Get Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Driving

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and

four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not

designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more

than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under

off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt

maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in

an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal

injury and death.

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle

differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as

slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when

driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents

the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is

in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in

the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the

key.

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2. Locate the access cover plate to

the brake-shift interlock override. It

is located on the underside of the

steering column.

3. Rotate the access panel

(counterclockwise) with a flat head

screw driver until it is lined up to

the access hole in the open position.

4. Insert a tool (or screw driver) into the access hole to override the

brake-shift interlock. Apply the brake and shift into Neutral.

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5. Return the cover plate (rotate

clockwise) to the closed position.

Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,

it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not

operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside

emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps

are working.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is

latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp

remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission

Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in

the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and

provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or

transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is

considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the

transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update

transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is

disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.

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P (Park)

This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from

turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:

• Start the engine

• Depress the brake pedal

• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

• Come to a complete stop

• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is

latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK 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 (Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the

best fuel economy. Transmission

operates in gears one through five.

Overdrive can be deactivated by

pressing the transmission control

switch on the end of the gearshift

lever.

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The transmission control indicator

light (TCIL) will illuminate on the

instrument cluster.

O/D

OFF

Drive (not shown)

Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.

• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.

• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer

towing and when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control

switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

off.

3 (Third)

Transmission operates in third gear only.

Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)

provides engine braking.

2 (Second)

Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional

engine braking on downgrades.

1 (First)

• Provides maximum engine braking.

• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.

• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Forced downshifts

• Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.

• Depress the accelerator to the floor.

• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by

shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a

steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

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Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating

temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the

transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of

obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the

vehicle is moving at speeds less than 5 km/h (3 mph). The system is not

effective at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and may not detect certain

angular or moving objects.

To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the

limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this

section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and

fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking

speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;

this may include reduced performance or a false activation.

To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R

(Reverse) and when using the RSS.

This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or

moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to

assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging

the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly

those close to the ground.

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Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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