move it to the “R” and “P” posi-
tions. If this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the “ON” position. You will then be able to move
the selector lever to the “P” position.

T D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving.

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Starting and operating

The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.

When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold
that position. The transmission will automatically
downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release
the pedal, the transmission will return to the original
gear position.
To use the SPORTSHIFT mode, move the lever from
this position into the manual gate.

V While climbing a grade
When driving up a hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is
prevented from taking place when the accelerator is
released. This minimizes the chance of subsequent
downshifting to a lower gear when accelerating again.
This prevents repeated upshifting and downshifting re-
sulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle.

NOTE

The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st
gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal
is pressed to accelerate the vehicle again.

V While going down a hill
When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake
pedal will cause the transmission to downshift to 3rd

gear, thus applying engine braking. Reacceleration for
a short time will cause the transmission to upshift nor-
mally.

NOTE

In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a
downhill grade does not result in an automatic
downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the
automatic transmission fluid temperature is very
low, for example, during driving shortly after the
vehicle has been parked for an extended period of
time. When the ATF temperature has risen to a cer-
tain level, automatic downshift normally takes
place. In the meantime, downshift manually for en-
gine braking as required.
Also, downshifting when braking downhill will not
occur at speeds above approximately 50 mph (80
km/h).

T 3 (Third)
This position is for using engine braking when going
down a hill or for climbing a grade.
The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable
gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed
and the acceleration you require.

When more acceleration is required in this position,
press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold

7-25

Starting and operating

– CONTINUED –

that position. The transmission will automatically
downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the
pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear
position.

T 2 (Second)
To shift from the “3” to “2” position, push the release
button.

This position is for using engine braking when going
down a hill or for climbing a steep grade.

In this position, the transmission holds in the 2nd gear.
Use this position when starting off from a standstill on
slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will en-
sure greater traction.

T 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.

„ Selector lever reverse inhibiting func-

tion

This function prevents accidental movement of the se-
lector lever to the “R” position while the vehicle is mov-
ing.

The function becomes operational when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).
Once operational, it prevents the selector lever from
being moved from the “N” position to the “R” position.
When the vehicle speed drops below 6 mph (10 km/h),
the function is canceled. The selector lever can then
be moved to the “R” and “P” positions.

When the ignition switch has been turned to the “OFF”
position, movement of the selector lever from the “N”
position to the “R” position is possible for a limited time
period and then becomes impossible. Also, the selec-
tor lever cannot be moved to the “R” position when it
has been placed in the “P” position and then placed
again in the “N” position. When movement of the se-
lector lever from the “N” position to the “R” position has
become impossible, turn the ignition switch back to the
“ON” position then move the selector lever to the “P”
position. Pressing the selector lever release button
also makes it possible to move the selector lever to the
“P” position at this time.

7-26

Starting and operating

T Selector lever release button

If you inadvertently have turned the ignition switch to
the “OFF” position with the selector lever in the “N” po-
sition, proceed as follows. By referring to the “Shift
lock release” section in this chapter, remove the shift
lock release cover. Then, with the screwdriver inserted
into the hole, move the selector lever to the “P” posi-
tion while pressing the release button. If the selector
lever reverse inhibiting function fails, have the vehicle
inspected by the nearest SUBARU dealer.

„ Selection of SPORTSHIFT mode (man-

ual mode)

1) Selector lever

1. Select the SPORTSHIFT mode by moving the se-
lector lever into the manual gate from the “D” position
with the vehicle stationary or moving.

UB7039BA

1

UB7027BB

7-27

Starting and operating

– CONTINUED –

1) Lamp showing whether upshift is possible
2) Lamp showing whether downshift is possible
3) Indication of currently selected gear

2. Once the SPORTSHIFT mode is selected, the cur-
rently selected gear is shown by the shift position indi-
cator in the meter cluster. Next to this indication, ar-
row-shaped lamps show whether an upshift is possi-
ble and whether a downshift is possible.
Lamps showing whether upshifting and downshifting
are possible:
The

and

lamps show whether upshifting and

downshifting are possible. When both lamps are off,
SPORTSHIFT operation is not possible. When both
lamps are on, upshifting and downshifting are both

possible. When only the

lamp is on, only upshift-

ing is possible. When only the

lamp is on, only

downshifting is possible.

3. Perform gearshifts using the selector lever. You
can shift by one gear at a time in the 1st-to-4th-gear
range.

Upshifting
Shift to the next-higher gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear
range) by pushing the selector lever toward the “+”
end of the manual gate.

Downshifting
Shift to the next-lower gear (in the 1st-to-4th-gear
range) by pushing the selector lever toward the “–”
end of the manual gate.

4. To deselect the SPORTSHIFT mode, return the se-
lector lever to the “D” position from the manual gate.

NOTE

Please read the following points carefully and bear
them in mind when using the SPORTSHIFT mode.
y When the temperature of the automatic trans-
mission fluid is lower or higher than normal, warn-
ing beeps are emitted and the shift position indica-
tor shows “–”. If these warnings are issued, dese-
lect the SPORTSHIFT mode to protect the auto-

1

2

3

UBS094BB

7-28

Starting and operating

matic transmission from damage.
y The transmission does not automatically shift
up in the SPORTSHIFT mode. Perform gearshifts
in accordance with road conditions so that the ta-
chometer needle does not enter the red zone. If the
engine speed reaches a predetermined level, a
fuel-cut function will operate. Shift up if this hap-
pens.
y 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 down-
shift is not possible.
y If you attempt to shift up when the vehicle speed
is too low, the transmission will not respond.
y You can perform a skip-shift (for example, from
4th to 2nd or from 2nd to 4th) by operating the se-
lector lever twice in rapid succession.
y The transmission automatically selects 1st gear
when the vehicle stops moving. It will not permit a
standing start in 2nd gear.

