Driving; When To Use J (Overdrive) - Ford 1996 Escort Manual

NOTE: You may use the override handle
provided in your Owner Guide
portfolio in place of a screwdriver.
3. Push and hold the thumb button.
4. Move the gearshift lever.
If you need to shift out of P (Park) by using the
alternate procedure described above, it is
possible that a fuse has blown and that your
brakelamps may also not be functional. Please
refer to the chapter titled Servicing Your Escort in
this Owner Guide for instructions on checking
and replacing fuses.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL
YOU VERIFY THAT THE BRAKELAMPS
ARE WORKING.

Driving

When to use j (Overdrive)

j (Overdrive) is the usual driving position for
an automatic overdrive transaxle. It works the
same way D (Drive) works, automatically
upshifting or downshifting as the vehicle speeds
or slows.
However, j (Overdrive) also shifts into a fourth
gear — an overdrive gear — when your vehicle
cruises at a consistent speed for any length of
time. This fourth gear will increase your fuel
economy when you travel at cruising speeds.
j (Overdrive) may not be appropriate for
certain terrain. If the transaxle shifts back and
forth between third and fourth gears while you
are driving on hilly roads or if your vehicle
requires additional power for climbing hills, shift
to D (Drive).
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