Mercury 1996 Sable Manual page 221

R (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).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position,
the vehicle can be started and is free to roll.
Hold the brake pedal down while in this
position.
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.
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 provides
more engine braking than j(Overdrive) for
descending hills or city driving.
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