2004 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 125

Driving To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). R D21 ODO Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4-speed automatic transaxle R D21 ODO Your transaxle is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or transaxle may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transaxle. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transaxle operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned. P (Park) This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Depress the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear 125 2004 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)