The shift lock function helps prevent the improper operation of the select lever.

• The select lever cannot be operated unless the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position and the brake pedal is depressed.

• The select lever cannot be moved from the “P” position to any other position before the brake pedal is depressed.

Depress the brake pedal first, and then operate the select lever.

• Only the “P” position allows you to turn the key from the “Acc” position to the “LOCK” position and remove the key from the ignition key cylinder.

• If the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” position while the select lever is in the “N” position, the select lever may not be moved to the “P” position after a period of time. Therefore, move the select lever to the “P” position with the brake pedal depressed soon after the ignition switch is turned to the “LOCK” position.

▲ Shift lock release

If the select lever cannot be operated, turn the ignition switch back to the “ON” position then move the select lever to the “P” position with the select lever button pressed and brake pedal depressed.

If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, perform the following steps.

• When the select lever cannot be shifted from “P” to “N”:

Refer to “Shift lock release using the shift lock release button”.

• When the select lever cannot be shifted from “N” to “R” or “P”:

Within 60 seconds after placing the ignition switch in the “Acc” position, move the select lever to the “R” or “P” position with the select lever button pressed and brake pedal depressed.

If you must perform the above procedure, the shift lock system (or the vehicle control system) may be malfunctioning. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.

If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, refer to “Shift lock release using the shift lock release button”.

▲ Shift lock release using the shift lock release button

Perform the following procedure to release the shift lock.

1. Apply the parking brake and stop the engine.

2. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with a flat-head screwdriver.

NOTE

To prevent damage to the cover, wrap the tip of the flat-head screwdriver with vinyl tape or a cloth before removing the cover.

3. Move the select lever while performing the following operations.

• Depressing the brake pedal • Pushing the shift lock release button using a screwdriver
• Pushing the select lever button

If the select lever does not move after performing the above procedure, the shift lock system may be malfunctioning. Contact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon as possible.