Ford Vehicle Manual page 141

DRIVING WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Continued use of a damaged or worn clutch, prolonged clutch
slippage or downshifting at excessive speeds can result in a
failure of the engine, transmission or clutch components.
To avoid premature clutch wear and failure, do not drive with
your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use it to hold the vehicle
at a standstill on an upgrade as when waiting for a traffic light.
Manual transmission shift patterns
are displayed on the shift lever
knob.
Study this information carefully before you drive the vehicle even though
you may be familiar with similar units. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle without knowing the exact shift pattern of the transmission.
Consult your authorized dealer if any questions exist as to the shifting
instructions posted in your vehicle.
Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal depressed or with
the transmission in neutral. This practice could result in loss of
vehicle control.
Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate above
the minimum engine operation speed range. Do not lug the engine. When
more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate the engine
near the governed speed.
Driving hints
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
• Always use the lowest gear to start the vehicle.
• Do not slam or jerk lever into gear.
• When shifting into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with vehicle standing still,
quickly release and depress the clutch pedal (if necessary to complete
gear engagement).
Driving
R 1 3 5
2 4 6
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