I have a 99 USDM Forester that I ended up swapping the 5MT with a newer JDM D/R 5MT. Now I know that I have to engage the clutch to switch ranges and I've scoured the Internet for an owners manual that covers this with no luck.

 

How does this thing work really? I don't have the interior parts ordered but I'm crafty enough to rig something up in the mean time. Does the handle lock it in? If I try to change gears when in Lo does it switch back to Hi?

 

I've found out after installing the D/R trans that the range selector needs to be secured or it will slip out of range and leave you with a vehicle that will not move no matter what gear you try. That was quite an alarming experience! My gut is telling me that the handle does lock it in but my gut is also saying it needs confirmation.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If the high / low range lever isn't held /   secured  in its respective position of hi or lo range  ie if in between the two positions  there will be a false neutral and that is one of the  recommendations not to do this.(to hold the lever between hi /lo range)

All that's required is  to use the clutch while shifting ranges while driving in a straight line is best..

Edited January 1, 20188 yr by subnz