transmission SUBARU WRX 2018 User Guide
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Continuously variable trans-
missionThe continuously variable transmission is
electronically controlled and provides an
infinite number of forward speeds and 1
reverse speed. It also has 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
.Observe the following precau-
tions. Otherwise, the transmis-
sion could be damaged.
–Shift into the“P”or“R”posi-
tion only after the vehicle has
completely stopped.
–Do not shift from the“D”
position into the“R”position
or vice versa until the vehicle
has completely stopped.
.Do not race the engine for more
than 5 seconds in any position
except the“N”or“P”positionwhen the brake is applied or
when chocks are used in the
wheels. This may cause the
transmission fluid to overheat.
.Never move the vehicle as fol-
lows. Doing so may result in an
unexpected accident or malfunc-
tion.
–Moving rearward by inertia
with the select lever set in a
forward driving position.
–Moving forward by inertia with
the select lever set in the“R”
position.
.When parking the vehicle, first
securely apply the parking brake
and then place the select lever in
the“P”position. Do not park for a
long time with the select lever in
any other position as doing so
could result in a dead battery.
NOTE.When the engine coolant tempera-
ture is still low, the transmission will
upshift to higher engine speeds than
when the coolant temperature is suffi-
ciently high in order to shorten the
warm-up time and improve driveability.
The gearshift timing will automaticallyshift 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 under continuous hea-
vy load conditions such as when climb-
ing 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. Take extremely care
when driving under a heavy load.
.The continuously variable transmis-
sion is a chain type system that pro-
vides superior transmission efficiency
for maximum fuel economy. At times,
depending on varying driving condi-
tions, a chain operating noise may be
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
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7
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heard that is characteristic of this type
of system.&Select lever1) Select lever button
: With the brake pedal depressed, shift
while pressing the select lever button
in.: Shift while pressing the select lever
button in.: Shift without pressing the select lever
button.
The select lever has four positions,“P”,
“R”,“N”,“D”and it also has an“M”position
for using the manual mode.NOTEFor some models, to protect the engine
while the select lever is in the“P”or“N”
position, the engine is controlled so
that the engine speed may not become
too high even if the accelerator pedal is
depressed hard.!P (Park)
This position is for parking the vehicle and
starting the engine. In this position, the
transmission is mechanically locked to
prevent the vehicle from rolling freely.
When you park the vehicle, first apply the
parking brake firmly, then shift into the“P”
position. Do not hold the vehicle with only
the mechanical friction of the transmission.
To shift the select lever from the“P”
position to any other position, you should
depress the brake pedal fully then move
the select lever. This prevents the vehicle
from lurching when it is started.
!R (Reverse)
This position is for backing the vehicle. To
shift from the“N”to“R”position, stop the
vehicle completely then move the lever to
the“R”position while pressing the select
lever button in.
Even when you have turned the ignition
switch to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position, you
can still move the select lever from the“N”
to“R”position for a limited time period by
depressing the brake pedal, and then it
becomes impossible. For details, refer to
“Shift lock function”F7-27.
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
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!N (Neutral)
This position is for restarting a stalled
engine. In this position, the transmission is
neutral, meaning that the wheels and
transmission are not locked. Therefore,
the vehicle will roll freely, even on the
slightest incline unless the parking brake
or foot brake is applied.
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle with the
select lever in the“N”(neutral)
position. Engine braking has no
effect in this condition and the risk
of an accident is consequently in-
creased.NOTEIf the select lever is in the“N”position
when you stop the engine for parking,
you may not subsequently be able to
move it to the“R”and“P”positions. If
this happens, turn the ignition switch to
the“ON”position. You will then be able
to move the select lever to the“P”
position.!D (Drive)
This position is for normal driving. The
transmission shifts automatically and con-
tinuously into a suitable gear according to
the vehicle speed and the acceleration you
require. Also, while driving up and down a
hill, the transmission assists and controls
the driving performance and engine brak-
ing while corresponding to the road grade.
When more acceleration is required in the
“D”position, depress the accelerator pedal
fully to the floor and hold that position. The
transmission will automatically downshift.
If the Intelligent (I) mode or the Sport (S)
mode has been selected, the transmission
will operate like a conventional automatic
transmission. When you release the pedal,
the transmission will return to the original
gear position.
If you operate one of the shift paddles
behind the steering wheel while driving in
the“D”position, the transmission will
temporarily switch to the manual mode.
