First Generation Ford Probe

Operating Instructions

Automatic Gear Selector

1) Gear Selector Release Button

Press and hold to move the Gear Selector Lever (2) to a different gear selection. On 1990-1992 vehicles, in order to move the Gear Selector Lever (2), the brake pedal must be pressed down.

2) Gear Selector Lever

Used to select between the six gears available. The Gear Selector Release Button (1) must first be depress in order to move the selector. On 1990-1992 vehicles, the brake pedal must also be pressed down in order to move the selector. Selected gear can be checked by viewing the marker position on the Gear Position Marker (5). Selectable gears are as follows:

• Park: When in park, the transaxle is locked which keeps the front wheels from rotating. The vehicle must be stopped before shifting into park.
• Reverse: In reverse, the vehicle moves backward only. The vehicle must be stopped before shifting into reverse.
• Neutral: In neutral, the transaxle is not locked. The vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline, unless the Parking Brake or brakes are applied.
• Drive w/Overdrive: When in drive, the transaxle upshifts and downshifts automatically through the four drive gears as the vehicle's speed increases or decreases. When the vehicle is driven at a constant speed for any length of time, the transaxle will shift into overdrive, or fourth gear. This fourth gear will increase fuel economy when traveling at cruising speeds.
• Drive w/o Overdrive: When in drive, the transaxle upshifts and downshifts automatically through the first three drive gears as the vehicle's speed increases or decreases. When this gear is selected, the transaxle will not switch into overdrive, or fourth gear. This mode is helpful under certain driving conditions, such as hilly terrain when the transaxle would normally be constantly shifting back and forth between third and fourth gear.
• Low: Low gear limits the transaxle to the first and second drive gears. It is helpful in hard-pulling situations or when climbing or descending very steep inclines. Do not go faster than 40 mph (64 km/h) with the gear in this position. You can upshift from Low into either Drive gear at any speed.

3) Shift Lock Override Button (1990-1992 Vehicles Only)

If the Gear Selector Lever (2) should fail to move from the Park position with the brake pedal depressed, slide back the Shift Lock Override Button then shifting from Park.

4) Shift Mode Switch (POWER/NORM) (1989 Vehicles Only)

The Shift Mode Switch allows you to select the most suitable driving condition.

• Normal: This setting is used for normal driving. It allows better fuel economy and quieter operation.
• Power: This setting is used when more powerful acceleration is desired. When you select this setting, the Power Mode Indicator will illuminate on the Analog Instrument Cluster or the Digital Instrument Cluster.

Note: When the engine is cold, the vehicle will operate in the Power Mode even when Normal Mode is selected.

5) Gear Position Marker

A marker will denote which gear the Gear Selector Lever (2) is currently in.

• P: Park
• R: Reverse
• N: Neutral
• (D): Drive w/ Overdrive
• D: Drive w/o Overdrive
• L: Low

6) Manual Shift Button (MAN SHIFT)

When pressed, the transaxle will go into Manual Shift Mode. In this mode, the transaxle's automatic gear shift mechanism will stop and the Gear Shift Lever (2) can be used to select the appropriate gear. The following drive gears can be selected:

• (D): Third Gear. The transaxle will be held in third gear. When stopping, however, the transaxle automatically downshifts to second gear then back to third gear for smoother deceleration.
• D: Second Gear. The transaxle will be held in second gear. Do not exceed 68 mph (109 km/h) in this gear.
• L: First Gear. The transaxle will be held in first gear. Do not exceed 38 mph (61 km/h) in this gear.

Pressing the Manual Shift Button once will activate Manual Shift Mode and the Manual Shift Indicator will illuminate on the Analog Instrument Cluster or the Digital Instrument Cluster. Pressing again will return the transaxle to normal operation.