2003 Ford Focus Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 118

Driving D (Overdrive) The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. transaxle operates in gears one through four. D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing the transaxle control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. This will illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive. Drive (not shown) Drive is activated when the transaxle control switch is pressed. • This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive. • O/D OFF lamp is illuminated. • Provides engine braking. • Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required. • To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transaxle control switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated. • O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned off. 2 (Second) This position allows for second gear only. • Provides engine braking. • Use to start-up on slippery roads. • To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D (Overdrive) position. • Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transaxle to downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed. 1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First) when vehicle reaches slower speeds. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. 118