2008 Ford Taurus X Owner's Manual - Page 255

Driving D (Drive) with Grade Assist Overdrive can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift lever. This will also activate Grade Assist. • Transaxle operates in gears one through five. • Provides engine braking. Depending on conditions the transaxle will automatically downshift to increase the level of engine braking while descending grades. • Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: hilly terrain, mountainous areas and when engine braking is required. • O/D OFF lamp in the instrument O/D cluster is illuminated. OFF • To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control switch. The O/D OFF lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated. • O/D (overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned off. L (Low) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds. REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects. 255 2008 Taurus X (219) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)