2000 Ford Escort Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 100

Driving Put the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse). 1 2 3 4 5 R You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift lever from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout feature which prevents you from shifting into R (Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth). VEHICLE LOADING Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: • Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. • Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating minus base curb weight. • GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification. • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar. • GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar. • GCW (Gross Combined Weight): The combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer. • GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed to tow. 100