In this mode, you can shift into any gear
position using the shift paddles. For details
about the manual mode, refer to“Selection
of manual mode”F7-25. Once the vehicle
speed stabilizes, the transmission will
switch from the manual mode back to the
“D”position for normal driving.
&Selection of manual modeWith the vehicle either moving or station-
ary, move the select lever from the“D”
position to the“M”position to select the
manual mode.
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
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7
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1) Upshift indicator
2) Downshift indicator
3) Gear position indicatorWhen the manual mode is selected, the
gear position indicator and upshift indica-
tor and/or downshift indicator on the
combination meter appear.
The gear position indicator shows the
currently selected gear in the following
range.
.1st-to-8th-gear range (when the Sport
Sharp (S#) mode is selected)
.1st-to-6th-gear range (in other situa-
tions)
The upshift and downshift indicators show
when a gear shift is possible. When the
upshift indicator“
”appears, upshifting is
possible. When the downshift indicator“
”appears, downshifting is possible.
When both indicators appear, upshifting
and downshifting are both possible. When
the vehicle stops (for example, at traffic
signals), the downshift indicator turns off.
Gearshifts can be performed using the
shift paddle behind the steering wheel.
To upshift to the next higher gear position,
pull the shift paddle that has“+”indicated
on it. To downshift to the next lower gear
position, pull the shift paddle that has“–”
indicated on it.
CAUTION
Do not place or hang anything on the
shift paddles. Doing so may result in
accidental gear shifting.
NOTEPlease read the following points care-
fully and bear them in mind when using
the manual mode.
.If you attempt to shift down when the
engine speed is too high, i.e., when a
downshift would push the tachometer
needle beyond the red zone, beeps will
be emitted to warn you that the down-
shift is not possible.
.If you attempt to shift up when the
vehicle speed is too low, the transmis-
sion will not respond.
.You can perform a skip-shift (for
example, from 4th to 2nd) by operating
the shift paddle twice in rapid succes-
sion.
.The transmission automatically se-
lects 1st gear when the vehicle stops
moving.
.If the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid becomes too high, the“AT
OIL TEMP”warning light on the combi-
nation meter will illuminate. Immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a safe location
and let the engine idle until the warning
light turns off.
.By selecting the Sport Sharp (S#)
mode, upshifting will not occur auto-
matically. According to the road condi-
tions, shift change manually so that the
tachometer needle does not enter the
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
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red zone. Also, if the engine revolutions
reach the specified number, the fuel
supply will be cut. In this case, perform
shift up operation.
!To deselect the manual mode
To deselect the manual mode, return the
select lever to the“D”position from the“M”
position.&Shift lock functionThe shift lock function helps prevent the
improper operation of the select lever.
.You cannot move the select lever with
the ignition switch in the“ON”position and
the brake pedal depressed.
.You cannot move the select lever from
the“P”position to any other position
unless the brake pedal is depressed.
Depress the brake pedal first, and then
operate the select lever.
.Only the“P”position allows you to turn
the ignition switch from the“ACC”position
to the“LOCK”/“OFF”position and remove
the key from the ignition switch.
.If you turn the ignition switch to the
“LOCK”/“OFF”position while the select
lever is in the“N”position, the select lever
may not be moved to the“P”position after
a period of time. Therefore, move the
select lever to the“P”position with the
brake pedal depressed soon after turningthe ignition switch to the“LOCK”/“OFF”
position.
!Shift lock release
If you cannot move the select lever, turn
theignitionswitchbacktothe“ON”
position then move the select lever to the
“P”position with the select lever button
pressed and brake pedal depressed.
If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, perform
the following steps.
.When you cannot shift the select
lever from“P”to“N”:
Refer to“
Shift lock release using the shift
lock release button”F7-27.
.When you cannot shift the select
lever from“N”to“R”,“P”:
Within 60 seconds after placing the ignition
switch in the“ACC”position, move the
select lever to the“P”position with the
select lever button pressed and brake
pedal depressed.
If you must perform the above procedure,
the shift lock system (or the vehicle control
system) may be malfunctioning. Contact a
SUBARU dealer for an inspection as soon
as possible.
If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, refer to“Shift lock release using the shift lock
release button”F7-27.
!Shift lock release using the shift
lock release button
Perform the following procedure to release
the shift lock.
