Mercury 2002 Cougar Owner's Manual page 125

Driving
1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) 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 transaxle
to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
Forced Downshifts
To gain acceleration in (Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to the floor. The transaxle
will downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second or first gear.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transaxle have a starter interrupt
interlock that prevents cranking of
the engine unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
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