Ford Taurus 2011 Owner's Manual page 255

R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates Grade Assist.
Grade Assist
• Improves driving experience in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas
by providing additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs.
• Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and vehicle speed).
• Allows the transmission to select
gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the
vehicle inputs mentioned above.
This will increase engine RPM during engine braking.
• The grade assist lamp in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade Assist is designed to provide
optimal gear selection in hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive)
on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission
function.
2011 Taurus
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
255