2011 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 255

Driving 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. Grade Assist • Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear operation on uphill climbs. • 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. • The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated. Grade Assist is designed to provide optimal gear selection in hilly terrain or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function. 255 2011 Taurus Owners Guide, 3rd Printing USA (fus)