2012 Ford Focus Owner Guide 5th Printing - Page 278

Driving Understanding your SelectShift Automaticா transmission (SST) gearshift lever This vehicle may be equipped with a SelectShift Automatic transmission (SST) gearshift lever. SST is an automatic transmission with the ability for the driver to change gears up or down (without a clutch) as desired. By moving the gearshift lever to the S position, and using the gearshift lever toggle switch, you now have control of selecting the gear you desire. P R N D • To manually downshift the transmission with the gearshift lever in S, press (-) on the gearshift lever. • To manually upshift the transmission with the gearshift lever in S, press (+) on the gearshift lever. Sport mode The transmission first enters sport mode when moving the gearshift lever to S. Once the gearshift lever toggle switch is activated in sport mode, the transmission enters the manual mode with the gear illuminated on the instrument cluster. In sport mode, the transmission operates as normal, but gears are selected more quickly and at higher engine speeds. In sport mode, S will be displayed on the instrument cluster. In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time. Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the engine will not be damaged from over-revving. The SST will automatically upshift if the engine reaches maximum RPM and the driver has not selected the proper gear for vehicle speed to help prevent engine damage caused by excessive over-revving. Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held without shifting. 278 2012 Focus (foc) Owners Guide, 5th Printing USA (fus) S