Subaru Legacy: Automatic transmission/Continuously variable transmission
The automatic transmission is electronically controlled and provides 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. The continuously variable transmission is electronically controlled and provides an infinite number of forward speeds and 1 reverse speed.
Both the automatic transmission and continuously variable transmission have a manual mode.
WARNING
Do not shift from the “P” or “N” position into the “D” or “R” position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or backward.
CAUTION
● 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.
● Do not race the engine for more than 5 seconds in any position except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is applied or when chocks are used in the wheels. This may cause the transmission fluid to overheat.
● Avoid shifting from one of the forward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.
● When parking the vehicle, first securely apply the parking brake and then place the select lever in the “P” position. Avoid parking for a long time with the select lever in any other position as doing so could result in a dead battery.
NOTE
● For AT models, when the engine coolant temperature is still low, the transmission
will upshift to higher engine speeds than when the coolant temperature is sufficiently
high in order to shorten the warm-up time and improve driveability. The gearshift
timing will automatically shift to the normal timing after the engine has warmed
up.
● Immediately after transmission fluid is replaced, you may feel that the 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 as the vehicle continues to be driven for a while.
● When driving a vehicle that is equipped with CVT under continuous heavy load conditions
such as towing a camper or climbing a long, steep hill, the engine speed or the
vehicle speed may automatically be reduced. This is not a malfunction. This phenomenon
results from the engine control function maintaining the cooling performance of
the vehicle. The engine and vehicle speed will return to a normal speed when the
engine is able to maintain the optimum cooling performance after the heavy load
decreases. Driving under a heavy load must be performed with extreme care. Do not
try to pass a vehicle in front when driving on an uphill slope while towing.
● The continuously variable transmission is a chain type system that provides superior
transmission efficiency for maximum fuel economy. At times, depending on varying
driving conditions, a chain operating sound may be heard that is characteristic
of this type of system.
Driving tips
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an upgrade. Either of those actions may cause clutch damage. Do not drive ...Select lever
The select lever has four positions, “P”, “R”, “N”, “D” and also has a manual gate for using the manual mode. ...See also:
Vehicle
Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and •► Solutions
Shift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start Engine
You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position ...
Children should be seated safely
Volvo recommends the proper use of restraint systems for all occupants including
children. Remember that, regardless of age and size, a child should always be properly
restrained in a vehicle.
Yo ...
Pulling a stuck vehicle
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal
injury or death when recovering a
stuck vehicle:
● Contact a professional towing service
to recover the vehicle if you have any
questions ...