Ford 2002 Explorer Owner's Manual page 198

Driving
Drive (overdrive deactivated)
Activate by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
end of the gearshift lever with the
gearshift lever in the D(Drive) position. The transmission with overdrive
off operates in gears one through four, providing more engine braking
than D(Drive) with Overdrive ON and is useful whenever driving
conditions (i.e., city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to
excessively shift between D (Overdrive) and other gears. Deactivate D
(Overdrive) when:
• driving with a heavy load.
• towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
• additional engine braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer to
Driving while you tow in the Trailer Towing chapter.
To return to D (Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch
at the end of the gear shift lever. The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal D (Overdrive) mode.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear
only.
Used for improved traction on
slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third) provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (First) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to (Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at higher
speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear and will shift to 1
(First) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper vehicle speed.
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