Ford Explorer Sport (2003 year). Manual — part 25

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

Your transmission 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
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery is installed, the strategy must relearn.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear 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.

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(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through
five.

(Overdrive) can be

deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. This will
illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive.

Drive (not shown)

Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control

switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

off.

2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
• 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.

Forced downshifts
• Allowed in

(Overdrive) or Drive.

• Depress the accelerator to the floor.

• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

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

O/D

ON/OFF

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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.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

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

To start the vehicle:

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.

During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased
shift efforts and prematurely wear components in the transmission.

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.

1

3

5

2

4

R

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104

Recommended shift speeds

Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2

22 km/h (14 mph)

2-3

40 km/h (25 mph)

3-4

55 km/h (34 mph)

4-5

70 km/h (44 mph)

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)

1-2

19 km/h (12 mph)

2-3

31 km/h (19 mph)

3-4

46 km/h (29 mph)

4-5

61 km/h (38 mph)

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.

2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
• The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it

from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from
accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Overdrive).

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.

Removing the key

Turn the ignition off, push the release lever (located above the ignition),
then turn the key toward you and remove the key.

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