2004 Mercury Monterey Owner's Manual - Page 166

Driving When the key is in the 3 (OFF) position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake. 3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. 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. If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your dealer or a qualified service technician. Driving with an automatic overdrive transaxle with column gearshift Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned. Your automatic overdrive transaxle provides fully automatic operation in either D (Drive) or 3. Driving with the gearshift lever in D (Drive) 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 (Park). Once you place the gearshift lever securely into position, gradually release the brake pedal and use the accelerator as necessary. 166 2004 Monterey (mty) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)