So, I've got a 97 Legacy Outback...  Fuel pump went out far from home was quoted an astronomical price to fix it, called my mechanic back home can do it for $300 cheaper, so I push it onto a uhaul auto transporter and drag it home. when I get to the shop well after closing time I left the key in the on position, now I have a dead battery and can't even push it off the trailer.  The question is will a new or freshly charged battery allow me to get it in N, so I can get it off the trailer? Any thoughts?

 

If it's the same as the 2000's you should be able to pop the cover around the shifter and manually release the lock. It's on the right side of mine. Little linkage moves forward or back to disengage.

If you have your owners manual it's described in there. Pop the plastic cover surrounding the gear shifter. Front right there's a small hole that you insert a screwdriver and releases so you can put it in neutral

You can get an exact match fuel pump for $80 at parts store, and within an hour install it yourself. Lift the back seat bottom cushion forward, and there's an oval cover screwed to the metal. Remove that and you have access to the top of the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly. There's roughly 8 or maybe 10 bolts with I think 10mm nuts (or maybe they were closer to 5/16", can't remember). They'll be rusty so a rust blaster and patience will be need to loosen, but once loose, assembly lifts right out. Swap in a new pump AND new sock, and it's good to go. Did I mention it only costs $80 roughly? 

 

If you have jumpers, pop the hood and jump the battery. It'll come out of park, and it'll at least have a charge.

Edited April 23, 20169 yr by Bushwick

Thanks, all.  I'm headed down this morning to monkey with it. I'm sure hoping it's just that the battery is dead. Although that switch can't be too hard or expensive to replace?