Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 52

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Brake-shift interlock

The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the
ignition in the 4 (on) position and the brake pedal depressed, a
malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that a fuse has blown or
the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and
relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. If the fuses and
brakelamps are working properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of
(P) Park, see your authorized dealer for service.

If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:

1. Apply the parking brake, and turn the ignition to the 4 (on) position.

2. Remove the lower trim panel under the steering column. Make sure
not disturb the wires on the electrical connector.

3. Locate the BSI solenoid
underneath the steering column.

4. With your hand, pull back on the
solenoid, and at the same time, shift
the transmission into N (Neutral).

5. Start the vehicle.

See your authorized dealer for service immediately.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.

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209

WARNING: 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.

WARNING: 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.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.

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)

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210

WARNING: 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.

(Overdrive)

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

Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.

The O/D OFF lamp will illuminate in
the instrument cluster.

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: heavy city traffic where continuous shifting in
and out of overdrive occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (Overdrive), 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.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

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211

2 (Second)

This position allows for second gear only.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use to start-up on slippery roads.
• To return to

(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the

(Overdrive) position.

• Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

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.

Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission (if equipped - 5.4L and 6.8L gasoline engines only)

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.

Driving

212