I own a 2000 subaru legacy with an automatic transmission. I've started having trouble with it not wanting to go from drive to park. Sometimes I have to put my foot on the brake and rev it a bit to get it into drive. A couple times it also hasn't wanted to pull an incline. Could it be that I just need to change the transmission filter/fluid? I'm trying to save my car and I can not put thousands into it. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Try pressing on the brake pedal and see if the brake lights work, if not, it may be a fuse and will also keep from shifting into gear.
Try moving steering wheel back and forth.

Ok.. I'll check the brake lights.

What would moving the steering wheel back and forth do?

I should have also said in my first post that it goes into reverse just fine.

I'm a female but I do know how to do some auto repairs if not too difficult.

I can't afford a new transmission so I'm hoping that something less expensive will fix my problem.

. Read the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-9.html#post1838065

. Check/replace the automatic transmission gear position switch:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post258005

Even though this link is slanted towards Hondas, it should be applicable to your Subaru.

. Drop and clean the pan, change the filter, and replace with Amsoil Synthetic Universal Transmission Fluid or Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF every 30,000 miles. Here's how to do it yourself:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-10.html#post1873132

If you properly maintain that car, it will last 300,000 miles. Only use full-synthetic engine oil and change it and the filter every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Change brake fluid every two years.

How does it work on level ground?

It drives on level ground fine, once it goes into drive. Some days it shifts into drive without a problem.

I'm going to change the fluid/filter later today. I'll keep you updated on how the car is after I do the change.

I'm going to go read all the links you sent me, in case this doesn't fix my problem.

I appreciate all of your help!

Good for you. Changing the fluid and filter regularly is about all the average person can do to ensure their transmission lasts a long time--but that is enough.

Set up a "Maintenance Log" on Microsoft Word--Date, Mileage, Work Performed. It allows you to stay on top of your car.

OK... The transmission fluid and filter has been changed.

It still had the issue a couple times right after I did this. But since then (fingers crossed), it hasn't acted up. It never done it everyday to begin with so I'm not sure yet if this actually fixed my problem.

I'll update in a week : )

Very smart. Look for the brake light switch, located just above the brake pedal--spray with WD-40.

I have a 88 Cutlass Supreme Classic and my car just started acting up it goes in reverse just fine but it just rivv up like its in (Netural) when I have it in drive I really needa find out what this problem is so can anyone help me