FORD 2013 Flex v.1 - Manual (Page 211)

D (Drive) with Grade Assist (if equipped)
Press the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever to activate grade assist.
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).
• Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
• 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.
Press the transmission control switch again to return to O/D (overdrive
mode).
• 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.
P
R
N
D
L
Transmission 211
2013 Flex (471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)