1. Apply the parking brake and stop the
engine.
2. Wrap the tip of a flat-head screwdriver
with vinyl tape or a cloth and use it to
remove the shift lock cover. The shift lock
release button is located under the shift
lock cover.
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Continuously variable transmission
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3. Remove the grip portion of the screw-
driver.4. While depressing the brake pedal,
insert a screwdriver into the hole, press
the shift lock release button using a
screwdriver, and then move the selectlever.
If the select lever does not move after
performing the above procedure, the shift
lock system may be malfunctioning. Con-
tact a SUBARU dealer for an inspection as
soon as possible.
&Driving tips
NOTEIf the accelerator and brake pedals are
depressed at the same time, driving
torque may be restrained. This is not a
malfunction.
.Always apply the foot or parking brake
when the vehicle is stopped in the“D”or
“R”position.
.Make sure to apply the parking brake
when parking your vehicle. Do not hold the
vehicle with only the mechanical friction of
the transmission.
.Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary
position on an uphill grade by using the“D”
position. Use the brake instead.
.The engine may, on rare occasions,
knock when the vehicle rapidly acceler-
ates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill.
This phenomenon does not indicate a
malfunction.
SI-DRIVE (if equipped)SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive)
works to maximize engine performance,
control and efficiency.
This system consists of three modes:
.Intelligent (I) mode
.Sport (S) mode
.Sport Sharp (S#) mode
By adjusting the SI-DRIVE selector, the
character of the power unit changes.&Intelligent (I) mode!For smooth, efficient performance
drivingThe Intelligent (I) mode provides well-
balanced performance with greater fuel
Starting and operating/SI-DRIVE
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!Except STI
When you select the Sport Sharp (S#)
mode with the select lever in the“D”
position, the transmission gear ratio will
shift from variable speed to eight-speed.
The select lever/gear position indicator
display will change from“D”to the gear
position.
When selecting Sport Sharp (S#) mode,
the following controls will be applied.
.Uphill control
Prevents unnecessary shift-up/shift-down
during ascent.
.Cornering control
While turning, if there is a large centrifugal
force, shift-up will not occur: during re-
acceleration.
.Braking control
At the beginning of corners etc., heavy
application of the brake pedal will cause
automatic downshift and gently re-accel-
erate.
.Sudden acceleration return control
During acceleration, if acceleration pedal
is returned suddenly (for example, at
corners etc.), shift-up will not be applied.
&SI-DRIVE switch
NOTE.The next time you turn on the engine,
the following SI-DRIVE mode will be
selected.
–Intelligent (I) mode if you have
turned off the engine in the Intelli-
gent (I) mode
–Sport (S) mode if you have turned
off the engine in the Sport (S) mode
or Sport Sharp (S#) mode
.If the CHECK ENGINE warning light/
malfunction indicator light illuminates
during engine operation, the SI-DRIVE
mode changes to the Sport (S) mode. In
this case, it is not possible to change to
the Sport Sharp (S#) mode or Intelligent
(I) mode.
.If the engine coolant temperature
becomes so high that the engine could
overheat, it is not possible to change to
the Sport Sharp (S#) mode. While the
vehicle is in the Sport Sharp (S#) mode,
it changes to the Sport (S) mode when
the engine coolant temperature in-
creases.
.If any of the SI-DRIVE indicators
blink, the SI-DRIVE system may be
malfunctioning. Contact your SUBARU
dealer.!STI
SI-DRIVE switchTo select the Intelligent (I) mode:
Push the SI-DRIVE switch.
To select the Sport (S) mode:
Rotate the SI-DRIVE switch to the left.
To select the Sport Sharp (S#) mode:
Rotate the SI-DRIVE switch to the right.
After operating the SI-DRIVE switch, the
switch returns to its original position.
Starting and operating/SI-DRIVE
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–If the electronic parking brake is
applied after the ignition switch is
turned OFF.
This is a normal operating sound under
any of these conditions.
!Automatic release function by ac-
celerator pedal
The parking brake will be automatically
released by depressing the accelerator
pedal. However, the automatic release
function does not operate under the
following conditions.
.Any door (other than the trunk lid) is
open.
.The driver’s seatbelt is not fastened.
If the parking brake is automatically
released, the electronic parking brake
indicator light and the indicator light on
the parking brake switch turn off.
