FORD 1999 Escort - Manual (Page 95)

Sedan/Wagon
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
1-2 19 km/h (12 mph)
2-3 31 km/h (19 mph)
3-4 46 km/h (29 mph)
4-5 61 km/h (38 mph)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R
(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transaxle.
Put the gearshift into the neutral
position and wait at least three
seconds before shifting into R
(Reverse).
You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift from left of 3
(Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a
special lockout feature which prevents you from shifting into R
(Reverse) when you downshift from 5 (Fifth).
Automatic transaxle (if equipped)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the
brake pedal depressed:
1
2 4 R
3 5
Driving
95