2013 Subaru Outback Base, Automatic CVT TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Select Lever Cannot Be Locked Or Released

  • Model without push button ignition switch 
    Fig 1: AT Shift Lock Control System - Wiring Diagram (Select Lever Cannot Be Locked Or Released, Model Without Push Button Ignition Switch)
    G08578380Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Model with push button ignition switch 
    Fig 2: AT Shift Lock Control System - Wiring Diagram (Select Lever Cannot Be Locked Or Released, Model With Push Button Ignition Switch)
    G08578381Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Step Check Yes No
1 CHECK BODY INTEGRATED UNIT POWER SUPPLY AND GROUND CIRCUIT. 
Refer to BODY INTEGRATED UNIT POWER SUPPLY AND GROUND CIRCUIT .		 Is there any fault? Follow the procedures to perform inspection and repair. Go to step 2  .
2 CHECK CURRENT DATA. 
  1. Connect the Subaru Select Monitor.
  2. Shift the select lever to "P" range.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON.
  4. Select the current data display and display «P SW». Refer to READ CURRENT DATA .
 Is the display "ON" in the P range and "OFF" in ranges other than P? Go to step 3  . Go to step 8  .
3 CHECK CURRENT DATA. 
Select the current data display and display «Stop Light Switch». Refer to READ CURRENT DATA .		 Is "ON" displayed when the brake pedal is depressed and "OFF" displayed when the brake pedal is released? Go to step 4  . Go to step 11  .
4 CHECK BODY INTEGRATED UNIT DTC. 
Check the DTC of the body integrated unit when the brake pedal is pressed and when it is released.
(Hold each condition for 5 seconds or more.)		 Is there a DTC of a current malfunction? Follow the DTC to perform inspection and repair. Go to step 5  .
5 CHECK CURRENT DATA. 
Select the current data display and display «Shift Lock Solenoid». Refer to READ CURRENT DATA .		 Is "ON" displayed when the brake pedal is depressed and "OFF" displayed when the brake pedal is released? Go to step 6  . Replace the body integrated unit. Refer to BODY INTEGRATED UNIT .
6 CHECK CURRENT DATA. 
Select the current data display and display «Shift Position». Refer to READ CURRENT DATA .		 Is the display "7" in the "P" range and other than "7" in ranges other than "P"? Go to step 7  . Check the following items.
  • Inhibitor switch
  • Harness between inhibitor switch and TCM
  • TCM input signal
  • TCM CAN communication
  • Body integrated unit CAN receive
7 CHECK CURRENT DATA. 
  1. Select the current data display and display «Front Wheel Speed».
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Raise vehicle speed gradually up to approximately 20 km/h (12 miles).
 Is a figure equivalent to the speedometer being indicated? Go to step 12  . Check the following items.
  • Vehicle speed sensor
  • VDC CM CAN communication
  • Body integrated unit CAN receive Replace the vehicle speed sensor, VDC CM or body integrated unit, or both.
8 CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN BODY INTEGRATED UNIT AND "P" RANGE SWITCH. 
  1. Disconnect the connector from body integrated unit.
  2. Disconnect the connector of "P" range switch.
  3. Check for open circuit of harness, short circuit to battery or short circuit to ground between the body integrated unit and "P" range switch.

    Connector & terminal 

    (B281) No. 21 - (B116) No. 1: 

 Is there any fault in the harness? Repair or replace the harness between the body integrated unit and the "P" range switch. Go to step 9  .
9 CHECK HARNESS BETWEEN "P" RANGE SWITCH AND CHASSIS GROUND. 
Measure the resistance of harness between "P" range switch and chassis ground.
Connector & terminal 
(B116) No. 2 - Chassis ground: 		 Is it less than 10 Ω? Go to step 10  . Repair the harness between the "P" range switch and chassis ground.
10 CHECK "P" RANGE SWITCH. 
Measure the resistance between "P" range switch connector terminals.
Terminals 
No. 2 - No. 1: 		 Is it less than 10 Ω in the "P" range, and 1 MΩ or more in ranges other than "P"? Replace the body integrated unit. Refer to BODY INTEGRATED UNIT . Replace the "P" range switch. Refer to AT SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID AND "P" RANGE SWITCH .
11 CHECK STOP LIGHT SWITCH INPUT SIGNAL. 
  1. Disconnect the connector from body integrated unit.
  2. Measure the voltage between the body integrated unit connector terminal and chassis ground.

    Connector & terminal 

    (B280) No. 10 (+) - Chassis ground (-): 

 Is the voltage 9 - 16 V when the brake pedal is depressed, and less than 1.5 V when not pressed? Replace the body integrated unit. Refer to BODY INTEGRATED UNIT . Check the stop light system.
12 CHECK SOLENOID UNIT OPERATION. 
Connect the battery to the solenoid unit connector terminal, and operate the solenoid unit.
Terminals 
No. 3 (+) - No. 4 (-): 		 Does the solenoid unit operate normally? Check the lock mechanism of the select lever body. Replace the solenoid unit. Refer to AT SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID AND "P" RANGE SWITCH .
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

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.

Rather have a pro handle this?

A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.

Comes to youSame-day available12-month warranty
Get a Free Quote

No obligation. See pricing before you book.