Ford E-350 (2012 year). Manual - part 50

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission

Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage during coasting or deceleration. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy.
Adaptive transmission shift 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 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:

1. Start the engine

2. Press the brake pedal

3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

1. Come to a complete stop

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

Driving

202

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.

(Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.

Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.

The O/D OFF lamp will illuminate in
the instrument cluster.

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: hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and
when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (Overdrive), 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.

O/D

ON/OFF

O/D

OFF

Driving

203

2 (Second)

This position allows for second gear only.
• Provides engine braking.
• Use to start-up on slippery roads.
• To return to

(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the

(Overdrive) position.

• Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

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

(Overdrive) or Drive.

• Press the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.

Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission (if equipped - 5.4L and 6.8L gasoline engines only)

Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage during coasting or deceleration. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.

Driving

204

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:

1. Start the engine

2. Press the brake pedal

3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

1. Come to a complete stop

2. 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 (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul off

D (Overdrive) with tow/haul off is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.

D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul on

The tow/haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using tow/haul.

Driving

205

Content .. 48 49 50 51 ..