Driving With A Manual Transaxle; Using The Clutch; Shifting The Gears; Backing Up - Ford 1996 Escort Manual

Driving with a Manual Transaxle

Using the Clutch

In order to start the vehicle, the clutch pedal
must be fully depressed to the floor. Before
starting the engine, make sure the vehicle is in
Neutral and the parking brake is set.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold
your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch
life.

Shifting the Gears

The gearshift for a manual transaxle is mounted
on the floor. The gearshift can be in one of
seven possible positions, as shown.
The positions of the floor-mounted gearshift

Backing up

To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Completely stop your vehicle.
2. Depress the clutch pedal to the floor and
place the gearshift lever in the Neutral
position. Do not release the clutch pedal.
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