2001 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 163

Driving Driving Understanding gearshift positions To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 2.5 l V6 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 adjust. 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. Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of P (Park). Make sure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.