Ford Escort (2003 year). Manual — part 23

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. You should always come
to a complete stop before shifting in
and out of R (Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in the N
(Neutral) position, the vehicle can
be started and is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this
position.

P

R

N

D

D

L

P

R

N

D

D

L

Driving

94

(Overdrive)

The overdrive position is the normal
driving position for an automatic
overdrive transaxle. It works the
same way as D (Drive) but shifts to
a fourth gear-an overdrive
gear-when your vehicle cruises at a
constant speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase
your fuel economy when you travel
at cruising speeds

Overdrive may not be appropriate for certain terrains. If the transaxle
shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are
driving hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for
climbing hills, shift into D (Drive).

D (Drive)

D (Drive) eliminates the needless
shifting between third and fourth
gears that your vehicle may do
when driving in hilly terrain. It also
gives more engine braking than
overdrive to slow your vehicle on
downgrades.

P

R

N

D

D

L

P

R

N

D

D

L

Driving

95

L(Low)

Use L (Low) when added engine
braking is desired or when
descending steep hills.

The automatic transaxle will shift into the proper gear to ascend any
grade without any need to shift to L (Low).

Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can
upshift fromL (Low) to

(overdrive) at any time.

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 fromforward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

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.

P

R

N

D

D

L

Driving

96

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

The manual transaxle has a starter interlock that prevents cranking the
engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

When starting a vehicle with a manual transaxle, you must:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.

3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.

4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the
clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.

2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).

3. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake

fully.

1

3

5

2

4

R

Driving

97