Shift Patterns: Downshifts
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Under certain conditions, the transaxle will automatically downshift to a lower gear range without manual movement of the shifter lever. There are three categories of automatic downshifts: cast down, torque demand, and forced (kickdown) shifts.