External Controls: Manual

Fig 1: Identifying Automatic Shifts - 1st Through 6th Gears

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

In the M position:

• O/D  is cancelled.
• the transmission operates in gears 1st through 5th.
• the message center will show D and the Overdrive (O/D) OFF lamp will illuminate.
• grade assist is activated.
• some engine braking may occur.

Grade Assist

• Improves vehicle handling in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing additional engine braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs.
• Additional engine braking is provided through the automatic transaxle shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs including 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 selector lever is moved back into the D position.