Drive with Grade Assist - Transmission Control Switch (TCS)

Fig 1: Locating Transmission Control Switch (TCS) On Selector Lever Knob

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Drive with grade assist is activated when the TCS is pressed. The TCS is located on the selector lever knob. When the TCS is pressed, the 6th gear or Overdrive (O/D) upshift is prevented or the transaxle shifts down to 5th gear. The TCS is meant to be used when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from 6th to other gears such as hilly terrain, mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

Grade Assist

• Grade assist is activated.
• The transaxle operates in gears 1 through 5.
• The grade assist lamp illuminates on the IC.
• Improves vehicle handling in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs.
• Additional engine braking is provided through the transaxle shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
• The transaxle will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine RPM during engine braking.

It is recommended to return to DRIVE mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transaxle function. The transaxle returns to O/D when the TCS is pressed again or anytime the key is turned OFF.