1996 Ford Ranger Owner's Manual - Page 158
1996 Ford Ranger Manual
Page 158 highlights
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) This is the normal driving position. As the vehicle picks up speed, automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gears will occur when j Overdrive is chosen on the selector and the transmission control switch has not been pressed. The transmission will shift into the correct gear when the right speed is achieved, for the accelerator pedal position you have chosen. When to use Drive You will note there is not a drive position on your gearshift indicator. However, you will find a transmission control switch labeled O/D ON/OFF located on the end of the gearshift lever. Press this switch and the O/D OFF indicator light will illuminate on the instrument cluster. With overdrive cancelled and the O/D OFF indicator light illuminated, the transmission will operate in gears one through three. This is useful if you experience frequent downshift/upshift conditions, when operating with a heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if additional engine braking is useful. However, shift back to j (Overdrive) whenever practical for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be accomplished by pushing the transmission control switch again, to cancel the O/D OFF control and light. 158