1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 168

Driving 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. With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to move with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the manual transmission in any driving gear. WARNING Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. Driving (4R44E Transmission) 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 167