When To Use D (Drive); When To Use L (Low); Reverse; Neutral - Ford 1996 Escort Manual

When to use D (Drive)

D (Drive) eliminates the excessive shifting
between third and fourth gears that your vehicle
sometimes does when you are traveling through
hilly terrain in j Overdrive. It also gives more
engine braking to slow your vehicle on
downgrades than j Overdrive.

When to use L (Low)

Use L (Low) when more power is needed to
drive up steep hills. It also gives more engine
braking than Drive when driving on hilly roads.
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this
gear. You can upshift from L (Low) to Drive or
from L (Low) to Overdrive at any speed.

Reverse

With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position,
the vehicle will move backward. You should
always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse).

Neutral

In N (Neutral), the wheels of the transaxle are
not locked. Your vehicle will roll freely, even on
the slightest incline, unless the parking brake or
brakes are on.
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