Ford 1996 Contour Manual page 143

6
When to use 2 (Second)
When your vehicle is in 2 (Second), it automatically starts off in
second gear. Use 2 (Second) to help drive up moderately steep
hills or restart from a standstill on slippery roads. It prevents
the transaxle from frequently shifting up and down. It also
gives more engine braking than D (Drive) (with Transaxle
Control Switch activated) when going down hills.
Do not go faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 2 (Second) into D (Overdrive) at any speed.
When to use 1 (First)
This position limits the transaxle to first gear. It helps brake the
vehicle when going down hills where 2 (Second) is not
sufficient.
Do not go faster than 38 mph (60 km/h) in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to 2 (Second) or from 1 (First) to
D (Overdrive) at any speed.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
Make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park). This
locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
You can tell the gearshift is securely latched when the push
button has popped out. In this position the gear shift selector
lever cannot be moved unless the button is pushed in.
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