1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 221
1996 Mercury Sable Manual
Page 221 highlights
R (Reverse) With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will move backward. You should always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. Driving When to use j (Overdrive) j (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, j (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. 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 j (Overdrive). It also provides more engine braking than j(Overdrive) for descending hills or city driving. 194