Range Selection: Manual

Fig 1: Identifying D Normal Position For Most Forward Driving

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The transaxle is in MANUAL when the selector lever is moved to the right (M) position without commanding a gear by pushing the selector lever backward (+) or forward (-).

In the M position:

• O/D  is cancelled.
• the transmission operates in gears 1st through 4th.
• the message center will show D and the grade assist 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.