Ford 2009 Escape Owner's Manual page 562

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with Overdrive Cancel and Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates two features at the
same time: Overdrive Cancel and
Grade Assist.
1. Overdrive Cancel
• Overdrive is deactivated.
• The transmission operates in gears one through five.
• The over drive cancel and grade
assist lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated.
2. Grade Assist
• Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by
providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs.
• Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
2009 Escape (204)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Driving
213