!Emergency brake
CAUTION
Use the emergency brake only in
case of an emergency. If the emer-
gency brake is excessively used, the
brake parts will wear down faster or
the brake may not work sufficiently
due to brake overheating.
NOTEWhile using the emergency brake:
.The electronic parking brake indica-
tor light and the indicator light on the
parking brake switch illuminate and a
chirp sounds.
.A sound may be heard from the
engine compartment. This is the oper-
ating sound of the brake that is acti-
vated by the Vehicle Dynamics Control
system, and does not indicate a mal-
function.
If the foot brake has a malfunction, you can
stop the vehicle by pulling the parking
brake switch continuously.
While applying the emergency brake, the
electronic parking brake indicator light and
the indicator light on the parking brake
switch illuminate and a chirp sounds.
!Electronic parking brake system
warning
CAUTION
If the brake system warning light
turns on, the electronic parking
brake system may be malfunction-
ing. Immediately stop your vehicle in
the nearest safe location and con-
tact your SUBARU dealer.If a malfunction occurs in the electronic
parking brake system, the brake system
warning light turns on. Refer to“Electronic
parking brake indicator light (models with
electronic parking brake system)”F3-23.
&Parking tipsWhen parking your vehicle, always per-
form the following items.
.Apply the parking brake firmly.
.For MT models, put the shift lever in the
“1”(1st) for upgrade or“R”(Reverse) for a
downgrade.
.For CVT models, put the select lever in
the“P”(Park) position.
Never rely on the mechanical friction of the
transmission alone to hold the vehicle.When parking on a hill, always turn the
–CONTINUED–
Starting and operating/Parking your vehicle
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You can increase the set speed 1 mph (1.6
km/h) or 1 km/h (0.6 mph) each time by
pressing the“RES/SET”switch to the
“RES”side quickly.
!To increase the speed (by accelera-
tor pedal)
1. Depress the accelerator pedal to ac-
celerate the vehicle to the desired speed.
2. Press the“RES/SET”switch to the
“SET”side once. Now the desired speed is
set and the vehicle will keep running at that
speed without depressing the accelerator
pedal.NOTECVT models:
.If you depress the accelerator pedal
with the Sport Sharp (S#) mode se-
lected, the select lever/gear position
indicator may change from the“D”
indication to the current gear position
indication.
.If you depress the accelerator pedal
fully with the Intelligent (I) mode or the
Sport (S) mode selected, the transmis-
sion will operate like a conventional
automatic transmission.!To decrease the speed (by the“RES/
SET”switch)
Press the“RES/SET”switch to the“SET”
side and hold it until the vehicle reaches
the desired speed. Then, release the
switch. The vehicle speed at that moment
will be memorized and treated as the new
set speed.
You can lower the set speed 1 mph (1.6
km/h) or 1 km/h (0.6 mph) each time by
pressing the“RES/SET”switch to the
“SET”side quickly.!To decrease the speed (by brake
pedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to release
cruise control temporarily.
2. When the speed decreases to the
desired speed, press the“RES/SET”
switch to the“SET”side once. Now the
desired speed is set and the vehicle will
keep running at that speed without depres-
sing the accelerator pedal.
&Cruise control indicatorRefer to“Cruise control indicator”F3-35.&Cruise control set indicatorRefer to“Cruise control set indicator”F3-
35.
Starting and operating/Cruise control
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conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling, how-
ever, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure to
reduce your speed and maintain an ample
distance from other vehicles.
.Always check the cold tire pressure
before starting to drive. The recommended
tire pressure is provided on the tire
placard, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side.
.Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle
under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of the follow-
ing items than that specified in the“War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.
–Engine oil
–Brake fluid
–Rear differential gear oil
–Manual transmission oil (MT mod-
els)
–Continuously variable transmission
fluid (CVT models)
–Front differential gear oil (CVT
models)
.There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to“Towing”
F9-21.
Driving precautionWater entering the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing onto
electrical parts may damage your vehicle
and may cause it to stall. Never attempt to
drive through rushing water; regardless of
its depth, it can wash away the ground
from under your tires, resulting in possible
loss of traction and even vehicle rollover.
Winter driving&Operation during cold weath-
erCarry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares,
a small shovel and jumper cables.
Check the battery and cables. Cold tem-
peratures reduce battery capacity. The
battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.
It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.
Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.
Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen, use
hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.
Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of
the vehicle.
Driving tips/Driving precaution
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