Ford Taurus Owner's Manual page 254

Driving
• The grade assist lamp in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade Assist is designed to provide
optimal gear selection in hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive)
on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission
function.
To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control switch
again.
• The Grade Assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be
illuminated.
• The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
• Provides maximum engine braking
• Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches lower speeds
• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
254
2012 Taurus
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)