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.
2012 Subaru Outback RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Select Lever
- The automatic transmission select lever can be moved to any of the 4 ranges and the transmission enters sports mode when the lever is moved laterally from D range, and further switches to sports shift mode (manual mode) when the lever is moved forward ("+" direction) or rearward ("-" direction).
- The select lever makes shift direction (longitudinal) movements as well as select direction (lateral) movements. The select lever is guided by a gate to make these movements.
- In the sports shift mode, the transmission upshifts when the selector lever is moved forward ("+" direction) and downshifts when the lever is moved rearward ("-" direction).
- To transmit movements of the select lever to the transmission, a select cable is used.
- The select lever mechanism has a detent spring. It ensures more precise positioning of the select lever.
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:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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