FORD 2012 Fusion v.1 - Manual (Page 229)

Initially when moving the lever to the manual mode (M), the instrument
cluster will show the current selected gear and the SST light will
illuminate. Only by moving the lever in the forward (-) or backward (+)
position will the transmission utilize the manual mode for select shifting.
To manually downshift the transmission:
1. Move the gearshift lever forward to (-).
2. Release the lever, and it will return to the M position. The
transmission will downshift.
To manually upshift the transmission:
1. Move the gearshift lever rearward into (+).
2. Release the lever, and it will return to the M position. The
transmission will upshift.
When selecting the appropriate gear in SST mode, the instrument cluster
will show the current selected gear you are in.
In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, the SST will still automatically make some
downshifts if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time.
Although the SST will make some downshifts for you, it will still allow
you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines that the
engine will not be damaged from over-revving.
The SST will not automatically upshift, even if the engine is approaching
the RPM limit. It must be shifted manually by moving the gearshift lever
back toward (+) and releasing.
Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
Driving
229
2012 Fusion (fsn)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)