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.
2013 Subaru Outback Base, Automatic CVT TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Shift Lock Operation
- Model without push button ignition switch
Step Check Yes No 1 CHECK COMMUNICATION OF SUBARU SELECT MONITOR. - Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Using the Subaru Select Monitor, check whether communication to all systems can be executed normally.
Is the system name displayed? Go to step 2 . For diagnostic procedures, refer to BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . 2 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. - Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Shift the select lever to "P" range.
While brake pedal is not depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . Go to step 3 . 3 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. While brake pedal is depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? Go to step 4 . Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . 4 CHECK SHIFT LOCK.
Shift the select lever to "N" range.Is it possible to move the select lever from the "N" range to the "P" range? Go to step 5 . Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . 5 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. - Shift the select lever to "N" range.
- Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
While brake pedal is depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "N" range to the "P" range? Go to step 6 . Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . 6 CHECK KEY INTERLOCK. - Shift the select lever to other than "P" range.
- Turn the ignition switch to OFF.
Can the ignition key be removed? Perform the inspection of "KEY INTERLOCK CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to KEY INTERLOCK DOES NOT LOCK OR RELEASE . Go to step 7 . 7 CHECK KEY INTERLOCK.
Shift the select lever to "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". Refer to KEY INTERLOCK DOES NOT LOCK OR RELEASE . - Model with push button ignition switch
Step Check Yes No 1 CHECK COMMUNICATION OF SUBARU SELECT MONITOR. - Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Using the Subaru Select Monitor, check whether communication to all systems can be executed normally.
Is the system name displayed? Go to step 2 . For diagnostic procedures, refer to BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE . 2 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. - Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Shift the select lever to "P" range.
While brake pedal is not depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . Go to step 3 . 3 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. While brake pedal is depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "P" range to other ranges? Go to step 4 . Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . 4 CHECK SHIFT LOCK.
Shift the select lever to "N" range.Is it possible to move the select lever from the "N" range to the "P" range? Go to step 5 . Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED . 5 CHECK SHIFT LOCK. - Shift the select lever to "N" range.
- Turn the ignition switch to ACC.
While brake pedal is depressed, is it possible to move the select lever from the "N" range to the "P" range? AT shift lock system is normal. Perform the inspection of "SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED". Refer to SELECT LEVER CANNOT BE LOCKED OR RELEASED .
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.
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 QuoteNo obligation. See pricing before you book.
