Ford E-250 (2009 year). Manual — part 53

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)

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.

D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF

D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.

D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul ON

The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.

Driving

213

To activate Tow/Haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.

The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.

Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.

To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).

WARNING: Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy
or slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause

the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.

3 (Third)

Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.

Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.

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.

Driving

214

• The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it

will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
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 - diesel 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.

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)

Driving

215

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.

D (Drive) with Overdrive

D (Drive) with Overdrive is the normal driving position for the best fuel
economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.

D (Drive) without Overdrive

D (Drive) without Overdrive can be
activated by pressing the
transmission control switch (TCS)
on the end of the gearshift lever.

• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• The O/D OFF lamp will illuminate

in the instrument cluster.

• 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.

3 (Third)

Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

Driving

216