Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Transmission and Drivetrain » Automatic Transmission/Transaxle » Description and Operation » Automatic Transmission » Range Selection  
 
 
  Range Selection  
 

Range Selection
The transmission range selector has six positions: P, R, N, (D), D, L.

Park
No powerflow is transferred through the transmission in the P position. When the transmission range selector is moved to the P position, the parking pawl engages the parking gear of the output shell, locking the output gear to the drive wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Reverse
Selection of the R position allows the vehicle to be operated in a rearward direction at a reduced gear ratio. There is engine braking in the R position.

Neutral
No powerflow is transferred through the transmission in the NEUTRAL position. The parking pawl is not engaged to lock the output gear, which allows vehicle movement.

Overdrive
The (D) is the normal selector position for most forward-driving conditions. The (D) position provides all automatic shifts (first through fourth). The apply and release of the torque converter clutch prevents engine braking.

Drive
Selection of the D position provides automatic shifts from first through third gears only and prevents the third to fourth gear shift. Engine braking is provided in D position.

First Position
Selection of the L position will allow first gear operation with no upshifts. First gear provides a first gear hold after automatic or manual downshift. The transmission is prevented from downshifting into first gear above a specific speed to protect the powertrain from over-speeding. Engine braking is provided in the L position.