1996 Lincoln Continental Owner's Manual - Page 186

Driving When to use (Overdrive) (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for an automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the same way D (Drive) works, automatically upshifting or downshifting as the vehicle speeds or slows. However, (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth gear - an overdrive gear - when your vehicle cruises at a consistent 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 terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and forth between third and fourth gears while you are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle requires additional power for climbing hills, shift to D (Drive). When to use D (Drive) D (Drive) eliminates the excessive shifting between third and fourth gears that your vehicle sometimes does when you are traveling through hilly terrain in Overdrive. It also gives more engine braking to ml slow your vehicle on downgrades than Overdrive. When to use 1 (First) Use I (First) when added engine braking is desired when descending steep hills. The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to I (First). P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. 183