Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 31

Driving

122

Overriding the brake-shift
interlock feature

If it is necessary to use this
procedure to move the gearshift
lever, it is possible that a fuse has
blown and the vehicle’s brakelamps
may not be working. Refer to Fuses
and relays in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.

If you cannot move the gearshift
lever from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:

1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the ignition key.

2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.

3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.

4. Rotate the screwdriver point
rearward.

5. Push and hold the thumb button
and move the gearshift.

6. Remove the screwdriver when
the gearshift moves from the P
(Park) position.

The console-mounted gearshift will
lock when you turn the key to the
lock position. When the gearshift is
in any position except P (Park),
the ignition key cannot be turned
to lock or removed from the
steering column. To remove the
key, the gearshift lever must be in
P (Park).

Once the gearshift is secure in the
desired position, release the brake
pedal and use the accelerator as
necessary.

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Driving

123

Driving

Never leave a vehicle
unattended while it is

running.

• P

(Park)

Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents
the front wheels from rotating.

•

R

(Reverse)

The vehicle only moves backward.
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting in or out of R
(Reverse).

P = Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

R = Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . 

N = Neutral. . . . . . . . . . . . 

D = Drive: Gear 1 to 4

with overdrive . . . . . . 
Gear 1 to 3
with overdrive 
cancelled . . . . . . . . . . 

2 = Gear 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1 = Gear 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Understanding gearshift
positions

To account for customer driving
habits and conditions, your 2.5 l V6
automatic transaxle electronically
controls the shift feel by using an
adaptive learning strategy. During
the first few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation, it is normal
for your transaxle to adjust. The
adaptive learning strategy is
maintained by power from the
battery. When the battery is
disconnected or a new battery is
installed, the transaxle must
relearn its adaptive strategy.
Optimal shifting will resume within
a few hundred kilometers (miles)
of operation.

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Driving

124

•

D 

(Overdrive)

Note that the vehicle’s gearshift is
console-mounted on the floor. The
transaxle control switch (TCS) is
located on the gearshift handle.
The transaxle control indicator
light (O/D light) is located on the
instrument panel.

Overdrive is not shown on the
display, but is the default mode for
the D gearshift position. This is the
normal driving mode for the best
fuel economy. The transaxle
operates in gears one through four.
The O/D light is off (not
illuminated) during normal vehicle
operation.

Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transaxle control
switch (TCS) located on the
gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. 

•

N

(Neutral)

The wheels of the transaxle are not
locked. Your vehicle will roll freely,
even on the slightest incline, unless
the parking brake or brakes are on.

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Driving

125

•

D 

(Drive)

D (Drive) provides more engine
braking than overdrive and is
useful when driving through hilly
terrain or if your vehicle requires
additional power for climbing hills.
Activate by pressing the transaxle
control switch (TCS) located on
the gearshift handle. The O/D OFF
indicator light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster. Transaxle
operates in gears one through
three. 

To return to overdrive mode, press
the transaxle control switch.The
O/D OFF indicator light will
extinguish.

When starting your vehicle, the
transaxle will automatically return
to normal overdrive mode when the
D (Drive) gearshift position is
selected.

O/D
OFF

TRACTION

CONTROL

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