Recommended Shift Speeds; Reverse; Parking Your Vehicle - Ford Escape 2009 Owner's Manual

Driving
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.

Recommended shift speeds

Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy:
Upshifts during light to moderate accelerations and cruises (for
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5

Reverse

Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
1. Hold the clutch pedal down and
move the gearshift lever into the
neutral position.
2. From the neutral position, move
the gearshift lever all the way to the
right, then move it down into the R
(Reverse) position.
Note: The gearshift lever can only
be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it from left of 3 (Third) and 4
(Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse). This is a lockout feature that
protects the transmission from accidentally being shifted into R
(Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
216
best fuel economy)
Shift from:
10 mph (16 km/h)
20 mph (32 km/h)
32 mph (52 km/h)
37 mph (60 km/h)