Subaru Forester: Shift lock function / Shift lock release using the shift lock release button
Perform the following procedure to release
the shift lock.
- Apply the parking brake and stop the
engine.

- Wrap the tip of a flat-head screwdriver
with vinyl tape or a cloth and use it to
remove the shift lock cover. The shift lock
release button is located under the shift
lock cover.

- While depressing the brake pedal,
insert a screwdriver into the hole, press
the shift lock release button using a
screwdriver, and then move the select
lever.
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.
CAUTION
If the accelerator and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time,
driving torque may be restrained.
This is not a malfunction.
Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the “D” or
“R” position...
Other information:
The vehicle is involved in a severe side
impact near the front seat or the rear seat.
The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.
The angle of vehicle tip-up is marginal or
the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curbstone
laterally.
An offset frontal collision that is severe
enough to deploy the front airbag...
Use a child restraint system that is suitable
for your vehicle. Refer to “Child restraint
systems”.
Children
WARNING
Place children in the rear seat properly
restrained at all times. The SRS
airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or
even kill children, especially if they
are not restrained or improperly
restrained...