1996 Mercury Villager Owner's Manual - Page 161

Driving Understanding gearshift positions To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your automatic transaxle electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy. During the first few hundred kilometers (miles) of operation, it is normal for your transaxle to have abrupt shifts. 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. P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make P R N D 2 1 sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. R (Reverse) With the gearshift in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. You P R should always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift in the N P (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. N D 2 1 R N D 2 1 Overdrive - column mounted gearshift with O/D off switch The Overdrive position with the O/D P R N D 2 OFF switch not depressed is the normal driving position for this 1 161