2002 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 168

Driving Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle Your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to optimize shift smoothness. It is normal for your transaxle to shift firmly during the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation until the adaptive strategy has been learned. The adaptive learning strategy is maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the transaxle must relearn its adaptive strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation. Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in either D (Overdrive) or with the O/D OFF switch depressed. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Overdrive) gives the best fuel economy for normal driving conditions. For manual control, start in 1 (First) and then shift manually. To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P ODO (Park). R D21 Understanding gearshift positions P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure the gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. R D21 ODO 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. 168