Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Subaru Outback Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Shift Lock Operation
SHIFT LOCK OPERATION CHART
| Step | Check | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
1 CHECK COMMUNICATION OF SUBARU SELECT MONITOR.Β
|
Is the system name displayed? | Go to step 2.Β | Perform the inspection following the diagnostic procedure in the LAN section. < Ref. to BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . > |
2 CHECK SHIFT LOCK.Β
|
While brake pedal is not depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? | Inspect "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED". < Ref. to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKEDΒ , INSPECTION, AT Shift Lock Control System . > | Go to step 3.Β |
| 3 CHECK SHIFT LOCK.Β | While brake pedal is depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? | Go to step 4.Β | Inspect "SELECT LEVER SHIFT LOCK CANNOT BE RELEASED". < Ref. to SHIFT LOCK OF SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE RELEASEDΒ , INSPECTION, AT Shift Lock Control System . > |
4 CHECK KEY INTERLOCK.Β
|
Can the ignition key be removed? | Perform the inspection of "KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". < Ref. to KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASEDΒ , INSPECTION, AT Shift Lock Control System . > | Go to step 5.Β |
| 5 CHECK KEY INTERLOCK.Β Shift the select lever to the "P" range. |
Can the ignition key be removed? | AT shift lock system is normal. | Perform the inspection of "KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". < Ref. to KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASEDΒ , INSPECTION, AT Shift Lock Control System . > |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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