Lincoln AVIATOR 2023 Owner's Manual page 263

Note: A warning tone sounds if you open the
driver door and you have not shifted the
transmission selector to park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the transmission selector in reverse (R),
your vehicle moves backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission selector in neutral (N),
you can start your vehicle and it is free to
roll. Hold the brake pedal down when in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy and smoothness. Shift
the transmission selector to drive (D) to allow
your vehicle to move forward and shift
through the forward gears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriate
gear for optimum performance based on
ambient temperature, road slope, vehicle
load and your input.
Transmission
Automatic Return to Park
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when your
vehicle is stationary and any of the following
occur:
• You switch the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch the driver seatbelt when the
driver door is open.
Note: Do not use automatic return to park
(P) when your vehicle is moving, except in
an emergency.
Automatic return to park (P) may not work if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.
260
See an authorized dealer if any of the
following occur:
• Door ajar indicator does not illuminate
with the driver door open.
• Door ajar indicator illuminates with the
driver door closed.
• Transmission not in park message
appears with the driver door closed, after
you shift out of park (P). You unlatch the
driver seatbelt when the driver door is
open.
Stay in Neutral Mode
This mode keeps your vehicle in neutral (N)
when you switch your vehicle off. Use this
mode at an automatic car wash if you exit
your vehicle, or switch your vehicle off.
Note: Automatic return to park (P) is delayed
when your vehicle is in this mode.
Your vehicle could shift to park (P) after 30
minutes, or when the vehicle battery charge
level is low. Prolonged use of this mode can
cause the vehicle battery to run out of
charge.