Get Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Driving

2. Remove the rubber pad at the

bottom of the cup holder to locate

the access cap of the floor shifter

assembly.

3. Using a screwdriver (or

equivalent), remove the access

panel and depress the shifter lever

on the shift mechanism.

4. Apply the brake and shift into N

(Neutral).

5. Return the cover plug to the console access hole. 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.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off

position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake

warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission control strategy.

This adaptive transmission control strategy offers the optimal

transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has

been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will

need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to

reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been

disconnected. The adaptive transmission control strategy allows the

transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process

could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this

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learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning

process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission

and prevents the rear wheels from

turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:

• Start the engine

• Press the brake pedal

• Press the gearshift release button

on the front of the lever and

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)

WARNING: 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 (Drive) with Overdrive

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission

operates in gears one through five.

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D (Drive) without Overdrive

Overdrive can be deactivated by

pressing the transmission control

switch on the side of the gearshift

lever.

• This position allows for all

forward gears (1-4) except

overdrive.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use when driving conditions

cause excessive shifting from O/D

to other gears. Examples: heavy

city traffic where continuous

shifting in and out of overdrive

occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,

trailer towing and when engine

braking is required.

• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.

O/D

OFF

• 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.

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Forced downshifts

• Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.

• Press the accelerator to the floor.

• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy.

Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission

operation and shift quality. The adaptive information will be stored

automatically in the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission

control module (TCM). When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected

for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the

normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio

stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The adaptive

transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to relearn these

operating parameters. This learning process could take several

transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process,

slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift

feel and shift scheduling will resume.

P (Park)

This position locks the transmission

and prevents the rear wheels from

turning.

To put your vehicle in gear:

• Press the brake pedal

• Start the engine

• Press the gearshift lever release

button (on the front of the lever)

and shift 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)

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WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off

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 (Drive) with Overdrive

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission

operates in gears one through six.

D (Drive) without Overdrive

Overdrive can be deactivated by

pressing the transmission control

switch on the side of the shift lever.

• This position allows for all

forward gears (1-5) except

overdrive.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use when driving conditions

cause excessive shifting from O/D

to other gears. Examples: heavy

city traffic where continuous

shifting in and out of overdrive

occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,

trailer towing and when engine

braking is required.

• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.

O/D

OFF

• To return to O/D (overdrive

mode), press the transmission

control switch. The O/D OFF

lamp will not be illuminated.

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• 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)

Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.

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

engine braking on downgrades.

1 (First)

• Transmission operates in 1st gear only.

• 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 (Drive) only.

• Press 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 between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a

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

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.

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Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

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