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When the key is in the ignition and in the 3 (OFF) position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column
gearshift
Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered
normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over
time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation.
Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery
installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in
either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) gives
the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control
start in 1 (First) and then shift manually.
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Once you place the gearshift
lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use
the accelerator as necessary.
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transaxle
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
3 (Third)
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•Provides more engine braking than D (Overdrive).
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from
D (Overdrive) to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain,
heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required.
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1 (First)
•Transaxle operates in first gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in Park (P). Turn off the ignition
whenever you leave your vehicle. Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If necessary, try turning the Traction Controlor AdvanceTracsystem
off. This will allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck
vehicle. For more information, refer toTraction Control(if equipped)
orAdvanceTracstability enhancement system (if equipped)in this
chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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FORWARD AND REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM
The forward and reverse sensing
system will warn the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of
the front and rear bumpers. The
front sensors will be active when the
gearshift is in any position other
than P (Park) and the vehicle speed
is below 8 mph (13 km/h). The rear
sensors will only be active when the
gearshift is in R (Reverse). The
front sensors cover an area up to
31.5 inches (80 cm) from the front
of the vehicle and about 10–20
inches (25–50 cm) to the side of the
front end of the vehicle. See the
illustration for approximate sensor
area coverage.
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The reverse sensing portion of the
system detects obstacles up to 6 ft.
(2 meters) from the rear bumper
with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper,
(refer to the illustration for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the forward and reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at
“parking speeds”. Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air
brakes, and external motors and fans may also affect the function of
the sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
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This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the forward and reverse sensing system may create
false beeps.
The system will sound a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near either
bumper in the following manner:
•The front sensors will sound a high pitched tone which will appear to
come from the dashboard
•The rear sensors will sound a lower pitched tone which will appear to
come from the rear interior of the vehicle
•The sensing system will report the obstacle which is closest to the
front or rear of the vehicle. For example, if an obstacle is 12 inches
(30 cm) from the front of the vehicle and, at the same time, an
obstacle is only 6 inches (15 cm) from the rear of the vehicle, the
lower pitched tone will sound.
The reverse sensing portion of the system will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and moving toward a stationary object at
a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) but not moving, and a moving object is
approaching the front or rear of the vehicle at a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) and moving at a speed of less than
3 mph (5 km/h) and a moving object is approaching the rear of the
vehicle at a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h).
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The system is automatically enabled
when the gear selector is placed in
D (Drive) or R (Reverse) and the
ignition is ON. The park aid disable
switch allows the driver to disable
the system only when the ignition is
ON, and the gear selector is in D
(Drive) or R (Reverse). The OFF
indicator remains illuminated when
the system is disabled. If the indicator light illuminates when the system
is enabled, it may indicate a failure in the RSS.
The system defaults toenabledevery time the ignition is turned on.
Press the control to disable or enable the system
Keep the sensors (located on the front and rear bumper/fascia)
free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the sensing system.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the front or rear
bumper/fascia, leaving it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may
be altered causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false
alarms.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.OFF
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
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