1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 222

When to use 1 (First) Use 1 (First) when added engine braking is desired when descending steep hills. The automatic transaxle will shift to the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to 1 (First). Do not go faster than 38 mph (61 km/h) in this gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) to D (Drive) or from 1 (First) to j (Overdrive) at any speed. P (Park) Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park). Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating. RWARNING Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). Always turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running. If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. You can tell a column-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move it without pulling it toward you and rotating it downward. 195