Mercury Sable 1998 Owner's Manual page 99

Driving
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off
repeatedly when the vehicle is started or does not
come on when the O/D OFF control is pressed, it
means that there is a transaxle electronic system
malfunction. You should contact your dealer as soon
as possible or damage to the transaxle could occur.
2 (Second - if equipped)
Use 2 (Second) for
start-up on slippery
roads or to give you
more engine braking to
slow your vehicle on
downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (First) for when
added engine braking
is desired when
descending steep hills.
The automatic
transaxle will shift to
the proper gear to
ascend any grade
without any need to
shift to 1 (First).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in
this gear. You can upshift from 1 (First) to overdrive
at any time.
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