1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 226

NOTE: You may use the override handle provided in your Owner Guide portfolio in place of a screwdriver. 3. 4. Push and hold the thumb button. Move the gearshift lever. If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the alternate procedure described above, it is possible that a fuse has blown and that your brakelamps may also not be functional. Please refer to the chapter titled Servicing Your Escort in this Owner Guide for instructions on checking and replacing fuses. RWARNING DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS ARE WORKING. 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. j (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). 226