2011 Ford Escape Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 224

Driving WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle. R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. D (Drive) with Overdrive The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through six. D (Drive) with Grade Assist Pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift lever activates grade assist and cancels overdrive. • Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs for hilly terrain or mountainous areas. • Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed). • Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will increase engine RPM during engine braking. 224 2011 Escape (204) Owners Guide, 4th Printing USA (fus)