1. Ensure the brake pedal is fully depressed:
Make sure you are firmly pressing the brake pedal with enough pressure before attempting to shift out of Park. This is a common safety feature to prevent accidental shifts.
2. Wiggle the gear shifter:
With the brake pedal still depressed, try wiggling the gear shift lever slightly left and right while applying gentle pressure. This can help dislodge any potential obstructions.
3. Check the shift lock override:
Some Subaru models have a shift lock override button or lever. Consult your owner's manual to locate and engage this feature, which can temporarily disengage the shift lock mechanism.
4. Check for obstacles:
Ensure there are no objects or debris obstructing the gear shift mechanism or under the car that may be interfering with the shifter movement.
5. Inspect the gear linkage:
The gear shift linkage could have become loose or disconnected, preventing the transmission from engaging the desired gear. Have a qualified mechanic inspect the linkage system.
6. Try turning off and restarting the engine:
Sometimes a simple engine restart can resolve various electrical and mechanical issues. Turn the engine off, wait a few moments, and then try starting it again to see if the gear shift returns to normal.
7. Check for transmission issues:
If none of the above solutions work, it is possible there may be an underlying issue with the transmission. In this case, it is best to have your vehicle diagnosed by a professional mechanic who can assess and resolve the problem.
