Ford Taurus 1997 Owner's Manual page 89

Understanding gearshift positions
P (Park)
Always come to a
complete stop before
shifting into P (Park).
Make sure the gearshift
is securely latched in P
(Park). This locks the
transaxle and prevent
the front wheels from
rotating.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift in R
(Reverse), the vehicle
will move backward.
You should always
come to a complete
stop before shifting
into and out of R
(Reverse).
Driving
P R N D D 1
P R N D 2 1
P R N D D 1
P R N D 2 1
89