Starting and operating
7-9
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Starting the engine
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter motor continuously
for more than ten seconds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for five to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more be-fore trying again.
Manual transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the
shift lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the
floor while starting the engine.
The starter motor will only operate when the clutch
pedal is pressed fully to the floor.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicatorlights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator light ” sec-
tion (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started. If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait
a while and then turn the ignition switch to the
“START”
position again while depressing the accel-
erator pedal half way down.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have
gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injec-
tion system automatically lowers the idle speed as
the engine warms up. Automatic transmission vehicle
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position
(preferably “P” position).
The starter motor will only operate when the selectlever is at the “P” or “N” position.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and
check the operation of the warning and indicatorlights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights ”
section (chapter 3).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position
without depressing the accelerator pedal. Release
the key immediately after the engine has started.
If the engine does not start within ten seconds, wait
a while and then turn the ignition switch to the
“START” position again while depressing the accel-
Starting and operating
7-11
– CONTINUED –
Stopping the engine
The ignition switch should be turned off only when the engine is idling.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the
power steering and the brake booster, makingsteering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the
“LOCK” position on the ignition switch, caus-
ing the steering wheel to lock. Manual transmission
The manual transmission is a fully synchromeshed
5-forward and 1-reverse speed transmission.
The shift pattern is shown on the shift lever knob.
When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first re-
turn 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
Starting and operating
7-12
in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and
then try again.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disen- gaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is
depressed) or with the shift lever in the neu-tral position. Engine braking has no effect ineither of these conditions and the risk of an
accident is consequently increased.
CAUTION
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has
completely stopped. It may cause damage tothe transmission to try shifting into reverse when the vehicle is moving.
Shifting speeds
Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel economy and
vehicle performance during normal driving is en-
sured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the fol- lowing table. Shift up
mph (km/h)
1st to 2nd15 (24)
2nd to 3rd25 (40)
3rd to 4th40 (65)
4th to 5th45 (73)
Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum speeds that
are possible with each different gear. Never exceed the speed limit below for each gear
position except for brief acceleration in an emergen-
cy. The tachometer ’s needle (if so equipped) will en-
ter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. Fail-
ure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy.
Starting and operating
7-13
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2.5 liter models (non-turbo)
mph (km/h)
RSTS, OUTBACK
1st29 (46)28 (45)
2nd48 (77)47 (75)
3rd68 (110)66 (106)
2.0 liter models (turbo)mph (km/h)
WRX
1st35 (56)
2nd61 (98)
3rd87 (140)
WARNING
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the
vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceedingthe Maximum Allowable Speed for the gearwhich is about to be selected. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to engine
over-revving and this in turn can result inengine 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
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch ped- al and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade. Either of those actions maycause clutch damage.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever.This may cause wear on the transmission compo-nents.
When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to
slow traffic, turning corners, or driving up steep hills,
downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to