T Maximum speeds

When down shifting 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 brak-
ing caused by downshifting when the vehicle is
travelling on a slippery surface can lead to
wheel locking; as a consequence, control of the
vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident
increased.

The following tables show the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear.

When down shifting, 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 se-
lected.

mph (km/h)

*: SPORTSHIFT mode

Position

Turbo models

1

29 (47), 36 (58)

*

2

60 (96), 62 (100)

*

3

102 (164), 102 (164)

*

7-29

Starting and operating

– CONTINUED –

Never exceed posted speed limits.

NOTE

y In order to prevent over-revving during acceler-
ation of the vehicle, the transmission will automat-
ically shift to the next higher gear if the Maximum
Allowable Speed for the current gear is reached.
y Similarly, in order to prevent over-revving dur-
ing deceleration of the vehicle, the transmission
will remain in the current gear if the speed of the
vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable
Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has
been moved.

„ Driving tips

y Always apply the foot or parking brake when the ve-
hicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1”, or “R” position.
y Always set the parking brake when parking your ve-
hicle. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmis-
sion.
y Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary position on
an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2” or “1” position.
Use the brake instead.
y The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the
vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from
a standstill. This phenomenon does not indicate a
fault.

„ Shift lock release

Perform the following steps if the selector lever does
not move from the “P” position even with the release
button pressed, the brake pedal depressed and the ig-
nition switch in the “ON” position:
To override the shift lock:
1. Set the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag.
3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the
flat-head screwdriver.

UB7041BA

7-30

Starting and operating

4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole.
5. Push down on the screwdriver, push down the but-
ton and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N”
position.
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress
the brake pedal and start the engine.

Take your vehicle to the nearest SUBARU dealer im-
mediately to have the system repaired.

Limited slip differential (LSD)

y Never start the engine while a tire on one side
is jacked up, as the vehicle may move.
y If one rear tire is spinning in mud, avoid con-
tinued spinning at high speed as this could ad-
versely affect the LSD.
y If a different size rear tire is temporarily used
(as in an emergency), it will adversely affect the
LSD. Always replace it with a regular size tire as
soon as possible.

The LSD provides optimum distribution of power ac-
cording to the difference in revolutions between the
right and left rear wheels that may be caused by cer-
tain driving conditions, thereby improving driving sta-
bility on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads.

UB7040BA

7-31

Starting and operating

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Power steering

Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully
locked position left or right for more than five
seconds. This may damage the power steering
pump.

The power steering system operates only when the
engine is running.
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.

NOTE

Right after the engine has been started and before
it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming
from areas adjacent to the power steering pump
which is located at the right-front area of the en-
gine compartment. This noise is normal. It does
not indicate power steering system trouble.

Braking

„ Braking tips

Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This can cause dangerous overheating
of the brakes and needless wear on the brake
pads and linings.

T When the brakes get wet
When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the
brakes may get wet. As a result, brake stopping dis-
tance will be longer. To dry the brakes, drive the vehi-
cle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake
pedal to heat up the brakes.

T Use of engine braking
Remember to make use of engine braking in addition
to foot braking. When descending a grade, if only the
foot brake is used, the brakes may start working im-
properly because of brake fluid overheating, caused
by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift
into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking.

7-32

Starting and operating

T Braking when a tire is punctured
Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly when a tire
is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the
vehicle. Keep driving straight ahead while gradually
reducing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe
place.

„ Brake system

T Two separate circuits
Your vehicle has a dual circuit brake systems. Each
circuit works diagonally across the vehicle. If one cir-
cuit of the brake system should fail, the other half of
the system still works. If one circuit fails, the brake
pedal will go down much closer to the floor than usual
and you will need to press it down much harder. And a
much longer distance will be needed to stop the vehi-
cle.

T Brake booster
The brake booster uses engine manifold vacuum to
assist braking force. Do not turn off the engine while
driving because that will turn off the brake booster, re-
sulting in poor braking power.
The brakes will continue to work even when the brake
booster completely stops functioning. If this happens,
however, you will have to push the pedal much harder

than normal and the braking distance will increase.

„ Disc brake pad wear warning indica-

tors

The disc brake pad wear warning indicators on the
disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads
are worn.
If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc
brakes while braking, immediately have your vehicle
inspected by the nearest SUBARU dealer.

HS7012BA

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Starting and operating

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ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

Always use the utmost care in driving – over-
confidence because you are driving with an
ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a se-
rious accident.

y The ABS system does not always decrease
stopping distance. You should always maintain
a safe following distance from other vehicles.
y When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel
roads, icy road, or over deep newly fallen snow,
stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle
with the ABS system than one without. When
driving under these conditions, therefore, re-
duce your speed and leave ample distance from
other vehicles.
y When you feel the ABS system operating,
you should maintain constant brake pedal pres-
sure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing
so may defeat the operation of the ABS system.

The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which
may occur during sudden braking or braking on slip-
pery road surfaces. This helps prevent the loss of
steering control and directional stability caused by
wheel lock-up.

When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a
chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates.

The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h).

„ ABS system self-check

You may feel a slight shock in the brake pedal and
hear the operating sound of ABS from the engine com-
partment just after the vehicle is started. This is
caused by an automatic functional test of the ABS sys-
tem being carried out and does not indicate any abnor-
mal condition.